Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 22, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted August 22, 2019 (edited) About myself: I'm just under 2 months new to electric unicycles. First wheel: Gotway mten3 ~250 miles mten3 wheel log Second wheel: Gotway MCM5 ~450 miles MCM5 wheelog Third wheel: Kingsong 16X ~650 miles 16X wheelog Body weight: 137 lbs, 5'4. My unique perspective: A lightweight coming from a 10" wheel as the norm. I also don't hold back in sharing what I'm feeling in the moment, knowing full well that my opinion will change a week later. The cool kids club <3: @Mike Sacristan@Diana@houseofjob Edited August 23, 2019 by chrisjunlee 5 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 23, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 23, 2019 (edited) == Day 1 - Wed 8/21/2019 == Up early morning, 7 am waiting for that sweet overnight FedEx Santa. Texting back and forth with @greentung, betting on who'll get theirs first -- I'll just say that I'm Nikola 100V #002 of Pacific Northwest [ Initial Impression ] The Nikola is massive - it's even bigger than the Titanic of the 16X. This is final boss, alien mother ship huge. It took a very calculated deadlift to draw it out of the box. As I'm powerlifting the mothership, about to pass out, this scene flashes before my eyes: And talk about next level customer service: Not only did @Jason McNeil charge the wheel to 100%, I'm pretty sure he set the PSI for my weight. I hop on and zip off to work, a 1 mile commute. And in that short mile, I feel several things: this is the first time I've liked a wheel right off the bat - it's oddly familiar as I zip pass a car: "oh yeah, this is Gotway" as I climb up a steep hill: "bruh, this is just my MCM5 with a wider tire O_O" At the end of that mile, this is my one sentence review: The MCM5 is the poor man's Nikola. Edited August 23, 2019 by chrisjunlee 6 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 23, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 23, 2019 (edited) == Night 1 - Wed 8/21/2019 == Been a busy busy day, and I squeeze in a evening run. This wheel is surreal. Like the MCM5, it just delivers bottomless power - no gradual resistance to settle you into 22mph like the 16X. On the 16X, it takes deliberate effort to hit 29 mph. On the Nikola 100V? The only pushback is the wind. I easily break 31mph. About 10 miles in, I realize I'm zooming up to cars, tail gating them naturally - then it hits me: Edited August 23, 2019 by chrisjunlee 6 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houseofjob Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 (edited) 11 minutes ago, chrisjunlee said: It took a very calculated deadlift to draw it out of the box. As I was about to pass out, this scene flashed before my eyes: Edited August 23, 2019 by houseofjob 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Holderbach Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 So happy to be on this page ! thanks for the useful info 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Sacristan Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 Fun reading! This is great! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 Ok, as eager as I am to read more about your Nikola, you have to tell us more about the parakeet. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gustesta Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 @chrisjunleeDo you like the Nikola better than the 16x? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 24, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2019 6 hours ago, Gustesta said: @chrisjunleeDo you like the Nikola better than the 16x? At this point it's too early to tell, since I believe it takes at least 250 miles to fairly appreciate a wheel. I have 650 miles on the 16X, while only 80 miles on the Nikola+ 100V. However, it's 100% clear the performance aspects of the Nikola are a clear step above the 16X. They're not in the same league IMHO. Everything else though, the 16X excels at. The 16X, even with the stock tire is nimbler and feels much smaller, due to the higher pedal clearance and lower overall height. The finer quality of life details are thought out and polished on the 16X: lighting, padding, front light, dual charge port, wall leans easily, motor kill mechanism is so much better, trolley handle feels way better to grab while getting off, and so on. I've been trying to think of an analogy that everyone can understand, and this is the best I could come up with: vacuums cleaners Nikola 100V is a shop vac - it has enough suction to implode a 5 gallon bucket, yet the usability of it is clunky. You have an unwieldy 10 ft long rigid hose, attachments are rough and friction fit. But that sweet suction can suck up metal bolts or a duck 🦆. 16X: is a Dyson cordless. The suction is maybe 1/3, but it's enough. Dyson's shine in usability. Attachments are well thought out - and the dyson detach mechanism is a pleasure to use. Emptying it out is a one button press. The charging cradle hangs on a wall, within easy access. There's so little friction in using the dyson. I reach for my Dyson 99% of the time since it's that much more pleasant to use. But, there's a time and place when I need the suction of a shop vac. I yearn for a 16X that could go 40 mph. My rule of thumb is you want to be able to go 15 mph above the speed limit - since that's fast speeding cars go. That means the 16X is limited to 15 mph roads for me - which is non-existent. 