Bicycle transport without a hitch
- Thread starter Hakaman99
- Start date
Upon further study of the bike rack, I found out that the total weight it can carry is 70 lb, but a maximum of 35 lb for each bike, totaling the 70 lb. My bike weighs 65 lb so I am going to have to look at a different rack. Any suggestions on a decent rack that won't break the bank?
Annieolnie
Well-known member
I guess the whole tarp thing was a fail. If it were me, I would go with a motorcycle rack. A lot of them have ramps. If you are worried about the weight of the rack itself, Harbour Freight has an aluminum one. They also have a "wheel limiter" you can get, if you want something to hold the front wheel.
It seems like you're not committed to anything yet, so I'll pose this alternative approach:
I started to go through this thought process before too. I have a Honda CR-V. (traded my Subaru WRX for it partly for the ability to haul bikes)
I can lift and fit my muggle bikes in the back no problem, so half of my use is already covered. At the time, I had my Aventon Level.2 (Class 3 commuter) and Lectric XP Lite. (Class 2 single speed folder) I have a steep driveway with a sharp angle at the bottom. Regular cars won't clear unless they go in at an angle. My CR-V will go straight in, but only just. After thinking through the hitches, the clunky U-Haul and aftermarket ones (which are strong and affordable, but ugly) and the factory option, (which is a lot neater and preserves "kick to open" tailgate functionality but costs triple) I decided I didn't want to ugly up my car and risk having it scrape on my driveway after the expenditure. I decided to put the money into another folding eBike.
So I put the money toward my Ride1UP Portola. (folding multi-speed eBike, 60 lbs) It was about 60 lbs, so still heavy, but I could shave that down by popping the battery out, and loading/unloading can be streamlined by using large Rubbermaid totes.
Once you shop the hitch, installation and cost of a decent rack, you'll see that it really adds up.
You may also want to check the tow rating of your Traverse. My CR-V has a pitiful tow rating and I think a the hitch barely covers the weight of a heavy eBike. (remembering that the further out from the frame it goes, the more it effectively weighs)
Two folding eBikes just fit in the cargo area; no need to even fold the seats down. (though if you use totes, you'll need to fold the seat down)
I started to go through this thought process before too. I have a Honda CR-V. (traded my Subaru WRX for it partly for the ability to haul bikes)
I can lift and fit my muggle bikes in the back no problem, so half of my use is already covered. At the time, I had my Aventon Level.2 (Class 3 commuter) and Lectric XP Lite. (Class 2 single speed folder) I have a steep driveway with a sharp angle at the bottom. Regular cars won't clear unless they go in at an angle. My CR-V will go straight in, but only just. After thinking through the hitches, the clunky U-Haul and aftermarket ones (which are strong and affordable, but ugly) and the factory option, (which is a lot neater and preserves "kick to open" tailgate functionality but costs triple) I decided I didn't want to ugly up my car and risk having it scrape on my driveway after the expenditure. I decided to put the money into another folding eBike.
So I put the money toward my Ride1UP Portola. (folding multi-speed eBike, 60 lbs) It was about 60 lbs, so still heavy, but I could shave that down by popping the battery out, and loading/unloading can be streamlined by using large Rubbermaid totes.
Once you shop the hitch, installation and cost of a decent rack, you'll see that it really adds up.
You may also want to check the tow rating of your Traverse. My CR-V has a pitiful tow rating and I think a the hitch barely covers the weight of a heavy eBike. (remembering that the further out from the frame it goes, the more it effectively weighs)
Two folding eBikes just fit in the cargo area; no need to even fold the seats down. (though if you use totes, you'll need to fold the seat down)
Alternately, a lighter weight, non-folding eBike with an easily-removable battery could be loaded in like a muggle bike. something like the Aventon Soltera.2 that's on sale now for $1k?
hmmm, so buy a foldable ebike? Not as crazy as it sounds. Here is a rack I am looking at now for $199.99. It can carry and 80 lb bike and has a lot of features that are nice.
Yes.
You're looking at $467 for hitch-related expenses, and a cheapish $200 rack, so $667 total.
For not much more, ($800) you could get a Lectric XP Lite 2.0, which weighs only 50 lbs., fits in a Rubbermaid tote. Would be a "spare" eBike for one your main one needs something or for guests. Or just for a different kind of ride.
Here's my (departed) Ride1UP Portola on the left and XP Lite in the back of my CR-V, with back seat up. I just put a moving blanket on them to keep them from banging around too much. If I only had one in there, it would go on its side and not even need that. The Portola was a bit of a back-breaker to load like that, but I could've made it easier on myself by taking out the 8+ lb. battery. The real challenge is keeping the chain from greasing up the clothing while loading. (enter the tote, or belt-driven XP Lite 2.0)
Annieolnie
Well-known member
Upway has a bunch of Lectric xp overstocks. I think there is a coupon wandering around too, but you gotta love the Portola. People buy the inexpensive pet ramps and slide the tubs into their cars that way.
