My RMARTIN bike died today.

[lbz5mc12]

When I get to 20% grade I shift into an easier gear and pedal with the motor. I'm 6' 3" and 330lbs and I have no problems with the Currie Skyline. I can throttle from a dead stop.

[lesspedal]

good looking and good value bike George.
On a separate note, someone needs to "play" with one of these to see how it responds to a few more volts & amps

The Gette is the same.
Doesn't need more volts but more amps for climbing, but how do you tweek the controller to do this?

[Hillhater]

I would simply go with a proven controller upgrade ...and more volts ! ( better battery to cope with more amps)

[georgefromvt]

Check out this post: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=32375#p469504
Kiwi from New Zealand did an impressive job with upgrading his Bighit (RMartin) brand. Next spring, I'll probably upgrade to a 48 Volt version. Thanks Kiwi for the excellent report!!

[lbz5mc12]

Well now that I'm done hating on Rmartin, I was wondering if I could pose an idea to this thread? I have two of the Currie Electrodrive motors; the one that came on my bike and the one that I replaced it with. One is 450 watts and the other is 250 watts. They both have the same RPM. I want to devise a way to mount both motors on the bike. I also have a second controller and throttle. My problem is that the gears on the motors don't freewheel and I would only engage both motors on really steep uphills. So if I were to try to use only one motor at a time, the other motor would create a lot of resistance thereby defeating the purpose. Is there a way to run one throttle to two controllers? I was thinking of splicing two controller connections to one throttle. My other idea was to somehow hook up a derailleur to the chain so I could pull it away from the second motor when it was not in use. I also mentioned in an earlier post that I have two batteries. My third idea was to mount both motors to the bottom tube and run the chain to my crank set. This of course would require me to buy a freewheeling crank set. Also I don't know if anyone in this thread has ever seen the Currie Skyline. I'm on a tight budget so I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible. I posted some pictures in the reviews and testing section. I have yet to post a picture of the whole bike because I'm not quite done prettying it up. While I'm on the subject of being on a tight budget, I have one of those golden motor motor controllers that I want to sell. When I received it, I determined that I wouldn't be able to use it with anything I currently have. It's brand new and unused. If anyone's interested I could post a couple pictures of it. I paid about $100.00 between shipping and cost. I'm willing to let it go for $70.00 plus I'll pay the shipping. I know this really isn't the place to try and sell stuff but I'd prefer it goes to someone knowledgeable and creative. It doesn't have the USB cable. It's supposed to be programmable. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[georgefromvt]

lbz5mc12 I plan on repairing my old RMartin 12A this winter. If I can get it running, I'll sell it to you cheap if interested. I really don't need two ebikes. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

RMartin 12A

[dansitarz]

I have an RMartin R11 (which is the same as an R10 but without the rear suspension). My LiFePO battery pack stopped holding a charge after about 1000 miles (about 100 charges). I sent it back to RMartin, and they tested it and agreed, but were unable to repair it. I was just out of the warranty period (1 year), so I wound up buying a new battery pack (which they sold me at cost since the first one failed just past the warranty). Anyhow, I'd like to repair or have someone somewhere try to repair the first battery pack. Does anyone on this forum have any ideas or know anyone who can test/repair such a pack. It's a 36V 10ah LiFePo4 battery pack. I can't tell the manufacturer right off hand. Thanks for any help.

[georgefromvt]

I have an RMartin R11 (which is the same as an R10 but without the rear suspension). My LiFePO battery pack stopped holding a charge after about 1000 miles (about 100 charges). I sent it back to RMartin, and they tested it and agreed, but were unable to repair it. I was just out of the warranty period (1 year), so I wound up buying a new battery pack (which they sold me at cost since the first one failed just past the warranty). Anyhow, I'd like to repair or have someone somewhere try to repair the first battery pack. Does anyone on this forum have any ideas or know anyone who can test/repair such a pack. It's a 36V 10ah LiFePo4 battery pack. I can't tell the manufacturer right off hand. Thanks for any help.

I'm just curious how much was the battery pack "at cost"????? Next year I'll probably upgrade my R10 to a 48 volt battery/controller. A new ping 48 volt goes for $348.

http://www.pingbattery.com/servlet/the- ... PO4/Detail

2420v25.jpg (28.85 KiB) Viewed 600 times

[trex]

Hey guys... I really like the Rmatin R10 or R11. But my concern is... I weigh more than I look, 230 Lbs. So, my question is, at 6'2' am I to big for this bike? Maybe I should buy a e-motor kit for a Yuba Mundo cargo bike...? 1000w hub with a 48v/20 ah battery? ALso, I think there is a new non-hub system for the yuba mundo that run off the chain.

