E-bike Tour | Illinois to Denver | Day 3 (119 Miles)

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

love this format, and seeing an ebike used to tour. Also loved the mention of the late Stobe.

[@bikingbrian]

RIP Stobe! Thanks for watching

[@whatsnext8696]

Your doing awesome man.. but I need to find one of them bike hats your wearing... song "your bringing sexy back" ... come to mind lol. Keep it rolling man!

[@bikingbrian]

Hahah

[@Rlaplante73]

Wow, what a great multi-day ride, especially with the bike trail! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

[@bikingbrian]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@greatdimitri1049]

Love your videos. Keep them coming. Considering getting my wife an e-bicycle for touring.

[@bikingbrian]

Right on! Thanks so much for watching! Once you get one it's hard not to want to ride it.

[@MrHoustonismydog]

They have MadeRite in IL, at least they did when I lived in Rockford. Love the series, wish my e-bike could go the far on a charge

[@bikingbrian]

I have seen them in western Illinois, but pretty rare.

[@PumpkinVillage]

That was a nice ride. You can really cruise on the bike. Nice to hit all those little towns. Take care, Al

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks, you too!

[@WolfandCatUnite]

I am grooving to the videos. I am thinking of making a similar trip but with a scooter. Excellent editing and presentation. Thank You.

[@bikingbrian]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

You have a very smooth pedaling technique.

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks!

[@andrewmott4826]

Fantastic video! I am learning a lot on how to tour on an ebike. Thanks!

[@bikingbrian]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@erichschuh192]

This is great! I’d love to build up a bike like this to add to my collection and just be able to do such long trips more than my gravel bike.

[@bikingbrian]

You can do it! :)

[@Rxndomjay]

ay when im 14 and i buy my bike and somethings for my bike, wanna take a ''bike trip?"

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

Interesting to see the bikes on the bike rack where you drank that “long ride”. That could’ve been a cool story in itself. I wonder if that community rides a lot or if that’s a spot that gets regular cyclists traveling through. I’m loving your videos man. I ran across your austin video on my feed, went to your channel, and starting with this series. I’m enjoying the ride so far, see you in Austin lol. I’m in Texas, and want to do the San Antonio - Austin ride one day soon.

[@bikingbrian]

That would be cool! Thanks for watching and discovering the other videos.

[@casualcarl8460]

Great new video Brian! Keep them coming! Thanks 🙏

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks! Will do!

[@SolarReturn1966]

Corned beef hash!!!👍😃 That's a meal in itself!!! Some eggs and toast would make some good options to add to it but under the circumstances, the corned beef hash is all you need! Quick question for you Brian... Don't you get a little nervous doing almost 40 mph on a bicycle? About the fastest I been on a bicycle is about 25mph and the thoughts that ran through my mind was I needed to seriously slow that puppy down! My main concern was the road and the vibration it gave to my suspensionless bicycle and the thought of getting a flat!!! Don't mean to give you the anxiety scenarios but it definitely crossed my mind doing just 25mph. I can only imagine the anxiety I would get doing 40mph!🤔😜😃 As I always, I enjoy your videos my friend. Take care!

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks for watching! It's not too bad if it's a straight road. I have riding a lot of miles on this bike so I know what I am safe and comfortable with and it's really stable. I have gone much faster in the mountains but all whatever feels safe. I guess you get use to it after a while.

[@davidworkman4610]

Thanks for sharing your ride.

[@bikingbrian]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@gliderrider]

This is fun and inspiring to watch!

[@bikingbrian]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Cool, another video. Nice ride.

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks again!

[@brandychevopulos721]

I like all of your hats! 🙂

[@chriscarey1478]

That cool gloomy means bye bye 90+' heat!

[@bikingbrian]

For sure!

[@jackfarris7056]

Crush those Iowa miles Brian!!!!

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks!

[@secretdaisy6484]

👍Another good segment! Thanks.👍☮️🌞🚴❤️

[@dennisyoung4631]

Have wondered about R.V. parks as places to get a hour’s charge on (when nothing else is to hand, and the battery(s) are running low)?