This is an interesting bike that you guys alluded to, the standard battery bike goes for $800 and the long range battery goes for $1,000. That sounds pretty interesting to me. Actually, they hitch and rack would cost about $470 total, but I like the idea of an XP as a second bike. I almost bought a foldable bike originally, but the bike shop sort of talked me out of it. I have to admit it would be nice to have too, although it seems a bit greedy on my part, lol. You guys have piqued my interest!
lectricebikes.com
XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue Long-Range eBike | Lightweight eBike | Lectric eBikes
Explore more with the XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue Long-Range eBike. Featuring extended battery life for longer rides, a 300W motor, and a foldable design. Shop now!
lectricebikes.com
Annieolnie
Well-known member
My issue with the xp Lite is that it only has one speed, that would drive me crazy. But I'm a little biased, I've been wanting a Portola since they came out. At any rate, there are tons of YouTube video reviews of both, so time to get out the popcorn. 
Another thing I was looking at about the XP is it uses a Cadence Sensor and not a torque sensor. I don't have experience trying a Cadence Sensor yet, but my Discover too has that option on it, so I could try it with my Velotric. It would be nice to have a foldable bike as well, they look like a lot of fun, and I would have a spare bike in case I needed shop work on the Discover 2.My issue with the xp Lite is that it only has one speed, that would drive me crazy. But I'm a little biased, I've been wanting a Portola since they came out. At any rate, there are tons of YouTube video reviews of both, so time to get out the popcorn.
The One to Get is extended range with belt drive option. (black only, I think)This is an interesting bike that you guys alluded to, the standard battery bike goes for $800 and the long range battery goes for $1,000. That sounds pretty interesting to me. Actually, they hitch and rack would cost about $470 total, but I like the idea of an XP as a second bike. I almost bought a foldable bike originally, but the bike shop sort of talked me out of it. I have to admit it would be nice to have too, although it seems a bit greedy on my part, lol. You guys have piqued my interest!
XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue Long-Range eBike | Lightweight eBike | Lectric eBikes
Explore more with the XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue Long-Range eBike. Featuring extended battery life for longer rides, a 300W motor, and a foldable design. Shop now!
Don't you have a wife or kids or grandkids that could use it with you?
I like my XP Lite, when my car needs work, I throw it in the trunk and then eBike home or to work.
It really depends on the terrain. My town is mostly flat with a few mild, short hills. The motor is pretty torquey, since it's geared for only 20 mph tops. In practice, you rely on the motor more than you would on a multi-speed bike for hill-climbing, but on the flat or downhill, you just cruise at 15 mph with a nice cadence. At slower speeds, yes, you'll have a slow cadence, but the pedaling inefficiency that comes with it is not noticed, because of the electric assist.My issue with the xp Lite is that it only has one speed, that would drive me crazy. But I'm a little biased, I've been wanting a Portola since they came out. At any rate, there are tons of YouTube video reviews of both, so time to get out the popcorn.
If you're going to be lifting it up, the XP Lite is the clear winner, unless there is a lot of hill climbing. If you're not going to be lifting it up, then a Portola or XP 3.0 would be preferable. I guess Portola gets close to XP Lite 2.0 weight, if the battery is removed from the Portola (easy) vs. left in the XP Lite 2.0. (not as easy to remove)
Note that there is an XP Lite line and and XP (number) Line; they are totally different bikes, so you have to differentiate:
- XP Lite 2.0 - Single mechanical speed, 20x2.5" tires, 15 lbs. lighter
- XP 3.0 - 7 mechanical speeds, 20x 3" tires
Its all down to the execution.
My XP Lite has simple and pretty un-refined cadence sensing. It's OK, but one has to know what to expect.
My Portola had (tunable) cadence sensing with soft start and power limits. Very nice and natural feeling, but the programming of it is not as intuitive. You definitely need their instructions and some patience.
I hear the new Lectrics are on par with Ride1UP now, and maybe a bit more intuitive, but I can't confirm from experience.
I have torque sensors on my Yamaha and Aventon, which are smooth and natural. But the one on my Reid is neither smooth nor natural.
Bottom line is that I wouldn't avoid a bike just because it doesn't have a torque sensor, and I wouldn't assume it's great just because it has a torque sensor either.
Here is a new Velotric (Fold Plus 1) just making it to the market. It has all the same features as my D2, specifically an option for both torque and cadence sensor.
www.velotricbike.com
Velotric Fold 1 Plus
Velotric makes innovative, high-quality, and stylish ebikes for everyone. Premium materials and build quality at an affordable price point, see for yourself!
www.velotricbike.com
Here is a new Velotric (Fold Plus 1) just making it to the market. It has all the same features as my D2, specifically an option for both torque and cadence sensor.
