Biking

My biking adventures started in the 1980’s as ‘collateral gain’ from being in the mountains and seizing the opportunity. From downhill biking to long distance rally’s, I have done some. We best liked bikepacking routes like the Torino-Nice Rally, the Danube Cycle Paththe Parenzena, the Heckmair Transalp and the Grand Traversée du Massif Central.
Nowadays I’m exploring the possibilities of eBike touring, moderate offroading and more functional eBike usage in combination with our Motorhome.


Lacros Mustang Bike

Meet our Lacros Mustangs. This foldable fat-tired bike is built for outdoor adventure. As far as we are concerned, this is a hybrid bicycle, suitable for both paved roads and unpaved surfaces like crushed stone, gravel roads, hard packed dirt, sand and beach.

Capabilities:
First of all: this is a very user friendly bicycle, offering instant pleasure! You can ride it and get to know the settings and possibilities as you go. With a 250W rear wheel motor, the 7-speed Shimano gear set, extra wide tyres, front fork suspension and ample power assistance settings, it has no trouble conquering gravel, grass, soft sand or smooth asphalt. We particularly like the performance on hilly terrain. You can use a modest or moderate power assistance setting I use level 1 or 2, because the boost lever provides instant maximum power assistance level 9 when needed. This way, you’ll only use extra battery capacity if needed. The specified range of 40-80 km is pretty accurate, depending on terrain and settings.

Storage and Transport:
The foldable frame helps with easy storage. Eventhough this is not the lightest bike, folding and unfolding takes little effort. For your typical motorhome internal garage, folding the steering handle and pedals will probably be enough to make two bikes fit easily. Garages with reduced height may require the bike to be fully folded. If mounted on an external carrier, make sure it has eBike capability and will take wide tyres (like the Thule EasyFold XT fatbike bundle). I am aware of only one possible roofrack system that might make transport on a car roof somewhat feasible. For all systems, loading ramps will be.

Appearance:
We love to looks of this eBike! He looks tough but not clumsy, medium-sized but mature, he has a nice color scheme and the proportions are ideal. Do not mistake this bike for a ‘fatbike’! Apart from the fat tyres, there is no resemblance. The Mustang has an excellent ergonomical sitting position, it has a way better appearance and it can be manoeuvred through narrow obstacles more easily. Nor is it a ‘standard’ folding bike. The extra wide tires are vital when driving on all uneven surfaces and the front suspension adds loads of comfort on any terrain.

Technical:
The 13Ah/36V Li-ion Polymer battery is centre placed in the frame, which helps with the weight distribution, it is removable and secured with a lock. The Mustang has electrical assistance up to (the legal limit) 25 km per hour. The weight is 27kg (without the 3,1kg battery) and the maximum carrying load is 130kg. It’s folded dimensions are 92x50x76cm.

Practical Notes:

  • The wide fat inner tubes are very easy to free from the rim and outer tyre, making repairing punctures a breeze! After putting it back in, first inflate it halfway so you can position it properly in the outer tyre.
  • To keep the tyre free from the floor: Place something under the sprocket guard, underneath the bottom bracket.
  • We use a CO2 inflator with inflation knob and pressure gauge te reinflate. This allows us to use some air to locate the puncture, fill the tyre half for positioning and bring it up to (20psi) pressure. This takes one 25gr CO2 cartridge.
  • If you like a quick-mount system to use bags or baskets on your carrier, please note that the MIK system does not fit the wide, sturdy tubes of the carrier. But the AVS system does if you use the ‘Atran Velo Adaptor Newrack Uni X-Wide AVS’.
  • The handlebar display has a USB connector to charge a phone or navigation system.
  • With regards to rougher terrain use: If you find it necessary to be able to reach the ground with your feet whilst seated ánd you are shorter than 1.8m, I recommend that you try the bike first.

Specs/Components:

  • Gears:
    • Cassette: Shimano Multiple Freewheel MF-TZ500 7-speed, 14-28T
    • Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY300
    • Shifter: Shimano Tourney 7v SL-TX50-7R
  • Chain: KMC Z1 Narrow EPT
  • Breaks:
    • Calipers: Tektro MD-M300 Aries mechanical
    • Rotor: Tektro TR-52, Front: Ø160 / Back: Ø180, 1.8mm thick)
    • Pads: Tektro E10.11 (Organic)
    • Levers: Tektro CL530-RS V-brake 4 finger zwart
  • Seatpost: diameter 30,9mm, length 35cm 
  • Saddle: Justek 
  • Suspension: RST Guide
  • Tyres: Outer: CST Big Boat, ETRTO 100-406 (20”x4.0”)
  • Battery: Velotec Li-ion PYTES-DS 36V/13Ah/468Wh
  • Battery Chargers:
    • 100V-240V: ST Electronics Lion charger 36V-2A STC-8101LC
    • 12v (car): ST Electronics Lion charger 36V-2A STC-5102LC (Optional)
  • Computer: C500B


Bicycle Locks

Locking your belongings in an outdoor environment is paramount, and the locks you use should have a high level of security. Whether you leave your bike at the beginning or end of a route or ride, it’s usually clear that you’ll be away for an extended period. It’s important to secure your bike to a fixed object in a visible location so thieves can’t operate unhindered. Furthermore, it should take a long time for them to crack your lock. That’s the best protection, and high-security locks can be helpful in this regard. These are the locks I use:

AXA Fold Ultra 90, Folding Lock with Bracket

The AXA Fold Ultra 90 is a high quality folding lock. Measuring 90cm, it has ample reach to span a secure object. It is specifically developed for bicycles that are parked for a longer period of time in an area with a high theft risk. The bracket can be bolted on the bottle cage mounts or with the 2 strips supplied. It has an anti-rattle mechanism, preventing a noisy ride. The cylinder is protected against moisture and dirt. Furthermore, the links have a rubber housing to prevent scratching the bike. I particularly like it to be a small sized folded lock, mounted to the bike. So it is always present and at hand.
Independent Security Classifications (verifiable): SBSC and ART 2 star

AXA Newton Pro, U-Lock with Bracket

The AXA Newton Pro is the new powerhouse in the U-lock range. Featuring chic stainless steel details, easy to carry with you and approved for insuring both bikes and light motor vehicles. The Newton Pro has a modern design, is made from hardened steel and has an anti drilling plate in the cylinder.. The U-bracket’s diameter is 17 mm. The anti-drill cylinder features a manual cover to protect it against moisture and dirt, and this optimises the lifespan of your lock. With its length of 190 mm, the U-bracket is long enough to manoeuvre through the wheel of your machine or to connect it to a fixed object. The accompanying holder is easy to fasten to your frame and ensures comfortable transport of your U-lock. The AXA Newton Pro is supplied with 2 keys and is covered by an international online key service.
Independent Security Classifications (verifiable): ART 3, Sold Secure Gold and Varefakta.

AXA Floor Anchor

The AXA Wall and Floor Anchor can be mounted on the wall or floor and can be used inside or outside. With a chain the bicycle can then be attached to the steel bracket. The wall/floor anchor has a secure hardened steel housing and a 14 mm diameter hardened steel bracket. The anchor is approved for bike insurance. A smart choice to secure your bike (or anything).
Independent Security Classifications (verifiable): ART 4 star approval.



AXA Bicycle Lights

AXA Nxt 130 E-bike Front Light. We have upgraded our eBike lights to be more suitable for off-road biking. The AXA Nxt 130 is an E-bike front light with a light output of 130 lux and is specially designed to connect directly to a 12V E-bike battery. The front light has a landscape design that fits the geometry of the E-bikes perfectly! The integrated reflector is an extra safety aspect, as you are better seen by other traffic. The Nxt offers a great light distribution. The near-field illumination and wide beam makes sure that you have great sight in front of you but also over 10 meters ahead. The aluminium housing is strong, durable and takes care of an even heat dissipation. It comes with a bracket so you can mount it on all standard forks or with a one-arm aluminium handlebar bracket.
Light Beam: 140 meters ‘to see’ and 7000 meters ‘to be seen’.

AXA Juno E-bike 6-12V 80 mm Brake Light. We have upgraded our eBike lights to be more suitable for off-road biking. This is a e-bike specific 6-12V rear light with brake light function (which in fact is a deceleration function) and an integrated reflector. Ours has a mounting distance of 80 mm, but they come in a 50mm version as well. The stop light function makes cycling in traffic more safe, but excels in winding off-road conditions. It activates automatically at a specific speed decrease/deceleration), so followers can see you slowing down.
Light Beam: 500 meters ‘to be seen’



Airwings Comfort1Plus Seatpost Suspension

If you’re looking for a comfortable yet robust seat post suspension, the Airwings Comfort1Plus is the right choice! The active responsiveness will appeal to all discerning riders. Two steel springs do the actual suspension, which can be easily adjusted to ones weight. Fine adjustment is also possible via the spring preload screw on the bottom for tuning the spring stiffness. It has a 40mm suspension travel. While ordering, you can choose from 3 weight classes, supporting riders up to 125 kg. Rough impacts, gentle impacts, uneven surfaces, potholes, gravel paths, cobblestones are no match for this suspension. They are optimally cushioned, providing comfort and relieving strain on your spine. Combined with a high-quality saddle, this suspension is the ultimate solution for a painful tailbone, ischial tuberosity, or pelvic problems.
Airwings suspension posts are made entirely in Germany (with German precision), by an environment friendly company, offering 5-year warranty.



Airbell Hidden AirTag Holders


Airbell

The Airbell smart bike bell with AirTag hiding place. The simple, safe and inconspicuous hiding place for your Apple AirTag on your bike. 85 dB loud, can also be officially used for e-bikes.


Slottr

The Slottr is one of the slimmest and most unobtrusive AirTag mounts on the market. The Slottr can be mounted on any bike with a standard bottle cage. Thanks to its special design, Slottr can also be mounted (depending on the bike frame) with countersunk screws and an extra flat structure.



Dropracks Sport Roof Loading System

The Dropracks Sport is a roof rack system, that supports lifting heavy loads up to 75kg using a cranking- and sliding action. By a few turns of a handle, it brings the load down to waist or chest height, still with a horizontal loading platform. It has an effective loading width of 130cm, offering plenty of place to load up to 4 bikes! The Dropracks Sport weighs 27kg and can be used with a standard set of roof rack feet with a T-channel attachment. Any accessory with a standard T-bolt attachment can be fitted on top of the Dropracks Sport. (Kayak carriers, bike carriers, roof boxes, et cetera.)