[@bikingbrian]

Yeah that is always an option as long as it’s not private. I like city parks since they are multipurpose and usually a good spot to rest.

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@bikingbrian the private ones would either not allow period, or charge way too much, like for a full day’s use for an hour? Secondly, do you “look ahead,” e.g. using Google maps or similar,so as to spot likely places? I’ve done this, and things have panned out about a third of the time overall.

[@bikingbrian]

@@dennisyoung4631 yeah I usually plan ahead. Most private places you can’t enter without reservation or paying. There are plenty of options out there without having to pay. I usually build my routes with charging options halfway through. No different than planning for a place to grab lunch, etc.

[@VagabondTurtle]

Following now your journey, really interesting and very inspiring for someone who would like to do a similar route :) (a.k.a me :DD)

[@bikingbrian]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@eagleeye111pindi7]

Nice video

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks

[@FlowJunkie65]

Another awesome video of your trip, Brian - thanks! Is that Columbia long-sleeved shirt the type that also has built-in UV protection? I bought another brand, and the man-made fabric really smells when it comes into contact with human perspiration. Also, what power setting do you usually use on long, flat stretches of road? I suppose this may depend on how fast you want to cover your mileage? I just told my wife that you were able to cover 119 miles on your e-bike and she said "That's terrific!" because I've told her about some e-bikes' range limitations. :-) Stay safe out on those roads, Brian, and enjoy! Cheers from So. California.

[@bikingbrian]

Yes, that is a Columbia brand with the UV protection. It doesn't really smell at all. I think it is from their fishing gear lineup. For power I was using about 500-650watts of pedal assist depending on terrain. Thanks for watching!

[@leonjohansson6542]

Dang, its February and you aren't half way to Denver. 7 months on the road is a long haul.

[@bikingbrian]

Haha yeah life getting in the way of editing. Trying to get them out more frequently now.

[@OzarkHillbilly-p5u]

I have a bike with a bbs02 motor on it. What assist level do you mainly use and how do you like the Jones bars. Just ordered a set for my bike.

[@bikingbrian]

I programmed my assist levels to be from about 250 watts through about 700 in about 50 watt increments. Mostly around 300-400. Really like the jones bars.

[@cenaculum1]

I bought an ebike after years of touring on a conventional bike. Struggling to understand how to increase range. Bought an expensive 2nd battery but that's still not enough.

[@bikingbrian]

Yeah, unfortunately I blame a lot of that on manufacturers over estimating mileage. There are some calculators online to figure out real mileage/speed and have better estimates of battery distance.

[@clarson2916]

I’ve done a little eBike touring, and what I discovered was that I really only needed about 50 miles of range. I can get over 90 in a pinch on the lowest power assist level setting if I keep the speed below 15mph. After 25-30 miles I was always ready for a break, and just plugged the bike in during my rest break. Every time I stop, first thing I do is plug in the charger. What I really needed was fast charging. A charger fast enough to add 20-25 miles of range in 30-40 minutes would probably be sufficient for me. I like my breaks. My charger was about 1/2 that fast, but a faster charger would make the whole thing work out really well. If you need to extend your range, put on smooth higher performance tires, use a lower power setting, get yourself and your bike more aero dynamic, and slow down. All of those things would improve the mileage of your car too. 👍

[@clarson2916]

With a second battery get a second charger. Switch the batteries out on the bike about half way to your break or lunch stop. Charge both batteries simultaneously to double your charging speed. Don’t try to get enough battery capacity to make it through the entire day without charging. A 500 watt hour battery cost about 8-10 cents to fully charge, so offer the convenience store a quarter or leave a bigger tip at the cafe. The batteries charge fastest up to 80% capacity, so don’t try to charge beyond that level during the day.

[@obfuscurity]

I'm curious what gearing (chainring and cassette) you have on your bike? I have a 38T chainring with my CYC Photon and an 11-speed Deore (11-51T). It's been a good combination, but there's no chance I would see the sort of max speeds you're recording.

