Search found 3008 matches

by kenyan
Mon Oct 10, 2022 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric bikes
Replies: 57
Views: 5941

Re: Electric bikes

I ride an e-bike as a car replacement, and have for about 6 years. Only completely ditched the (family's second) car about 2 years ago, but it was wasting away in the garage before that. E-bikes are fantastic inventions and have the capability to transform your life, if you're willing. They can be expensive if used as a "toy," but if you actually replace car use with them, they are huge money savers. Not to mention improving your fitness, mood, and you minimize any personal contributions to local traffic, smog/emissions, noise pollution, and carbon if you care about any of those things. For shorter trips, they can actually save time over driving as well. I'm on my second bike now, and it's a real beast. Huge power and battery life...
by kenyan
Thu Aug 04, 2022 4:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's a good retirement/taxable ratio?
Replies: 40
Views: 5199

Re: What's a good retirement/taxable ratio?

faanger101 wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 6:25 pm For example, I assume if I'd like to retire at 70 it's good to have 100% funds in tax advantage retirement accs but if I want to retire at 25 I should have pretty much everything in regular accs.
Keep in mind that early retirement also includes 'regular' retirement. You're still going to fund those 59.5+ years. Even ignoring the various methods for getting money out of retirement accounts before 59.5, there isn't a good reason not to have dollars to fund your 'regular' retirement in those tax-advantaged accounts.

Of course, I also wouldn't ignore the methods for getting money out early (e.g. Roth conversion ladder, SEPP, Roth contribution withdrawals, HSA, etc).
by kenyan
Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If everything got more expensive over the past 2 years - where did the money come from?
Replies: 39
Views: 2969

Re: If everything got more expensive over the past 2 years - where did the money come from?

In 2016 I was able to get a 3.3% mortgage interest rate. Today it’s closer to 5%. A year ago I saw rates hovering around 3%….so we’re hardly richer and by todays rates we’re a lot poorer. Eh mortgage rates have only risen less than 1% from the bottom. 5% would be a ripoff. A lot of people bought or refinanced at very low rates. This gives them money to spend elsewhere and let them buy up a lot of the housing supply. I pay a very low rate on my mortgage. I might not have bought this house without it, and either bought a smaller one or rented. That would leave more supply for others looking at this size house. It also leaves me more money to spend on other things or buy a second house (as an investment not to leave vacant). You may not have ...
by kenyan
Mon Apr 18, 2022 11:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If everything got more expensive over the past 2 years - where did the money come from?
Replies: 39
Views: 2969

Re: If everything got more expensive over the past 2 years - where did the money come from?

It wasn't just the handouts to consumers, either...trillions handed out to businesses to stay afloat, and the extraordinary efforts by the Fed to keep interest rates low both through the near-zero lending rates and the bond buying. Low interest rates increase borrowing, which creates money due to reserve requirements.

There also has been a supply-side problem with factory shutdowns, supply chain issues, etc. Obviously some energy sector shock issues right now as well. Increase the money supply, decrease the supply of products, no big changes to demand (since pre-covid - shifts in where the demand is in certain sectors, but not a big decrease in overall demand). It's not that hard to figure out.
by kenyan
Tue Mar 22, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why the disdain for the SEPP? [Substantially Equal Periodic Payments]
Replies: 130
Views: 8093

Re: Why the disdain for the SEPP? [Substantially Equal Periodic Payments]

As Alan S. noted, the recent IRS change makes these much more attractive. The thing is, it doesn't need to be all-or-nothing. Your IRAs can be split into different accounts, and you could use one for 72(t) and one for Roth conversions, or just let it ride, or whatever. You could have multiple/staggered 72(t) plans if you wanted. It's not like the Backdoor Roth conversion where the IRS considers you to just have a single Traditional IRA that amalgamates all of your assets - the accounts can be separated.

I'm considering a strategy involving one 72(t) to cover some bare-bones fixed expenses, then rely upon taxable and Roth conversions to cover the variable part.
by kenyan
Tue Mar 22, 2022 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell ibonds or stock for downpayment?
Replies: 26
Views: 2940

Re: Sell ibonds or stock for downpayment?

