Search found 2987 matches

by Vantage
18 Mar 2024, 1:50pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: RockRider ST 540 Conversion Mid Drive
Replies: 2
Views: 148

Re: RockRider ST 540 Conversion Mid Drive

I have the 2023 ST540 and did a mid drive conversion on it.
I didn't think the motor would fit well because of the bottom bracket which was different to others I've had so ended up buying all sorts of adaptors prior to the bike arriving. None of those adapters were needed. Only a few extra washers for the M6 clamping plate....you'll know what I'm on about if/when you go ahead with it.
The biggest issue I had was the battery. I chose the small frame size and it didn't fit. I ended up buying a triangle battery and even then I had to file the velcro strap loops off. I made a bag for it to fit in the frame. That battery has since been deemed a fire risk by the government. My original battery has been fitted by removing the clamping plate it sits on, inserting straps through the battery case itself and wedged in. It's a bodge...but nearly a year on and it's still working. If you need to go that route, ensure you shove plenty of silicon sealant around the strap holes in the case. You don't want water getting in there!
I went with a bafang bbso2 motor.
The biggest issue with it since has been when pushing the bike backwards. I do so to get it in the house. The chain derails itself from the top rear sprockets due to the chain line being out which the motor causes. Not a huge problem but it is irritating. Also, you'll need a longer chain.
by Vantage
11 Mar 2024, 4:27pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Hill Starts - E-assist not helping
Replies: 58
Views: 8372

Re: Start assist availability in the UK

CJ wrote: 31 Aug 2023, 5:48pm
More good news: according to this post on the Pedelecs.co.uk, DfT allow throttles on e-bike conversions, provided the converted bicycle has previously been used as a purely muscle-powered bicycle and subject to the usual 250W and 25kmph restrictions. So if you are doing a conversion, you may fit the throttle (that typically comes with a conversion kit) and use it as you wish, e.g. for starting.
Can anyone find the exact wording on the official gov site for this? Coz I sure can't.

Edit: I have still not found any official documents specifying the use of a twist and go throttle on a converted ebike however, after much digging and scrambling I have found further info on the matter and it is not as straight forward as we'd like to think. Again, it is not a link to a UK gov web page but it is contrary to the original link posted above and again, from the pedalics forum itself

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/thread ... ost-558483

Basically, it appears that there are no laws whatsoever relating specifically to ebike conversions, only manufactured ebikes. We conversionists are in a black hole.
by Vantage
2 Mar 2024, 1:49pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Should electric bikes go faster
Replies: 96
Views: 5626

Re: Should electric bikes go faster

Pebble wrote: 2 Mar 2024, 11:45am
PH wrote: 2 Mar 2024, 11:16am I can't see what point I missed, but I took the suggestion and re-read it anyway. There's no room for ambiguity in the quoted test - They should not be a device to help folk go faster than or even at the same pace as a fit rider. I'm asking why not? [/i]
Obviously I can't answer this question for Carlton, however for me. They are going to be too dangerous. in general a cyclist that can ride at 20mph will be on a super light bike, probably be quite light themselves, be very fit with good fast reactions and plenty of experience at riding at that speed.
an electic bike, esp one designed bigger, heavier and stronger than they are now to go faster and cope with bigger motors, could very well have a bigger heavier unfit rider who (certainly at first) will have very limited skills in riding fast.
They will kill and maim others as well as them selves. then the gov will bring in lots of legislation, helmets, insurance mots reg plates (seat belts!), apply it to all bicycles -

bring speed down to 14mph and apply a max size and weight specification (for the bike) (I am absolutely not suggesting a weight limit for riders!!!!)
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I and several friends of mine who were not super fit or on super light bicycles would routinely ride at 20mph on certain roads. Granted this was a long time ago when I had the energy for it but nonetheless we still did it. Any cyclist on a certain grade of hill pointing downwards can also easily achieve and exceed this 20mph. I would also argue that a 20 stone motorcyclist on a 1000cc motorbike would have faster reactions than those of your typical racing cyclist. Weight has nothing to do with reaction time. One person also has no more a desire to kill or injure themselves than another regardless of his/her size or weight.
Ebikes regardless of motor and battery size are not and never have been built stronger than a non powered bike. They all use the same drivetrain as a normal bike and the frame materials are also the same. The only extra weight you'll find is that of the motor, battery, wiring and display or if the bike has been adapted specifically to carry extra loads. The extra weight from these additions make the bike no more dangerous than that of a laden touring bike. Do you want to ban touring bikes?
As for reducing the max speed to 14mph. Why? 1.5mph (the actual legal limit for the motor is 15.5mph) difference is going to make no difference to anything. Why also restrict the size? Do tall people not have a right to cycle? And again a weight specification. Why? Are current roads crumbling under the weight of ebikes?
by Vantage
12 Feb 2024, 6:55pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Shimano 2.4 watt dynohub - how inferior ?
Replies: 6
Views: 778

Re: Shimano 2.4 watt dynohub - how inferior ?

