I am contemplating a new build. This time for a touring bike/trike. I was wondering if there are any others who have went down this path and would like to offer their wisdom on this matter.
First off the requirements:
1) 200 miles per day
2) 8 hours max riding time per day
3) 25mph average per day meaning most of the time I will be going 30mph+ to make up for the hills and stops
4) Top speed on flat should be at least 50mph, though I would be OK with 45mph just for those dangerous sections where I would need to go fast
5) Pedal assist, though I would like to keep human assist to a minimal
6) I am touring so I need to carry my clothes, tent, sleeping bag, etc.
7) Ability to charge at any AC outlet
To help me with this endeavor, here is how I should go about it:
A) Full suspension recumbent trike/bike to reduce wind resistance at 30mph+
B) 9C 3004 motor in a 20 inch wheel. (I could do cromotor, but it's way to heavy for this requirement. Also most trike are 135mm dropout anyways, so those big and bad motors are out of the question)
C) Adappto Mini-E with 70A charging coil, BMS, and PAS sensor
D) Carry around 4KWh of battery (22s50Ah or 79V50Ah). I think tesla cells will give me this ability in a relatively light package (45lbs)
So far, I know A), B), C) and D) will help me achieve, 1), 2), 3), 7) and maybe even 4) according to the ebike simulator without burning out if I ride on level surfaces most of the ride.
5) is easy to satisfy because that is on me.
My only reservation right now is doing D) and still able to satisfy 6). 22s50Ah battery pack even from tesla cells is not a light package. I estimate it will weigh 45lbs+. Given this, I am also carrying another 40lbs of camping and survival gear. I would be carrying another 5-10lbs of power supplies for charging. Finally I would probably be carrying another 10lbs of bike backup items like backup controller, bike patch kit, etc. All in all, we are looking at 100lbs-120lbs of extra gear. I am around 150lbs right now so we are looking at 300lbs load on the recumbent trike. This is usually the limit of the trike/bike. Not to mention the load on the rear hub motor wheel. Do you guys think it's safe and worth carrying that much battery or should I just carry less battery and charge in-between. Keep in mind, I would like to stick to the 200 miles a day requirement. This is the only way I can get to my destination in a timely manner. Furthermore, reducing my pack to 22s25ah will probably just cut the weight by 20-25 lbs only. But the price I pay is I would need to stop for a few hours to charge full for the next leg of the ride.
Also is there other gotchas I should be aware of if I plan to multiple continuous days of bike touring across the USA.
Thanks!
First off the requirements:
1) 200 miles per day
2) 8 hours max riding time per day
3) 25mph average per day meaning most of the time I will be going 30mph+ to make up for the hills and stops
4) Top speed on flat should be at least 50mph, though I would be OK with 45mph just for those dangerous sections where I would need to go fast
5) Pedal assist, though I would like to keep human assist to a minimal
6) I am touring so I need to carry my clothes, tent, sleeping bag, etc.
7) Ability to charge at any AC outlet
To help me with this endeavor, here is how I should go about it:
A) Full suspension recumbent trike/bike to reduce wind resistance at 30mph+
B) 9C 3004 motor in a 20 inch wheel. (I could do cromotor, but it's way to heavy for this requirement. Also most trike are 135mm dropout anyways, so those big and bad motors are out of the question)
C) Adappto Mini-E with 70A charging coil, BMS, and PAS sensor
D) Carry around 4KWh of battery (22s50Ah or 79V50Ah). I think tesla cells will give me this ability in a relatively light package (45lbs)
So far, I know A), B), C) and D) will help me achieve, 1), 2), 3), 7) and maybe even 4) according to the ebike simulator without burning out if I ride on level surfaces most of the ride.
5) is easy to satisfy because that is on me.
My only reservation right now is doing D) and still able to satisfy 6). 22s50Ah battery pack even from tesla cells is not a light package. I estimate it will weigh 45lbs+. Given this, I am also carrying another 40lbs of camping and survival gear. I would be carrying another 5-10lbs of power supplies for charging. Finally I would probably be carrying another 10lbs of bike backup items like backup controller, bike patch kit, etc. All in all, we are looking at 100lbs-120lbs of extra gear. I am around 150lbs right now so we are looking at 300lbs load on the recumbent trike. This is usually the limit of the trike/bike. Not to mention the load on the rear hub motor wheel. Do you guys think it's safe and worth carrying that much battery or should I just carry less battery and charge in-between. Keep in mind, I would like to stick to the 200 miles a day requirement. This is the only way I can get to my destination in a timely manner. Furthermore, reducing my pack to 22s25ah will probably just cut the weight by 20-25 lbs only. But the price I pay is I would need to stop for a few hours to charge full for the next leg of the ride.
Also is there other gotchas I should be aware of if I plan to multiple continuous days of bike touring across the USA.
Thanks!