Are the I bonds older than 5 years? If not, you're going to have to forego 3 months' interest to redeem them. These days, that's actually a hefty chunk of change. 3 months on 60k at current rates is over $1000.

Also, what is the fixed rate of the I bonds you're looking at redeeming? I'd be more hesitant to redeem bonds with rates above zero.
by kenyan
Tue Mar 01, 2022 1:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651389

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Eventually, there will be a rally that looks super fake but isn't. I don't feel like dealing with those feelings, so I'm going to avoid putting myself in a situation where I have to do that. I learned that lesson the hard way when I bought into the "dead cat bounce" argument of April 2020. Never again. Buy and hold. I think the hardest thing about market timing (besides getting it right) is dealing with the feelings that come with getting it wrong (and the financial fallout of potentially screwing yourself over big time). It should only be attempted by those who are already dead inside. Got a friend who had a windfall several years ago, but thought things were overpriced and due for a selloff. March 2020 came around, but he was t...
by kenyan
Mon Aug 16, 2021 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA + avoiding FICA
Replies: 7
Views: 1374

Re: HSA + avoiding FICA

sc9182 wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 12:45 pm If married/joint, my math is showing savings of approx $542.44 ($7100 max contribution * (4.2+1.65%) for FICA tax savings via employer-cafeteria plan HSA max 2021 contribution. If you are single, savings may be approx half that (haven't checked exact numbers/limits.. ballparking it), correct !?
OASDI taxes are 6.2% up to the SSWB, not 4.2%. 4.2% was in effect for a couple of years on the employee side, but other than that it's been 6.2% for a long time. If your income is higher than the SSWB + HSA contribution, naturally there's no savings on that side of things.
by kenyan
Mon Aug 16, 2021 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA + avoiding FICA
Replies: 7
Views: 1374

Re: HSA + avoiding FICA

wrongfunds wrote: Mon Aug 16, 2021 1:07 pm Doesn't regular 401K work the same way? I do not recall anybody claiming that it means "double tax-free"
Regular 401K contributions are still taxed via FICA.
by kenyan
Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 25x Income Metric with a Pension
Replies: 14
Views: 2222

Re: 25x Income Metric with a Pension

I think it's best to evaluate what income you need from your portfolio - the amount of money above and beyond your pension.

For example, you have a required income of $70k, and a pension of $30k - evaluate your necessary portfolio size based upon the gap of $40k. This is of course assuming that your pension is secure, and that you've accounted for taxes in your spending/income level.
by kenyan
Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 4% rule disputed (Again??!!)
Replies: 421
Views: 36222

Re: 4% rule disputed (Again??!!)

In other words, don't ever retire using stocks/bonds.

I agree with their statement that SWRs of 2.2% (or even less than 2.0% as implied by their chart) seems implausibly low. Anyone who really believes this sort of conclusion should just go for an SPIA or similar. Maybe even permanent life insurance, if we can't count on stocks to have a positive real return long-term.
by kenyan
Sun Mar 21, 2021 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are we in a housing bubble?
Replies: 687
Views: 180632

Re: Are we in a housing bubble?

It feels like a bubble. I have no idea what stage of the bubble, and there are fundamental reasons for a lot of the price increases - but aren't there (almost) always?

I'm buying a house for an interstate move right now, and will be selling our current one shortly. Just hoping that if it is a bubble, it doesn't pop in the next few months! Housing is hot where I live, but definitely hotter where I'm moving to. If the post-COVID economy comes roaring back, then I'm hoping things at least stay flat...or continue to go up for at least a bit longer.

I do think price/rent ratios are perhaps your indicator that things are getting out of whack.
by kenyan
Fri Jan 29, 2021 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Far is too Far, Commuting?
Replies: 220
Views: 34378

Re: How Far is too Far, Commuting?