[dansitarz]

I have an R-11. I'm 6'1", 250# and it has no trouble handling me. I can cruise, while pedaling, at 15 mph on rolling terrain. On hills, I need to use the normal bike gears (it is a 7 speed). I've had the bike for over a year and it is a well-built bike. I did have some problem with the battery, but have since gotten a new one which is now working fine. It is a heavy-duty bike. In retrospect, I should have gotten the R-10 for the disk brakes and the rear suspension, but my brakes work fine and I have a suspension seat post I've used hub motor electric bikes and the R. Martin is, hands down, a better, quieter, more powerful (for a 250 watt) motor. I would definitely say your size and weight would be no problem. Good riding!

[trex]

I have an R-11. I'm 6'1", 250# and it has no trouble handling me. I can cruise, while pedaling, at 15 mph on rolling terrain. On hills, I need to use the normal bike gears (it is a 7 speed). I've had the bike for over a year and it is a well-built bike. I did have some problem with the battery, but have since gotten a new one which is now working fine. It is a heavy-duty bike. In retrospect, I should have gotten the R-10 for the disk brakes and the rear suspension, but my brakes work fine and I have a suspension seat post I've used hub motor electric bikes and the R. Martin is, hands down, a better, quieter, more powerful (for a 250 watt) motor. I would definitely say your size and weight would be no problem. Good riding!

Hey dansitarz...thanks for responding. Your comments are the feedback I was looking for.... this is after signing up on four different bike forums! This forum seems to be the best one for ebike information. The others like to talk about the best "craft beer", plus they like to make fun of people who are looking for technical information about ebikes, etc, (Mtn. bike review). Lots of bike snobs out there! PS, what kind of battery problem were you having, and what kind of replacment battery did you buy? Thanks again...

[dansitarz]

The battery that came with the R-11 was a 36 volt lithium ion. It was supposed to have at least 800 recharge cycles. I got maybe 100 before it failed to hold a charge for more than 10-15 miles. I contacted R. Martin and my battery was beyond the warranty (1 year; I purchased the bike and then wasn't able to ride it for about 5 months). Anyhow, their customer service tried to help; had me send in the battery to see if they could deep discharge and then recharge it and check the cells etc. Nothing worked to repair it; so they offered to sell me another new battery at their cost, which I took them up on. I thought that the offer to sell at cost was decent on their part, tho I'm still a little put out that the original battery didn't do better. I've tried to find someone or some company that could still do some more checking on the original battery, but, as you did, I find some of the forums less than helpful.

[trex]

The battery that came with the R-11 was a 36 volt lithium ion. It was supposed to have at least 800 recharge cycles. I got maybe 100 before it failed to hold a charge for more than 10-15 miles. I contacted R. Martin and my battery was beyond the warranty (1 year; I purchased the bike and then wasn't able to ride it for about 5 months). Anyhow, their customer service tried to help; had me send in the battery to see if they could deep discharge and then recharge it and check the cells etc. Nothing worked to repair it; so they offered to sell me another new battery at their cost, which I took them up on. I thought that the offer to sell at cost was decent on their part, tho I'm still a little put out that the original battery didn't do better. I've tried to find someone or some company that could still do some more checking on the original battery, but, as you did, I find some of the forums less than helpful.

Hey Mr. dans.... My concern with the R10 would be the rear shock...I don't think it's big enough to carry my weight, of 230 Lbs. My girlfriend has a Mongoose Mtn. Bike with a rear shock and I "bottom it out". I think I will call the company, and ask them. I sent a message to them, from their web site, but never got a responds. The other option would be to replace with a larger shock, if I exceed the weight limit... Here's a pic of my cargo bike, it's a Yuba Mundo... I'm thinking about mounting a "mid-ship" e-motor on "her". If I did this, I would buy the R10 for my girlfriend.

DSC01281.JPG (50.19 KiB) Viewed 441 times

[dansitarz]

As I noted, the R-11 does not have the rear shock and I use a seat post suspension. But I can see how the R-10 rear shock could be an issue for you (and me, as well). What type of mid-mount motor are you considering?

[trex]

As I noted, the R-11 does not have the rear shock and I use a seat post suspension. But I can see how the R-10 rear shock could be an issue for you (and me, as well). What type of mid-mount motor are you considering?

Here's a web site with the mid-mount motor for the Yuba Mundo...http://gobiketrip.com/blogs/urbancommut ... ersion-kit

And a pic of...

m-drive08[1].png (160.39 KiB) Viewed 425 times

There is also a Thread on this forum concerning Yuba Mudo ebike's with the mid-mount motor... I think they just came out with this kit, this year.

