On bicycles... I know a little bit.
I have 12 (or maybe now 13) bikes in my garage right now... From cheap $500 bikes to a few that are well over 10x that cost. Not only have I raced just about every scenario (from triathlons to adventure races like the eco-challenge), for the past 10 years I've taught several week-long mountain biking courses each year, that span every topic from maintenance, equipment, to urban obstacle riding. With the industry switching to 90% electric bike focus, I've even worked with a major industry bike manufacturer (Trek) to help design a specific electric mountain bike, and as such have traveled around the country to host several e-bike specific training workshops (at various bike industry conferences). In the past, I've even taught workshops on self defense on bicycles (weird, I know).. Oddly enough, I don't work in the bike industry, ha!
As to bikes for bug-out... I don't like it, unless it fits into your very narrow and specific plan. In general, bugging out isn't ideal, and the thought of riding off into the sunset or the wilderness (to some unknown location) is a short path to a sad end... If you lived in a suburban area, and had a stocked BOL cabin 30-50 miles away and you used a bike to BO (and had planed for this), then cool... It might make sense? Again, you can't carry a lot on a bike, and it is just one level up from bugging out on foot, and only designed to get you to a very nearby BOL. Me personally, my prep plan involves bugging in, as I think it's the most solid plan of action. I do have a BOL but it's hours away by car, and not biking distances (even for me). Ideally I want to bug out well before it gets to the point of my bugging in location being overrun. I also have family, and a network of neighborhood preppers in my group that all can't ride away on bikes...
Now, bikes for SHTF in general? I do like it. Whether it's using bikes for neighborhood transportation or making runs for supplies (when gas runs out), I think bikes make a ton of sense (for a whole bunch of reasons). Bikes are also great for reconnaissance.
Bikes can be tactical at night, they're relatively silent, and you can get to places cars cant. But bikes in tactical situations have disadvantages. For instance, never engage in a gunfight on a bike. If you're attacked, GTFO (your bike)! Bikes want to travel in straight lines, which makes it easier for someone to get a bead on you. And you're higher up (easier target). Dismount ASAP and evade or engage on foot.
Another consideration is the aforementioned ebikes.. These offer relative silence compared to combustion motor bikes, and allow you to maintain good speed (even while carrying a lot of gear). Good ebikes can go as far as 50+ miles on a single charge, and if you have solar generators, this provides endless powered riding. Again, these are a fantastic tool for recon, as they're fast and mobile, and can often go off road and outrun anyone on foot. The ebike I own goes nearly 30mph, and is off road capable.
Just a thought.
