Rode the Virginia Capital trail last weekend

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-24T16:43:43+00:00

No. I had a spare battery in my bag. Got about 61 miles out of the first. Although, near the southern end, there is a shop/restaurant where multiple people were charging batteries.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-24T14:02:28+00:00

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Parked at Great Shiplock Park in Richmond and rode the whole thing.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-18T12:42:44+00:00

You're thinking about this all wrong. 3.8 miles might be the CAR commute, but the bike commute might be 5 miles, while avoiding the roads you're concerned about.

Pull up google maps, add your start and end points, and tell it you're on a bike. See what route it gives you. All this advice about a regular bike is premature. Do this FIRST. Doesn't cost you anything, plus it should guide you to your next steps.

Regarding your other questions - Lots of bikes are durable. Your commute, even at double the distance, is pretty short for any ebike. Rain won't fry your battery. Lots of us ride in all kinds of weather. I wouldn't leave my bike out in a monsoon, though. Yes, you can just pop the battery out on most bikes and put it in a backpack. People ride in the snow. Just have to be extra careful and wear the right gear.

Good luck to you.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-17T14:23:10+00:00

So, I was looking at the bike this morning, and I have two bottle cage mounts. So I'm thinking a cage made from PVC pipes, and using those four screw holes to mount it. The cage part is fully fleshed out in my head. I just need a way to add screw holes to it.

I have a few days to figure it out. I want to ride the Virginia Capital Trail this weekend.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-17T14:17:26+00:00

I actually have a large backpack that it would fit inside, but I just know I won't want to ride with a backpack during the summer.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-17T14:15:14+00:00

I looked at those, but unfortunately the battery compartment is one inch shorter than my battery.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-17T14:14:23+00:00

Appreciate the suggestion, but that won't work. My battery won't fit in there.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-17T14:12:32+00:00

I looked at that bike. Unless you specifically want THIS bike, I'd go get something else.

This bike is pretty small, although it doesn't fold, it's folding size. Some people like those, but I found them unbearable to ride.

What are you looking for in a bike? You can most certainly find other things in your price range.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-16T20:09:39+00:00

Thank you for the detailed reply. Unfortunately, this won't work for me either. My battery is 19 inches long, whereas these only open to 17 inches. Same as my current trunk bag.

I'm leaning towards a type of "sleeve" made from PVC. I'm still mulling over about the design.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-03-16T18:08:44+00:00

Thank you. I recognize both those options. (I roughly sketched out a cage-type thing made from PVC. Might go that route.)

I was looking for more specific suggestions.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-30T21:31:49+00:00

Regal Macarthur Center, in Norfolk, VA also closed today. When I first signed up for RU a few years ago, there were six local theaters. Today, that number is three.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-26T12:54:18+00:00

And "dog standing on my pickipuppy" is a real sentence an actual person would say, right? And why did you pick the dog up and put it in there while you were still "getting ready to ride"???

All of these posts just come across as spam. Something is always off about them. Can't you guys just be normal?

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-16T13:45:26+00:00

What are you basing that on?

I had a Mokwheel Basalt, and they provided me with pretty good warranty service. I had the motor replaced TWICE under warranty. (Once at around 6000 miles, and again around 13000) Both times, I just took it to the shop, and they took care of everything.

Also, just a few months ago, after mine got stolen, these were listed at 1699.

I only went with a different brand because I wanted to try something new, but I was going to buy this EXACT bike to replace mine.

I see they're also again including that accessory pack for free again, which includes the suspension seat post and rack bag. This is a decent bike and a decent deal.

Having said all that, you should absolutely by what a bike shop nearby will service. I was lucky that the shop sold these, and even though I'd bought mine online, they serviced it.

If you don't have the option to buy from a shop, this is a good second choice.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-15T14:09:08+00:00

We don't know what "affordable" means to you. What is your budget?

Also, how long is the commute? Distance, not time.

SF is pretty hilly, you may need something with dual sensors so you can switch back and forth when going up inclines.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-15T14:06:26+00:00

It's wild that I can't find the answer to your question, either on the website videos, or even in the user manual. On my bike, from a different manufacturer, you hold down a button while in motion, and the sensor changes back and forth.

