Mike Jacoubowsky wrote:
>
> > I believe that some of these bikes, including the LA Free, use a one-way clutch to prevent
> > extra drag from the motor. I understand about the extra weight, but if it rides well on level
> > ground I'll be using the assist for grades and hills anyway. I'll keep checking this
> > newsgroup for a couple of days, but I think I may be wasting my time asking hard-core
> > bicyclists about a non hard-core bicycle...
>
> I did look up their website (
http://www.powerassist.com/eyeframe5.htm); these bikes still have
> *serious* deficiencies. Among them-
>
> #1: Under *ideal* conditions, max run is 25 miles on the "Lite" version,
> just 20 on the standard, and this mileage assumes you're pedaling.
I understand that. When I did 'serious' riding my routes were 10 and 15 miles,and the 15 mile
route was mostly downhill for the second half. I can live with a 15 mile range.
>
> #2: Power output declines, apparently rapidly, during the duration of the
> ride. In fact, it contains a warning that hill climbing performance may not be what you expect
> only 10 miles into a ride (doesn't fit your need for "long lasting" to be sure!).
See above. I want the bike for running 1 or 2 mile errands, and for 10 mile rides in the country.
The latter would include large hills, but they would be no more than 5 miles into the ride.
>
> #3: Expect a 20% decline in battery performance at 45 degrees vs 65. This
> is definitely a fair-weather machine (although if, as the name implies, it's targeted at Southern
> California, this isn't an issue).
That's ok, because I'm a fair weather rider.
>
> #4: It's questionable how safe it is in traffic, as max speed with motor
> assist is 20 miles per hour. This may not be an issue for many, but if you were riding on a slight
> decline, I'd suggest this is a serious deficiency. Maneuvering downhill, you're essentially on
> your own.
Why would I want the motor on a downhill run? Anyway, I don't generally ride more than 20mph.
>
> #5: Marketing is deceptive; on the page where it states that "LA FREE gives
> you added power" it implies that it can climb a 14% grade. Uh, no. With heavy assistance from
> *you* it will climb up to a 14% grade before the overload sensors kick in and the motor stops.
> Some might even be fooled into thinking it will go up a hill fast, since they talk about speed and
> grade in the same sentence. This is simply not the case. To go up a steep hill will require heavy
> effort on your part. Remember what the FAQ said? Output power increases as *your* power increases.
> You can't just kick back and take it easy up a hill.
I wasn't expecting the bike to do all the work. The motor assists through all 7 gears, and if it
will cut uphill effort in 1st by 50%, then I'll do fine.
>
> #6: Sizing. If you've read much here, you know that huge differences in
> performance and enjoyment come from getting a bike that fits you. The LA FREE bike comes in... one
> size for each model. They, of course, list a huge range of adjustability. You *may* be able to be
> comfortable under such a scheme, but you won't be efficient.
I plan to sit on one, and at least ride it in the showroom parking lot, to make sure it fits me
and I like the pedal effort.
>
> Conclusion- You originally stated
>
> " I have a bad knee, and want a bike that is both easy to pedal in unpowered mode, and offers a
> strong, long-lasting assist in powered mode."
>
> The LA FREE isn't that bike. It's own FAQ says so. Battery and motor technology may eventually get
> there, but it's not there yet (at least not at a price that would give a marketable product).
My idea of "long-lasting" is 10-15 miles. I also expect to put in up to 50% of the effort in
climbing hills. Does that change your assessment?
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
> "Michael Cerkowski" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > Matt O'Toole wrote:
> > >
> > > "Michael Cerkowski" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > > > Hopefully this is the right newsgroup to ask about hybrid
> > > bikes - I
> > > > don't see any for them. Anyway, does anyone have any
> > > experience with the
> > > > LA Free Sport bikes? I have a bad knee, and want a bike
> > > that is both
> > > > easy to pedal in unpowered mode, and offers a strong,
> > > long-lasting
> > > > assist in powered mode. I've read the company's info on
> > > the bikes, but
> > > > I'd like to read about some real-world experiences with
> > > them. Are they
> > > > reliable and durable? Do the battery packs last at least
> > > 18 months if
> > > > cared for properly? Is there a NiMH pack on the horizon?
> > > Any friendly
> > > > responses would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > There have been a bunch of similar bikes on the market, and as far as I'm concerned they're
> > > all non-starters. Any bike with an electric motor and battery capable of hauling you along at
> > > all is going to be very heavy, and a real chore to pedal except on the flattest, most even
> > > surface -- especially for someone who's not a conditioned cyclist, and moreso if you have a
> > > bad knee. There's also likely to be extra friction somewhere in the drivetrain, making the
> > > situation even worse. Plus, if it's not using lightweight battery technology already it will
> > > really weigh a ton! So any bike like this will probably be a disaster from a pedaling
> > > standpoint, and not a very good powered vehicle either. I suggest you get a decent regular
> > > bicycle, and/or a dedicated electric scooter if you want one of those. I rode an Oxygen/Lepton
> > > scooter awhile ago, and it was fantastic.
> > >
> > > Matt O.
> >
> > I believe that some of these bikes, including the LA Free, use a one-way clutch to prevent
> > extra drag from the motor. I understand about the extra weight, but if it rides well on level
> > ground I'll be using the assist for grades and hills anyway. I'll keep checking this
> > newsgroup for a couple of days, but I think I may be wasting my time asking hard-core
> > bicyclists about a non hard-core bicycle...
> > --
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
http://www.albany.net/~mjc1/index.html
--
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