Chain Checker

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For the last 4500 miles, I have been checking my VADO SL chain. I have not needed to replace it. I have used the 0.5% recommen- dation setting from Park Tool.

A worn bicycle chain can cause poor shifting and in time can even cause excessive wear to the derailleur and rear cogs, causing a much more expensive problem. That's why bike component manufacturers recommend chain replacement at regular wear intervals. 

The Park Tool CC-3.2 is a go/no-go gauge designed to accurately indicate when a chain reaches 0.5% and 0.75% wear (or "stretch"), the points at which most chain manufacturers suggest replacement. The CC-3.2 is long, accurate, and features permanent measurement markings. 

The CC-3.2 works on most derailleur chains* from 5 to 12-speed. 

- 5-to-10-speed chains: replace chain at or just before 0.75%

- 11-to-12-speed chains*: replace at or just before 0.5%

Check with manufacturer for specific replacement instructions

*Use the CC-4 for SRAM® Flattop™ and SRAM® T-Type 12-speed chains.

Specialized RECALLED Some eBike Chargers

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According to BARD (6/27/23), Specialized has acknowledged these problems for some of its ebike chargers and has issued a recall.

Specialized has had a few problems with its ebike charger, including:

• Charging problems: Some users have reported that their ebike chargers do not charge the battery properly, or that they take a long time to charge the battery.

• Faulty chargers: Some users have received faulty chargers that do not work at all.

• Y cable problems: The Y cable that is used to connect the charger to the battery and the range extender has also been known to cause problems.

Here is the input from ChatGPT and BARD about eBike electrical problems

When eBikes Fail - FIXED

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My VADO is back from Biker's Choice. The charger failed, not the batteries. They replaced my defective charger for FREE as a warranty item.

With all the Li-Ion fire failures, everyone should stay with a QUALITY product and not a cheapie substitute. I asked, "How often do these chargers fail?" 

David Hardin said that he had two failures with the forty that he have sold. 

Rails to Trails on an eBike

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The Spring/Summer 2023 issue of the Rails to Trails magazine included Exploring the Evolution of E-Bikes in America.  It discussed all the usual features and popularity on an e-bike. The last section was titled But Is It Cheating? That is always the common exclamation from the purist bicyclist, and maybe the most ignorant advocates.

Claire Martini, the project manager for the Leafline Trails Coalition of Washington State, said "Are multiple gears cheating? Is a lightweight carbon-fiber frame cheating? Suspension?"

The magazine author adds,"The trip that someone takes on an e-bike still burns more calories than the bike trip they chose not to take at all." 

According to a Rails to Trails study, 

338% increase in average daily distances biked by individuals on an e-bike vs. a regular bike. 

Researchers have found that e-bikes receive much of the cardiovascular health benefits obtained during conventional bikes, more than double their use of bicycles for transportation, and take longer trips on their e-bikes have also found that e-cycling can improve mental and physical health, happiness, and overall sense of well-being.

 https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2023/may/04/exploring-americas-e-bike-evolution/

When eBikes Fail

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I had been riding my Specialized VADO SL almost every day this week. I have gotten lazy and used the battery. On each ride it would discharge from 150% (with the Axillary battery) to about 100%. I would charge it overnight. This morning it discharged. Instead of back to 150%, it was down to 18% and continuing to decline with no warning.

The bike had about 4600 miles with no problems. I do most of the mechanical repairs myself, but I don't have the equipment to test the electrical system. I have taken it back to Biker's Choice at 10:30 on 06/23/23. The bike is two years old and has never been back to the shop. I don't know what to expect. 

I like to take the bike on 700 mile tours. Why such a failure without warning that could be worrisome. 

DON'T BUY CHEAP

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Twisted mountains of charred bikes, scooters, wheels, and battery casings. The distinctive, acidic smell of burnt chemicals. And where delivery workers once stood in line chatting while waiting for repairs, now blackened ruins and a somber crowd of neighbors behind police tape. This was the scene – one that’s become horrifyingly common – after yet another deadly lithium battery fire in New York City. Four people died in the inferno – the latest victims of a growing problem that’s now claimed the lives of 13 people this year in the nation’s densest city, compared with six such deaths in all of 2022.

The fires are caused by the cheap, dangerous electric batteries powering the two-wheeled devices that the city’s 65,000 delivery workers use to meet the demands of Silicon Valley gig platforms. 

New Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Filed

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BPAC sponsored by Council Member Freddie O’Connell.  BL2023-1882 passed first reading, second reading scheduled for June 20.

Five council members as co-sponsors and  others have agreed to sign. 

https://www.nashville.gov/departments/council

At one time, NDOT management opposed the bill but I do not know their current stance. The Vision Zero Committee is supportive and they were appointed by NDOT.

Carey Rogers
nashville-ebike@googlegroups.com

Other Stuff by Carey

Bike Lane Ribbon Cutting

Free e-bike rides after you listen to politicians pontificate about how they love bike lanes but have done little to bring them about (with some exceptions).  Carey Rogers New complete/ green street —12th Ave South. What started as a rendering in spring 2022 is now a reality. We are thrilled to celebrate and cut the ribbon and hope you can join us! WHERE: Lawn next to the Edgehill Library (1409 12th Ave South) WHEN: Friday, April 28 at 10 a.m. T.D. Schlafer | Policy & Public Information Specialist

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FOGBEE Tee Shirts

This Sunday 3/26 is the last day to order tee shirts. See previous link for all the details. 

NY City Council passes lithium-ion battery safety package

NEW YORK (BRAIN) — The City Council on Thursday passed its lithium-ion battery safety legislative package in reaction to the growing number of fires, including prohibiting the sale of e-bikes, other powered mobility devices like e-scooters, and batteries that don't meet recognized certification like UL.

The legislation must be signed by Mayor Eric Adams to take effect.

If Adams signs it, to be legally sold, rented, or leased in New York City, an e-bike would need to be certified to UL 2849, which is a standard that covers an e-bike's full electrical system, including the battery, charger and motor. Likewise, a powered mobility device would need to meet UL 2272 and all lithium-ion batteries sold separately would be required to meet UL 2271. The FDNY has indicated it will consider approving other similar safety standards.

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2023/03/02/ny-city-council-passes-lithium-ion-battery-safety-package 

eBike Rebates

Let's get more people on bicycles:

The recently introduced E-BIKE (Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment) Act would create a tax rebate for people buying electric bikes similar to the tax incentive for buying an electric car.

Caron Whitaker, League of American Bicyclists

Death Publicity about CHEAP eBikes

“It’s the Wild West for e-bikes", said Dave Nghiem, the manager at College Park Bicycles in Maryland.

Consumer Reports warns about CHEAP ebike causing death due to fires.

Nghiem and other bike mechanics said the problems are not confined to one brand, but apply to many models of relatively inexpensive road e-bikes designed for recreation and commuting. These bikes typically retail for less than $2,000 and usually are sold directly to consumers, not through a bike shop. They make up the bulk of e-bike sales.

Consumer Products add that some companies that make low-quality e-bikes and batteries are subject to very little oversight. They are finding loopholes to sell their products on e-commerce sites like Amazon

A child’s death prompts questions about brake safety on e-bikes.