[skaplan]

I weigh about 225, and my R10 is holding up just fine. I admit I don't ride it that hard, mostly gravel trails, but the spring seems to be holding up nicely a few months in. And the 8 speed is plenty for anything I've encountered, even the most unpleasant hills aren't hard if you shift low enough.

[Gordo]

Here's a web site with the mid-mount motor for the Yuba Mundo...http://gobiketrip.com/blogs/urbancommut ... ersion-kit
There is also a Thread on this forum concerning Yuba Mudo ebike's with the mid-mount motor... I think they just came out with this kit, this year.

Do a search on ES for "stoke monkey". You will find many threads with this type conversion. No patented, expensive, mounting bracket needed

[georgefromvt]

Quote "Hey Mr. dans.... My concern with the R10 would be the rear shock...I don't think it's big enough to carry my weight, of 230 Lbs. My girlfriend has a Mongoose Mtn. Bike with a rear shock and I "bottom it out". I think I will call the company, and ask them. I sent a message to them, from their web site, but never got a responds. The other option would be to replace with a larger shock, if I exceed the weight limit... Here's a pic of my cargo bike, it's a Yuba Mundo... I'm thinking about mounting a "mid-ship" e-motor on "her". If I did this, I would buy the R10 for my girlfriend."

Trex. I understand your concern but I am almost as heavy and my R10 rides well. I am 210 in boxers but easily tip the scale at 230 fully dressed especially considering Vermont's cool climate--heavy clothes are the norm. The R10'S rear shock can be locked so bottoming out is not a worry.
Regarding the DIY kits, yes there are some great kits on the market but for bikers with scant free time, fleeting summers or limited technical abilities an off the rack ebike makes more sense. Three years I go I purchased an expensive well know DIY kit, well I spent more time building and trouble shooting issues than riding. Our summers are very short, I would rather unbox a bike then build one. Good luck and have fun with what ever you choose.

[trex]

Quote "Hey Mr. dans.... My concern with the R10 would be the rear shock...I don't think it's big enough to carry my weight, of 230 Lbs. My girlfriend has a Mongoose Mtn. Bike with a rear shock and I "bottom it out". I think I will call the company, and ask them. I sent a message to them, from their web site, but never got a responds. The other option would be to replace with a larger shock, if I exceed the weight limit... Here's a pic of my cargo bike, it's a Yuba Mundo... I'm thinking about mounting a "mid-ship" e-motor on "her". If I did this, I would buy the R10 for my girlfriend."

Trex. I understand your concern but I am almost as heavy and my R10 rides well. I am 210 in boxers but easily tip the scale at 230 fully dressed especially considering Vermont's cool climate--heavy clothes are the norm. The R10'S rear shock can be locked so bottoming out is not a worry.
Regarding the DIY kits, yes there are some great kits on the market but for bikers with scant free time, fleeting summers or limited technical abilities an off the rack ebike makes more sense. Three years I go I purchased an expensive well know DIY kit, well I spent more time building and trouble shooting issues than riding. Our summers are very short, I would rather unbox a bike then build one. Good luck and have fun with what ever you choose.

R10 Sept 2011 004.JPG

R10 Sept 2011 016.JPG

Hey Mr. G.... thanks for your intel on the Rmartin R10. You may have answered the following questions in earlier posts. But, I was wondering if you have had any problems or issues with your R-10? Would you buy the same bike again? Have you upgraded the battery? Is your bike the 200w or 250w motor. Does it look like you could replace the motor with a larger motor "down the road". The plastic battery box....does it have room to place a different type, size, or brand of battery in the box, or is the box and battery an "All in one" type unit. What would you change on the R-10, (if the company would do anything you suggested), to make it a better bike?

Thanks so much for your feedback, and get out and ride!!!!

[georgefromvt]

Trex Yes! I would buy the RMartin bike again. It's my second RMartin, the first was a 12A. The 12A rode incredibly well for 1200 miles then died. Tried to fix it but preferred to buy a new--more powerful 250 watt version. In the last three years I aslo bought/ installed an expensive DIU Hub style ebike kit, more trouble than it was worth. I've also test rode Liberty, Giant and Ezee bikes. I trusted the RMartin brand to purchase a second bike, they're a good value for their money. Regarding modifications: read up on Kiwi posts, looks like it can be modified with a larger battery/controller: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=32375 . Maybe next year I'll upgrade but now it's riding great stock.
Check out the Australian review, the Bighit is the same as RMartin's 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyABizGX ... re=related

http://www.electricbikedistributor.com/ ... cycle.html
http://www.igoelectric.com/
http://www.bikecommuters.com/2011/09/20 ... -electric/

[newb]

My concern with the R10 would be the rear shock...I don't think it's big enough to carry my weight, of 230 Lbs.