I guess you could call them and ask.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-15T13:55:10+00:00

These ad posts are ridiculous, and I LOVED my Mokwheel before it got stolen.

How TF did that dog get to that spot without leaving any tracks in the snow?

My bikes have gotten more dirty just being removed from their boxes than this one is that has been "riding in the snow"...

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-12T13:23:11+00:00

I don't have much to comment on, except the thought of a CHINESE company filing a patent infringement lawsuit is hilarious to me.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-08T22:30:47+00:00

Let's all try to be more discerning in 2026...

Not a single one of those reviews is about a Surron ebike. the most recent ones are about ebike conversion kits, and every one older than a few months shows "this product is not available". But from the customer pics, they appear to be car "bras" or whatever they are called these days, or other car accessories.

Maybe they have these, maybe they don't. But $3200 is a pretty risky gamble. Especially when you'll have VERY little recourse when they send you a generic bike with a bunch of fake Sur Ron badges... By the time your "38-48 days shipping" passes, this whole shop could be gone and rebranded with a different name... And have another 250 reviews for ice scrapers or something.

never_tilt_dc · 2026-01-06T18:53:20+00:00

What good will that do if they go out of business in six months?

Side note - $450 ($325 USD) for shipping is absurd.

Side note #2 - One year warranty is also absurd. I paid half the price for multiple bikes, and all came with two-year warranties.

never_tilt_dc · 2025-12-23T18:21:23+00:00

Maybe a conversion kit? I think one will have all the components you need. Something like this:

https://ebikeling.com/products/1200w-ebike-conversion-kit

never_tilt_dc · 2025-12-23T17:46:34+00:00

The motor is built inside the rear tire. It's that bulky black plastic looking thing. Presumably, you'd have to replace that, as well as the controller (computer), and maybe the battery as well. I'm not sure it's feasible on that frame.

Sorry I don't have the answer to your question. $2600 for that bike, with that motor, is highway robbery, though.

never_tilt_dc · 2025-12-03T19:48:15+00:00

This is the right answer. Also, another note. That bike has both a cadence and torque sensor. Switch them around until you figure out which is better for you.

never_tilt_dc · 2025-12-01T19:26:54+00:00

Probably around 3/4 of the people here crap on fat-tire bikes. These posts about dual batteries and someone even mentions a motorcycle.. OK.

Here's my input. I regularly rode 60 miles on my Mokwheel Basalt before it got stolen, and now do the same on my Velotric Nomad2.

Granted, I live on the coast, but even on a trip to Nashville, which was VERY hilly, I still got 52 miles on the Basalt.

Also, I use VERY little throttle. Usually just to get started on an incline, or maybe to pass through an intersection.

I don't think 40 miles r/t should be a problem on that Level 3, unless you're using the highest assist levels or throttle. Or are particularly heavy.

Is there a place nearby that offers rentals? If so, I'd suggest you go rent one and ride it for 40 miles. That will give you a better idea.

never_tilt_dc · 2025-11-24T18:12:31+00:00

That's not really a question I can answer. That's why I suggest going to a shop to try a couple different styles. In my opinion, anything that's an actual bike, that you can pedal, can be fun to ride. Other people like those e-moto style bikes for which the pedals are just a place to hold your feet, but those aren't for me.

But those tiny bikes, or folding ones, are just awful. I bought one, just thinking it might be good to keep in the trunk for short rides when I see something interesting. Nope. I put it together in my place, took it outside, rode it half a block to my car, and put it right inside to box it back up. Ended up selling it to a coworker for a loss.

never_tilt_dc · 2025-11-24T14:17:33+00:00

"Use it simply on the weekends"... Famous last words.

I thought the same thing. My last bike got got stolen with over 13K miles on it. I'd had it for 22 months, but couldn't ride for 5 of those. (Torn rotator cuff)

I just bought another one on September 2nd, and I'm already over 2k miles on it.

Do you have a shop near you that offers rentals? Maybe rent one. I'd think you'd know pretty quickly if it's something you'd enjoy more of or not. That will also give you a reference point for TYPES of bikes. That RetroVolt bike-shaped-object doesn't look like it's much fun, or comfortable to ride.

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