2 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 24, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2019 (edited) == Day 2 - Thurs 8/22/2019 == Put the side pads on, and dear god, they're awkward. There is something important than no-one mentions: the side pads makes the already thick 8" wide Nikola, into a really thick 9.5" wide Nikola. That's too thicc. To give you an idea of what that means, this is how far my feet have to be in order to feel parallel to the pads: 🦆 Other changes in riding: went full soft after chatting with @houseofjob bumped up pressure to 24 PSI from 20 PSI very wide stance Edited August 24, 2019 by chrisjunlee 🦆 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 24, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2019 (edited) == Day 2 Extra == Derp moment: I came to a stop, reached down to pull the handle out. And it just wouldn't budge, it was firmly locked into place. Weird. Turns out this is what I was pulling on: This makes me appreciate the 16X's trolley - it's error proof and placed perfectly for you to grab onto as you stop. Edited August 24, 2019 by chrisjunlee 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 You already have quite the collection 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photorph Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 (edited) Interesting read. I've been riding EUCs since beginning of this year, have went through a few. I currently have MSX 100v and nikola +. I miss the inmotions now, and am yearning for something smaller/lighter. The gotways ride amazing and have killer performance, but they don't fit into your life as good as something like an inmotion v8 or a kingsong 16s would. I'm once again looking for a smaller/lighter wheel to get that isn't gotway, because I need it to integrate into my life well. I need to have a seamless transition for when I ride to work rather than dealing with worst trolley ever (MSX) or the nikola's strange looking trolley with the very loud on/off beep. I can't get the Mten3 because it doesn't have a trolley. Another thing I've found about the Nikola plus and the MSX are the fans...they just turn on for me even without riding and they are loud. Oh and the stickers on my nikola....well they just peeled off, even the GW logo is starting to come off. For a $2500 wheel...I'd expect a bit better. Edited August 24, 2019 by photorph 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Sorry for the OT, but @photorph if you want something that's convenient to use and more powerful than an Inmotion V8 I would look at KingSong. They have by far the best trolley handles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photorph Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 2 minutes ago, ir_fuel said: Sorry for the OT, but @photorph if you want something that's convenient to use and more powerful than an Inmotion V8 I would look at KingSong. They have by far the best trolley handles. Yea I know, and that's my point. KS and the v8 have much better trolley handles that integrate well with everything else you do. And I do miss that. But performance and ride quality is what's best on Gotway. With my msx and nikola + I got all the performance I need. I sold off my other lighter wheels with better trolleys, but now I want one of them back haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Yup. You're not using a Ferrari for grocery shopping, but putting a VW Golf R, although still practical and performant, on the race track for an entire day isn't the best idea either 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gustesta Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 8 hours ago, chrisjunlee said: At this point it's too early to tell, since I believe it takes at least 250 miles to fairly appreciate a wheel. I have 650 miles on the 16X, while only 80 miles on the Nikola+ 100V. However, it's 100% clear the performance aspects of the Nikola are a clear step above the 16X. They're not in the same league IMHO. Everything else though, the 16X excels at. The 16X, even with the stock tire is nimbler and feels much smaller, due to the higher pedal clearance and lower overall height. The finer quality of life details are thought out and polished on the 16X: lighting, padding, front light, dual charge port, wall leans easily, motor kill mechanism is so much better, trolley handle feels way better to grab while getting off, and so on. I've been trying to think of an analogy that everyone can understand, and this is the best I could come up with: vacuums cleaners Nikola 100V is a shop vac - it has enough suction to implode a 5 gallon bucket, yet the usability of it is clunky. You have an unwieldy 10 ft long rigid hose, attachments are rough and friction fit. But that sweet suction can suck up metal bolts or a duck 🦆. 16X: is a Dyson cordless. The suction is maybe 1/3, but it's enough. Dyson's shine in usability. Attachments are well thought out - and the dyson detach mechanism is a pleasure to use. Emptying it out is a one button press. The charging cradle hangs on a wall, within easy access. There's so little friction in using the dyson. I reach for my Dyson 99% of the time since it's that much more pleasant to use. But, there's a time and place when I need the suction of a shop vac. I yearn for a 16X that could go 40 mph. My rule of thumb is you want to be able to go 15 mph above the speed limit - since that's fast speeding cars go. That means the 16X is limited to 15 mph roads for me - which is non-existent. Thank you for the detailed response Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Sacristan Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Slice those pads and slice them good! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Sacristan Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 14 hours ago, chrisjunlee said: == Day 2 Extra == Derp moment: I came to a stop, reached down to pull the handle out. And it just wouldn't budge, it was firmly locked into place. Weird. Turns out this is what I was pulling on: This makes me appreciate the 16X's trolley - it's error proof and placed perfectly for you to grab onto as you stop. In Sweden we call it idiot proof. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisjunlee Posted August 24, 2019 Author Share Posted August 24, 2019 15 minutes ago, Mike Sacristan said: Slice those pads and slice them good! I was thinking of using motorcycle pads or neoprene pads. But for now, I guess I'll peel them off, slice and re-attach them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Sacristan Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Just now, chrisjunlee said: I was thinking of using motorcycle pads or neoprene pads. But for now, I guess I'll peel them off, slice and re-attach them! They get a bit butchered though as you can see in the clip. One of my friends used a knife. I don't know how Tobbe (my friend in the clip) did it. Motorcycle tank pads seem like a nice option and would probably provide great grip as well. I can't grip the 16X so I just slide around on the sides and mostly end up not touching them even. Works for me and I enjoy the feel. The Nikola locked me in quite well and the MSX locks me in even better. Different wheels for different feels though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisjunlee Posted August 24, 2019 Author Share Posted August 24, 2019 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Mike Sacristan said: I can't grip the 16X so I just slide around on the sides and mostly end up not touching them even. Works for me and I enjoy the feel. Since I'm using a staggered asymmetrical stance, I find that works wonderfully for gripping the 16X. Right rear knee: locks in diagonally into rear right side. Left front knee: either rides outward and loose, or turns inward, applying diagonal inward pressure to front edge, close to the headlight. Sounds bizarre, but it fits perfectly for my legs. I feel as secure and at home as this innocent dove Meanwhile on the Nikola Edited August 24, 2019 by chrisjunlee 🕊️ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisjunlee Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 == Day 3 - Fri 8/23/2019 == I need to live out of airbnb's for a bit. I packed a 30 lb windsail black duffel bag on my back, bumped the pressure to 35 PSI, and precariously rolled 30 exhausting miles - in the dark. For you 200 lb folks, the equivalent would be a 50 lb bag! My god that was tiring. Halfway through the ride, I realize the duffle bag is so tall, it's completely covering my helmet, making my red blinkie useless. From the perspective of drivers on the road behind me, I was a long black potato flying around. The Nikola handled it well - it felt so good going 25+ mph, knowing I was well within the limits of the motor. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisjunlee Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 (edited) == Day 4.1 - Sat 8/24/2019 == I guess today marks the 2 month anniversary since I hopped on my first EUC! 🥳🥳 Took the Nikola out at 35 PSI, and 5 wobbly miles later, dropped it back to 28 PSI. I also figured out why the Nikola felt like this: It was due to my wheel being calibrated with a forward droop - only figured that out after I accidentally got on backwards and it felt like I had strong tilt back. Regarding the Gotway Thicc™ Pads, @Mike Sacristansuggested I shave them down, and he cautioned me to not botch it up. Psh, how hard could it be? Before: . . . . . After: I botched it up so hard, had to throw everything away. Edited August 25, 2019 by chrisjunlee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chrisjunlee Posted August 25, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2019 (edited) == Day 4.2 - Sat 8/24/2019 == The Butchering of the Thicc™ pads took so long, the Nikola was charged up 100%. Decided to take it around Lake Sammamish. The speed limit is 35 mph, so I wasn't able to comfortably keep up with speeding traffic, but boy it was a zippy ride. Quick notes: no longer using pads - just the adhesive left behind. But I'm still using a wide stance. However, it feels much more natural since I’m able to bring my knees in closer. the top of the Nikola really digs into my forward left knee - it's a pain point I need to figure out tire pressure: 28 PSI Notable moment: I work my way up through traffic to a stoplight. I'm blasting Rank1 - Airwave on max volume, so on green, I just take off. There was a white car next to me flooring, trying to outpace me, and I just shifted harder and flew - just flew. The car did a wtf-deceleration in defeat. But it was really more abrupt than the usual giving up, and I distinctly felt all the cars around me were surprised. Odd I thought - maybe it's a Redmond thing? The next light, I took a break and checked my wheelog read out. And jfc, this here is why: Yes, I had effortlessly smoked everything at 41.1 mph. [reminder: dig up insta360 clip] And the crazy part? No beep - this was still within the 80% limit of this motor. I was trembling in awe - I had never thought I would get anywhere close to hitting 40 mph. The way kinetic energy works, 40 mph is 16x the energy of 10 mph. Let that sink in for a bit. And just to drive this point home, here's my Strava report (strava has always under-reported speed for me on the 16X): Sometime after this, I heard the beeps for the first time going 37 mph. So, it is possible I didn't hear the beeps before due to wind noise + Airwave. Riding back home, battery ~43%, I started getting beeps at 31 mph. == Datapoint for range people == 43% battery left for 28 miles trip, at 28 PSI for a 140 lb rider, riding aggressively. If we extrapolate that, we get 65 miles of range for fast riding. Edited August 27, 2019 by chrisjunlee 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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