Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: joekeith on July 06, 2013, 07:02:00 PM

Title: Hunting Bikes
Post by: joekeith on July 06, 2013, 07:02:00 PM
Who has a bike for hunting with?  I've got so much leg problems I can't count on walking half the time.  So I finally figured I'd try a bike, an E Bike.

The bike is a Fat Sand Bike.  It's a Fat E Monster 750W.    :readit:    Here's a pic of how she came..... (//%5Burl=http://s567.photobucket.com/user/joekeithspics/media/Bicycle/FatEMonster750W.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/joekeithspics/Bicycle/FatEMonster750W.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

Well figured she needed some help so me and my buddy Marv got to it.  Do some taping, then a bunch of spraying... Here's how the camo job came out.... (//%5Burl=http://s567.photobucket.com/user/joekeithspics/media/Bicycle/013.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/joekeithspics/Bicycle/013.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

And here's she is all loaded up, at least with bow and quiver and lotsa extra room..... (http://%20[url=http://s567.photobucket.com/user/joekeithspics/media/Bicycle/120.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/joekeithspics/Bicycle/120.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

I've gotta pretty good light with battery pack  up on the front rack.  Got my Sony camcorder with 60X zoom mounted up top on the bars, and room for my gps.

Overall I really like it, makes pedaling a breeze, and the front wheel drive really helps to pull you up and over stuff.

So who else has a bike fixed up ??  :archer:    :archer2:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: old_goat2 on July 06, 2013, 07:10:00 PM
I like that!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Eric Sprick on July 06, 2013, 07:44:00 PM
Been planning something like that to one the several mountain bikes we have at the house.

Like it!

Eric
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Orion on July 06, 2013, 08:15:00 PM
Does a Harley count?  Don't even need to peddle.  Rather loud for sneaking into my hunting area though.  :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: tkytrac on July 06, 2013, 08:28:00 PM
My HD is bright red and shakes the leaves when I get close to the trees. We did ride on a turkey hunt this year, but alas both Harleys had to stay in the drive outside the woodlot.
I have a Trek (bicycle)w/ a gun rack on the bars to carry my bow. It works OK except when I try to pull my buck out of the woods. Of the 21 speeds, I still haven't found the one that makes the task doable. LOL.    :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: John146 on July 06, 2013, 09:34:00 PM
I have a bike I rigged up years ago to hunt WMA Land. They have some gravel roads that made pedaling rather easy. Sure was better than walking the 2 miles in. Killed 2 deer with it. I had a friend who went to garage sales alot look for one. He got one for $15. I painted it and put new knobby tires and a new seat on it. Served me well.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: jax on July 06, 2013, 09:48:00 PM
It's too steep here to ride. Lance Armstrong cudnt get up these hills in WV.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Recurve50 LBS on July 06, 2013, 09:50:00 PM
If you do kill a deer how do you get it out of the woods?
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: TxAg on July 06, 2013, 09:50:00 PM
I was just thinking about this. Would love to see some more pics.

Would also like to see some bike trailers if anyone has them.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: hunthold on July 06, 2013, 09:52:00 PM
That's a cool bike. I use one alot for turkey hunting to cover alot of ground on management areas.

How long does the battery last ? Does it do well on inclines without petaling ?
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: woodchucker on July 06, 2013, 11:44:00 PM
Now THAT, is COOL!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't rode a bike in years..... Last time I did, (about 10 years ago, after a 20 year break) I damn near broke my neck, LMAO!!!!!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: old_goat2 on July 07, 2013, 12:08:00 AM
Watched an elk hunting video called "30 Days" and they ride mountain bikes back in roads closed to autos and have trailers they pull behind them and cart the quartered elk out with them, one of those would handle a deer easy behind this bike!!!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Xander on July 07, 2013, 12:48:00 AM
Had a Honda Trail 90 for a while, that was an awesome rig for hunting.  It could drag a deer out no problem.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Hopewell Tom on July 07, 2013, 06:25:00 AM
I've never seen a bike like that. Front wheel drive to boot. Really well done. That's a neat seat.
I bought a Mtn. bike last year to rig up and then my hip went bad and finally had a replacement done. Sooo, this year maybe get the bike set up.
We have a lot of trails on our land here, figure the bike is a quick, quiet and scent free way to get about.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Pete McMiller on July 07, 2013, 07:50:00 AM
We'll I'll be..........didn't know they made electric bikes like that.  Is the electric on all the time or can you turn in on and off when you want the extra umph? Pretty slick.

