Bug Out Bicycle - Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of the bicycle for emergency use.
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[@RoguePreparedness]

Here’s a great article about basic bike maintenance: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bike-maintenance.html

[@patr10t762]

I work in Charlotte NC (home of recent unrest) and live 30 miles away. I split commute, driving 2/3 and riding the other 1/3 . I also keep another bike tucked away at work for days I don't ride as a get home bike and occasionally run work errands such as recovering trucks from nearby repair vendors. Now that the kids are older they all have pimped out bikes and am now letting them expand their footprint. The downside is I now have a squad of two wheelers to keep at some degree of readiness. With decades of mechanical experience... no problem. The bikes i select are decade old affluent neighborhood thrift store cast offs that are garage kept and usually have some upgrades. Not a big fan of the newer bikes with disk brakes and less popular sized wheels because having the ability to interchange parts from different years makes and models will keep the squad rolling long term (when amazon isn't available). Just research Cuba peak oil (after the oil embargo) or find the miniseries 'Island at War' (about a German occupied British island) for some examples of bicycles post collapse. Being that I am still recovering from the shingles on one shoulder carrying a backpack is a last resort, pushing a laden bike is a better option in my fbo .

[@gerretoutdoors3710]

Pimp your ride, bug out edition. “Hey I heard you like bikes, so we put a bike on your bike so you can bike while you bike”

[@RoguePreparedness]

Haha!! Yeeeeeah!

[@peacefulprepper2402]

Great points. Bike maintenance is a must. Any machine we use we should be familiar with. Bikes require tools, lube and goo/slime for the tires. Kevlar tube protectors. Excellent job on the video with kids and pets as well.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Thank you!! I used that slime on one of my stroller tires and it is amazing how well it worked. Having that kinda stuff around is definitely necessary. Thanks!

[@Tnav02]

I never really thought about using a off road bike! Thanks Morgan I really appreciate all your information and Videos.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Glad I could help! Thank you for watching!

[@kevinlewis8642]

Up until now, I've never even considered this. Learn something new every day. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@TACHILL]

I added a lil box on my carrier for tools and for tubes. Definitely a great option aside from the upkeep which you're right if you dont know how to fix it you may be in trouble

[@RoguePreparedness]

Yeah definitely

[@tomcatt998]

Nope,,,, ina bad situation if U don't know how 2 fix it U R in TROUBLE !!!

[@redriverscout4404]

I got a 16 inch folding bike for bugging out. It fits in a duffel bag and can go in a car, or strap it to my kayak my other bug out method of transportation. My kayak is inflatable so I can also mount it on my bike. For me it is all about flexibility and simplicity. A bike like the kayak are also quiet and a bike has a lot less moving parts to fail then a car. I also don't have to worry about finding fuel. I was actually very inspired by the Swiss Light Bicycle Infantry.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

sweeeeet 🤘😁

[@tmayberry7559]

I have bike prepped and ready especially given the current state of affairs. I use public transit. Since the government may shut down the entire transportation system the bike has been called into action for recon purposes

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

shweeeeet 🤘😷 stay at it

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

a big advantage of a bike is no noise. good vid.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Yeah for sure.

[@BOHEMIANHUNTINGCLUB]

I think having a bike is a good idea. You can put that solid foam tube inside the wheel that way you don't have to worry about Flats.

[@RoguePreparedness]

You could.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

indeeeed 🤘🤓

[@zolozek3327]

Bike life always. While living in NY. And now in FL. To me it's like walking. It comes very natural to me and it's my favorite way to get around( short distance ) but i can easily ride 30 miles. Excellent video with great points. Ty Megan 👍🚴

[@RoguePreparedness]

Nice! And it’s Morgan. ;)

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

same here .. all good

[@jimwagner6260]

A good bike can be set up to be low maintenance use airless tires and mechanical disc brakes if you had the extra money look into belt drives as it can't rust. That said a bike is just part of your bug-out plan all of it must be practiced.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Yep

[@robvannNS]

I've been using an ebike for a while now and can highly recommend one as the range is about 120k with a little peddling..and without peddling about 80k..this would be at a speed of 35kph..It will charge from a solar panel. I see two big advantages 1) Conserving human energy..very important in a panic situation. 2) The battery can be used for a variety of applications when off the bike.

