Choice of trike
We wanted a carrier that was comfortable, reliable, stable. Indeed, riding long hours daily requires a significant physical commitment to the cyclist and subjects the bike to a lot of mechanical stress, especially with the addition of a solar structure. We therefore wanted to focus on robustness and comfort.
The trike was purchased and equipped for Sun trip Europe 2021. We made the course with 2 and equipped 2 identical bikes to benefit from the same advantages and disadvantages and to be able to ride at an identical pace.
The aerodynamic efficiency and performance of the bike were not really a criterion because we had no objective on the Sun trip other than to have fun.
A review of the different types of bikes that meet these constraints made us choose a trike. The seat and the lying position are conducive to prolonged efforts without too much postural stress. The 3-wheeled carrier helps limit the risk of falling and the bike can be parked easily anywhere without difficulty. It is also quite easy to integrate a solar roof without too many points of weakness.
Technical presentation
Bicycle
- AZUB Ti-Fly 26, suspended front and rear
- 2 front wheels 20''
- 1 rear wheel 26''
- 2 mechanical disc brakes at the front, each controlled by a brake handle: Avid BB7
- Each brake handle is "lockable" to serve as a parking brake
- Schwalbe marathon tyres plus 1,75''
- Crankset: 3 chainrings 48/36/26
- Rear cassette 9v 11-34
- Shimano SPD pedals
- Lighting:
- Fixed front and rear lighting connected to the bike battery
- A flashing rear light rechargeable via USB
- A high-power headlight on independent battery to drive at night
- 4 bottle doors
- 1 handlebar bag fixed on the side of the seat to store everyday items (cereal bars, wallet, etc …)
- 4 panniers on the luggage rack including one for the battery
- 1 USB socket for charging electronic devices
Motorization
- Rear wheel motor RH212 1000W
- Cycle analyst to manage assistance power, battery charge, downhill regeneration
Battery
- Battery 48V, 23Ah
Solar
- 4 panels Sun travel 120Wc
- The panels are fixed. Not being outstanding do-it-yourselfers and looking for a reliable and robust system, we chose to keep it simple with a fixed structure.
- The solar structure is made with aluminum profiles purchased from Systeal.
- In order to optimize the load during breaks, it is possible to tilt the bike by pressing it on an aluminum tube bought in a DIY store. The tube is placed on the ground and rests on the solar structure.
- 3 MPPT regulator purchased at Déclic-eco
Some pictures of the assembly of the structure
Feedback
The bike met beyond our expectations, with a little preventive maintenance to monitor the tightening of the various elements. We did nothing but lubricate the chain during the Sun trip: no broken parts or supports, no electrical problems, no punctures. And despite a bike not necessarily cut for speed, we achieved beautiful distances, beyond what we had imagined possible.
I now use the bike almost daily for commuting, and still no mechanical glitches after 16000km. I recently replaced the chain and tires. Nothing else to note, except that the whole is very reliable: I am content with periodic checks and regular degreasing/lubrication of the transmission.
Total budget, around 8000€
- Cost of use for 16000km:
- Tire set: 79€
- Channel: 54€
- Degreaser : 9€
- Lubricant: 11€
- 5 recharges on the domestic electricity network: 0.85€
- Total : 153.85€ or 0.9ct/km