I live in Los Angeles county. I've lived in various places that have had my commute between 20-40 minutes on the way home; going in is a bit better as I arrive at work very early. Anything longer than 30 minutes in traffic and I'm grinding my teeth. There are certainly people whom I work with who do 1-2 hours each way, every day. I can't fathom it. Soon I'll be commuting by electric bike. It'll be about 25 minutes each way, but far more enjoyable, cheaper, and better for my health. I made this change shortly after I posted it, and it was as advertised. Highly, highly recommended. I also switched over almost all other personal transportation to e-bike and am going to sell my car. The pandemic shut down commuting other than a day here or the...
by kenyan
Thu Oct 08, 2020 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flying during the pandemic
Replies: 94
Views: 7509

Re: Flying during the pandemic

Flew a RT on Delta with the family, which included a high-risk person. Middle seats blocked, and the flights had a number of empty seats besides. We loaded up on PPE and it felt ok. I personally would not feel safe without middle seats empty, but a number of airlines (United, American for example) are back to flying with full flights. From what I've read, the general cabin air is pretty safe; the risk is from the strangers in your immediate vicinity (mostly during the flight, but also during boarding/de-planing). I prefer to cut that number of strangers in half (as well as cutting out the nearest contact point) by having empty middle seats. Others have different comfort levels, but I don't think I can be convinced to fly in normal sardine f...
by kenyan
Mon Jul 20, 2020 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House not appraising to sale price
Replies: 51
Views: 8098

Re: House not apprising to sale price

batpot wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:37 pm
On a multiple-offer house, it's pretty egregious that the original appraiser came in that low.
We sure thought so! In the end, I suppose we made money off the whole ordeal (purchased for $9k less than offer, though we had to come up with an extra $7k in cash), but we paid for it in lost sleep and gray hairs.
by kenyan
Sat Jun 20, 2020 1:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House not appraising to sale price
Replies: 51
Views: 8098

Re: House not apprising to sale price

Happened to us as buyers. Contract price was $616k, appraisal came in at $550k. Market was rapidly rising at the time with minimal inventory, and comps were lagging. They had a second buyer at $610k, apparently. As we did have a financing contingency, our options were: (a) Come up with the extra $66k in cash (wasn't happening) (b) Get the seller to drop the price to $550k (wasn't happening) (c) Something in the middle of the above two scenarios (d) Get a re-appraisal (e) Void the contract We ended up doing (d), at the seller's expense - though I believe the seller ended up refusing to pay it after agreeing to do so, and their real estate agent ended up coughing up the fee to seal the deal. The second appraisal came in at $600k. We agreed to...
by kenyan
Fri Jun 05, 2020 3:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Calm Post - Stay the course thread.
Replies: 540
Views: 66851

Re: The Calm Post - Stay the course thread.

Rebalancing strategy is yet another thing I don’t understand...from reading it seems to be something...like investing in international stocks...that is all over the place. Some people rebalance once a year, I think I read John Bogel let things drift and others rebalance actively and often. Is there a “ boglehead “ philosophy on rebalancing? Well, you could read what the wiki says, but you're not going to find anything that tells you the right way to rebalance. What the boglehead philosophy will tell you to do is to come up with a plan, write it down in an Investment Policy Statement, and then follow that plan. It could be rebalancing annually, with new contributions only, within asset allocation bands, automatically (via a fund or service ...
by kenyan
Sun May 10, 2020 4:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899848

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

How are you guys doing so much better than market averages? Is it individual stocks (idiosyncratic risk) or did you guys time your new money contributions perfectly in late March? I am down somewhere between 10% and 13%. Not looking closely. Vanguard Total stock market is down 13.32% YTD which is my largest holding. New money has helped. But small compared to total portfolio. The title of the thread is, "What are you up YTD?" It is not, "What is your annualized return YTD?" Too many posters are getting up in arms about people using contributions...but that's exactly what the thread is titled. Thus, it is perfectly legitimate to include one's contributions. In the spirit of making the information potentially interesting ...
by kenyan
Fri May 08, 2020 12:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899848

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Down 10.5% even with Beardstown math and substantial cash infusions. Crushed by my small cap value.
by kenyan
Wed May 06, 2020 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pull-ups and Push-ups
Replies: 678
Views: 182123

