Comments on: Cargo bike economics: maintenance

By: Don

Don — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 04:04:47 +0000

Whew. If this is true (I sincerely wish it was a misunderstanding), it is quite disturbing. The reason I was so excited about cargo bike manufacturers offering electric assist options was that I hoped they would do some research and testing on the loads and stresses, not to mention the reliability of the bike/motor combination. While I haven’t had any big problems, it makes me a little nervous that my motor wasn’t designed with cargo loads in mind, and my bike probably wasn’t designed to be cranked with 3 times the strength of normal human muscles. If something goes wrong, both manufacturers could claim their warranties aren’t intended to cover my usage scenario. As long as that’s the situation, I doubt that many people will be motivated to join me in this experiment. If Yuba isn’t going to be serious about it, Kona will own the category, although it’s still not clear how vigorously they intend to pursue it.

By: nick

nick — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 03:34:22 +0000

Hi Don
This is new for me commenting so sorry if I’m in the wrong area with remarks. Our interest are similar. I have been researching for months (Good job taking the plunge) I definitely would like the yuba mundo with an electric assist. The “elmundo” when I actually talked to YUBA is not really integrated into the bike. In matter of fact he had little knowledge about the electric assist – seriously. It is an add on kit like all the others. He YUBA did not do any research/testing making sure it is a quality set up. If you speak to him would would know what I am talking about. If anyone is going to put a kit on the yuba you should go to cycle 9 at least they have experience with the product first hand and from the publics impression they have great customer service. When I asked Yuba what happens if something goes wrong??? Whats the warranty??? – RESPONSE I don’t know. I would have to look into that. Then I brought up cycle nine and I asked why would I get your ELMUNDO over their E-Mundo? He said “Yeah if you want to put a kit on it you should deal with them”. What I found astounding was that Yuba is selling an electric bike that honestly is not supported by Yuba Mundo. The public at large when you see Hey Yuba has an electric bike you get the impression that you are buying an electric bike backed and produced by the manufacturer! Not a kit slapped together with no first hand research – UNBELIEVABLE. Anyway, I asked him to call me back with info about warranty and how they handle them. He called me back in five minutes and said he spoke to cycle9 and they trouble shoot it over the phone and that takes care of the situation for 95% of the problems (they send you the part) and if it is unresolved at that point you can ship it back and they will take care of it. (FYI- this is already known by me since I have spoken to their staff on a couple of occasions.) So I asked him OK but what is YOUR warranty and how do YOU honor it? And his response was “OH same as them” Boy was that reassuring!!! I am not saying that their kit is bad. I sure hope that it is great! The hub is supposed to be good since “endless sphere is doing their research”. It is disheartening to think that YUBA would advertise a new product with such poor regard for PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT as well as their reputation as a COMPANY and most importantly the customer experience which is going to make or break this POWERED SUB MOVEMENT.

By: Don

Don — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:48:25 +0000

I’m not sure. The Stoke Monkey was designed for Xtracycles (specifically for the Surly Big Dummy). While the bracket system can be modified to work with other bikes, the different frame geometry of the “crank forward” Hammer Truck might present issues. I am not aware of anyone who has done this, but lack of precedent didn’t hinder me from adding the BionX motor, which I hadn’t heard of before my bike was built. My main concern was that the Stoke Monkey didn’t seem like a solution that would appeal to the masses. It might be a good solution for cargo bike enthusiasts with big hills to climb, but if we don’t widen the appeal of bike-based transportation, it will remain a niche that won’t make any difference in our air quality, physical fitness, or our car-isolated culture. My interest continues to be both personal and how my actions fit into the big picture.

By: nick

nick — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:06:57 +0000

Hi, Don
If you wanted to, could the stokemonkey be installed on your hammer bike?

By: Don

Don — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:45:58 +0000

I’ve got a choice of three bike shops who offer different electric bikes. Definitely blessed! But I know what you mean… when I mention electric bikes in another shop, they look at me like I’ve come from outer space.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:38:36 +0000

It’s great to see you have a local bike shop so friendly to ebikes. I’ve just encountered poor attitudes and basically resigned myself to doing all my own maintenance. It’s something I enjoy anyway, but sometimes if i’m busy it would be great to just take it somewhere and have the work done.

I have been riding my second hub motor bike recently and really been enjoying the quietness and simplicity compared to the eLation through the gears system. The eLation is a great system and I think a more refined end product than the Stoke Monkey (and Australian!), but extreme hillclimbing aside I recon the Hub motor is the future of ebiking.