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Bicycle Crumbs Reviews: Introducing the LeMond Prolog All Road E-Bike

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Bicycle Crumbs Reviews: Introducing the LeMond Prolog All Road E-Bike

Launching today, the LeMond All-Road Prolog E-Bike is the dropbar sibling of the original super-commuter/hybrid Prolog, which we reviewed last year. Equipped with Shimano GRX di2 and Mahle X35+ rear hub motor, the complete carbon build weighs in at under 30lbs. Richard Pool (aka Bicycle Crumbs) has been putting the Prolog AR through its paces in Portland, OR for the past few weeks and, below, provides a first look at the bike’s tech/design, and proposes which types of riders it’s best suited for…

The LeMond Prolog E-Bike Review: There’s Lots to Talk About

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The LeMond Prolog E-Bike Review: There’s Lots to Talk About

Sometimes a product has stories to tell which go beyond simply comparing the function and aesthetic of objects. These stories can be controversial, and they can be intriguing. Simply mention the name LeMond and anyone who’s been around bikes will have something to say – and now that conversation includes lightweight carbon e-bikes.

The LeMond Prolog, and its step-through stablemate the Dutch, have lots to talk about. Greg LeMond’s Tour de France wins and the history of the LeMond Racing Cycles brand. LeMond’s anti-doping stance and conflicts with Lance Armstrong and Trek. The LeMond Carbon Company’s US-based carbon manufacturing that’s suited to much more than just a couple of urban e-bikes. The seamless integration in those e-bikes of essential components often written off as accessories. And, the potential bikes like this have to disrupt transportation paradigms.

Sure. These bikes are relatively expensive, mostly recreational machines – but just as ideas tested and experience gained in Formula 1 racing cars and World Cup mountain bikes eventually trickle down into more accessible consumer products, LeMond’s cutting-edge products offer a glimpse into what might be around the corner in our own apartments, office building bike rooms, and much, much more.

LeMond Prolog e-Bike Review (e-Assist): A Week with an E-bike – Two Bikes Knoxville

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LeMond Prolog e-Bike Review (e-Assist): A Week with an E-bike – Two Bikes Knoxville

How I ended up writing this review of the LeMond Prolog is a bit surreal.

I’ve lived in Knoxville, Tennessee for the past ten years, where I’ve managed to carve out a career in the nonprofit bike space at Two Bikes Knoxville. About a year ago, my pal Matt Zingg and I started a nonprofit bike shop called Two Bikes, which has kept us pretty busy. I still get out on rides a few times a week, but my cycling is largely practical these days. I ride to work, to get groceries, to go to the community garden.

I mention this because whenever I read a review I always want to understand the perspective of the author. I’m really passionate about bringing folks together to have fun outside and about resolving the inefficacy of America’s transportation system. Bikes tick both of those boxes for me, so I really like bikes.

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Kenevo SL vs Kaiju

At this point, people have their opinions about e-bikes but I think we can all agree that a good Kaiju battle is always entertaining. Specialized has been killing these new videos!

USDA Forest Service Issues Proposed Guidance to Manage e-Bike Use on National Forests and Grasslands

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USDA Forest Service Issues Proposed Guidance to Manage e-Bike Use on National Forests and Grasslands

e-Bikes aren’t going anywhere. They are a part of cycling and they’re here to stay. That means various forestry management departments are trying to find out what regulation these electronic bicycles need. I’m well are this is a heated topic and there are a lot of opinions about e-bikes, so now’s your time to let your voice be heard.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service is requesting public input on proposed updates to the agency’s internal directives on how e-bikes are managed on national forests and grasslands. These proposed updates are in alignment with the Secretary of Agriculture’s direction to increase access to national forests and grasslands, and would provide needed guidance for line officers to expand e-bike access while protecting natural resources and other forest uses.”

Read more at the USDA website, where you can learn how to submit a public comment.

If you’ve read the above-linked memorandum, then you see how important it is what we VOTE!

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E-Adventures With Steve McClure

Steve McClure is one of the UK’s best climbers and has set some of the hardest routes. A bike keeps Steve in shape, climbing is demanding on your body, requiring total body fitness. Check out this video showcasing how Steve uses his Cairn e-bike to access areas that would otherwise require long hikes or 4WDs.

