Senior Writer

Electric Age

Electrify-it-Yourself: Introducing the Lightest Mid-Drive Kit We’ve Seen Yet

ByBob Becker
October 8, 2019

The Revel Propulsion produces 60NM of torque making it slightly less powerful than most OEM combinations. Additionally, the system has a very expensive torque sensing bottom bracket, one of the few DIY products with this feature. This will increase the seamlessness of the transition as the motor’s power is incorporated.

2 minute read

collection of bicycle multitools on hardwood table

Lost Tech

When the First Bike Multi-Tool Was ‘Cool’

ByBob Becker
June 26, 2018

The Cool Tool claimed twenty seven separate tools all attached to an adjustable wrench which was the backbone for them. The wrench’s “jaws” were tapered in order to be used as a pedal wrench and a cone wrench.

2 minute read

Lost Tech

Bushido 1987: Two-Wheeled Nostalgia

ByBob Becker
June 22, 2018

Bushido, a Japanese term associated with codes of honor for the samurai way of life, was the Holy…

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

The Hite Rite Changed How We Ride Mountain Bikes

ByBob Becker
June 5, 2018

This seemingly ubiquitous product is viewed as an essential tool in many MTB disciplines. It’s doubtful the Hite Rite will rise from its ashes, but it was the progenitor of a line of products that has contributed to the development of the modern MTB.

2 minute read

The Trail Blazing Pedego Ridge Rider

ByBob Becker
July 5, 2017

The Ridge Rider is a mountain bike powered by an impressive 500 watt Dapu brushless geared rear hub motor. The bike has five levels of pedal assist (PAS) with a throttle override for full power on demand at each level plus a throttle-only mode. The motor was more than equal to any ascent that we attempted and the drivetrain and brakes performed with the excellence we expected of them.

2 minute read

Stromer e-Commuter ST1 X: Half the Price and Just As Good

ByBob Becker
June 9, 2017

The ST1 X has the same frame as the ST2 S and both models move stealthily. We tested the ST1 X on both short rides and long touring expeditions. The three levels of PAS, low, medium and “Captain Kirk, can we slow down a little” were very effective in moderating speed, and we were able to exceed 30 mph on this bike almost as easily as on the ST2 S.

2 minute read

New Products at the 2017 Sea Otter Classic

ByBob Becker
June 5, 2017

The Sea Otter Classic, the most enduring harbinger of spring in southern California for the past 25 or…

3 minute read

Consistently Good: Riding the e-Joe Koda

ByBob Becker
May 9, 2017

The 2017 Koda is an improved version of their 2015 model that was one of five finalists for e-bike of the year at Interbike. The Koda is listed as a “sports commuter” and satisfies the designation very well.

2 minute read

Specialized’s Turbo Levo Electric Bike Fleet

ByBob Becker
March 27, 2017

These Turbo Levo models are capable of furthering the historical significance other Specialized bikes have received beginning with the Stumpjumper many years ago.

2 minute read

Last Page

The e-Chariot

ByBob Becker
November 6, 2016

My friend Ron’s granddaughter is a precocious nine years old with a penchant for mechanical things. She conceived the e-Chariot to be a vehicle that would allow her family, including her 12-year-old physically challenged sister Hailey, to bicycle together.

2 minute read

Consuming Miles On The Marvelous Stromer ST2 S

ByBob Becker
November 5, 2016

The aluminum frame and full carbon fiber fork of the ST2 S is equipped with an industry-leading 48 Volt, 983-Watt hour battery that has a range exceeding 180 kilometers (100+ miles) if used judiciously.

2 minute read

Brief

A Couple Of e-Bike Cycletourists

ByBob Becker
November 1, 2016

Gary and Rachel Corbett completed the European leg of their world record e-cycling journey by traveling 27,500 kilometers (about 16,700 miles) during a 16-month tour.

1 minute read

For Pure Enjoyment, A Look At The E-LUX Newport Cruiser

ByBob Becker
September 30, 2016

H.L. Mencken said that one characteristic of Americans is we’re afraid that someone somewhere is having fun. If that’s the case, we need to close our collective eyes when someone rides by on an E-LUX cruiser, because they’re definitely having a good time.

