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Aventon Ramblas vs Trek Marlin+ | Power vs Precision

I’m a fairly responsible adult (in most things). For example, I can set realistic budgets based on my income and expenses.

I’m also fairly knowledgeable about my passions and hobbies. I can identify and appreciate the differences between entry-level products, mid-tier ones, and premium ones. I tend to prefer the premium ones (go figure).

Sadly, it’s rare that my budget sees eye-to-eye with my tastes in the products I want. I know it’s a bit of an unrealistic ask, but I want top-tier products at rock-bottom prices. Since waiting on that seems foolish, I instead aim at getting the best of the middle tier with a price closer to the entry-level one.

That description applies well to two hardtail eMTBS: the Aventon Ramblas and the Trek Marlin+. Both are exceptional rides flush with desirable components and features, with a few standout ones that make the ride feel more premium. Either is great for hitting your local trails, and both work nicely as your one and only e-bike if you want to ride around town, too. Happily, neither will break the bank.

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The Low-Down on Hydrogen E-Bikes – No Batteries, Just Water

Imagine an e-bike powered by a battery the size—and weight—of a 16-oz. water bottle. For many e-bikes, that would mean a weight loss of 6-7 lbs. That’s what happens when an e-bike runs off of hydrogen rather than a lithium-ion battery. The German company HydroRide, using the brand name Hyryd, is producing several different models of e-bikes, all of which are powered by hydrogen gas. They aren’t the first to consider using hydrogen for fuel in an e-bike.

The why of hydrogen gas is pretty interesting, Hindenburg notwithstanding. Here’s the first good reason to use hydrogen gas to power an electric motor: While an e-bike battery takes hours to charge, even with a 4 or 5A charger, a hydrogen tank can be filled or “charged” in mere seconds. The tank can be pressurized to 1 megapascal (MPa), which translates to 145 psi. Once charged, the tank can provide as much as 40 mi. of range on a single charge.

What to Make Of 4-Wheeled “Car Bikes”?

City leaders face increasing pressure to reduce congestion and pollution in dense urban areas while also struggling with reduced parking as more and more spaces are given over to development for uses such as outdoor dining spaces. The advent of e-bikes has helped in this regard, but e-bikes can’t meet every contemporary transportation need. If only.

Delivery companies such as FedEx and UPS have instituted pilot programs in which they are testing four-wheeled e-bikes. Smaller than a traditional delivery truck, they are easy to park and offer a carbon footprint that is a fraction of that generated by big trucks. Plus, they can carry far more packages than a cargo e-bike is able.

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