[@SamanthaMonday5]

Hey Brian, as someone who has a lot of experience camping alone during your bike trips, how dangerous would you say solo camping is? I am trying to convince my dad to let me bike the Ohio to Erie trail this summer. As a teenager, do you think this would be unsafe? Thanks!

[@bikingbrian]

It really depends on where you are camping, etc and what your comfort level is.

[@AB-kg6rk]

Im a heavy guy (330) and have spoke breaking issues due to my weight. I know your not nearly as heavy but are there any wheels or spokes that you would recommend?

[@bikingbrian]

So I upgraded my stock trek ones to the ones that come with the surly long hall trucker. They are 36 spoke and relatively cheap. I think I got em at modern bike and are probably good for what you are trying to do.

[@billelliott2374]

Brian, Any recommendation on battery. Did you build from kit? I'm finding very few US websites, except ebay/amazon and quality unknown except print grade A cells. Converted my wifes' bike 1200watt motor 48 volt, looking for 52v/20ah, I see $375-500 prebuilt. thanks in advance

[@bikingbrian]

I got them from a battery supply store that had a large quantity discount. Made sure got get brand name LG cells to be on the safe side. Also built an Arduino welder and assembled the cells using the plastic 21700 cell holders. Made everything much easier.

[@dennisyoung4631]

LG MJ1 seems good. Plan on getting KWeld spot welder.

[@markfarino6399]

How do you lock your bike up while you eat at restaurants? Do you remove the battery and carry it in?

[@bikingbrian]

I do lock the bike up and disconnect the battery. It’s way to heavy to carry around. I always stop at a place that I can see my bike when possible.

[@Tom-jd1rm]

What is the name of that trail in Iowa. Sounds like one that we can do.

[@Jl-kt4gy]

The only other Maid Rite is in Lexington mo.

[@kennymurphy1099]

Really super cool, we should get a group of strangers together and take ebikes from north part of America to Southern tip of Florida or to Mexico, im game for 2023 or 2024 if you are, we could get a group of 3 or 4 to go

[@bikingbrian]

That would be great and a sponsor to cover wages ;)

[@REV0_01]

What e bike is that and how many miles can you go on it

[@bikingbrian]

A diy one with a bbs02 motor on an old mountain bike.

[@FollowThomas]

Nice ride. Where you charge your e-bike?

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks for watching! Anywhere I can, usually in city parks. Only need to once or twice a day.

[@carrigan308]

@@bikingbrian How many amp hours of battery do you keep with you? Currently building an ebike out of a Surly Wednesday fat bike and I would love to go on a big trip for a week or two.

[@bikingbrian]

2600 Watt-hours. Configured at 52V (50A). I am using the LG M50 21700 cells. Sounds like an awesome project and solid bike for that!

[@carrigan308]

@@bikingbrian I'm looking at a 52v setup as well. I think I would get like 1700-1800 watt hours at most out of a battery that I custom built to fit the triangle of my bike. Do you think your battery is a bit overkill? I may bring a second battery to keep in my panniers or something if I need to extend my range a bit, but it would be nice to have everything nice and compact in the triangle.

[@ultrastoat3298]

Ever considered towing a bicycle trailer?

[@bikingbrian]

I have considered it and I have one. Just never used it for touring

[@hemaccabe4292]

How do you find these bike trails?

[@bikingbrian]

Google maps!

[@freequest]

👍🏾👍🏾👋🏾👋🏾

[@noahschuler6388]

Hey the route link doesn't work btw

[@bikingbrian]

Thanks for the heads up! Not sure what happened, but I have updated it.

[@shawnbrown1404]

What's your ebike and gear setup???

[@bikingbrian]

Using a 1000watt Bafang BBS02 mid drive motor and a homemade 50AH 52v battery. Planning on doing a video with all the details.

[@shawnbrown1404]

@@bikingbrian HOLY SH!T 🤯 What type of range do you get and how long does it take to charge

[@bobalinga]

@@bikingbrian Your ebikes are much more powerful than ours in europe. 250 watts and no assist after 15 mph. No throttles either. you go so fast!

[@kennymurphy1099]

Bro your a trooper 😂😂😂 I envy you im gonna do this

[@bikingbrian]

Awesome!