Water and snacks are two mainstays of any bike ride. Among our favorites? Nutrition bars and trail mix, of course.
Still, it’s easy to find yourself in a rut. If you’re craving something different try Diamond Head cantaloupe.
I was intrigued. Dried cantaloupe? That was a first for me! And it did not disappoint. What a great alternative to raisins and cranberries!
I found this jewel in our local Food4Less, but Diamond Head is everywhere. If you like candy, nuts, trail mix, or fruit you’ve probably bought Diamond Head.
Don’t feel like running to the store? Order directly from Nature’s World. Family-owned and based in the Pacific Northwest, they offer a wide variety of snacks, including dried okra, beets, and chili mangos. Save $$$ by purchasing Trail mix in bulk.
Do you have an eBike that you don’t ride? Is it too heavy to pedal without electric assist? Do you experience flats? Broken spokes? Can you load your bike on a rack? If you fall and your bike lands on you, can you lift it off without help?
Heavy bikes are a drag
Unfortunately, bargain eBikes sold by well-known retailers tend to be heavy. Often hovering in the 60-70+ pound range. The culprit is a combination of the design and rear hub motor.
Ironically the same bikes with heavy hubs can also have thin tires. (Don’t be fooled if you currently have a “fat bike.”)
Add your weight above that rear hub, ride over a pothole, and wham! You feel it and so does your bike. Thus, the issues with broken spokes, flats, etc.
Lighten up
We can help you lighten up by 20+ pounds, which is a huge amount in the bike world.
It’s a matter of smart design. We start with an existing lightweight bike frame – yours or ours – then we install a mid-drive motor. As the name implies, a mid-drive motor is centered on the bike for better balance. This immediately solves the problem with repetitive flats and broken spokes caused by too much weight on the rear hub. More importantly, mid-drive motors are compact and powerful, saving some big lbs.
Lifting gets even easier when you can remove your battery. Our designs include this feature too! We also add back racks or handles so smaller riders can load up and ride solo.
Enjoy your bike again
Recently we saw an ad for a used Specialized eBike. A terrific bike, no doubt about it. We love the brand. The seller, a neighbor, was asking $4000 firm. For a used bike …
Just know: we can do better – or just as well – for much less. Give us a call.
As official spokesdog, Charlie endorses the Blue Cruiser featured below.
The Converted Blue Cruiser
Charlie says:
Keith and Beverly build great bikes! I first met the blue cruiser on the West Bend trail before it was electrified. (Hey, that’s a big word for a dog!)
As a Westie, I’m particular, but it was love at first sight. Check out all the details here.
Spokesdog Charlie
You can own this sweet ride for $1600. Update: this bike is sold.
Have you met the Madras Trails? If not, you’re missing out.
Mountain views, juniper forests, a few whoop-de-dos, and rabbitbrush. Oh, did I mention the Valley of the Bones?
This map will give you an overview. As COTA points out, this is an excellent winter trail and we concur. We scouted it after heavy rains in the area and there was little-to-no evidence of path degradation. Runoff crossed the trail in one spot up in the junipers but left soils intact.
Technical trail features (TTFs) you can tackle or opt out of
eBikes welcome
Cows and Danger Noodles
Don’t be discouraged by the signs. Cows have grazed here, and may in the future, but the trails are clear and clean. Since sight lines are excellent you will have ample warning should one be in the vicinity.
As to the danger noodles, yes there is a possibility. However, most of the terrain is not conducive to where snakes like to hang out – at least in our experience. (Think Steelhead Falls or Smith Rock.)
Any who … I’m one of those people who’ve grown to dislike all snakes (not rational I know) and I was not concerned. Like any trail, keep your eyes open. You need to do that anyway to ride, right?
The Valley of the Bones
Love, love, love this! You’ll see a few “teaser bones” leading up to the main event and VOB trail branch.
