First post here, though I've been lurking and reading the forum for a year. Now that I'm looking to build an Ebike rather than buy another, the Mongoose 24v450 has been popping up as a great candidate for my intended usage. As I've been researching the bike this thread keeps showing up. I think LightningRods and the owner could probably answer most of my questions before I decide to drop money on a donor bike.
General questions:
BB size? Is it press fit(BMX style) or threaded? It appears to be threaded in the photos, but I'm not sure.
It is a 1.125 threadless steer tube, correct?
Is there clearance for a 2.5" wide rear tire in the swing arm?
What is the drop-out width?
What is the stock front sprocket tooth count?
Questions for LightningRods:
If the motor was mounted the opposite direction(right side drive) and set up to drive a trials type crank sprocket, like a conventional mid-drive, would one of your "Big Block" motors fit?
What's the optimum RPM for that motor and at what voltage/amps is it most efficient?
Which Surly rear hub did you use?
Do you know of any "dual disk" hubs that would fit the swingarm?
So here's what I was thinking:
Swap the front fork for something better(used Rockshox or equivalent), as well a better rear shock.
Adjust fork height for level ride.
Stretch the swingarm 2-3" to allow for slightly taller(22") 2.50x17 moped tires(obviously on matching rims) and slightly longer wheelbase(stability).
Big Block driving a trials type crank sprocket, driving either freewheel or a fixed 6 hole sprocket dependent on final gearing needs.
Rear disk brakes.
I'm not looking for a 50MPH+ bike. I'd be fine with only 40-45 on flat ground if it meant being able do 25 up hills easily. That would work out to about 610 rear wheel RPM, or a 6.5:1 reduction from a motor speed of 4000RPM with the proposed 22" diameter moped tires at 40mph. With that much gearing, and a Big Block, hills should pose no problem. The wheelies should be fun as well
Anything I'm missing?