getting more miles on a GSD

[NNN]

With a regular MTB bike, I've done some short bike-camping trips (like 20 miles to the campsite). I'm thinking about seeing if our GSD can get me a bit further than I can get comfortably under my own steam.

Tern advertises a range of 128 miles, which could get me 50+ miles to some further campsites, and back! That would be great!

I'm guessing the 128-mile claim is using ECO on flat ground with no wind, at some unspecified speed (on ECO, it can't be fast!). I've been riding on ECO for a couple of weeks (Go, Me!), and I can do 14mph or so. But my knees start to hurt within about 90 minutes. I think the GSD may have the crank and pedals further forwards than a normal bike, which is very comfy on TOUR, but maybe a bit hard on the joints when I'm putting-in more effort on ECO.

I'm wondering if my idea is self-defeating: to use the GSD's full range, I would need to ride in ECO, which means enough effort that it ends-up hurting.

Or, maybe if I keep using ECO, my knees will get stronger (is that a thing?).

Bikepacking people, what boost level & range do you use?

 

[Barb Schwendtner]

Do you have the 2 batteries? I do, and have done a weekend bikepacking trip of 40 miles towing a trailer with a 45 pound dog. I did recharge at the campground, because I could, but according to the display I had enough juice to make it home without recharging. It was all in turbo and sport, with some rough trails and hills. I would try experimenting with approximate tour weight and higher assist, and see how many bars you use. Higher RPM pedaling will help the range and the knees, so if in doubt shift to an easier gear. I'm going to do similar tests with my e-MTB for a singletrack trip in June; if you can check the distance and elevation change of a desired trip, it will help make your experiments more meaningful.