Building a mid-drive eDownhill bike

[TEZLAH]

I am starting on my journey on converting a GT Fury downhill bike into a eBike (that can actually go uphill ) hopefully using one the those OPTIBIKE motors.

I searched Pink bike for several weeks and I finally found a good bike about 8 hours from me. So I picked it up;

I told the guy what I was doing and he said this is a great bike, but he wants to be able to go uphill too - good for me and I will make this awesome bike go UPHILL.

I have already purchased the rear shock - FOX DHX2, Front Forks: 2016 Fox 40 FLOAT 26" 20mm Straight Steerer Black 45mm Kashima Factory Fork.

I also secured my ideal transmission, a ROHLOFF, I should be picking that up in a week.

I contacted OptiBike to get a motor, battery and controller - hopefully that will go well.

Stay tuned. Please note that I am new to this whole area, so this is going to be FUN.

 

[RageNR]

Nice dood. Welcome to the club. Look forward to seeing your progress on it.
TAAAAKE LOTZ oF PIKTURS!

 

[TEZLAH]

OK got it torn down. I went all the way cause I going to do something crazy. Here is the before picture;

 

[TEZLAH]

Got my Rear shock today!

 

[SlowCo]

Nice bike and a good candidate for a Tangent kit:
http://tangentmotors.com/
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=70098

 

[TEZLAH]

Thanks I'll check them out.

 

[RageNR]

Just real quick... mind telling how much you gave for the bike?

 

[Sean9002]

Just real quick... mind telling how much you gave for the bike?

If your looking for a GT Fury frame, I spotted these on Ebay:
http://stores.ebay.com.my/eBike-ltd...49042519&_sid=687820669&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322



Cool build! Noice rear shock
Keep them updates coming!

 

[TEZLAH]

Just got the frame back from the stripper/polisher. Check this out. (I know the rear is upside down-I was very excited how it looks and didn't pay attention). I'll post some more pics later. I am heading to Colorado to check out the OPTIBIKE motor...

 

[tightbox]

Gorgeous! Did you clear coat it?

 

[TEZLAH]

Not Yet!

 

[macribs]

Mirror finish requires white gloves when touching the frame

Look forward to see this completed. Will follow for sure.

 

[TEZLAH]

I had a great time meeting Jim Turner, founder of Optibike. I rode all their models and that motors rocks. It won't shut down when it gets hot is just slows down a bit. It uses some patent design to allow both the pedaling and the motor via throttle to power the back wheel (In parallel). The motor will perform at 1500W nominal power 2500W PEAK power. I should be able to get a consistent 220 NewtonMeters at the back wheel. Thats alot of torque. This guy knows his stuff - I think his systems are the best in the business. He is designing a battery case that will fit nicely on the GT and keep the center of gravity low so the added weight will not effect the performance. I should have everything in 2 weeks. Oh the battery is 28Ah 60v Lithium. I should be able to go 40-50 miles on a charge and the recharge takes 30 minutes for fast charging and 2 hours with normal charging (this is based upon Jim's experience). I took a pic of one of the units he is building for me that he had on another GT. Pretty clean setup;

 

[macribs]

Don't be surprised if you find out that motor, PAS and controller from Optibike is just another motor, PAS and controller.
I know of optibike only by their merits ie Pikes Peak, but to be honest I don't think their motors are inhouse design. From reading about Optibike a few years back Optibike like so many other e-bike manufacturers buy their motors from motor manufacturers. Even if motor got a Optibike sticker it does not need to mean motor is made or designed by Optibike. My guess would be Optibike buys motors made to their own specs, ie better magnets, more copper then they do a more strict QC then the factory when motors arrives.

Don't get me wrong, I am not bad mouthing Optibike far from it. I am just not sure Optibike is so special that they do their own motors. If so they are among the very few if not the only one in the business.

 

[TEZLAH]

Great points and I asked Jim about all this. I went to his MFG center in Longmont Colorado. They make the motor there per his patented design. Now Bofelli has copied his motor and he is in negotiations with them to rectify that situation. But I can assure you that they make the motors and the main controller there at the Optibike facility. Also the batteries are made locally per their spec. BTW I rode one of his prototype bikes - WOW, off road I was going 40+ MPH. With a torque that was very fun to ride... He said my version should come close to that.

 

[WoodlandHills]

Mirror finish requires white gloves when touching the frame

Look forward to see this completed. Will follow for sure.

A good coat of carnuba wax will keep it shiny for weeks, even with fingerprints.....

 

[TEZLAH]

Wax is a great idea thanks

 

[TEZLAH]

Just got back from Optibike in Colorado and what was waiting for me? Some beautiful forks;

 

[macribs]

Look forward to see this completed. Do make a video of the motor if possible.

 

[Lurkin]

More photos of the frame would be awesome. Its crying out for clear coating!

 

[Dogboy1200]

How loud is the Optibike? Looks like an awesome set up!

 

[TEZLAH]

There is slight motor whine on the optibike. Not any louder that tire noise on gravel. When I rode the ebikes, it wasn't something that distracted me. I kind of liked the noise, it added to the whole experience. I guess it can go down to personal preference.

 

[RageNR]

shapin up good so far. Too bad I can't afford such a nice setup. For now, my 2nd hand Klein and fresh Cyclone kit will have to satisfy my electron munching madness.

Keep em comin! Expecting an amazing finished build. Don't let us down...

 

[macribs]

Great points and I asked Jim about all this. I went to his MFG center in Longmont Colorado. They make the motor there per his patented design. Now Bofelli has copied his motor and he is in negotiations with them to rectify that situation. But I can assure you that they make the motors and the main controller there at the Optibike facility. Also the batteries are made locally per their spec. BTW I rode one of his prototype bikes - WOW, off road I was going 40+ MPH. With a torque that was very fun to ride... He said my version should come close to that.

Missed your response on this. Go to say I am impressed. Well guess that is part of the Optibike's price tag.
Anyway kudos to them for just not buying bulk from China.

 

[Samd]

Love that polish.
You might be interested in a GT Fury I did awhile back. For a single swingarm they ride pretty bloody good!

https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=63645&start=25#p960080