It begins with a cool technical feature. If you prefer, there is an opt-around opposite the bone marker on the other side of the wooden bridge.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see this:
Elephant Wearing a Bow Tie
Hands down, my favorite bone!
Learn More
I could go on and on. I freely admit we only explored a few miles on foot, our modus operandi when scouting trails. We will be back with our eBikes, no question! And I’m looking forward to checking out the perimeter.
So get out and ride! On the way, take City View Street and enjoy the roundabout art.
For more photos of the Madras Trails check out my Flickr album.
Don’t kick yourself for missing out on our latest build. Get out and enjoy our beautiful, crisp fall weather on a new Roll Sport Elite – California eBike.
You’ll be glad you did. Road, dirt, gravel – this bike eats it all up. Get all the deets here.
$2200 – cash, debit, credit, Zelle, Apple, and Google Pay options available.
In this second phase, we worked together to install several key items:
Rear tire and wheel
Shifter cable
Battery
Motor
Chain
Display
Kickstand
We also adjusted the back brake.
Test Fitting
If you’ve ever built anything, then you know a big part of construction is test fitting. Parts are installed, then removed, before they become a permanent part of the bike.
It’s important not to fear this process, although it can be disconcerting at first glance! Stay tuned for further updates from our build team.
These swap-outs and additions were made in 24 hours. The original suspension seatpost was a $200 upgrade. We changed it out for our customers as a matter of preference, but it also saved them on the purchase price.
This is the difference between “buying off the rack” and finding something that is truly custom built for you.
Custom builds respect the fact that everyone is different. What I need or prefer may not matter to you or vice versa. Our Mom and Pop shop strives to add components we think play up the best features of a particular build. We are also pleased as punch to make a switch that better fits you!
No, it’s not a breaking news story, but we did just add three new features to this cool build:
A ring-a-ding-ding bell
Rear view mirror so you can see who’s sneaking up on you
Kickstand for parking your ride
What Are We Talking About?
Our new California eBike build on a REI Co-op aluminum frame with steel fork. Pedal assist and throttle powered.
Fast-rolling Maxxis Hookworm street tires
BMX tall handle bars for upright pedaling
Suspension seatpost
Hydraulic brakes
California eBike power group set, w/ long-range battery, throttle, pedal assist, and mid-drive motor.
Programmable controller – 750 Watt Class 3
Color display
Go Fast! Speeds of 30+ mph
Go Far! Mileage range 35-40+ depending on rider, terrain, and throttle use
Ride in Comfort
The extra tall front fork guarantees room for the big battery, mounted on the frame underside. Comfort is king during high speed runs over rough pavement or gravel with our suspension seatpost and mid-drive motor.
Turn on a Dime
If you’re looking for a highly maneuverable bike that turns on a dime (remember those? Ha!) – this ride is for you.
Adult Fit
With the Maxxis Hookworm tires, this bike is just under 26 inches and classified as Adult with the modified setup (MH tires, tall suspension seatpost, and BMX stand up handlebars).
Test Drives Encouraged
Find out for yourself how well this eBike handles compared to a RAD or other hub-style eBike. The California eBike is lighter, more comfortable, and requires less maintenance (no broken spokes like hub motor eBikes). Experience the difference!
Porch pickup or deliveries in local area at our discretion.
Cash, credit card, debit card, or Zelle payments accepted.
Because they’re better! And not necessarily more expensive.
Your Bike
It starts with the bike. Whether new or used, we convert your ride. Bikes in landfills just seems wrong to us.
Advantages of Mid-Drive Motors
We use mid-drive motors. With a mid-drive, which is integrated into the pedal assembly, the weight is centered on your bike. This allows for:
A more comfortable ride
Reduced or no maintenance
Cost savings over the long run
How can that be? Aren’t hub-motor bikes like the RAD cheaper and just as good?
Don’t get us wrong. The RAD business model, which emphasizes affordability at purchase, gets a definite thumbs-up. Millions of dollars in sales can’t be wrong.