Re: Need to be able to do 30 chin-ups

Certainly doesn't take a freak of nature, but you do need a good strength/weight ratio (which you presumably have, since you're starting at 18) and endurance. I've never tried to work solely on pull-up reps, but they've long been a part of my regular weightlifting (not so much chin-ups). Depending upon your age, I'd caution you against overworking/tendinitis. I'm in my early 40s now, and can still manage 30 reps unweighted (8x90 lbs weighted), but I have had both biceps tendinitis and tennis elbow in the last several years, and my injuries have usually been associated with pushing for the next goal, even when my body is starting to tell me to slow down. I do agree that weighted reps are nice to break up the routine, though I'm not sure how ...
by kenyan
Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LenderFi
Replies: 4
Views: 744

Re: LenderFi

In the midst of my LenderFI refinance right now as well. The first set of disclosures had taxes in escrow, and I called and told them I wanted to pay separately. The second set of disclosures removed them.

The amount of property tax in the quote, I gather, is just what they are legally obligated to put in. You don't actually pay any additional taxes when refinancing, and the amounts would eventually be reconciled.

Your rate will be locked after you sign the forms - but you certainly should work out whether or not you want taxes in escrow first.
by kenyan
Thu Apr 02, 2020 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone here depressed just looking at their portfolio?
Replies: 122
Views: 9475

Re: Anyone here depressed just looking at their portfolio?

I'm not depressed, but I am disappointed, as I was hoping to retire in a little more than a year, and that is no longer really a possibility, absent a rapid market recovery. Nevertheless, I'm sticking to the investing plan, contributing as usual and rebalancing to my AA. I am following my typical practice of avoiding looking at the totals when I can help it.
by kenyan
Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone Rebalancing Today, 3/16/20?
Replies: 36
Views: 2824

Re: Anyone Rebalancing Today, 3/16/20?

I rebalanced on 3/12, so I should be a bit (you know, maybe two more down days) away from another trigger. Following the IPS.
by kenyan
Fri Mar 13, 2020 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TLH but can't turn off 401k dividend reinvest
Replies: 5
Views: 540

Re: TLH but can't turn off 401k dividend reinvest

As others have noted, there should be no concern in this situation, for multiple reasons.
by kenyan
Fri Mar 13, 2020 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Useful limit to the carryover total from Tax-Loss Harvesting?
Replies: 4
Views: 581

Re: Useful limit to the carryover total from Tax-Loss Harvesting?

Thanks for replies all; I thought I responded but apparently that post didn't go through.

The plan to have 0% LTCG is theoretically permanent, but tax rates could change. I also don't personally plan to tax-gain harvest, since I'll want to keep my MAGI down anyway.

The $3k ordinary income deduction could still be be useful for many years, though. I had been thinking that I would likely be paying a negative tax rate for a while, but obviously that's due to credits, and I'll still have a marginal tax rate of 10 or 12%, so still some savings based upon that. Once again, things could change as well. Might as well stock up on some more losses while it's easy.
by kenyan
Thu Mar 12, 2020 11:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Calm Post - Stay the course thread.
Replies: 540
Views: 66851

Re: The Calm Post - Stay the course thread.

Not doing any 'what-ifs' because I followed (and continue to follow) my plan. A little sad that FIRE is likely no longer achievable when we hoped to do so (soon), and we'll have to keep working longer.
by kenyan
Thu Mar 12, 2020 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Useful limit to the carryover total from Tax-Loss Harvesting?
Replies: 4
Views: 581

Useful limit to the carryover total from Tax-Loss Harvesting?

