http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/ Engadget Comments for Panasonic's Titanium Flat Road EB electric bicycle is almost cheating http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 6:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 6:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/sabakunotora.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2260
http://www.yellowjersey.org/pana.html
http://www.yellowjersey.org/panateam.html

"Panasonic DX 2000
Ten-Speed!

Hard to believe that Panasonic used to make bicycles! As you can see, the "new" Panasonic DX 2000 is actually a Fax machine! However, the "old" (and much more loved!) Panasonic DX 2000 was a hand made ten-speed bicycle that brought me a quarter century of riding pleasure!

For me, it all started in the very early 80s when I bought my brother Randy's Panasonic DX 2000 ten-speed to help him with a little college tuition and to provide myself with a ride to my own college classes (I was on the GI-bill and had more cash than him at the time...). I think I paid $100 in five, $20 installments to pay for the bike. Anyway, that very same Panasonic has served me well, all the way into the summer of 2006, for all kinds of errands and trips around the neighborhood.

It was in July 2006 that I spent over $400 to upgrade the ol' Panasonic to something a little more modern. Although a bit extravagant, I spent the money because I love the Panasonic's 27 inch frame and also because the overall bike, itself, hasn't been much of a "theft magnet" for the quarter century I've owned it - half the time I park it without even locking it! Anyway, for $400 a local bike shop provided me with a new chain, rear cassette, rear wheel, brake handles, cables, shifters, two tubes, two tires, and handlebar tape. Unfortunately the Panasonic's old frame was a bit too narrow to add any more gears without a lot more expense so I'm "stuck" with just 14 speeds instead of a "Granny Gear" or other configuration for our steep, hilly neighborhood.

Nevertheless, the $400 seems to have been well spent as the new technology has completely changed my Panasonic - the ride is incredibly smooth and the shifting is simply a dream - no longer do I have to reach down to the middle of the frame to change gears! Unfortunately I didn't think to photograph the bike in its original configuration. Nevertheless, you can get a good idea of what a Panasonic DX 2000 looks like in these pictures I took immediately after the bike shop's upgrades - I hope to continue riding it, as a local commuter bike, for the remainder of my life... "
http://www.rogerwendell.com/cycling.html]]>Feb 22nd 2008 8:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 6:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
This would alleviate my need to either ride the urine aroma filled bus OR drive.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 2:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 4:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
The reason why it is important that it is a college that I work at is because I have to wear a suit, and there is no driving onto campus. I have to walk or take a bus once I get here, and being that I do my grad teaching and studies at several building across campus it would be nice to be able to bring my bike to work to do so. Afterall, bikes are the IDEAL way to get around here if you don't need to dress professionally.

I can't do this, however, because there are so many hills on my way to work and on the campus itself, that I would be drenched in sweat by the time I got there. And no, I cannot pack a 3 piece suit while riding a bike to work. They don't store well in a backpack...

And that is why this being a college town / full of hills is important.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 6:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/10Km/h is too slow,and you can travel at that speed with very few fatigue
]]>Feb 22nd 2008 7:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
That means 20km/hour dude.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 11:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
Which, if the average person can run a mile in 10 minutes.

Then we're looking at something that goes roughly twice the speed that someone can run.

I'm not all that impressed.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 2:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
can i buy carbon ONsets?]]>Feb 22nd 2008 7:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
Sweet!]]>Feb 22nd 2008 7:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
]]>Feb 22nd 2008 7:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 7:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
"...(or up to 150 kilometers if you use your own strength every now and then)"

It does pay to read.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 7:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 8:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
Since you seem to be a fan of reading, here's some good relevant material:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joke
]]>Feb 22nd 2008 8:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 7:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
However if it could recapture energy from BRAKING then that would be great!
]]>Feb 22nd 2008 2:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 8:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
It pays to keep reading!

"...it can propel riders a maximum of ten kilometers in around half an hour (or up to 150 kilometers if you use your own strength every now and then)..."]]>Feb 22nd 2008 7:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 8:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 8:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 9:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
]]>Feb 22nd 2008 9:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 3:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 10:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 11:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
http://www.panabyc.co.jp/products/electric/EPW.html]]>Feb 22nd 2008 12:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 5:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
Would be good if they make the bike charge when you peddle...
And while Im not interested in a motor taking over the job I wouldnt mind a motor assisting some of the time, like up a hill. or when your a little too tired.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 12:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 1:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
Also, does it charge when you pedal? Or do you have to plug it in? (e.g. like a hybrid car?)]]>Feb 22nd 2008 3:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
I have damaged knees, so the electric bike makes pedaling *easier*, but if I only apply 10% - 50% throttle, I still need to pedal to get anywhere in any decent amount of time. Sure, I can cruise at full-throttle if I want, but even when I intend to do that, I find myself pedaling. Besides, going full-throttle uses up the battery faster. If I pedal AND throttle, I can get 30+ miles on my bike before the battery gets too low to be useful. If I just rely on the motor, it's more like 15 miles, maybe 20 if it's flat ground the whole way.

No electric bikes that I know of charge from pedaling. It's not efficient. The amount of pedaling you'd need to do to charge the battery is way too high for it to be of any use. Pedaling will build up a small charge in my electrical system if the battery's not connected-- Enough to turn on my lights for a few seconds or sound my horn for one blast, but that would be after about 20 minutes of pedaling.

The "pedal-assist" type of bike that you describe, Nutsy, can be found in the IZIP Enlightened series of bikes. Costly, but they are ONLY pedal-assist, and require that you pedal them for them to move. The upside of these bikes is that they look exactly like a normal bike, and are very lightweight because they use the latest motor/battery technology, and the electronics are all hidden.


]]>Feb 22nd 2008 4:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
That means I'm almost never in traffic, and I appreciate that.]]>Feb 22nd 2008 4:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
Are you guys sure it's 150, and not like, 50, or 15?]]>Feb 22nd 2008 5:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
although then again it's japan, so who knows?]]>Feb 22nd 2008 8:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 5:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/Feb 22nd 2008 7:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/panasonics-titanium-flat-road-eb-electric-bicycle-is-almost-che/
I have ridden and raced road and mountain bikes since 1984, but wearing "corporate, professional attire" and trying to commute to work is just not possible. Hard to pack a suit, keep it wrinkle free and clean on a bike. For those of you that say, "oh just ride a bike" and stuff like "just pedal" and other lame comments - I have and use my bikes for recreation and I am all the motor I need when I am playing on my bikes. But an electric bike becomes a form of transportation, NOT recreation!

Write to Panasonic - write to your local bike shop - and ask someone to start importing these great commuting tools! They have had high quality electrics in Japan for YEARS and all we have are the junk kits and companies like Giant and Zap (both made good products) who come and go because they don't sell here. Maybe now with wallet draining gas prices, they will!

]]>May 13th 2008 4:00PM