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313 comments on DrumBeat: July 25, 2008

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bruce from chicago on July 25, 2008 - 10:48am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

This is all assuming the roads are in good enough condition to handle personal vehicles without resorting to 8in suspension!!

I believe that is assuming a lot. I’ve noticed that roads, especially the two lane county blacktops have been getting much worse. In large urban areas there are streets that are almost impassable from large potholes after the winter freeze/thaw/salting cycles. With less vehicles, less taxes to repair. County budgets are stressed as it is to maintain roads. I’d lean toward a modified dune buggy type of vehicle myself, one that could go down gravel roads with a minimum of discomfort or loss of handling.

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Marco on July 25, 2008 - 11:01am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I see the same as you. There is the other side to the coin and that is less traffic and lighter vehicles will do much less damage to the road.

If you study the dynamics of sprung masses (a highly exciting topic I got to do (almost fail) in 2nd year engineering!!) - reudcing mass greatly reduces rebound forces and road damage.

Marco.

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DIYer on July 26, 2008 - 8:43am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I foresee a boom in the shock-absorber business.

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Durandal on July 25, 2008 - 11:31am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I am also anticipating rougher roads. That's one of the reasons for my procurement of a dual-purpose motorcycle. Offroad capabilities, but street legal, and gets fantastic gas mileage. If I can run through mud pits, go over felled trees, over large rocks and across large holes in dirt trails, I'm pretty sure I can handle a few potholes. ;)

~Durandal(http://www.wtdwtshtf.com)

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ChrisN on July 25, 2008 - 9:12pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Bruce: I saw a modified dune buggy sort of thing at the Plug-in 2008 Conference in San Jose two days ago that looked really, really sweet. All-electric (lead acid) 4WD, ~50 mile range (on the flat) on a charge, incredibly beefy steel construction, rear and roof cargo racks, winch on the front, great suspension, big knobby tires, the works. This ain't no dressed-up golf cart. Runs about $9K though, made out of Mississippi. www.badboybuggies.com The trade show rep said they have about 10,000 of them in the field so far. Might be just the thing for the badly maintained roads of the future!

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313 comments on DrumBeat: July 25, 2008

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