Is e-Bike Trailer Living Feasible for Full-Time Adventuring?

catalyzer

Member
Thanks, I meant links to ebike trips on the GDMBR, wondering if it has been done/ is possible.
@Gravelette , we're in the same boat. We haven't seen anyone finish the GDMBR on an ebike. Additionally, many local mechanics warn that OEM ebikes often struggle to go 500 miles without issues, let alone 2,700 in 27 days. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible with ideas that could make an ebike GDMBR attempt more likely to succeed.
 

rruff

Explorer
Reliability is one thing... but getting enough charge to make it worth the weight and complexity is another.

Human power and a trailer makes the most sense I think.
 

Gravelette

Active member
Yes. OP if you wait until someone markets an ebike with the range needed you may age out, even with a motor.;) Best to just tough it out on regular bikes or move on to a more realistic adventure.
 

catalyzer

Member
Reliability is one thing... but getting enough charge to make it worth the weight and complexity is another.

Human power and a trailer makes the most sense I think.
@rruff, we completely agree that the human element and the analog challenges are what make the GDMBR truly special. However, carrying our 4 furry friends is a significant factor to consider. The extra weight is particularly challenging on some of the Bay Area climbs. While not impossible, it's definitely a concern over such a long distance. I recall the physical toll of 5-day stage races without gear, and this adds another layer of complexity.
 

catalyzer

Member
Yes. OP if you wait until someone markets an ebike with the range needed you may age out, even with a motor.;) Best to just tough it out on regular bikes or move on to a more realistic adventure.
@Gravelette, thanks. We absolutely don't intend to rely on the electric motor constantly. We're currently training with analog bikes, pulling trailers with our 4 furry companions, to establish a baseline. As a more significant test, we'll be covering approximately 400 miles from the Bay Area to SoCal next month, solely using analog power.
 

catalyzer

Member
our analog rigs for the baseline tests [and yes i ride a road bike on gravel roads]
 

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catalyzer

Member
also, if interested, here's the framesets we're using for the e-assist, my old Caletti CX and Tiara's Dean Ti 26er
 

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catalyzer

Member
Subject: Single-Wheel Trailer Hitch Options

After testing both the Burley Coho XC (single wheel, pivot hitch) and Burley D'Lite (double wheel, pivot hitch), I've noticed some trade-offs:

  • Coho XC: Smooth ride on and off-road, but the pivot hitch negatively affects bike handling.
  • D'Lite: Excellent bike handling due to the hitch, but the double wheels on a solid axle create a rough ride.
I'm interested in exploring single-wheel trailers with a trapeze-style hitch like the PASQ Adventure (https://www.pasqadventure.com/adv1-trailer/).

Question:

  • Has anyone ridden an adventure bike on/off-road with a trailer using a trapeze hitch?
  • Does anyone have experience with other single-wheel trailer hitches that address bike handling concerns?
  • Is there a weightweenie PASQ for the eBike world?
Thanks!

Video Link:
(PASQ Trapeze Hitch)
 

catalyzer

Member
yes/ we are focused on an eBike finishing the GDMBR
calc. 1KwH of production [assumes 6 hrs @ 175w] and 2.5kWh depletion is 28 days of battery storage?
 

crazysccrmd

Observer
yes/ we are focused on an eBike finishing the GDMBR
calc. 1KwH of production [assumes 6 hrs @ 175w] and 2.5kWh depletion is 28 days of battery storage?

Unless you stop for 6 hours and point the panel directly at the sun on a perfect day you won’t get anything near that kind of production. You can count on about 100 watts output from that panel on a sunny day if it’s mounted on the trailer.
 

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