HPC Cycle vs. DIY advice

[jonnyc]

Just finished a weekend of searching for a bike and think I may have found something interesting but would like some input.

Santa Cruz makes a frame called the Jackal. It's a trick frame which I'm not thrilled about, however it has replaceable dropouts which seem very beefy and its nice and light.



I realize it does not leave much space for the battery, but i'm thinking this may an option.

Any input would be much appreciated!

[john7700]

Just finished a weekend of searching for a bike and think I may have found something interesting but would like some input.

Santa Cruz makes a frame called the Jackal. It's a trick frame which I'm not thrilled about, however it has replaceable dropouts which seem very beefy and its nice and light.

I realize it does not leave much space for the battery, but i'm thinking this may an option.

Any input would be much appreciated!

That bike is all wrong for your needs, it is a DJ bike that is basically an over grown bmx. Not good for a commuter build. And that drop out is about running a derailleur (or not) not the tire drop outs per say.

You want a traditional diamond frame bike. You don't need to spend a lot. Just an entry level mountain bike. For a hard tail you would be looking for something like a Trek 3 series (~$475 retail) http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/3_series/3500_disc/# or Specialized Hardrock http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62175&scid=1100&scname=Mountain Bikes like these are usually available used from Crags list or such. Just try to get one with disk brakes if you can, not mandatory but much better than rim breaks. Try to avoid Wall*mart type "bike shaped objects" as Dogman calls them.

Rear hub Kit from Grinn with CA
A123 Battery and frame bag from cell man if your budget lets you. If not a Ping.
A torque arm
A miracle mirror
A beefy rear rack
A pair of fold-able steel paniers
A beefy kick stand.

Some solder, some connectors, a couple of afternoons in the garage and 400 zip ties

= A good solid commuter rig.

Start Grinning

[jonnyc]

Sounds like a much easier pill to swallow.

Thanks for the guidance!

[dogman]

The choice of the bike to put the kit on opens a whole new can of worms to decide on. The standard advice is to look for a dirt cheap used steel frame hardtail mtb or commuter bike. Putting the kit on that bike teaches you what you need, what you like, and then you can start shopping for a $500-$1500 bike to build up into your perfect commuters road machine.

You may want fat tires or skinny, you may want more suspension or less. The road will tell you what your likes are, after you put 500 miles on the cheap steel bike.