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Convert Just About Any Bike to an e-Bike with Swytch

Retrofitting an older bike is always better than buying another bike, in my opinion. With the rise of e-bikes for urban, commuter markets, products like Swytch look to allow users to convert their bikes to e-bike using their kit. Swytch makes kits for Bromptons and other commuter-style bikes, starting at $449! See all the details at Swytch!

Why Ride One Bike When You Can Ride Two?

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Why Ride One Bike When You Can Ride Two?

Stephanie and I have been eyeing up cargo bikes basically since we found out we were pregnant early last year. But would it be a good financial move to drop $5000+ on a new setup when we’re also running on one income? Knowing we’d likely be taking the winter off of family biking with Sophia on the younger side, we had lots of time to consider the options and make sure we had the money ready when the time came.

Last summer, we borrowed a friend’s Bullitt for a camping trip. Super rad. Denver loved riding up front. Yet we had our suspicions confirmed that a bike that weighs 60 pounds dry is a tough sell when you live in a hilly area like we do. Load that up with kids or dogs and the rest of the stuff you need every day, let alone on a camping trip, and you’ll quickly find yourself back in the car.

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OBST&GEMÜSE + Elian Cycles Ultimate e-Cargo

This OBST&GEMÜSE + Elian Cycles is not your standard e-Cargo bike…

“For their 10 year anniversary, OBST&GEMÜSE, the Basel based bike shop, has worked together with Dutch frame builder Elian Cycles to develop the perfect cargo bike. Not only is it lightweight, maneuverable and beautiful, but it’s also fast. Really fast. Thanks to its MAXON rear hub MX25 Boost motor.

The OBST&GEMÜSE + Elian Cycles Ultimate e-Cargo is based upon Elian Veltman’s Classic Cargo Tour model. A bike that reached international recognition and acclaim for its gorgeous design.

This bike opens up new possibilities: bring your kids on the group ride, go off-road with your cargo or just have fun while you’re delivering your freight faster.”

See more at OBST&GEMÜSE + Elian Cycles!

Sycip Designs, Shimano and ENVE Created Trans Cascadia Trail Work Rigs

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Sycip Designs, Shimano and ENVE Created Trans Cascadia Trail Work Rigs

Trail work is tough and that is a massive understatement. For the crew that runs Trans Cascadia each year, it means loading up chainsaws, fuel, and other tools, usually on their back, as they pedal into the great unknown that is the wild Oregon backcountry. Usually, the singletrack is overgrown, with felled trees, and other obstacles the crew needs to clear. In years past, the team has utilized motos when possible, but they can be large and cumbersome, so this year, the team at Trans Cascadia worked with Jeremy at Sycip Designs to make something extra special, just in time for Sea Otter…

Riding e-Fatbikes on the Beach to go Surfing in France

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Riding e-Fatbikes on the Beach to go Surfing in France

No, this isn’t a troll and yes, I’m aware of the polarizing nature of this particular topic of discussion but I can’t help but say I had a lot of fun making this short gallery.

As the editor, or owner, or whatever you want to call me, I tend to hold a certain sensitivity to topics here on the site. Or at least I am mindful of the Radavist’s impact on riding, even in the smallest of ways. E-bikes, for whatever reason, tend to generate a lot of flack and rightfully so. There’s the issue of trail stewardship, of accessibility, or perhaps it just looks wrong on paper. Or in this case, on screen. There have been tons of op-ed pieces circulated over the internet over the years, of all I have not read. Personally, I’m more of an experiential learner. I like to actually try something before putting my opinion down. Just a few weeks ago, I was finally able to truly use an e-bike. Not just in a cruise around a bike shop’s parking lot kinda way, but actually use one.

Strange Context

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Strange Context

After Ranger Camp, I had a few days before an engagement in Scotland, so Robin from Blackburn Design and I took a road trip, stopping in Bilbao for an evening and then in Southern France to visit our friend Greg. This afternoon, after catching up on emails, we took Greg’s e-fatbikes on a ride to the beach and up to this WWII bunker on the beach. I gotta admit, I never thought that sentence would come from my fingers on this website. Ha!