I've been dutifully TLH since first opening my taxable investment account a few years ago. I now have the opportunity to harvest enough in losses to carryover the $3k limit for more years than I plan to earn a significant income. I'm in a fairly high tax bracket now (state + fed 33% income, 24% LTCG). I know that I could still use those losses to offset capital gains down the road, but what if offsetting those gains is of minimal use? My current plan is to be in the 0% LTCG bracket (federal and state) after a few more years. In that situation, many people are looking to tax-gain harvest, and my carryover losses wouldn't really net me anything useful that I'm aware of. My income in the future would primarily come from Roth conversions, capit...
by kenyan
Thu Mar 12, 2020 10:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rebalance now or wait
Replies: 5
Views: 601

Re: Rebalance now or wait

I put in an order to rebalance today because I will hit my IPS trigger to rebalance. What does your IPS say? You should follow that.
by kenyan
Mon Feb 03, 2020 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 528
Views: 86685

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

When I get a chance, I'm mostly playing Elder Scrolls Online right now. Picked it up during a BF sale on PC - I had it on Xbox way back when, but hadn't played in several years, and figured that I could play through the expansions and try out the new class. Playing almost entirely solo since I rarely have time to commit to a group dungeon.

I picked up Sekiro and will give that a go soon.

Other than that, randomly dabbling with some of the torrent of free games that are coming my way. Between Epic Games store, Xbox Gold, Twitch Prime - there's too much to even scratch the surface.
by kenyan
Wed Dec 04, 2019 5:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rotate purchases of tax loss harvesting partners?
Replies: 17
Views: 1753

Re: Rotate purchases of tax loss harvesting partners?

As someone that hasn't done this and has only read about it, one fine point that people in my situation seem to want to understand is how to deal with the "30 days before" part of the rule when selling. I think previous discussions indicate you can either wait for that limit to pass after your last purchase, or include the purchase(s) as part of your sale. The explanation is basically that the 30 day before and after rule has to do with not allowing the purchase of replacement shares, so if the recently purchased shares are sold they are not replacement shares. With these sorts of things, I think it makes sense to go to the primary source and not rely on forum discussion, and this seems to be what these discussions usually refere...
by kenyan
Wed Dec 04, 2019 1:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rotate purchases of tax loss harvesting partners?
Replies: 17
Views: 1753

Re: Rotate purchases of tax loss harvesting partners?

jdilla1107 wrote: Wed Dec 04, 2019 11:31 am The solution is to do what House Blend said and only be buying one of the pairs at a time.
I think that's what everyone is saying. Regarding your specific scenario - once you have taxable losses to harvest, you shouldn't be buying more of that fund, you should harvest the losses. I don't think anyone (other than the OP) is advocating regular purchases of both components of a TLH pair.
by kenyan
Wed Dec 04, 2019 10:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rotate purchases of tax loss harvesting partners?
Replies: 17
Views: 1753

Re: Rotate purchases of tax loss harvesting partners?

I think there is no point in doing this. First of all maybe you are thinking that if you buy something on Monday and sell 2 days later on Wednesday the same shares at a loss that this is a wash sale. It is NOT a wash sale. Basically, don't make tax-loss harvesting more complicated than it already isn't. Use your noodle when it comes time to tax-loss harvest. Isn’t that the definition of a wash sale? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wash_sale No, a wash sale is when you buy something on Wednesday that you sold on Monday at a loss. You only need to beware of a wash sale after you've sold something. Might as well keep buying the same fund until you actually sell. Having multiple funds to maximize your TLH opportunities would only matter if they'...
by kenyan
Thu Nov 14, 2019 3:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899848

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Up about 30% with Beardstown math.

Up about 16% based upon returns. Will actually do an XIRR once the year is up to get the real answer.
by kenyan
Tue Oct 22, 2019 4:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Pensions - Why Isn't Time In the Market a Part of the Formula?
Replies: 30
Views: 4701

Re: Pensions - Why Isn't Time In the Market a Part of the Formula?

