We sell and service Human Power Augmented a.k.a. Electric bikes and ride them enthusiastically ourselves. See also our folding bikes at Folding Bikes West.
Our Seattle store sells assembled bikes for pick up in the store. Come in and place your order, phone or email us.
Electric Bikes Northwest
4810 17th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107 - Map
ph: 206/547-4621
Email form
March Hours:
Mondays thru Fridays: 11–6
Saturdays: 11–4
Sundays 7, 21 & 28th: Noon–3
Sunday 14th: Closed, visit us 10–4 at Seattle Bicycle Expo.
Today manufacturers offer an astonishing selection of componentry for shifting gears. Shifting has been made easier by the introduction years ago of index (or "click") shifting technology and the twist grip handle bar control.
There is renewed interest in internally geared hubs. Some of us may remember the English 3-speed systems of old. Today not only 3-speed but 4-, 5-, 7- and 8-speed hubs are proliferating.
It may be hard to make the case that more than a few gears are needed on many electric bike rides. Some of us engage but a few. The number of gears is usually not as important as how low the lowest and how high the highest gears are. This is measured in 'gear inches' (found elsewhere on this web site).
Shifting gears—despite the fabulous development of technology—remains a modest mystery to some riders and awkward to many more. Fewer gears to fuss with can mean a more pleasant ride.
The purpose of gearing is, of course, to add leverage. In the case of the electric bike the added motor power may equate to up to several times that of what the rider can pedal. If many riders seem to manage quite well with actually just using a few gears on a pedal-only bike, a few gears ought thus to be ample on an electric bike.
Here is how our currently sold makes/new models are geared:
Internal hub:
Derailleur:
Single speed:
Copyright © 2009 EbikesNW