DIY Electric Bike - Building the Ultimate Commuter [MEGA THREAD]
5/22/2013 - Where to Start
Between work, home life, and responsibilities, my personal time consists of my drive to work and my drive home. An 11 mile drive from work to home takes me 40 minutes on some days--that's California Bay Area traffic for you. I want to turn that time into something productive where I can bike to work to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, and save money.Production eBike vs DIY build
When I think of an eBike, I see myself flying up hills, feeling the adrenaline rush of torque, and the wind howling in my ears. Top speed is not so important for me but how fast I get to 20mph is. My time is limited. I like learning new things, but then again, I cannot dedicate time to experiment. Therefore, I want a bike that's quick to assemble, parts I can replace, and teaches me something while I build it.
Comparing the production ebikes like the Stromer ST1, BH Emotion Neo Jumper, and a2b Metro/Octave resulted in prices around $4,000 with features like purpose built frames, high quality components, and pedal assist. From my reading, the power ranged from 250w-500w.
My plan is to purchase a bike and an eBike kit from a USA distributor, assemble, and document the challenges and fun of commuting via an eBike to work.
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| Stromer ST1 |
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| BH Emotion Neo Jumper |
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| a2b Metro/Octave |
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| The $10,000 Stealth Bomber |
5/23/2013 - Purchased the bike
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| '06 Marin Nail Trail |
Looking through Craigslist ads was fun! Imagine the possibilities. I started my search dead set on getting a Downhill race bike because I liked the full suspension and loved the look of the front forks. However, after thinking about the initial cost, maintenance for the suspension, and battery placement, I ended up going with a '06 Marin Nail Trail hardtail mountain bike. I figure the hardtail mtb triangle is plenty big for the battery, and the price of the bike will provide flexibility when I choose the motor kit and battery.
Next on my list will be a full tune up for the bike, and a possible brake upgrade.
5/24/2013 - Purchase rear brake
$81.45 Picked up a Hayes Stroker Trail hydraulic brake to replace the aging rear Hayes Nine brake. http://ebikestop.com6/6/2013 - Accessories installation
Installed:
An old bell ringer
Stroker trail rear hydraulic brake (front brakes were stroker trail brakes when I purchased the bike)
Giro Remedy 2013 Full Face Helmet made from fiber glass. Check out the unboxing:
Links:
YPedal's Intro to eBikes:http://ypedal.com/rant/rant.htm
FAQ
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26488
Choosing a frame:
http://www.electricbike.com/suspension/
https://www.phasorcycles.com/
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| Phasor Frame Made in the USA |
Battery Supplier:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=47894&p=704750&hilit=electricrider#p704750
http://myworld.ebay.com/sun-thing28
http://www.batteryspace.com/custom-linimnco-battery-36v-18ah-648wh-40a-rate-with-pcm-for-e-bike-54.aspx
Tires:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=37963&start=25
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=20282
http://www.amazon.com/CST-Cyclops-Tire-2-4-BLK/dp/B002SG53RE/
Kits:
Electric Rider - USA
http://electricrider.com/crystalyte/index.htm
e-BikeKit - USA
My brief customer experience with e-bikekit.com was excellent. Communication was fast and top notch here. Well known on the internet for their 5 star customer service.
http://www.e-bikekit.com/
FalconEV - USA
http://www.falconev.com
Conhis Motor - China
http://conhismotor.com/
Bike Maintenance
http://www.webmountainbike.com/maintenance.html
Production eBikes
http://www.evelo.com/
http://www.stromer.ch
http://ultramotor.com
http://www.bh-emotion.co.uk/
Motors:
http://www.electricbike.com/crystalyte-hub-motor/
http://www.methtek.com
Torque Arms
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26444
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=49635
Accessories:
Storage in the triangle http://www.amazon.com/Ibera-Bicycle-Triangle-Frame-Large/dp/B006JA8WEG
http://em3ev.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=41&product_id=125
Other:
http://www.fallbrooktech.com/nuvinci-technology
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Quantification of Car vs. eBike
The
Car
|
Plans for The Electric Bike: | |||||||||
| $18,000 car | $375 '06 Marin Nail Trail (purchased) | |||||||||
| $2,000 for gas a year | $100 Overhaul tuneup by: | |||||||||
| $600 for insurance | $749.99
Phoenix II 4840 Motor Kit 28mph from electricrider.com
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| $180 for oil changes | $30 Brute 26" Rear for more torque (my route has hills) | |||||||||
| $200 for wear on tires, smog check, and wheel balancing alignment | $689.00 LiFePO4 Lithium 15AH Battery w/BMS + 4A charger + 12 month warranty | |||||||||
| $150 registration | $50 Shipping | |||||||||
| Air pollution/noise pollution |
Exercise
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Stress
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Enjoy
outdoors
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Good
for long distance travel
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Fun
when turbo kicks in
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Total:
$18000 car + $3130
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Total:
$475 bike + 1469.98 kit + $50 shipping
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