E Bike Information

looking to build/ buy an e bike.
previously had a 2 stroke 80cc xhinese on a large frame with disk brakes. ..didnt like it as it was too loud.
top end was about 52km/hr (@ 220 lbs), but wouldnt help climb steep paved pathways.
got a used 4 stroke ( auto clutch ) which had a lot more low end, less loud, but the motor was positioned so it slashed ankles when trying to assist pedal.
now i want an ebike.
quiet. stealthy.
a lot of info to digest.
front hub, mid or rear drive?
( leaning towards mid )
im looking for hill climb not top speed.
each has a pro/con.
also wonder about performance in wet / cold /snow.
one site recomended carrying a plastic bag /rubber band to cover lcd display...
seen a lot of video's, and the e bikes can really tear it up.

 

" e-bikes are definitely more than equipped to handle steep hills. There are two types of motors that you can get in an e-bike. There are HUB motors and mid-drive motors. The latter is going to be the best possible choice for handling steep hills."

 

thanks Ace...so much info.
batteries are a huge factor.
nicad seems to be best, but cheap builds use larger 12vdc acid batts in series(?).
rear wheel drive seems to be the easiest, install, can still ride with a broken chain ( ive broken a few)
front wheel drive is good for city, but lose traction on hills.
am looking for 750-1000 watts, 30-50 km range.

 

..my boss is a super biker...does many many miles---I don't even like driving that far!!! hahahahah
...I used to bike 3 miles everyday to and from work ...just about enough to burn some calories
...good enough for my age
..I buy the cheap 65$ bikes and ride them till they're dead hahahahah..

...I buy the girl bikes--so easier to get on and off fast --and nothing to hurt 'myself' on.....one time someone said---''that's a girls bike'''' like the Seinfeld episode hahahahahahh

 

some of the ebikes look goofy.
the lectric is about 1500 CAN.
750 watts, 28 mph.
the one id like has all wheel drive (monarch?).
2 motors, 2 battery packs. 1000-1500 watts.
but it weighs 90 lbs, and costs about 4 grand after tax/shipping etc.
suppose i could build an all wheel drive.

 

I live not far from the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb - the oldest continuous motor sports event in thye world (going since 1905) and e bikes sprint up it each year these days

 

hate to say it- bought a chinese mountain bike from costco. ...it is very light. 29 inch wheels, front shocks, disk brakes.
purchased an alpine stars 30 years ago, which cost 700 because it was all aluminum. this new northrock frame is very well done, and cost 420can.
not the horse i once was, and need some help with the hills...so:
bafang 750 watt mid drive kit.
trying to fit kit to what i want.
heard the 52v batts gave much better performance vs the 48v pack...also samsung 18650 gave best performance. beware cheap imitations.
the battery charger must align with pack.
the less teeth on ring gives more torque. - so thinking 41 t for hill climb and speed (not looking for speed, want to climb steep hills here).
need gear change sensor, break sensor, and prolly a better model display.
kits vary greatly in cost
full kit/batts etc - 1500-2000 not including frame.
...the nearest complete ebike comparison is about 3500plus.

 

the laws here- are just plain oppressive.
they say 500 watt max, 32kph max, and have to wear a motorcycle helmet.
cant ride on bicycle trails.
outrageous.
lefty cant figure out their agenda.
gas is bad. electric is good
- except vehicles that might bypass regulations/taxation or help average joe save a dollar.

 

saw a guy and asked about his electric bike...he spent a lot of money on a bosche mid drive bike.
he was all arrogant about "getting what you pay for" after me saying i wanted a bafang kit.
his whip had a belt drive, which immediately set off alarm bells. yes, belts are quite and long lasting. but...how to replace a belt drive on the road?
he was also ignorant on the law, and said he would be going to banff to ride the trails...but there are only a few trails that allow ebikes.
asked what ebike forums he read in order to form his buy- didn't subscribe to any, but saw a lot of bafangs for sale on kijiji ( i didnt find any bikes, only kits)
ive looked at a lot of video regarding bafang kit, and it seems like a reliable prospect.

 

kind of ebike related-
need to offset purchase of bafang mid drive motor.
Wondered what my 1991 alpinestars usa cromega dx bike might be worth.
Alpinestars Cro-Mega DX 93 Peral White/Dove Gray - Elevated Chainstays US Retro | eBay
...was surprised. retro bikes are a thing. and i think i have the sales slip, and original parts.
alpinestars stopped making bikes in 1996, and now only do clothing(?)

 

remembering a recall issued for the mega lite headset on the alpinestars...thank baby Jesus, because i did find a hairline crack.
fortunately, my sister had been dating a welder who was capable of fixing. ..so this bike is pretty much stock minus original gears. replaced with newer.
pretty sure i still have the original seat, toe clips, user manual and receipt.

 

inflation is out of control, and the evergreen container ship can't be the only reason.
has anyone read or heard about the Mississippi being backed up hundreds of barges because of a crack in a bridge over it?
the price of lumber can't be explained.
thinking i should order this motor/kit before it becomes unobtanium or too expensive in near future.