I ran a 2.4w for a while. Only at lower speeds did I notice any drop off of light and maybe when charging another device from it. It was nothing severe though.
by Vantage
21 Sep 2023, 12:05am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Spa Cycles Leather Bar Tape Photo?
Replies: 10
Views: 6860

Re: Spa Cycles Leather Bar Tape Photo?

I used spas leather honey tape on my touring bikes. Made the mistake twice.
I never had any issues with it in the rain but, it's not very hard-wearing. At all. The skin (I'm not sure of its exact name) scrapes off very easily. There's quite a sticky tape on the back side to help it cling to the bare bar and when I had to reposition the tape, the sticky stuff ripped off the honey skin in chunks. It quickly looked scruffy. It would be easy to avoid all this by wrapping the bars properly in the first place but then you have the days when the bike slides against a wall, fence etc and you get the same result.
Do yourself a favour and avoid at all costs. It's rubbish.
by Vantage
20 Aug 2023, 10:37am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

CJ wrote: 19 Aug 2023, 5:17pm Sorry for the delay, but as you didn't quote me I didn't get a prompt. From your answers to some subsequent replies it sounds like you have a Bafang mid-drive. As it happens I've recently electrified my wife's 700C wheeled bike with a BBS01B, the 250W model. I was able to fit slightly smaller chainring than you have: that is the 40 tooth Lekkie 'Bling-Ring', which (for £140) comes with a lower-profile gearbox cover, so the teeth can nevertheless be offset to maintain a perfect chainline with the centre of the cassette. And the latter has a MUCH bigger bottom sprocket than yours. It's a Shimano Deore 11-speed cassette, with sprockets from 11 down to 51 teeth. This did entail lashing out on a new mech and shifter (the previous system was 2x10), but a new 1x mech would've been wanted anyway, and the result is well worth it. With this motor and gears from 98 down to 21 inches, Helen can now easily ride up any of Matlock's hills, some as steep as 1:4, and hasn't even used the top power level yet.

Total cost of the conversion - which includes a 468Wh carrier-mounted battery - was under £1000 by the way.
I did look at the lekkie rings but £140 for a chainring to me at least is taking the urine. The 42t I have currently isn't bafangs own but a Chinese knock off that cost about £50. Again with the cassette, there are indeed much bigger ringed models out there but the cost I found was in my opinion, silly. My current one was about £50 and even that left a bitter taste at the price.
by Vantage
20 Aug 2023, 10:12am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

Nearholmer wrote: 16 Aug 2023, 7:07pm
1) in what ways do you suggest the law should be amended to meet your wishes? (That’s the easy question); and,

2) what practical, workable, and likely to be enforced measures do you propose to prevent whatever you propose in (1) leading to unintended negative consequences including, but not limited to, the increased use of vehicles of power >250W on shared-use paths including bridleways? (That’s very likely to be s harder one to answer).
1) That one isn't all that easy to answer really. Not without affecting question 2.
I don't know about off the shelf ebikes but my first Bafang bbso1b 250w motor often exceeded 600w on the display. I personally think 500w as a continuous max could cover pretty much any hill on a loaded bike, whether it be shopping or touring gear. But that 500w would mean a peak power limit of 1000+w if my thinking is correct.
If there was a peak power limit, 750w I think would suffice. In my limited experience thats enough for some silly steep climbs. It's what I've set my Bafang bbs02b to. That particular motor however has twice the torque as the bbs01b. Cleverer people than I would need to figure that one out.
2) A difficult one indeed. I honestly can't see any reasonable method other than the (slightly amended for power rating) laws we have currently to address this. The sale of such kits/bikes being restricted would go a long way to fixing the problem of silly power ebikes. At the very least, I'd suggest that a licence and relevent documentation be required prior to the purchase of vehicles requiring such documents etc. If I understand it correctly, any Tom, Rick and Henrietta can buy a car etc without a licence etc which imo is utter madness.
by Vantage
16 Aug 2023, 6:47pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

To still be classed as a bicycle they are limited. Over those limits and they're classed as pedelecs, mopeds and motorbikes which as you state do require a helmet and the legal documents etc. Therein lies the problem that the rider is then further restricted in where they can be ridden and additional costs mount up in the form of insurance etc. I ride a bike to be free of all that carry on.
These bikes should also cater for those less able to ride an unpowered bike. As CJ is finding out with his wife, those people have not been considered.
I don't mind complying with rules. As long as said rules are reasonable and well thought out.
by Vantage
16 Aug 2023, 12:48pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Hill Starts - E-assist not helping
Replies: 58
Views: 8372

Re: Hill Starts - E-assist not helping

The regulations for ebikes as far as I know (I've checked this online and various sites confirm it) allow the use of a start assistance throttle provided it cuts off at 3.7mph. One site says the throttle can assist up to 15.5mph if the cycle is pedalled at the same time (not too sure about that one).

