Happy Valley
Active Member
You know, I'd appreciate if people actually tried to help with the original intent of the thread instead of distracting from it with unconstructive criticisms.
Anyways, to andy, it's clear we have a different set of values.
You talk about "total cost". The only thing that matters is "future costs" as past costs are sunk, and future costs are entirely situational..
Then you talk about performance. I care about performance, true, but I'm not trying to maximize the performance/price envelope.
For this, I care more about reliability. A parallel hybrid system would have supreme reliability compared to relying on one system or another. If the gas engine goes out, I should still have about 60 miles on an electric charge at a slower pace of 15-20 mph, assuming I contribute an average of 100-150 watts. I can fix whatever needs to be fixed at the next destination, and charge on route if need be. It would lengthen trip time in that emergency scenario, true, but I wouldn't be "stranded".
As to criticisms of the hybrid design, I think you're likely just hostile to electric systems in general. That's OK, if you don't see any advantages with them. However, I find substantial advantages with being able to go *wherever* I want, when I want, without noise disturbances nor dirty looks nor the thought of polluting the air that detriments the health of those around me. In urban areas, I try to avoid health-harming emissions as much as possible (or minimize my contribution), and electrics have a supreme advantage in this department. By using a hybrid system, I would be able to take advantage of the best features of electric while retaining the range advantages of gasoline. Furthermore, I can *take* away the gasoline part just by undocking the trailer so that I won't have its disadvantages in sensitive areas, nor the weight.
Also, this also has a large educational benefit, as towards my future phev that I'll likely custom make.
Yes, of course, well said. To each their own, couldn't agree more and why it's ultimately a decision of keeping one's own counsel.
ICE/Ebike hybrids can be realized in various configurations and I believe overall a goal certainly worthwhile in MBs. They'll be naysayers for those looking to innovate though I'd guess more motivated negatively by feeling excluded than by actual experience.
One thing I've noticed around here lately that never was apparent in the earlier days is more rigid and conformist thinking....for example toward cheaper clone knock-off engines or "fast" cheap department store bikes.
Seems like a lot of experimentation has been lost but perhaps it's just kept more private now.