[@CreativeRedundancy]

" pimp that ride " lol jk I've biked in many kinds of weather snow, cold, rain and heat. Wind can be a big factor too. " hope for a tail wind lol" I think the longest i went was hrs and 75km/45miles. Like you said good as a "plan B " with a bike rack or in the back of a truck. Having a pull a long cart with wheels can be used independently similar to a wagon for example I remember one time i saw a friend pop 2 wheels in 6ft of distance. I've broken the the cable on gear shifter too.(sucks not either having the high or lower gears) If one can maintain it well, it's a good mode of transportation that can save either time or energy.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Most definitely. Thanks!

[@Iridium242]

I have been thinking about getting one, I am kind of torn between a cheap moped (that can cover a ton o f ground cheaply gas wise) and a bike. I think this year I will figure out something.. a bike is good but when its 100 and over out here, its kind of hard to ride it lol.. but still better than no transport at all in an emergency.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Oh I hear ya. I didn’t even mention the weather, which is yet another consideration for a bike. It’s definitely something to think about. Maybe get a bike and convert to an ebike?

[@patr10t762]

This is more a get home situation but can apply anytime... Here in Charlotte it is over 90 degrees 90 days a year... no problem... shelter in place and roll out at sunrise (my wife already knows not to expect me until the next morning when its this hot). If you have less than 40 miles to cover you will be done before the heat ramps up. If two legged threats are a consideration roll out after midnight 90+% will be asleep or in doors, three am on less than 5% will be awake and most in doors watching the news of the shtf event and if its a blackout without screens and light most will fall victim to the sandman not even aware that you passed by. Cold weather will have a different set of problems but the odds are far better in your favor especially the first couple of days post event. engine = noise... noise= opportunity

[@andyk7565]

Electric bicycle with a small solar panel... maybe an extra battery. With solar you don't have to worry about finding gas, just sunlight.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

keep a bike ... another option, .. moped /scooter another good option

[@jhosk]

Great topic Morgan! I am currently looking Into getting a fat tire bike and a small trailer not just for bug out but for going to the grocery store and camping. Also you were talking about saddle bags, I like the ones that go on the front too.I have one question, in your opinion do you think it would be a good idea to put fenders on a bike? I don't like having water or mud slinging up from the tires! Thanks

[@RoguePreparedness]

Front saddle bags sounds cool! Fenders are really a personal choice. It just adds a tiny bit of weight to it but that’s basically it. Do it if you want!

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

optional accessories ... first get and learn the bike ..

[@thxfornothin1]

Hey Morgan. Thanks for covering the bikes. When there was such a thing as "bike cavalry" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_infantry) bicycles were expected to carry up to about 400 lbs. Today's bikes aren't as well built but can still carry a decent load. Soldiers carried a tire repair kit and the bikes were single speed so they were pretty simple too. You covered the bases pretty well. Good video!

[@RoguePreparedness]

Thank you!

[@SamuelGarcia-rp7fe]

All forms of vehicles to be used as transport/bug out has both plus and minuses. Even if you decide to walk. The idea with the bike, is to learn the skills necessary to fix it. Also choosing simple parts instead of complex ones. Without a doubt, a bike is more simple than a car or motorcycle, but it can carry more.

[@shovelhead8]

All good tips. Thank you for the video,Morgan

[@RoguePreparedness]

Thank you!

[@PhilMRivers]

Good points I like the idea of putting it on your vehicle to bug out.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Yeah it could be a tiered system. If vehicle fails, you have a bike as a backup.

[@camerongarcia3128]

A lot of the ones posting Bug-out Bikes are generally from what I can see are single, white males, with no families to think of. As a married woman, with a wife who is somewhat handicapped, the thought of her being left alone while I go off and pedal into the sunset is kind of preposterous. What I can see is a bike to do some close local chores where the vendors are only a few miles away or even something that would not take me away from her. So cheers to the guys who have the bucs to spend on their bicycles, and can ride off, as for us others who are also handicapped, and have to stay behind we'll take our chances.....