you may have already resolved this concern but i will add m2cw. i bought 1 of these (R10 2009) second hand and ended up giving it to a friend who is right at 300lbs and he had no problem w/ the rear suspension. in fact, for the yr he owned it he only had 1 issue which was shifting up a hill where the chain would pop off. this had to be due to his weight as i never had this trouble. he rectified the problem by not shifting while under power, since then he had no further trouble.

however, after 1 season he sold it and upgraded to a faster and more powerful bike - an old K2 (FS) proflex (which he had), 9c 2807 & 18fet controller which were purchased from other ES members and some free sla's from ES member fishmasterdan - total build cost, $350-$400. i mention this because for 1200 or so dollars the R10 is a great entry level bike and if you plan to use w/in their stated ability you should be very happy. however, if you're going to spend $1200 plus upgrade the battery and controller then you will be better off to build your own bike. do this and i'd bet you'll be happier w/ the results and it will be cheaper. all the answers needed are here on ES, just do the research as most questions have been asked and answered several times over.

[georgefromvt]

My concern with the R10 would be the rear shock...I don't think it's big enough to carry my weight, of 230 Lbs.

you may have already resolved this concern but i will add m2cw. i bought 1 of these (R10 2009) second hand and ended up giving it to a friend who is right at 300lbs and he had no problem w/ the rear suspension. in fact, for the yr he owned it he only had 1 issue which was shifting up a hill where the chain would pop off. this had to be due to his weight as i never had this trouble. he rectified the problem by not shifting while under power, since then he had no further trouble.

however, after 1 season he sold it and upgraded to a faster and more powerful bike - an old K2 (FS) proflex (which he had), 9c 2807 & 18fet controller which were purchased from other ES members and some free sla's from ES member fishmasterdan - total build cost, $350-$400. i mention this because for 1200 or so dollars the R10 is a great entry level bike and if you plan to use w/in their stated ability you should be very happy. however, if you're going to spend $1200 plus upgrade the battery and controller then you will be better off to build your own bike. do this and i'd bet you'll be happier w/ the results and it will be cheaper. all the answers needed are here on ES, just do the research as most questions have been asked and answered several times over.

Newb, you have a valid point. Yes, I could research and build a bike but for someone with very limited free time the convenience of buying a ready made bike makes more sense. I often work 6 day weeks and live in Northern Vermont; our summers are over in a blink. My free time (bike time) is very limited. Yes, 1200 dollars is very expensive but the freedom to unbox a brand new ebike and be on the road in less than an hour is worth every cent. I prefer to ride than research and build. Someday if I am lucky enough to retire, yes I will build but for now purchasing a new bike is a better option. Oh, check my pic, despite sunny skies I was wearing my ski bibs, ski shirt and after the shot, rode home and grabbed my winter coat. Despite the sunny image, it was barely 40 degrees and that was October! This morning I woke to sun but 16 degrees! Vermont's bike season is over in a blink.

http://www.electricbikedistributor.com/ ... cycle.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5k-Xh4Z7LA
http://www.igoelectric.com/
http://www.gettebikes.com/gallery.html

I was freezing but still had a great time!

Unpacking my new bike! Better than Christmas Morning!!

[newb]

i mention this because for 1200 or so dollars the R10 is a great entry level bike and if you plan to use w/in their stated ability you should be very happy. however, if you're going to spend $1200 plus upgrade the battery and controller then you will be better off to build your own bike. do this and i'd bet you'll be happier w/ the results and it will be cheaper. all the answers needed are here on ES, just do the research as most questions have been asked and answered several times over.

Yes, 1200 dollars is very expensive but the freedom to unbox a brand new ebike and be on the road in less than an hour is worth every cent.

im sorry i think you misunderstood me. as i said, i think they are a great bike for $1200. however, add the cost of a new 48v battery and a new controller and in my eyes the value goes way down. that was the point i was attempting to make, that and a 300lbs guy can ride the bike w/o suspension issues.

cheers

[georgefromvt]

Newb, Good point. You are correct but I didn't buy the bike with the sole purpose of upgrading it. I do see your point. Over all I'm happy with it's stock version, maybe next spring I'll upgrade it but for now it performs well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5z6EYx3 ... re=related
http://blog.greaterbayshell.com/2008/05 ... ike-light/

Monkey lights breaking the evening.

[edaz40]

WOW-A HUNDERD YEARS OF EXPERENCE-DEGREES IN ENG.ECT,AND YOUR FIX IS TO REPLACE EVERY PART UNTIL IT WORKS OR STRIP A 42000.00 aus. bike for parts have we really come to this with e-bikes-gack to peddles-someone is not ready for the future yet.ed