I had lots of parts laying about and some developing interest in e-bikes so I jumped into an area of biking that I had and still have little knowledge of. That said I'm absorbing more information, as I proceed, concerning the motive forces involved and options available to the builder.
I've built a fat tire, single speed, 48v. 1000 watt, front drive hub as a quick exercise and test of the basics involved and the utility and fun one can derive from an electric bike and, over the last couple of months, I've found them quite useful and very enjoyable.
The next step was to order a 500 watt, 36 volt front hub for my favorite mountain bike and couple that to a 36 volt lithium 20 amp hr, BMS pack and controller. These new items are scheduled for delivery today and I'm ready to see them mounted. I've already stripped the chain rings and shifter mech & I'm left with 8 speeds driven by a single36 t sprocket. I've been riding this setup for several days and think I've a decent selection of ratios to choose from without resorting to the extremes of cross chaining.
I've been riding this bike for 5 years and it's held up well. Absolutely nothing remains of the donor bike other than the aluminum frame. It's full suspension Rock Shox's air ride both front and rear, dropper seat post, Sella saddle, 160 mm Avid disc & calipers front and rear etc. etc.
At my age I can see that I won't be able to long endure the demands a pedal bike places on my 71 year old legs. Electric appear to be the answer to prolonging my pedal bike experience and I find the expense of converting a couple of these to electric a non factor if I can extend my time pedaling on two wheels!
Consider this thread an old codger's musing's about that of which he knows little, and feel free to jump in with your own thought's etc. etc., pro or con. My personal goal is not achieving great speed or touring tremendous distances, but rather all round, daily transport and the added health benefits derived from moderate exercise.
Still just having fun!
Rick C.
I've built a fat tire, single speed, 48v. 1000 watt, front drive hub as a quick exercise and test of the basics involved and the utility and fun one can derive from an electric bike and, over the last couple of months, I've found them quite useful and very enjoyable.
The next step was to order a 500 watt, 36 volt front hub for my favorite mountain bike and couple that to a 36 volt lithium 20 amp hr, BMS pack and controller. These new items are scheduled for delivery today and I'm ready to see them mounted. I've already stripped the chain rings and shifter mech & I'm left with 8 speeds driven by a single36 t sprocket. I've been riding this setup for several days and think I've a decent selection of ratios to choose from without resorting to the extremes of cross chaining.
I've been riding this bike for 5 years and it's held up well. Absolutely nothing remains of the donor bike other than the aluminum frame. It's full suspension Rock Shox's air ride both front and rear, dropper seat post, Sella saddle, 160 mm Avid disc & calipers front and rear etc. etc.
At my age I can see that I won't be able to long endure the demands a pedal bike places on my 71 year old legs. Electric appear to be the answer to prolonging my pedal bike experience and I find the expense of converting a couple of these to electric a non factor if I can extend my time pedaling on two wheels!
Consider this thread an old codger's musing's about that of which he knows little, and feel free to jump in with your own thought's etc. etc., pro or con. My personal goal is not achieving great speed or touring tremendous distances, but rather all round, daily transport and the added health benefits derived from moderate exercise.
Still just having fun!
Rick C.
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