The CalPERS/CalSTRS pensions (and many other government-sponsored pensions) are not solvent on their own, and the obligation formulas are not based upon actuarially sound math - at least compared to what could exist in the private sector. They don't need to be, as they have a very large backstop.
by kenyan
Tue Oct 22, 2019 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Putting Active Management to the Test
Replies: 143
Views: 27033

Re: Putting Active Management to the Test

Just wondering how far the numbers would swing if these were tax-adjusted returns.
by kenyan
Thu Oct 17, 2019 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA - bonus "Roth IRA"
Replies: 7
Views: 1557

Re: HSA - bonus "Roth IRA"

I'm assuming you're aware that you can only contribute to HSA when you have a HDHP? If you don't have a HDHP, you can't contribute. We switched to take advantage of the HSA this past year, which was the first year it was offered to us. The tax benefits of the HSA are unparalleled, if used correctly (tax-deductible, FICA-deductible, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawal). If you want to get the maximum benefit out of a HSA, you will: - Max it out now - Pay for all of your medical expenses out of pocket - Save all of your receipts for qualifying medical, dental, vision expenses - Eventually redeem against those receipts You don't need to withdraw against current medical expenses; expenses that you incurred at any time you had the HSA are eligi...
by kenyan
Tue Oct 08, 2019 2:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651389

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

I looked at the market this morning and then went to Boggleheads specifically for this thread. Not finding it on the first page is what really unnerved me. :shock: Speaking for myself, the S&P 500 at least has just been 'bunny hopping' for a while now, up a bit and then down a bit but not really going anywhere. It's pretty ho-hum actually. The bunny hopping has been happening since January 2018. When i see the media or posters on this forum calling this a 10 year bull market, I shake my head. I do too. The 'correction' last year was so darn close (within about .1%) to an 'official' bear market that the difference is pretty much meaningless. That being said, from January, 2018, through last month, U.S. stocks returned a little over 5% r...
by kenyan
Sun Sep 29, 2019 2:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much cash do you keep in your HSA?
Replies: 63
Views: 7092

Re: How much cash do you keep in your HSA?

First year having HDHP/HSA, but we just carry the minimum of $1000. Out of pocket for all medical expenses; the HSA is a retirement account for us.
by kenyan
Tue Sep 17, 2019 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alternatives to Subaru Outback?
Replies: 84
Views: 15225

Re: Alternatives to Subaru Outback?

When we ended up with our Outback (2014), I also test drove a Forester (N/A for you), Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape.

Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are nice (I have friends with each) but definitely bigger cars than the Outback. Might push out of your desired price range, as well.
by kenyan
Fri Sep 13, 2019 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

FlyAF wrote: Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:34 am For those with the Juiced CCS, how does this thing come shipped exactly?
The biggest problem for me (not having to change tires like the previous poster) was getting those darn fenders on right. I muddled through it, despite having near-zero experience working on bikes, and took it out for a test ride within the hour.
by kenyan
Thu Sep 12, 2019 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike head/rear lights
Replies: 31
Views: 2577

Re: Bike head/rear lights

A bright, strobing front light might be better for the daytime/dusk, but when it's dark out I want a solid front light. I need to see the path/road in front of me. Rears (I have 3, two that are visible from the sides as well) are all blinkies.

You HAVE to have lights when you're riding at night. I'm amazed at the number of people I see doing it - lights are cheap, and you're nearly invisible without them. That's where your death statistics at night are coming from. I don't feel particularly uncomfortable riding at night, because I'm more visible than during the daytime. My biggest fear is cars that forgot to turn their headlights on.
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

To each their own, but for me the choice is clear. Juiced Bike CrossCurrent S2. https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/crosscurrent-s2 Other bikes do not even come close, on a pure specs and cost basis. Mine should ship in late October ... in time for winter, i guess. Given that Juiced Bikes is an option, I don't know why people buy Rad Bikes. But, some people don't care about speed and power, so there's a market for everyone. Juiced suffers from a perception of mediocre support. I have one myself (as I mentioned upthread) and agree that there's no better bang-for-your-buck if you want a high-performance bike, outside of kits. My one support experience was...mixed, but in the end they did right by me. Hopefully they continue to improve in th...
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

TheMadEph wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 6:05 pm Once the mindset is changed, the e-bikes are life-changers.
Indeed. The most common mistake is that people see them as recreational devices for lazy people. I see them more as hyper-efficient (10-20 times more efficient than an electric car) and versatile transportation devices that also happen to give you a lot of exercise, time outdoors, and be loads of fun. Build your life around them and you'll be wondering why everyone else is wasting their lives sitting in traffic in their car.
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

dustinst22 wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 4:22 pm
bloom2708 wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 3:51 pm