I use a conventional hybrid bike for workouts but have a Rokon for more power  :)
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Burnsie on July 07, 2013, 08:53:00 AM
Does the rear tire spin mud and debris up through the wire baskets all over your bow and gear?
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: pcg on July 07, 2013, 09:00:00 AM
I'm puzzled that you can't walk easily, but can mountain bike. Doesn't biking over terrain require the same or similar muscles? Hope you're not taking bikes into serious wilderness areas.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: rockkiller on July 07, 2013, 09:22:00 AM
How does the front wheel drive work? I see what looks like a cable going from the sprocket to the front wheel.Is that what powers the wheel? And what brand is your bike.My wife and I are thinking about getting a couple of fat tire bikes,thats the reason for all the questions.She does alot of riding.

Thanks
Al
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: toddster on July 07, 2013, 09:29:00 AM
Nice bike.  Been using one for few years, with my bad back and knee.  Guys/gals it is well worth it and get's you back into area quicker and less sweating.  And yes, you can pull a tote behind it or just drag the deer, gotta work to get going but then piece of cake.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: John146 on July 07, 2013, 09:29:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by pcg:
I'm puzzled that you can't walk easily, but can mountain bike. Doesn't biking over terrain require the same or similar muscles? Hope you're not taking bikes into serious wilderness areas.
The electric bike will help tremedously for anyone with leg trouble. My bike was one you could only peddle so it wouldn't work for guys with leg trouble but for me it was a matter of time savings and quietness. On the type gravel roads that I used to ride on, walking was noisier than riding a bike. Other advantages were: 1) Less energy to cover the same distance, 2) Less sweat thus scent,(this is Louisiana by the way) 3) Gear weight distributed on the bike instead of all on your body, (i.e. bow in rack, tree stand on shoulders but resting on rack above back tire, fanny pack strapped to front handlebars.) Many advantages to bikes if the terrain and laws allow IMHO.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on July 07, 2013, 09:42:00 AM
Pure awesomeness!!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Mike Bolin on July 07, 2013, 10:37:00 AM
Having had surgery on both knees, both feet and both ankles I can tell you that biking is MUCH easier on the joints. 3 days after my last knee surgery, the Dr. told me to start riding my stationary bike. I was on crutches for 8 weeks, but after week 2, I was strapping my crutches to my mt. bike and riding as much as I wanted. Of course if I would've crashed I am sure my rehab would have been set back quite a bit!   :saywhat:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: collofthewild on July 07, 2013, 10:50:00 AM
slick wheels, awesome idea
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Xander on July 07, 2013, 11:22:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Bolin:
Having had surgery on both knees, both feet and both ankles I can tell you that biking is MUCH easier on the joints. 3 days after my last knee surgery, the Dr. told me to start riding my stationary bike. I was on crutches for 8 weeks, but after week 2, I was strapping my crutches to my mt. bike and riding as much as I wanted. Of course if I would've crashed I am sure my rehab would have been set back quite a bit!    :saywhat:  
Yep, I've had 5 knee surgeries (including one to keep from losing my leg) and two weeks after surgery I was on a stationary bike.  On crutches for 6 months, but riding daily.  I still ride every day on the road to keep the joints lubed and working smoothly.

I also imagine that being on a bike makes your outline look more animal like than human if you happen to come up on some critter you can shoot.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Hoyt on July 07, 2013, 01:12:00 PM
I used them for a lot of years to get back in no vehicle areas on public lands. Also just for covering a lot of ground fast during prime gobbling time in the mornings, listening for gobbles on the back roads of public land.

Good game carts also.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Steve Jr on July 07, 2013, 01:46:00 PM
That is one cool bike!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: TGbow on July 07, 2013, 01:57:00 PM
One thing you can do is field dress the deer, then place his cavity over the seat, tie his legs to bike and push him out. Thats if you dont have a cart .
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: joekeith on July 07, 2013, 09:46:00 PM
The bikes are really more of a "pedal assist" variety.  You can turn the electric on or off, The battery is supposed to last for over 1,000 charges.

