@semitones asks:
Q3. Any of y'all messed with E-bike conversion kits? Are there any that are super light weight so you can still ride it up hills as a normal bike, or can back convert easily to a normal bike by swapping out a wheel or something? Ty!
#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale @semitones #BikeNite A3 I've had two #hillTopper kits, one with 27in wheel circa 2013, and the more modern sprinter kit with 20in wheel on a supercargo. It's a limited speed (17mph in 27in) and simple throttle-only control (they also have pedal sensors on the bigger kits) but it's only 13lb and freewheels like a normal hub when not powered. The conversion is easy (add a torque arm but otherwise just getting the axle and cable oriented correctly.
https://hilltopperbikes.com/product-category/electric-bike-kits/
@ascentale
A3: I did convert a #Brompron a few years ago with a kit from a British company called Swytch
First immediate frustration was that my dynamo lights were now useless (motor wheel at the front replaced the dynamo)
I was using it for a multimodal commute (with train).
Quick conversion: I bought an extra tire so I can switch faster from ebike to normal. Still something you want to decide the night before as Bromptons don't have exactly quick release
@semitones @bikenite
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite #BikeNite A3: Yes, I let a bike shop convert my Brompton into an e-bike using the friction wheel based #Velospeeder conversion kit. In contrast to most friction wheel kits it does not propel the tire but the rim from both sides: https://www.velogical-engineering.com/velospeeder/product-information/?lang=en
Depending on engine and battery size the system weighs between 1.2kg and 2.5kg.
I'm quite happy with it, but wet rims cause slipping and with rims worn down by rim brakes can make it stop working completely.
1/2
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite #BikeNite A3 continued: The conversion back is a finger flip on a lever which pulls back the friction wheels from the rim using a Bowden wire. So it has no additional friction at all when turned off. And if you remove the battery, it just leaves 550g to 650g (engines plus controller) on the cycle. No wheel changing needed unless you have rims no more suitable for rim brakes.
2/2
@xtaran @ascentale @bikenite wow that does sound like it was designed to change the bike as little as possible. That is awesome!
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite #BikeNite A3: Yes, I let a bike shop convert my Brompton into an e-bike using the friction wheel based #Velospeeder conversion kit. In contrast to most friction wheel kits it does not propel the tire but the rim from both sides: https://www.velogical-engineering.com/velospeeder/product-information/?lang=en
Depending on engine and battery size the system weighs between 1.2kg and 2.5kg.
I'm quite happy with it, but wet rims cause slipping and with rims worn down by rim brakes can make it stop working completely.
1/2
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite I've used quite a few. Best for lightweight bikes probably the Cytronex one https://www.cytronex.com/. Haven't tried the Skarper one but getting one soon. Switch is okay.
@wav3ydave @semitones @bikenite This is neat! Pricey though.
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite A3. I have, but I didn't do the conversion myself. I had first my USS Haluzak Horizon and then my Xtracycle Free Radical Bridgestone MB-3 converted to e-assist by https://gocarlite.com/
I think "light" is in the legs of the beholder. I was getting my conversion for disability reasons (messed-up knees...not lack of leg strength) so even though I didn't feel like the bikes were much heavier, I need the e-assist to get up a hill now. #BikeNite
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite
#bikeNite
#bikeNiteA
A3. I got several Swytch kits back in 2021. They add 3kg to the front of the bike, so it can mess with the handling depending on the sort of bike. Otherwise fine to ride on without charge, and easy to swap out the wheel.
Since then, they've introduced several more models of varying weight and battery position, but their customer service has dropped off a cliff, and Reddit is full of complaints about them.
@v_perjorative @ascentale @bikenite thanks for sharing your experience. Wow, that is really a roller coaster of a time with swytch.
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite #BikeNite A3. No, but only because I elected to buy a new ebike, rather than a Bafang BBS02 kit, since I would have also needed to buy everything else other than a frame and fork set. The Bafang kit is probably the most popular and common conversion kit and doesn't require any permanent modifications.
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite A3) No, though I've considered a hub motor for my daughter's trike. #BikeNite
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite
A3. I did a little bit of exploring and found a number of companies produce conversions and drives. I have a little bit of a fantasy idea I may explore later…
But the actual real potential project is frame build which does not come with a motor, but the builders have a range of options one can choose amongst. It really opened my eyes to the many applications, from high power load hauling to low-torque high range touring.
A3. My e-bike¹ isn't that much heavier than a normal bike, so it isn't that bad to ride without assistance.
They now have a conversion kit that only requires a modified rear disc, then the drive unit just clips on when you need it. Looks like a neat solution, although I haven't tried it.
https://alpkit.com/products/skarper-kit?variant=42711593549929
1. Sonder El Camino
https://alpkit.com/products/el-camino-grx1
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite Big fan of Skarper
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite I haven’t yet but would consider Grin as they seem to really know this stuff: https://ebikes.ca/product-info/grin-products.html
@dgodon @ascentale @semitones @bikenite Agreed. At the time I got my conversions there was a LOT less available. But having seen Grin's videos, I would really want to work with them if I had a bicycle I were getting converted. #BikeNite
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite A3 #BikeNite
ebike conversions don't end up that heavy, yes every gram counts. But does every second count in the riding your doing?
There are significant trade offs in anywhere you try to radically reduce the weight of the major components:
* hub motor needs metal to be strong and dissipate heat
* fewer cells is less range
* less cell protection is dangerous
Keeping cables short by placing battery close to motor is probably the best weight saving you can try.
@LovesTha @ascentale @bikenite
It's mostly so I can ride it as a normal bike if the battery dies -- I have ridden some bike share e-bikes with dying batteries that were too heavy to make it up hills with dying batteries. That and being able to carry a bike up stairs or lift it onto a ceiling mount is important to me specifically.
I don't mind biking slow 😊 I have MTB gearing.
@semitones
I have an ebike (health reasons, not making an excuse, just saying) and rode it up a hill once when it wasn't working properly. I hadn't realised that the bike wasn't doing the work. It was an effort, but this was a commercial fairly hefty ebike. So if I can do it... At 76 and compromised...
@LovesTha @ascentale @bikenite
@elliek @semitones @LovesTha @ascentale @bikenite
Good for you! I ride an eBike all the time and I do it for exercise. I ride with a heart rate monitor (I have some heart issues) and get an aerobic work out. In that sense, I see an eBike much like an indoor trainer. I can get a nice steady workout, boosting up the hills when necessary.
And that does give a nice aerobic base for actually going up a hill when necessary.
I think eBikes are one of the greatest inventions ever!
@semitones @LovesTha @ascentale @bikenite The share bikes are built heavy -- not intended to be ridden without battery power.
@oheso @LovesTha @ascentale @bikenite thanks for the insight. I'll start checking the product description for the conversion kits to see if they are or are not be intended to be ridden without battery power as well.
@semitones @ascentale @bikenite Yeah, but bike share bikes are build to be ridable after substantial abuse. Your mountain bike with a battery and motor is going to be a lot lighter, and have better gears, et al.
@ascentale @semitones @bikenite A3: not yet but I super want to, i've even got an old bike (Anna's) to try it on
so not yet but hopefully