Agree to disagree. Go father with less effort. Not the same.
With using pedal assist you can put in the same effort but faster.
Precisely. I don't stop working hard at pedaling just because I'm going faster than I 'deserve'. I enjoy the speed and pedal just as hard as I would without assist, some situations (hills) excepted.
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

If good e-bikes were $250 would you have one? I probably would too. Your use case (kid hauler, grocery getter) is a good one. Do you really have to go 30 miles (bike or car) to do errands? The cost/benefit is still out of whack because people don't likely sell their car. I wouldn't sell my pedal bikes (Brompton and Speciaized Fatboy) to get an e-bike. Maybe price/competition will increase like TVs. Maybe the utility will demand the prices stay high. Not sure. Good bikes aren't $250, either, and either of the bikes you own could purchase a good e-bike for the same price. As you'd expect, with battery technology driving the price more than anything else, e-bikes have been dropping in price even over the short time I've been paying attention ...
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

bloom2708 wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 1:43 pm
We are closer to the vision of the movie Wall-E where people sit in hover cars all day with no effort and cannot walk anymore. :mrgreen:
Do you really think an e-bike puts us closer to that? I think the personal automobile is by far the biggest problem shoving us in that direction. The e-bike is in the direction of goodness. My feeling from your comment is that you haven't actually tried an e-bike, though I apologize if I'm wrong. I pedal 100% of the time (ok, perhaps 99%) I'm using propulsion on my e-bike, and I enjoy doing so. With an e-bike, you pedal and feel like superman.
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

I've been riding my Juiced CCS (CrossCurrent S) for about 9 months now. One flat tire from a construction staple - no other issues. I crank up the assist to "S/sport" for my commute home and keep up with traffic in the 25 mph timed stoplight sections. Don't break a sweat unless it is hot outside and then that's after work, at least. Their newer version is about what I paid ($1700-1800) and now comes with a 52v battery for even more performance. Pretty good deal, I'd say, if looking for a commuter type bike. I have a single side pannier and a quick release trunk bag on the rack and take lunch/clothes in the removable bag to work with me. The pannier holds things like climbing gym items or mail that I drop off on the ride to work. ...
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

batpot wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 11:09 am
However, mid drive are required for most applications, in order to get enough clearance for disc brake calipers.
Also, belt drive eliminates most of the maintenance issues; even better with a Rohloff/Enviolo drive train.

See:
https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/embark
I think you must be referring to kits - plenty of hub drives have disc brakes (including mine). The frame is modified vs. a normal bike. Not throwing any shade at mid drives, though - I'd love to have a belt-driven mid-drive, but they're $$$.
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

I have an Xtracycle Edgerunner 10E kid-hauler with Bosch mid-drive E-assist. I'm a Boston "Streetcar" Suburb commuter to the downtown core. It's allowed me to skip taking public transit options for my commute and allow me to skip past lots of school traffic for dropping kids off at their respective schools. I've put almost 6000 miles on it since I purchased it in April 2018 (probably 4x the mileage I would have done if I had a non E-Assist bike). You learn required maintenance -- I've gone through 3 chains, 3 cassettes, a set of rotors, new rear wheel and countless brake pads. For the most part - the E-Assist part is maintenance free. But the speed, weight and how much I ride on it (including winters) makes the wear components go...
by kenyan
Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12353

Re: Electric Bicycles

I think some of these e-bikes (like the Rad series) look awesome. I have a question for those that use them ... how do you handle security? Basically, how do you lock them up ... could someone steal just the battery without much effort, etc. I guess I would put a removable lock box on the back, too, in addition to panniers, so that if I was shopping several places I could place my shopping from the first place in the locked box (hopefully) and also my rain gear or cold gear, etc. One more question, how hard is it to fix a flat? The tires look customized. Batteries do come with locks. If I were parked somewhere sketchy for any extended time, I'd probably take the battery with me. Other than that, just lock it up like you would any reasonabl...