2 minute read

10 Questions for Interbike

ByBob Becker
September 29, 2016

Interbike, the yearly compendium of phantasmagoric cycling delicacies, is just around the corner as this is written, and the SCB crew has the same rapt anticipation as the week before Christmas many years ago.

3 minute read

DIY E-Commuters: Get Started on Building Up Your Own ‘Franken’ ebike

ByBob Becker
September 18, 2016

Many excellent bike shops in Southern California already sell e-commuters, with more retailers adding them their inventory every month. So then why would anyone want to assemble a do-it-yourself (DIY) e-bike when there are scores of superb OEM models available? The reasons, many and varied, include the cost savings, the assurance that the conversion of a bike that already fits you perfectly will continue to do so as an e-bike, a new hobby, the feeling of accomplishment and an intimate knowledge of the functional parameters of your bike.

3 minute read

Gear Patrol

Urban Exploring: Beyond Basics – ABUS GRANIT Plus 640

ByBob Becker
August 23, 2016

The ABUS Granit PLUS 640 is one of two ABUS locks that I use on a regular basis. As a D-shaped U-lock, it is a classic option for reliable and proven protection. It is light enough and small enough to carry in a bag, but stout enough to protect your bike from theft. The shackle, which is double bolted into the lock body and made of 12mm hardened steel, is also coated in rubber so that it will not damage the finish on your bicycle. The lock itself weighs less than 900 grams, which is quite light considering the amount of protection it provides.

1 minute read

Uncategorized

ELEVENPINE Uprising: The Everywear Men’s Shorts

ByBob Becker
July 25, 2016

Enter Jeff Curran, owner of ELEVENPINE, who offers relief from the ignominy of this lycra adversity with his new, patented “Uprising” shorts. This model is form-fit, but not Spandex-tight, and can also be worn for more leisurely activities. Constructed of a light, comfortable fabric, the shorts have an elastic waistband with drawstring, and two front pockets with zippers.

1 minute read

The 28mph Commuter: Trek XM700+ e-Bike

ByBob Becker
July 15, 2016

A 28mph Class 3 e-bike like the Trek XM700+ can be fully utilized on Class 2 and 3 bike routes in California, but can also be used on Class 1 trails with the electric system disengaged. You’ll have a tough time depleting a full battery, but the bike makes an excellent hybrid even without the pedal assist.

3 minute read

Pedego Stretch Cargo Bike – Updated and Revisited

ByBob Becker
June 14, 2016

The Pedego Stretch cargo bike has been retained by BICYCLIST for the last four months. We plan to…

1 minute read

The Perfect E-Commuter: A Buying Guide

ByBob Becker
May 5, 2016

No e-bike will be perfect for every commuter and use-case, but there is an optimal electric two-wheeled vehicle for you. This primer will help you select an e-bike that satisfies your functional requirements and falls within your financial constraints.

4 minute read

Faraday Porteur S: A Fashionable eBike For The Modern Commuter

ByBob Becker
May 5, 2016

Faraday Bicycles, named after a famous 19th-century British scientist and inventor, was one of the earliest crowdfunded successes. Their Porteur e-bike resonated with the public and generated almost $200,000 in revenue, which hastened the formation of the company.

1 minute read

eMTB: Full-Day Adventures Turn Into Morning Explorations

ByBob Becker
May 4, 2016

Saturday, January 2 the Irvine Ranch Conservancy hosted Open Access Day at Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. Individuals were permitted to bike, hike or

2 minute read

Brief

Shimano XT Di2 Groupset: Electric Shifting MTB For The Masses

ByBob Becker
April 24, 2016

Shimano joined SRAM in the trickle-down effect by unveiling XT level Di2 electronic shifting at the 2016 Sea Otter Classic. This long-awaited group will bring the technology within the grasp of many consumers. Both XT and XTR groups can be configured with a tablet or smartphone.

1 minute read

State Bicycle Co. Deluxe Pulsar 29er

ByBob Becker
April 11, 2016

It was obvious from the handling characteristics that State had studied frame geometry thoroughly. The biggest surprises were the Vigilante tires which had minimal rolling resistance on the road but hooked up well in the dirt and the front fork which afforded a scrumptious magic carpet conveyance over impediments in the trail.