There is freely available software endorsed by Bafang themselves to tweak the setting of their mid drive and I think hub drive motors.
The easiest way I personally find to do this is by an android (unsure if apple support it)app called speeed. The help menu covers every setting. The motor can as far as I know he set to pull away straight away from the smallest pedal push but you need to be careful with it. It can burn out the motor or throw Helen off the bike if it pulls too hard. You'll need a cable too. https://amzn.eu/d/gLUwP5u
by Vantage
16 Aug 2023, 12:16pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

Ah, well that problem doesn't actually exist for me anymore as I did indeed go the illegal route not long after that tour. The current motor is rated for 750w. It can go to 1200w but anything over 700w and the pawls in the freehub start slipping making some not so very nice noises. It is limited to 15.5mph too.
I have tested it with a full load going up a 20% hill and it quite happily pulls the load without overheating.
I just don't understand what reasons the rule makers had for limiting motors to such a meagre wattage. It's probably perfectly fine for a flat country without winds etc but for everywhere else, it's just stupid.
For what it's worth, the 42t sprocket is part of an off the shelf cassette I bought specifically to reduce the chances of burning out the previous motor. It still got hot on many climbs.
by Vantage
16 Aug 2023, 12:06am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

jdthebrit wrote: 15 Aug 2023, 9:09pm You are on the wrong forum Vantage.
Posters here have an agenda to rubbish ebikes..
They patronizingly blather on about "the right gears" as if we are not experienced cyclists.
250 W, if touring, with a trailer and 35 kg dog, is going to be totally useless for anyone but Mark Cavendish, but a lot of people pretend to know better.
Give up is my advice, and ask the question on an American ebike forum. They will gladly give you the proper advice.
Ah yes I know. Lots of people here set in their high and mighty luddite narrow minded ways.
Someone will be along soon to advise that if we don't like it then there are other forums. :lol:
by Vantage
15 Aug 2023, 11:50pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

Carlton green wrote: 15 Aug 2023, 10:27pm
I’m finding that response to CJ confusing, unhelpful to you even, but I do appreciate your difficult position and frustration. Now if the smallest chainwheel is limited to 42t because that’s the maximum tension load that can be put through the chain then what you’re asking for is the impossible: a bigger motor wouldn’t help you because it too would be similarly limited by maximum chain tension, a smaller chainwheel will give higher - but not acceptable - chain tension.
No the chainwheel limitation is due to the motors overall physical size. A smaller chainwheel wouldn't be dished and so the teeth would sit further out thus bending the living daylights out of the chain. Hopefully my very simple diagram explains the problem.
PXL_20230815_224744816.MP.jpg
by Vantage
15 Aug 2023, 6:22pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

42T chainwheel pulling a 42T sprocket and 700c wheels.
42t chainwheel is the smallest that can be fitted without causing serious chain bending (mid drive motor).
If you can lower that gearing without having to spend serious money then you're a better mechanic than I.
Buying an entire new bike because some twits came up with a stupidly low power limit isn't an option for many.
by Vantage
14 Aug 2023, 11:58pm
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills
Replies: 329
Views: 28875

Re: Is 250w enough power for modest speed up steep hills

Depends on how hard the nut is.
Depending on the bike, there's a limit to how low the gears can go. Depending on the rider, there's a limit to how hard he/she can push.
Pedalling my fully loaded tourer up a 20% hill with a measly 250w motor and a 42t lowest gear nearly caused me to pass out on reaching the top. Pushing wouldn't have been easier. Same hill almost had my dad coming off the bike because he was going so slow...despite his 250w motor.
15.5mph is still 15.5mph whether it's reached using a 250w motor or 1500w motor. More power doesn't make it any more dangerous. It does make hills that are normally out of bounds to those with less muscle/health issues not so out of reach.
by Vantage
27 Jun 2023, 12:02pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: SP-8 Hub Dynamo
Replies: 32
Views: 1855

Re: SP-8 Hub Dynamo

I've had 2 disc SP PD8 (I think) hubs fail on me. Bearings both times.
Never again.
The last wheel I built was with a SON delux hub which are legendary for their reliability and after service. £159 from sjs.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/dynamos/32- ... ub-silver/