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E-Bike
Sept 28, 2021 20:04:34 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Sept 28, 2021 20:04:34 GMT -5
Not sure where to put this one. We have about 40 stands we attend to. Easy to get there on access roads and field edges with motor vehicles, Not so much when trying to hunt them. I'm 54 and I hunt with a guy a few years older and one a generation younger. Older guy bought an ebike 3 yrs ago and is the general of the group. Hunts whatever stand seems best for wind, deer sightings based on trail cams, etc. I've been hunting 6-7 of these stands because they are walkable-ish. I joined the e-bike community with an electric bike to get to most of these stands. Got the Rad Runner plus. Been messin with it in the yard on my hilly lawn and read lots of reviews. Bought some rear and front racks to clamp bow/gun holders and back pack. Bought a hitch mounted bike carrier. Might be the fountain of youth! Will review this as bow season starts and I begin using this thing. Anyone else have one? Am excited to add a few years to my bowhunting/gun hunting career.
Advantages:
1) get there not all sweaty and tired 2) wear more gear in to stay warm on the ride and have more pack room for snacks, thermos, food, etc 3) hunt both shifts and be fresh for afternoons 4) hunt way more spots 5) sleep in lomger as the trip in to a stand will be way faster eve if not riding fast
Cons: 1) gotta be careful! Don't want to fall 2) Be ready to secure bike in the rain with a tarp 3) malfuntions: A 74 lb bike is hard to pedal without power. Have a chain issue or something else means a problem. pop a tire 4) Not really meant to get to the tree, just close. Have to have a way to secure it with a lock, not too big a deal
Am looking forward to the new adventure of a quiet way to get around to more places. Looking forward to seeing what others may have done regarding a way to get around like this.
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E-Bike
Sept 29, 2021 8:15:25 GMT -5
Post by ET on Sept 29, 2021 8:15:25 GMT -5
That was an interesting read. Look forward to future commentaries of your new adventure.
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E-Bike
Sept 29, 2021 21:19:55 GMT -5
Post by billc on Sept 29, 2021 21:19:55 GMT -5
Gotta love hunter logic. I used all of those pros and some more to justify my 4 wheeler purchase 15 years ago LOL!
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E-Bike
Oct 6, 2021 20:53:50 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Oct 6, 2021 20:53:50 GMT -5
So after a week of riding this thing around my hilly lawn, never farther than 50 yds from the house, I went for some realistic trail rides on several approaches to many stands. All I can say is wow. Put 4 miles in 1 hr on it and climbed every grade, some temporarily steep, and descended them all effectively and safely. Basically tried to go less then 10 mph on good ground and way less than that on bad ground, just keep the bike up and moving. Going down steep grades did everything I could to go slow by using both front and rear brakes. Kept the bike in very low gear and only used the different power assist settings when needing power. This bike is a game changer for getting places quietly and quickly and being fresh arriving at the stand. Most people do not have the amount of stands in which to hunt as I do. Many, most are not a fun walk yet there are old access roads or 4 wheeler trails that we walk that you can really close the gap with a quiet ebike. I giggled a lot today and made sure to remind myself that even when going slow and safe, I will save my legs and get there 3X faster or more.
I would say the first review is positive beyond my expectations.
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E-Bike
Oct 6, 2021 20:58:58 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Oct 6, 2021 20:58:58 GMT -5
Oh, and the battery meter never budged. Left with 5 bar of power and still had 5 bars when done. The specs say that this bike has a 45 mile range on a full charge in optimum conditions. I assume that means flat ground and using appropriate gearing and pedaling alot to help it. I can see w full weekend of abusive hills and hogging power and not even worrying about low battery. And it doesn't matter anyway cause I could top it off every night.
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E-Bike
Oct 7, 2021 7:11:00 GMT -5
Post by ET on Oct 7, 2021 7:11:00 GMT -5
Sounds like you're having fun and enjoying the ride, chuckle. Not sure how much torque your e-bike has but if it could handle a carriage to haul an eviscerated deer that would be the icing on the cake.