 You control the electric via a thumb control like on atvs.  It won't make it up much of an incline without some pedaling, but the pedaling is real easy with a little boost every little bit.

So far it's been fun, and healthy, but I'll stick with it anyway.   :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Terry Green on July 08, 2013, 05:58:00 AM
I have a bike I use on occasion....what are the pros and cons of those type of fat tires?
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Ray Lyon on July 08, 2013, 10:32:00 AM
Terry,
Here in northern MI guys ride the fat tire bikes in a foot of snow.  They're a 'novelty' of sorts still and priced accordingly.  

Pro's-they'll go through sand and snow better than a regular 2+inch knobby tire. They're a little more stable because of the wider tire.

Con-pricier due to novelty compared to a similar 'conventional' bike. Also, bigger tires mean more rolling resistance, so you have to work harder to peddle the bike.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Tajue17 on July 08, 2013, 12:34:00 PM
Been seeing alot of hybrid bikes around cambridge and boston,,  pedal it or run it off the motor and these things climb hills with no problem and no loud motor but I hear theres a few companys making them and the 1st thing I thought was light-weight trailer with a buck inside and would it work on the back of one of these bikes...
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: joekeith on July 08, 2013, 03:48:00 PM
The cons of the fat tires are just that, they're fat, more resistance.  
The pros are the ride mainly.  You can ride over all kinds of things and the ride isn't bad.  Riding in loose sand is what they were created for.  Snow works about the same.  A real wet piece of ground that would stop a regular bike is no problem, with a touch of E.  You don't leave a big rut either.
Yeah there's pros and cons.  The biggest con is the $$$, the biggest pro is that I can ride a bike again and it is healthy for ya.  Even though you don't have to always pedal you find yourself pedaling more and more, and that's a good thing.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Archie on July 08, 2013, 04:38:00 PM
Seems like a front-wheel drive bike would have traction problems due to the rider's weight being distributed more over the rear wheel.  Especially when going uphill.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: TxAg on July 08, 2013, 04:42:00 PM
Now I really want to rig up a hunting bike!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: rraming on July 08, 2013, 04:50:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
I have a bike I use on occasion....what are the pros and cons of those type of fat tires?
The tires were originally designed for sand, riding on the beach., then moved to mountain, snow etc.  Soft and would take most of the impact and shock away - don't know if they puncture easily. Lots of companies getting into this, here is one, retail pricing is there too.
 http://www.fatbeachbikes.com/  
allowed link or not, I think the girl on the bike shoots a Toelke Bow! Ha!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Flingblade on July 08, 2013, 08:01:00 PM
That is a really cool hunting bike!  How do you like the noseless saddle?  I've thought about putting one on my mountain bike.  I've heard they take some getting used to but more comfortable once you do.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Duncan on July 08, 2013, 10:40:00 PM
For a bike trailer, try the BOB

 http://www.biketrailershop.com/bob-yak-bike-cargo-trailer-p-1359.html?gdftrk=gdfV22203_a_7c1234_a_7c8345_a_7c1359_d_TR0502&gclid=CPO2_fuwobgCFShp7Aod2woAyA

Also, Walmart is selling the Mongoose Fat Tire but it is a single speed. Retails for 199.00 online. May be OK on flat roads or paths. I'd have to test ride one before I'd buy it though.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: joekeith on July 09, 2013, 01:41:00 PM
Archie,  that's what I thought at first, but with rear wheel drive the front just plows it's way through soft terrain.

Rich,  that's the brand of bike.

Gary, I like the seat a bunch, give one a try.

Duncan, I plan on making a trailer like one of those.
I thought about getting a Wally bike but decided to get what I really wanted.

Hope to see some more pics of rides. Later....   :archer2:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on July 10, 2013, 12:13:00 AM
How bout a trike?

