Electric Bikes - E-assist, xtracycle and advice

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powercourt
07-02-08, 04:04 PM
New here and am trying to find the best solution for our family. I am
trying to go carless as often as possible and love the idea of an
xtracycle with an e-assist. I have a 19 month old who has been riding
in her Safe-T-seat (http://www.ibertinc.com/) on my my bike but we
need a change. My bike is super uncomfortable, does not fit me, and
is horrible on hills where we live (Austin, TX). So, we are thinking
about what to do. Getting a new bike and putting an xtracycle plus
e-assist is TONS of money and we don't know how fiscally responsible
it is to just plunge right in like that. So, we were contemplating
the eZip iTrailz (only $450) and seeing how I like the electric bike
before we go all the way. But the eZip isn't very comfortable for me
either, so I would need to replace the saddle and handlebars. Is
there an in between option? Like getting the Trek bike I want and
adding an e-assist. Once I like that, I would like to add the
xtracycle. Is this an option? Which e-assist would be best for this?
Is this the right forum to be asking?

Thanks and feel free to ask questions for more clarification.

Courtney

puppypilgrim
07-02-08, 04:57 PM
It is always best to get a bike that fits, then add an Xtracycle. However, it may be more cost effective to buy an complete bike from Xtracycle. Detail with them, your height and inseam and other fitting issues to see which one of their models would best fit your intended application.

Then when you are ready, add an electric kit of your choice. A decent electric kit producing between 500W to 600W will cost between $450 - $700 depending on your options. AS you can see from my thread here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=434383), I am very happy with the outcome
.

Since you are on the rootsradical signup mailing list, you have already seen the custom 2 seaters being made for carrying 2 children out of marine plywood. Some very good solutions there.
http://i31.tinypic.com/2n1gisw.jpg


Photostream here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25872288@N06/

As you child grows, you can add stoker bars for support and mountain bike bar ends for foot pegs. Like this:
http://i32.tinypic.com/v3eo79.jpg