[@jmh7884]

I like the vid they have all kinds of trailers they have one wheeled ones and ones just for cargo if you dont have kids for me buging out on foot is a no go i can only walk a little bit with my foot problem so a bike is next best besides a vehicle. What about a mini bike like the colmen 200ct

[@RoguePreparedness]

Find what works best for you

[@bushcraftjoe1]

I keep looking at the 3 wheel bike with basket in rear.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Interesting

[@tomcatt998]

If you get one U will QUICKLY regret it

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

No cons really. I was in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake in Seattle. Grid lock-in about 20 minutes ; then people just abandoned cars , no cells phone service and land lines circuits busy. No police, EMS or power. I had 3 kids in elementary school 30 miles away and was single parent ( wife died young due to cancer ) so I walked. In a business suit. I found out that I didn’t know the back ways Home very well. I always used interstate 5. I walked 5 hours and then some kind soul was heading north and gave me a ride all the way home. That’s how I got involved in all this and took the Boy Scout “ Be Prepared “ a lot more seriously. I bought a folding bike and kept it in the trunk. Not cheap the The Paratrooper Pro used by the military but rugged. Became involved at the community level too.

[@RoguePreparedness]

Cool

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

Márcio Oliveira take a look at the Parachuter Pro. It’s a beast. Used by US Marines and army Airborne in the Middle East and Europe. www.montaguebikes.com/product/paratrooper-pro/

[@jimwagner6260]

The brand on mine is ( citizen) it is very small. Folds quick rides good.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

exactly 😷👌 stay at it

[@preppermadness6224]

Very good video as usual

[@RoguePreparedness]

Thank you!

[@701overland]

Great Video.. 👊😊

[@RoguePreparedness]

Thank you!

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

thank you and I am on reddit profile/group facebook page and my facebook groups is Expedition bicycle touring

[@tenij000]

buy gazelle bike those last easy 10 years

[@Boodieman72]

I've been riding a bike for more than 30 years and never had to "fix" a bike other than flat tires.

[@RoguePreparedness]

You don’t do any maintenance to your bike besides the tires? That’s scary.....

[@RoguePreparedness]

You may want to take a look at this article: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bike-maintenance.html

[@andyk7565]

Even if you can't fix it... ride it till it breaks, then walk. You are still farther along than if you just walked.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

damnnn 🙄

[@tomm2812]

Hey Slim, who is that woman behind those shades? I have an inexpensive 'mountain' bike with a small below the seat slightly enhanced tool kit, spots for 3 qt water bottles, rear rack with small soft case for rain gear and lunch, front handlebar pouch for gloves - GPS-MAPS-HAM Radio n' stuff. I have replaced the seat with a wider more male ergonomic seat for my tail (with a small lightweight chain and micro lock as I don't want my seat to get lifted by gamons). 4 removable LED small lights. Healthy chain and lock. I am considering solid tires ( What do you think Morgan?). I envy my neighbor who has the super off road bike with fat tires. In IHTF a tow behind (no kid) would be great for gear. Good video Rogue. Best

[@RoguePreparedness]

As long as you get out and ride it and know how to maintain it, it’s all good.

[@tomm2812]

Márcio Oliveira --Good thinking. Best

[@tomm2812]

Armed Rogue --True true. In the Great Snowy North bicycles are a March(mud) thru October. Snow is too deep on trails now... but not quite enough for Snowshoes. Dang snowplow just went by and buried my drive again. Thinking about getting a winter camp in S Texas, not to close to San Antonio I can't afford all the fine places to get exquisite grub. There is a sushi joint about a block from the Alamo, so fine. My goal this year is to get back to long trail rides and hill hiking. Best

[@RoguePreparedness]

Good luck!

[@rayjohn3946]

I like my bike! Its a "manly" thing!

[@RoguePreparedness]

It is?

[@rayjohn3946]

Yep! takes strength and makes strength!