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E-Bike
Oct 19, 2021 8:16:40 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Oct 19, 2021 8:16:40 GMT -5
Took the bike hunting this past weekend. One stand is a 20-25 minute walk on flat access roads in a swamp. 4 minutes on the bike. Got chilly on the way in. Rode past several deer within 20 yds away in the dark and they just looked at me without moving. Kept my speed up and just kept going. Ave speed is about 12-15 mph. easy to get weeds caught in the sprocket which only happens when I park/hide the bike but need to keep an eye on that. cannot ride this through a field or thru corn rows. Gotta watch for stuff that would snag a pedal or handle bar. From what I have read, these bikes are rarely used for what I use it for. Campsites, cities, parks, and easy riding areas. Luckily, many of our stands, not all, can be accessed on old gravel access roads or well worn 4-wheeler trails. Fun so far and all I expected. One thing I am glad I did was to take off the "passenger" seat and install a fairly large rack. I then mounted a bow/gun holder on the rear of the rack at 45 degrees leaving the rest of the rack open to bungee my pack to. Being that I don't exert myself getting to and from some of these stands, I can put most of my clothes on which leaves the pack lighter and open for more stuff like thermos, food, etc. As soon as the snow comes, it will be back to walking though. Can't imagine driving this bike in anything but optimal conditions.
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E-Bike
Oct 20, 2021 15:26:11 GMT -5
Post by billc on Oct 20, 2021 15:26:11 GMT -5
Sounds like you are a quick learner. Congratulations on you positive results and best of luck hunting!
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E-Bike
Nov 14, 2021 0:44:45 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by pposey on Nov 14, 2021 0:44:45 GMT -5
Sounds really cool, 30 years ago I usta mnt bike in the snow alot, ya never know, of course back then I bounced alot better than I do now.
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E-Bike
Nov 14, 2021 6:49:39 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Nov 14, 2021 6:49:39 GMT -5
So, this is our 7th weekend of bow and gun starts next week. Not hunting today due to a nagging cold and raw, wet, windy out. I have put 17 miles on the bike since last report. Mostly getting to stands but I also use it at camp to put up and check targets at our 100-200 yd range. Saves a lot of time! On all but the steepest climbs, I never petal the bike. Just use the twist throttle. I also wear a helmet to make my wife happy.
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E-Bike
Nov 14, 2021 8:42:08 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by pposey on Nov 14, 2021 8:42:08 GMT -5
I would for sure wear the helmet. In the dark ya never know. I'd also wear safety glasses or goggles especially at night. I had to have eye surgery when a small limb hit my eye walking out after dark.
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E-Bike
Nov 19, 2021 15:06:04 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Nov 19, 2021 15:06:04 GMT -5
Just found another benefit of having this bike. Been weak and tired all week after getting covid last week. I am vaxed so my quarentine ended today. No way I want to walk a long way no less sit in a tree stand or climb a tree. Just too weak right now. We have a few sheltered blinds that we use in bad weather or really cold temps. I loaded the rack on my bike and rode all the way in to one of them. I hauled a heating Buddy and some propane along with some other items I could leave at the blind. Tomorrow is our gun opener and I haven't missed one in almost 40 years, I will ride in fully dressed with a pack full of food of hot thermos's and my rifle slung and just hang out all day in comfort. Or maybe score early?
Polishing the tips of my 30-30 rounds now. LOL. BTW, this Covid stuff really sucks! Never had a fever, no aches or pains, no breathing problems, Just weak, tired and ever so slightly off balance. Very weird. Been 11 days since 1st symptoms and 5 days since my positive test.
Good luck to everyone this year and maybe get an Ebike! LOL.
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E-Bike
Nov 19, 2021 20:02:37 GMT -5
Post by billc on Nov 19, 2021 20:02:37 GMT -5
Good luck Sir and hope you get feeling better soon.
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E-Bike
Nov 28, 2021 11:21:28 GMT -5
Post by redspinner3 on Nov 28, 2021 11:21:28 GMT -5
I’ve been riding on my hunting trails for years. Started on junkyard bike way back. I only use bow or crossbow and fishing gear with bike .Deer can’t smell your trail when your riding that’s a big plus!
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E-Bike
Nov 28, 2021 16:01:07 GMT -5
Post by reloader22 on Nov 28, 2021 16:01:07 GMT -5
Welcome Redspinner. yeah, the scent thing is also a factor. I only use the bike to take most of the trip out of it. Still walk a ways to the stand. Love it so far
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E-Bike
Nov 30, 2021 20:08:52 GMT -5
Post by sniperjohn on Nov 30, 2021 20:08:52 GMT -5
Interesting thread. I have used a camo-ed mountain bike for years. The thing looks like a swiss army bike with a kolpin case and racks on it, but I'm starting to get too old for it. Because it is quiet, I often see game while riding it. I could see myself using an electric bike.
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E-Bike
Dec 4, 2021 15:15:01 GMT -5
Post by redspinner3 on Dec 4, 2021 15:15:01 GMT -5
Your not to old for riding I got the cheapest E-Bike and put 0ver 1000 miles on plus two sets of tires and tubes. Three battery’s and still pedaling at 78years of age.
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