Velotric Fold 1 Plus
Velotric makes innovative, high-quality, and stylish ebikes for everyone. Premium materials and build quality at an affordable price point, see for yourself!
Some things to think about:
- That is $400 more than the base Portola and $200 more than the 13.4 Ah one, but they don't say the battery capacity or voltage.
- Battery is external, instead of quick release out of the downtube. The battery case would be susceptible to UV damage over time, whereas on the Portola, only the top cover would. Seems like getting the battery off the bike would require some gymnastics with the seat, either removing it or twisting it. Portola battery is unobstructed, coming out of top of the downtube.
- It says coil spring fork. I guess that means it doesn't have proper oil-filled shocks?
- It seems like it would have to contain the controller in the downtube, where the Portola has it on the back of the seat tube. It's more accessible on the back of the seat tube, in case it needs replacing.
- It has a dual sensor (torque & cadence) with dual modes where the Portola only has cadence. (but well-implemented and user-adjustable)
- It has a telescoping stem, in case you want to be REALLY upright. (Portola's is one height only)
- The frame looks taller on the Fold Plus 1; I bet it won't fold as compact (compare the head and seat tube heights in pix)
- They claim a torquier motor, but it is likely just The Ratings Game. (75 Nm vs 65 Nm)
- It doesn't have the brace/carrying handle near the frame hinge; that was handy on the Portola.
- The Velotric seems to be UL Certified (bike too, not just the motor) Safety-wise, I don't think the bike would ever start a fire unless there's a battery problem, so the battery certification is much more important to me. But still, that's an extra level of certification on the Velotric.
- Velotric advertises a turn signal; Portola doesn't have this. Effectiveness is a question, with the light fixture only being a few inches wide, but maybe nice to have anyway?
- Headlight looks brighter on the Velotric (130 lux vs 100)
- I'd be curious about seat post length. The Portola with the seat all the way up I could barely get full leg extension, and I only have a 31" inseam. I got their suspension seatpost with deluxe seat, and the post was shorter, so I sent it back. It's something you have to talk to an owner to find out, as they don't have a spec for it.
According to the bike shop I visited yesterday, the new fold 1 plus is identical to the functionality of the Velotric Discover 2. It will be loaded with the same accessories and functions as the D2. This carries over to the electronics, battery, colored display, and size of motor. I asked him if the battery would be interchangeable with the D2, but they said no because of the physical construction of the fold 1.
Annieolnie
Well-known member
Velotric's cadence sensor is speed based so adding a torque sensor option would be a great idea and they now have a lot of experience doing that. I have their little cargo bike and it is the bike I find myself reaching for most of the time. I think the battery placement behind the seat is also good. Having it low and in back helps with overall balance. Also, that style of battery is not proprietary and can be replaced by changing the bracket and getting a battery from other sources. I think Velotric will be around for a very long time, but it is still good to keep options open, especially regarding the cost of the battery. As for the controller, Velotric has always made them accessible. There is usually a door on one side and it has room for cooling. Although, it might be like the new Nomad 2 which has the controller door underneath. I think you are choosing between two great bikes, but you should talk to Velotric. If I'm not mistaken, second time buyers are loyal customers and can usually get a discount.
Thanks for the good information, I just may call them tofay. I'm just getting into understanding e-bikes and writing them, but it seems like Velotric offers good bang for the buck. The bike shop I deal with sells many different brands, and it doesn't matter which bike I want to buy from them, they seem to promote Velotric as a reliable product (fingers crossed).
"Velotric's cadence sensor is speed based"
could you please explain what this means as opposed to other bikes with cadence sensing?
"Velotric's cadence sensor is speed based"
could you please explain what this means as opposed to other bikes with cadence sensing?
The hitch will cost $165 + $80 install fee, Total = $245
The rack I am planning to give costs $200, shown in the link below. The total cost for hitch and rack is $445. I am still looking to get an inexpensive folding bike, and looking for recommendations.
Annieolnie
Well-known member
Well, a lot of cadence sensors are speed based. They give you pedal assist at each level until you reach a certain speed and then they drop out for a bit until you are under that level. Does your Discover 2 do this in cadence mode? They might have changed it. The Ride1up bikes have a controller based on wattage. They will let you continue at a certain wattage without the motor cutting out. They also let you make adjustments to that amount in advanced settings. If you have a torque sensor setting it's not as important, but for cadence sensor bikes wattage based is more comfortable. I feel like I have a tendency to ride my Velotric like a little kid. I pedal and pedal and pedal until the motor cuts out for a bit and then I coast, once it slows down a bit, I pedal and pedal and pedal again. I'm very used to it, but don't know that if I were given a choice I would choose it.
