'91 Rockhopper seem right?

[judson]

Hey,

This is my first post. Some circumstances in my life have changed and I am now excited to be a ble to commute by bike this next school year (starts in September). My goal is to be able to build my own ebike by then. I have tinkered with bikes and built up a couple bikes. I am new however to the electric bike. My question today is about getting the right bike/frame to begin with.

Here are some helpful facts: My commute is extremely urban, about 10 miles in length (one way) and with some medium hills. I have the means to charge at work or home. I am interested in doing some pedalling myself for fitness reasons. I weigh about 180 currently. My budget for the project is about $1500, though I wouldn't mind spending less!

Here are some thoughts/assumptions: My background is in touring and all my bikes are steel. I was thinking a bike like this might make a good ebike convert, but in a few posts I have read thus far it sounds like something even beefier might be better. I am leaning towards a brushless direct drive rear hub motor. This is mostly for ease of use, reliability and lower initial costs. This part of the equation is not my specialty so I am open to suggestions but this was my initial line of thinking. I was thinking 500W would be sufficient though I am open to more if it seems necessary.

I found a '91 Rockhopper frame on craigslist locally for about $99. Owner says it is in good condition and was 'tuned up' recently. I am assuming for that price it is essentially just a frame and that most of the accessories need replacement. Even the frame is going to get a thorough look over by me. So my question is, does this seem like the kind of bike that would make a good convert?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[goodgnus]

Old steel mountain bikes make excellent e-bike frames, IMO.

For hill climbing, I do believe a geared hub motor would be a better choice than direct drive. Alternatively, a mid drive (powered crank) uses the bicycle's drivetrain and thus gives you the full range of gears at the rear.

 

[Drunkskunk]

Welcome to the forum.
I had to check craigslist in Seattle for the rockhopper, as around here an old one is a $25 garage sale bike. I was amazed by the prices up there!

The bike should be good, and the price seems fair based on your market. There are some trade offs with a bike that old, but on the whole it should be a great bike to convert.

 

[judson]

Yes, one of the trade-offs of living in a bike-friendly town. Thanks for checking in on that. I still have yet to see that bike but hopefully it works out and I can get started on the electronic side of my electric bike.

 

[dogman dan]

Good choice, any decent steel frame. $99 for a 91? Better be in fantastic shape! That bike would be $50 around here.

New rubber alone could make the bike worth $100 though. After all, decent shoes does cost $30-60 bucks just for the tires, let alone quality tubes.