 

bought the bafang BBS02 750 watt mid drive kit with 48v 14 amp battery pack. Delivered for 1700.00 canadian...the northrock bike cost 450.00.
so 2150.00 all in.
parts should arrive next week. hope the build goes smoothly.

 

whelp...first problem- the drive side 8mm crank arm bolt came undone easily. able to use extractor and remove arm.
other side not so much...it is stuck. put some penetrating spray in after busting an 8mm bit. cheap tools. now the head is starting to strip.
i dont have an impact wrench. wondering about blow torch on axle, but dont want to mess up any paint or melt something.
damn. costco bike builder is a twat.
saw a bosch 350 watt "mule" at bike store. they were asking 7000 bucks.

 

after getting the m8 bolt loosened, able to remove the crank arm, use the crank puller. Needed a bottom bracket tool - 32.00. able to remove drive side , no problem...but the other side- not so much.
the tool grooves were shallow, and i didnt want to strip it like the m8 bolt...sprayed liquid wrench and waited...needed to push hard on socket and turn breaker bar, which wasn,t working for me. the socket kept slipping out...tried putting a rubber glove in between socket and bracket in order to get more traction. nope...called buddy who came by and he leaned into socket while i cranked- boom. got it. able to remove the bottom bracket.
inserted the bafang motor into bracket. use the supplied parts to mount motor close to frame. was surprised...the crank wheel was maybe 2mm from chain stay. fit like a glove.
figure out cable management before locking motor in place. some bikes have a channel where cable can be routed. there is a small space between motor and frame if no channel available.

removed the front derailleur and the associated shimano gear changer, install supplied front brake...the brake shuts off power to the motor.
they sent 2 brakes. sales never asked if my shifter/brakes were built into same unit- yup they are...so they said-" dont worry about back brake cut off" (1st red flag).
install display (c965) which came with 3 button clicker...new c965 have a 5 button clicker (2nd red flag).
just wanted to get bike on road...issue with chain...issue with shift sensor.
there is a 6vdc output on motor for lights, controlled by display...ill eventually light Brutus ( named it ) up with led strips, bluetooth speaker, panier with seat etc.

but- managed to put enough together for a first flight.
remember reading about old test pilots who just knew if a new plane was golden. only supposed to taxi down runway...but Brutus felt so good, so AMAZING, i threw caution to the wind and went for it...50 km without trying too hard...and- it was silent.
used to riding chynese 80 cc 2 stroke or honda 4 stroke bikes...they were loud. 2 stroke had higher topspeed, but took forever. honda was slow but steady. quieter.
Brutus is silent. off pavement into thick grass - no problem. can feel the motor picking up lost momentum...a lot of torque. really cool to feel it.
if you have never ridden a powerful ebike, and you are older full of arthritis like me- this is a new day. just invited my viking kidlet to go mountain trail riding.
we can bond over biking instead of playstation.
still have plenty of work to do on Brutus.

 

issues with supplier regarding display unit and back brake engine cutoff.
see some really cool accessories, camera, tools and lights.. bike .battery pack has a usb power outlet.
want to light it up, like las vegas.
going to put a big bluetooth speaker, phone mount, seat for the back bitch.
climbed up the steepest paved road here. managed 17 kph up the hill (pedaling).
- should also mention, rode 32 km in heavy wind and steep hills, longer grass on the first charge, and returned with less than 25% batt...hoping batt levels even out after the first few discharge cycles. hoping for 50-60 km range in windy hilly conditions.
- also, want to comment about how stealthy it is. the motor is small and tucked. the battery pack kind of looks like a large water bottle from away. when i stopped with 2/4 stroke at a light- would get a lot of looks questions ...now- no one yet has said or looked...just the way i like it.

 

learned how to adjust a rear derailleur today. it ain't rocket science, but if someone didn't tell me... kind of like agriculture. how the hell did people know ?
thank baby Jesus for youtube instruction videos.

 

also learned how to spell derailleur...sounds tres francaise
...have to roll the tongue/ cough

 

listen to me- do not trust anyone with piercings and looks under 25 who works at a "bike shop"
just because they own a bike shop.
wanted a stripped m8 bolt unscrewed. BIG dealio. shop said they may have to cut bolt and bill would be under 100 dollars.. took it to local mech who solved problem with air gun under 3 min. gave mech a 10 dollar tip...
told the "bike" guy :
i replaced a 42 tooth original sprocket with a 46 tooth... he gave me chain...get home and measured brand new chain vs existing chain. exact same length! 114 links.
went back again (giving these guys a chance). buddy was dumbfounded...excuses.
asked for 116 link chain.
works like a charm.
should say the shimano quick link aint so quick, unless you happen to have a youtube video near.

 

sonny came down and brought his whyte interceptor bike. graphite and aluminum. made in sweden(?). a 25 yr old 6'2 norseman/cree warrior vs a 55 yr old, arthritic cranky bastard.
it was glorius. 35 km up and down in 35c heat..guess who won...i have the belt, once again.
showed the boy after- he was running on under 35 psi ( back -20, front- 18 ) tire pressure. lol. kids.
so i pumped him up to 35. then he complained that the high tire pressure caused a flat in the tubeless.
tried to explain low tire pressure causes more flats than recommended pressure.
kids know everything...except how to fix a flat.