Rusty123
100 W
Hello - first post here. Yes, I updated my profile to reflect location (near Seattle) :wink: Below is my background and planned build - please fire away.
Me: I'm 47 years old and 205 lbs, although fairly fit, having been bike commuting to work 2 or 3 times per week (8 miles each way) for the past several years. I'm a pretty good bike mechanic, having built a few bikes from parts, built wheels, etc. I have a background as an electronics technician (many years ago), and more recently as a civil engineer. So I'm fairly competent with mechanical and electrical stuff. Also, I favor bikes that are "clean and neat". No duct tape, floppy wires, hose clamps, etc.
My commute: Pretty flat, except for a couple 8%+ climbs on the way home (see attached commute profile). I can recharge at work. Rains a lot here, so water resistant components are important.
My bike: mid 80's vintage (brand unknown), non-suspension steel mountain bike. V brakes, 8 speed Mega-range cassette, triple chainring (48 tooth large), friction shifting. Front and rear racks, touring tires, fenders, Brooks saddle. Nothing fancy, but a solid, high quality bike that I've put thousands of miles on. See photo below. (Incidentally, I also have a long wheelbase recumbent, with a 26 inch rear wheel. It's possible that I would convert it too, but that's for another day).
My objectives: As I get older, I'm finding it more and more difficult to climb on the bike for my commute (instead of driving), particularly in the evening, when I'm facing those hills, I'm tired, and it's often dark and wet. So I'm seeking a system that will give me some assistance on my commute, particularly the hills, but not replace pedaling (since I need the exercise). I am definitely not interested in an "electric motorcycle". For those reasons, I would like to minimize freewheel drag, and since I have V brakes, also keep the weight down. 20 MPH, and enough range for my commute seems like plenty, but I can certainly envision lengthening my ride to accomplish some errands knowing that the battery can get me home faster.
My budget: $1,500.
My plan: Based on my research so far, I'm leaning towards a geared hub motor, probably rear wheel (partly so I could potentially swap it over to my recumbent someday). One of the BMC models (V4C?) seems about right. Ping LiFePO4 battery, probably 36V/20AH or 48V/15AH. Not sure about a controller yet (suggestions?). Thumb throttle, Cycle Analyst. I'm a little worried that this setup would be overkill for my objective, but I suppose it's better to miss high than low.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
Me: I'm 47 years old and 205 lbs, although fairly fit, having been bike commuting to work 2 or 3 times per week (8 miles each way) for the past several years. I'm a pretty good bike mechanic, having built a few bikes from parts, built wheels, etc. I have a background as an electronics technician (many years ago), and more recently as a civil engineer. So I'm fairly competent with mechanical and electrical stuff. Also, I favor bikes that are "clean and neat". No duct tape, floppy wires, hose clamps, etc.
My commute: Pretty flat, except for a couple 8%+ climbs on the way home (see attached commute profile). I can recharge at work. Rains a lot here, so water resistant components are important.
My bike: mid 80's vintage (brand unknown), non-suspension steel mountain bike. V brakes, 8 speed Mega-range cassette, triple chainring (48 tooth large), friction shifting. Front and rear racks, touring tires, fenders, Brooks saddle. Nothing fancy, but a solid, high quality bike that I've put thousands of miles on. See photo below. (Incidentally, I also have a long wheelbase recumbent, with a 26 inch rear wheel. It's possible that I would convert it too, but that's for another day).
My objectives: As I get older, I'm finding it more and more difficult to climb on the bike for my commute (instead of driving), particularly in the evening, when I'm facing those hills, I'm tired, and it's often dark and wet. So I'm seeking a system that will give me some assistance on my commute, particularly the hills, but not replace pedaling (since I need the exercise). I am definitely not interested in an "electric motorcycle". For those reasons, I would like to minimize freewheel drag, and since I have V brakes, also keep the weight down. 20 MPH, and enough range for my commute seems like plenty, but I can certainly envision lengthening my ride to accomplish some errands knowing that the battery can get me home faster.
My budget: $1,500.
My plan: Based on my research so far, I'm leaning towards a geared hub motor, probably rear wheel (partly so I could potentially swap it over to my recumbent someday). One of the BMC models (V4C?) seems about right. Ping LiFePO4 battery, probably 36V/20AH or 48V/15AH. Not sure about a controller yet (suggestions?). Thumb throttle, Cycle Analyst. I'm a little worried that this setup would be overkill for my objective, but I suppose it's better to miss high than low.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks!