So, VBike needs to give a big shout out and huge praise to the work of Brattleboro’s bike shops, Burrow’s Specialized Sports and Brattleboro Bike Shop. It certainly wouldn’t be happening quite like this without their buy in. Both shops have totally hung in there with us while we helped them to explore the range of creative bike designs and technologies that can bring Vermont to a whole new level in bicycle mobility. We have always said that there are all these incredible “green mobility centers” sprinkled around Vermont that have the potential to radically transform the way many of us get around and experience our stunning landscapes and beautiful communities. We typically call these centers “bike shops”, but unfortunately most of these shops just don’t seem to be aware of their amazing potential.
Check out this sampling of the e-bike users in the Brattleboro area (except for the ELF). Most of these pictures were taken within the past couple of months. We think you'll be impressed > > > CONTINUE READING BELOW... | |
However, one of the big parts of this story has been the e-assist conversion kits. A conversion kit allows you to transform your favorite bike, or practically any bike, into an e-bike. Both shops are now signed up with Dillenger Electric Bikes to sell and install their extensive line of add-on kits. This includes the amazing Bafang mid-drive kits that go perfectly with most types of bikes and especially the cargo bikes. These e-assist systems are very powerful, customizable, and easy to use. Both shops have also installed other Dillenger front and rear hub assist kits. In addition to this, Burrow’s has sold and mounted Hilltopper conversion kits for many local folks. The Hilltopper is decent entry level front hub motor kit.
All this is part of the silent revolution going on in Brattleboro - the conversion kits can be pretty stealthy and many folks might not even be aware of what they are seeing. These add-on systems are one of the reasons why we have more and more cyclists riding in Brattleboro.