But hub motors add weight to the rear wheel of your bike. You are more likely to feel all the bumps and grinds as you ride. In addition, broken spokes – caused by the weight of the motor in the wheel – are common. To fix this problem requires the expertise of a specialized bike mechanic, which can be costly.
Off the Shelf or Custom?
When you buy off the shelf, what you see is what you get. That can be terrific – if you purchase optional add-ons (more money) or just need the very basics.
Our eBikes are custom from the get-go. We aren’t obligated to use parts only from a specific source. We can add the best of the best as part of your regular build request. Features many manufacturers or shops would call “extras” like mirrors, racks, custom grips, etc. are standard for us. And we work with you to find the best solutions for your needs.
KeyTakeaways
Try before you buy. We will happily arrange test drives any time! Discover for yourself the difference in comfort between hub and mid-drive motors. Don’t take our word for it, comparison shop.
Find out the real cost, not just the purchase price. What comes standard? How much are “extras?” Is installation free? How long is the warranty and what do repairs typically run if the warranty has expired? We believe you’ll learn that custom built mid-drive eBikes like ours are the better value in the long run.
Please shop local. Whatever you choose, please buy from a local dealer. Whether it’s a Mom and Pop like us or another local – it’s all good. We need to support each other and our communities.
How do you transform a mountain bike into a street-fast, BMX style ride? By giving it a makeover from top to bottom.
This latest eBike build features brand-spanking new:
Fast-rolling Maxxis Hookworm street tires
BMX tall handle bars for upright pedaling
Suspension seatpost
Hydraulic brakes
California eBike power group set, w/ long-range battery, throttle, pedal assist, and mid-drive motor.
Programmable controller – 750 Watt Class 3
Color display
Speeds of 30+ mph
Mileage range 35-40+ depending on rider, terrain, and throttle use
The extra tall front fork guarantees room for the big battery, mounted on the frame underside. Comfort is king during high speed runs over rough pavement or gravel with our suspension seatpost.
If you’re looking for a highly maneuverable bike that turns on a dime (remember those? Ha!) – this ride is for you. $1700.
Arrange a Free Test Drive Today
Interested? Call or text us at 541-977-1700 to arrange a free test drive.
This unique BMX/comfort cruiser eBuild will be on view at Matt Cloninger’s custom home located at 1315 NW Mount Washington Drive in the NWX neighborhood. Watch for the COBA tour signs!
The Specialized Roll Sport
As a hybrid, the 2020 Roll Sport was an ideal candidate for eBike customization. We purchased it “factory fresh” from Hutch’s in Bend.
Before
After
For the eBike conversion, we installed a Luna Cycle Wolf power group set, consisting of a 1000 watt motor, controller, throttle, power cut-off brake lever, bling ring, and color display. We also added a front basket, rear rack, and mirror.
With a range of 35-40 miles and a top speed over 30 mph, this conversion is the bomb! It not only goes faster and further than a Rad, it weighs less. Total cost: $2,000. Sold to one of our favorite customers, Tom.
Envious? Let Us Build for You!
You can buy off-the-shelf or you can own a custom eBike from High Lakes eBikes LLC. It’s that simple.
Why Should I Choose a Custom Build?
Our eBike conversions use what you already own and make it better by adding a motor. We don’t send bikes to the bike graveyard, we reclaim them to live another day.
Installations are specifically designed to fit your needs.
Your comfort and safety is King – from specialized seatposts to grips, mirrors, bells, baskets, and anything else you want on your bike.
We use only the highest quality eBike kits on the market and the difference shows. Our mid-drive motors outperform the competition and result in a smoother ride.
We are honored to feature our Roll Sport in Matt Cloninger’s newest custom home at 1315 NW Mount Washington Drive. Why? Because Matt built our house 8 years ago and he’s awesome! He’s finishing a project now at Tree Farm and we’re excited to see what he builds next at Discovery West.