 (http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Hunting%20pics/Elk%20hunt%202012/SANY0008-1.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/kirkll/media/Hunting%20pics/Elk%20hunt%202012/SANY0008-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: on July 10, 2013, 08:18:00 AM
just how fast does the electric drive you? does it keep pulling when you stop peddeling?
how quiet is it?  very interesting!
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: gringol on July 10, 2013, 08:44:00 AM
In areas listed as "no motorized vehicles allowed", how will the authorities view an electric bike?
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Steve Kendrot on July 10, 2013, 07:47:00 PM
Wheel em out! Much easier than dragging!!

(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/skendrot/IMG_2071.jpg)[/URL]
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: 3arrows on July 11, 2013, 11:29:00 AM
If you can afford it,check out the Zero bike.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: no on July 12, 2013, 10:49:00 AM
rode a Jamis mt bike a hile back for Turkeys, worked great.  Mike
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: wtpops on July 12, 2013, 03:31:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Recurve50 LBS:
If you do kill a deer how do you get it out of the woods?
Here's how i get my game out.

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/wtpops/SDC15562.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/wtpops/media/SDC15562.jpg.html)

Im now building a new bike up to hunt, my old one the on in the pic is giving up, it has served me will though.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: gringol on July 12, 2013, 03:47:00 PM
Wtpops, where did you find thst cart?  How much weight can it handle?
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Arrowest on July 12, 2013, 04:38:00 PM
The cart behind the bike is a great idea.  I have a couple of friends that built a couple and used them frequently. When not using bikes, they would stash one in the bush way back in and use it to haul out animals by hand.  Slightly different design in that it had a goose neck from the trailer that clamped to the seat post and had a frame that suspended a heavy duty sewen tarp bag between the wheels.

Two of us hauled 3/4's of a cow moose and the hide out 1 1/2 miles in 6" of fresh snow on one hunt.  Hooked on to it like we were a couple of sled dogs.  Very sturdy if welded up right and with good wheels on it.  I'll see if I can find a photo and post it.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: tinesnbeards on July 13, 2013, 08:46:00 PM
probably could use a kid trailer that mounts on the seat stem.
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Grey Taylor on July 13, 2013, 10:19:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by gringol:
In areas listed as "no motorized vehicles allowed", how will the authorities view an electric bike?
Wilderness areas are "no motorized vehicles" and bicycles are not allowed in them, electric or leg powered.
Other areas may have different rules, YMMV.

Guy
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: Angus on July 14, 2013, 01:46:00 AM
Gents, as a former Category 1 rider, I want to caution you all NOT to pull bigger gears, especially on those hills-spin, spin, spin, and your knee problems won't develop. Another thing to consider is using some form of toe clips to keep your feet in the pedal-gives you considerably more power, especially on the hills.  It also makes it more difficult to get the feet out quickly if needed, and shoes are always an issue-they're all low-topped shoes. it takes some time to get used to riding with locked-in feet!

I ride a fully-suspended Felt Virtue Three, with hydraulic disk brakes, which comes in really handy.  A bunch of us used to ride up a closed forest road (closed for motors)up to the wilderness boundary, stash the bikes, and hike in to work over the trout.  Every time I'd hit the road back, which was 5.5 miles of downhill, I'd have one spot where I was moving about 35-40mph. There's a bunch of rock maples at the bottom of this one straight stretch with a little right-hand turn, and out pops a doe about 30 yards from me with the "gotcha" expression on her face!!!  Talk about locking up the brakes   :scared:
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: straitera on July 16, 2013, 04:58:00 PM
My Trek (posted pix before) w/pull cart died. But, I had the good fortune to find a 27" frame here. Had to completely rebuild every brake & gear connection. The panniers are great for transporting my 70" Hills already strung along w/backquiver. I tie them to the seat post standing upright for the drive way back into the woods. Perfect as they do not encounter bushes when vertical.

(http://i.imgur.com/ix9Wh85l.jpg)
Title: Re: Hunting Bikes
Post by: wtpops on July 17, 2013, 03:57:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by gringol:
Wtpops, where did you find thst cart?  How much weight can it handle?
Got it off the internet. It was advertized as 100# max but i took off the spoke wheels, which was no doubt the main weight restriction and added some composite BMX rims, Ive had 180 on it with no problem to the cart but 180# pushing you down hill you better take it slow, that much weight will push you around.