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Retrofitting avoids the problem of needless waste and cost when it comes to the vast quantity of existing bikes out there. I don't want to buy a new bike if I c

by eksith 13y ago

Retrofitting avoids the problem of needless waste and cost when it comes to the vast quantity of existing bikes out there. I don't want to buy a new bike if I can avoid it so replacing a wheel is quite a bit more appealing. I can't imagine that I'm alone in this. In fact, I'd argue most people would be willing to try this if only because it only involves replacing a wheel. It probably won't cost nearly as much as a new bike either so folks who couldn't otherwise afford it can purchase.

Zigurd 13y ago
Of all the bike shops in Boston there is only one that I know of that sells wheels for older bikes. There are multiple widths between the dropouts and for the gear cluster for 5, 6, 7, etc. speed hubs. There are multiple rim diameters. There are multiple spoke patterns. That alone makes it unlikely that, even if you are not alone, there aren't enough of you to matter when the FOB price of a basic e-bike is about $300. Retrofit markets for anything less permanent than a house are very very tough.
- eksith 13y ago
  I live in New York and we have tons of bike shops. Actually the area I live in attract a fair number of tinkerers and it's not unusual to see some weird contraption affixed to a vehicle that was formerly a bike. And used bikes in pretty good condition are bought and sold here ( sometimes even bartered ) for $180 - $300. I can totally see this taking off here.
r00fus 13y ago
Plus, the target market doesn't likely have storage space for both their existing bike and a pedal assist model. If I'm a city-dwelling hacker, I'd prefer buying a wheel over a scooter. I just pulled up listings on Amazon for inexpensive e-bike pedal assists, and they're mostly largish scooter-types that take a significant footprint to store compared to a bike which I can hang on my wall. Plus, having a wheel allows me to continue using my tires, frame, accessories and everything I love about my current commuter bike.
- eksith 13y ago
  That's true. One of our neighbors used to take out the front wheel just for storage when he got out of the elevator. There's just no room and folding bikes are still a little expensive (unless you're lucky enough to score a used one cheap that needed a bit of TLC).
- kamjam 13y ago
  Also, I would use the e-wheel during the week for my commute to work and come the weekend I could fairly quickly switch the wheel over to my regular one and exercise properly. One bike, two purposes.
- bostonvaulter2 13y ago
  Not too mention the many different styles and models of bikes with different levels of design.

by eksith 13y ago

Zigurd 13y ago

Of all the bike shops in Boston there is only one that I know of that sells wheels for older bikes. There are multiple widths between the dropouts and for the gear cluster for 5, 6, 7, etc. speed hubs. There are multiple rim diameters. There are multiple spoke patterns. That alone makes it unlikely that, even if you are not alone, there aren't enough of you to matter when the FOB price of a basic e-bike is about $300. Retrofit markets for anything less permanent than a house are very very tough.

eksith 13y ago
I live in New York and we have tons of bike shops. Actually the area I live in attract a fair number of tinkerers and it's not unusual to see some weird contraption affixed to a vehicle that was formerly a bike. And used bikes in pretty good condition are bought and sold here ( sometimes even bartered ) for $180 - $300. I can totally see this taking off here.

r00fus 13y ago

Plus, the target market doesn't likely have storage space for both their existing bike and a pedal assist model. If I'm a city-dwelling hacker, I'd prefer buying a wheel over a scooter. I just pulled up listings on Amazon for inexpensive e-bike pedal assists, and they're mostly largish scooter-types that take a significant footprint to store compared to a bike which I can hang on my wall. Plus, having a wheel allows me to continue using my tires, frame, accessories and everything I love about my current commuter bike.

eksith 13y ago
That's true. One of our neighbors used to take out the front wheel just for storage when he got out of the elevator. There's just no room and folding bikes are still a little expensive (unless you're lucky enough to score a used one cheap that needed a bit of TLC).
kamjam 13y ago
Also, I would use the e-wheel during the week for my commute to work and come the weekend I could fairly quickly switch the wheel over to my regular one and exercise properly. One bike, two purposes.
bostonvaulter2 13y ago
Not too mention the many different styles and models of bikes with different levels of design.