Live In New York? Here’s A Chance to Purchase a Tailwind at half price!

Posted on | May 15, 2009 | No Comments

Just read this on Craigslist:

here is the link if you’re interested: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/1171559723.html

Schwinn Tailwinds Medium Mens 17” Electric Bicycle. Low Miles. Works Great. Selling for $2000. Retailed for $3499. Pick Up or Will Deliver Only!

Mens -17″

Suntour NEX with 1-piece alloy lower, preload adjust and lock-out

Shimano Nexus 8-Speed gear hub with Nexus twist shifter

Shimano Nexus roller rear and alloy LP front

Toshiba SCiB 5Ah 24V Casing compatible with Schwinn Tailwind rack system only

Schwinn Tailwind 24V 180W nominal, 250W max front hub

Selle Royale Look-in 3D

Suspension with micro adjust clamp

Schwinn Tailwind rack, B+M Dyno lights and Basta rear wheel lock, fenders, kickstand

Toshiba’s Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology, we knew we were on to something. With a battery that charges in less than 30 minutes, the Tailwind is ready to go when you are. No more waiting for your battery when all you want to do is roll down to the coffee shop for a cappuccino.

The Tailwind features: Lightweight aluminum frame and front suspension fork ensure a comfortable ride. Shimano Nexus 8-speed rear hub is clean and maintenance-free, yet gives you the gears to tackle any terrain. Fully accessorized with full-fenders, dynamo light, and rear-wheel lock.

Electric Bike Features 30-minute charge time - Get a full charge in less than 30 minutes with the included home charger. The battery pack is cleanly integrated into the rear rack with a simple connection that requires no wires or plugs.

The Plug N’ Drive battery can be easily removed, so you can charge it whenever and wherever you want. Industry-leading warranty - With a 2-year or 20,000 mile warranty* and the ability to recharge up to 3000 times without losing the ability to hold a full charge, Schwinn electric bikes utilizing Toshiba SCiB technology promise years of trouble-free use.

Lightweight performance - The Schwinn Plug N’ Drive system adds only about 12 pounds to the total weight of the bike. With high-quality aluminum alloy frames and name brand parts from Shimano, SRAM and SR Suntour, Schwinn electric bikes are among the lightest on the market

Category: Schwinn Electric Bikes

Enjoy Seattle’s Bike To Work Day On An eBike!

Posted on | May 1, 2009 | No Comments

btwd-sm

Starbucks Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 15, 2009

Why ride?

By riding on Starbucks Bike to Work Day you help generate political momentum for the creation of more safe, convenient bicycle facilities.

Most cities in our region do not know how many cyclists use their roads because they do not count them. Cascade Bicycle Club wants to see official bicycle counts become commonplace around Puget Sound. But until then, the number we tally each year on Bike to Work Day has become the default indicator of our community’s growing size and strength. By riding on Starbucks Bike to Work Day you help generate political momentum for the creation of more safe, convenient bicycle facilities.

BTWD’s dramatic year-over-year increases show transportation engineers and politicians that facilities like bicycle lanes and parking racks are good investments. The combination of our growth and the societal benefits of bicycle riding are leading to unprecedented public investment, including the bike-specific funding in Seattle’s recent “Bridging the Gap” levy and the Complete Streets ordinances passed by the City of Kirkland last year and most recently, by the City of Seattle.

By cycling together, we can make a difference. To have an even greater impact, please join the nation’s largest bike club, and add your voice to the cycling clout in our region.

Bike to Work Day Details

Throughout Puget Sound, riders can stop by Commute Stations to pick up free schwag, snacks, city and county maps, bicycle commuting information and to have bikes checked for free by our fantastic bike shop station sponsors. This is your day to be counted and recognized by the city!

If you’re already a seasoned bike commuter then help us spread the word and encourage colleagues to try a bike ride as part of their workday. Stop by one of the 44 Commute Stations located throughout the region; pick up a cool free water bottle, snacks, maps & other useful goodies. Enter the Starbucks Bike To Work Day Drawing or have your bike spot-checked by our bike shop station sponsors.

Category: electric bike

Is The Schwinn Tailwind Priced Wrong?

Posted on | April 26, 2009 | No Comments

I’ve noticed every comment about the Schwinn Tailwind involves the price ($3,000), as if the Tailwind is overpriced for the market.

Let’s take a look at the price today and consider; did Schwinn make a mistake or are they offering a product to a demographic that is willing to pay for quality and convenience.

First off, I’ve been riding a pedal (not assisted) bicycle for over twenty years now. I don’t get out as often as I used to because my commute is now into my home office, and my bicycle buddy has Fibromyalgia, a disease that saps her strength as well as makes it painful to do day to day things, let alone ride.

However we used to both be extremely active riders - for my 40th birthday we rode from Jasper to Bamph in the Canadian Rockies. Yep, I’m old - it’s been awhile since we took that wonderful ride. When we were actively riding, my bike partner, without much thought, purchased a Lightspeed touring bike - with customized everything for around $4,000.

So, don’t tell me bicycle people are cheap - LOL.

However, that’s not really the point. During my tenure as a bicyclist, I can tell you I really don’t like to do any of the mechanics or repair required. Oh sure, I can change a tire - fix derailedchains, etc - but I’d really rather someone else tune and repair my bike. And, while I’m normally more willing to spend top dollar on repairs - every time I go to a bike shop I’m treated like a pest or an old lady who’s money isn’t worth spit. The repairs are shoddy and help surly. Bicyle boys tend are some of the rudest men I’ve ever met - is it because they are sexist or frustrated they’re stuck fixing bike instead of riding? That can be a whole nother blog post though…..

So, here’s my point. I’m an older woman ( half the demographic Schwinn is targeting) who has worked and saved and am ready to start doing a little traveling. I’m not in as good a shape as I used to be and head winds and hills are not my favorite. But, I still look forward to talking rides in the country.

If I purchase a less expensive eBike kit - I’ll still have to purchase the bike to put the kit onto - somewhere between $600 and $1500.00, because I’ll want one that fits me well and has a solid reputation. Then, I have to find a bike person to put install the kit for me - which will cost more $ my guess by the time it’s all said and done another $500.00 at least. And, I’ll have the additional pleasure of being treated like a granny. Most likely I’ll have to take it back to the shop several times before the installationis correct.

Then, once the kit is installed - I’ve lost my cargo room to a big and heavy battery that lasts generally half the time as the Tailwind’s battery and charges up at a much slower rate. I like to take my camera equipment with me while I’m riding - plus rain gear, etc. I tend to over-pack and losing the trunk space to a battery bothers me.

To conclude - yes, you can find cheaper kits and install them yourself - but the cheapest is not always the perfect fit for every eBike rider. When I consider the purchase of an eBike Schwinn’s line of eBikes will be the first I look at - and of that, the Tailwind will be top of the list of contenders.

Category: electric bike kit

eBike Sales Take OFF

Posted on | April 19, 2009 | No Comments

I just read that some merchants on amazon.comare seeing as much as 6000% increase in eBike sales this year over last!

Having just watched a disturbing documentary about global warming and it’s effects on the Alaskan wilderness - I’d feel now it’s more important than ever to consider gas consumption. Riding an eBike will certainly help reduce pollutants released in the air and help keep us in shape.

Consider these stats about the average commute: 40% of all trips are made within two miles of the home, and 50% of workers commute five miles or less to work. Almost any eBike will get you from here to there and still have power left over.

If you don’t have a local shop that sells electric bikes - do check out amazon.com they have a wide variety of electric bikes, kits and books on converting a pedal bike into an ebike.

Category: eBike Kit

Electric Bikes and Wet Weather

Posted on | April 16, 2009 | No Comments

Category: eBike Kit

The 2009 Schwinn’s Tailwind Has A Removable Battery

Posted on | April 15, 2009 | No Comments

Category: Schwinn Electric Bikes

Another Review Of The Schwinn eBike

Posted on | April 12, 2009 | No Comments

This review comes from Adam Anston at Business Week.

“The Schwinn Tailwind: An E-bike for Commuters
This e-bike’s electric motor means you can ride to work and not need a shower. But the Schwinn Tailwind’s design is still a work in progress.”

Editor’s Rating:

The Good: An electric motor makes pedaling a breeze.

The Bad: All the extras make this e-bike heavy and cumbersome.

The Bottom Line: Low-sweat bike commuting makes it easier to give up the car.

Read the full review here:

Category: Schwinn Electric Bicycle

E-bike Review: The Schwinn Tailwind

Posted on | March 10, 2009 | 4 Comments

E-bike Review: The Schwinn Tailwind
Reviewed by Richard Masoner

Here’s a great review of the Schwinn Tailwind - Richard took it out on a ride, including the up the Santa Cruz hills. See what he found out here:
http://www.momentumplanet.ca/gear/schwinn-tailwind

Category: eBikes-by-Schwinn