Choppers as E-Bikes

[RevDon]

I've been doing a lot of research into what kind of frame to use for my project, and have found myself gravitating towards choppers. While not very stealthy, (they attract attention) I like them for the following reasons:

1. Laid-back riding position for less wind resistance and comfort.
2. long wheel base for high-speed stability.
3. Wide, heavy-duty drop-outs for fat tires.
4. Lots of frame space for batteries.
5. They're cool.

Below are some websites I've come across for your perusal. I was amazed at what's out there. They run the gamut from high-end customs, to inexpensive build-your-own sites. I hope you enjoy them - lots of ideas

Don

http://www.choppersus.com/store/content/37/2008-Super-Fat-Chopper/

http://www.circlecitybicycles.com/chop/index.htm

http://www.bicycledesigner.com/chopper_bicycle_parts.html

http://www.northwest-chopper-bicycles.com/WELCOME.html

http://www.phatcycles.com/

http://bikerodnkustom3.homestead.com/cover8_03.html

http://www.thickbikes.com/

http://www.desperadocycles.com/#

 

[dogman dan]

I was thinking along the same lines as you, till bent wheels and broke spokes sent me the full suspension direction. I didn't appreciate how poorly designed my bike path was till I rode it much faster on an ebike. Those aren't bumps, they are jumps. The choppers look so cool though, you could keep two around, and allways have a for sale sign on the one your riding. End up permanently riding new bikes. There are some pretty affordable ones on ebay from time to time that have a nice battery box built into the frame.

 

[Anonymous]

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[gasfree]

Man I wish I could ride one of those but my crippled ass won't be good for a long while. Well at least I can drool on what may be my next build.

 

[AussieJester]

There is alot of area suitable for battery placement on the stretched out choppers.

I went for a more pro/stock chopper look on my build, got some ideas from these

http://www.chopperbicycle.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=1812d4f3505ec285f85b4f5fdbc48166&f=15
http://www.freakbikenation.org/
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/

forums, also a couple of extra sites below you can buy gear from-->

http://www.firebikes.com/shopping.htm
http://www.aztlanbicycle.com/lowrider-trikes.html

Best of luck with your build/bike anywayz

Kim

 

[Anonymous]

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[RevDon]

Thanks for all the great links! Now if we could just find a chopper frame with rear supension I know, build my own

Don

 

[dirtdad]

I have gone the chopper route, and I highly recommend it. I have had mine to 40+ mph, and it is very stable and fun at those speeds. The only thing needed for higher speeds is suspension. I have the braking covered. The chopper position is not so good for pedaling, but it does have all the benefits you cite. I think that makes is a great compromise for an eBike platform, esp. for higher speed ebikes. Sort of a cross between a motorcycle and a bike.

Be careful when selecting a chopper. Ride it first as a regular bike if you can. The models with super slack head angles can be quite a handful handling-wise, as they have so little weight over the front wheel. The really crazy ones wash out the front wheel easily. But bear in mind that choppers do handle different than a bike with a regular head angle, it is best to lean them to steer. Which looks and feels very cool under power, by the way. To steer really tight I find it is best to get out of the cool chopper leaned back position and lean over the handlebars.

There is one model I know of that has rear suspension. It is the Choppers US Beachcomber, which is really more of a stretch cruiser than a lowrider, which makes it even more practical while staying very cool. The problem is they are single speed (ok by me), and on back order for so far into the future that Choppers US has taken them down off their website, you cannot even get on the waiting list anymore. I am on that waiting list, BTW. If the Beachcomber is THAT popular, someone else is bound to make one, too.

 

[RevDon]

I came across this wesite: http://bikerodnkustom3.homestead.com/aaronb_3.html
While reading this one: http://bikerodnkustom4.homestead.com/AaronPacific.html

Lots of interesting stuff, including an e-bike Bonneville 65 lb. 65 m.p.h. run! And that was 2 years ago with NiMh Batteries

Enjoy,
Don

 

[Knuckles]

Well I love my Nirve Tension chopper ... http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4160&st=0&sk=t&sd=a#p62316

 

[HAL9000v2.0]

 

[RevDon]

Nice one Hal!

I came across this one recently. Nice, high-quality handmade electric chioppers, pedals, but no chain :lol: Think anyone will notice :wink:

http://www.marrscycles.com/

Don

 

[Anonymous]

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[Knuckles]

WOA MOMMA!

 

[Anonymous]

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[michaelplogue]

Love the looks of this one:

 

[Knuckles]

Man that is sooooo NICE!
8)

That is easy a $2000 HEV.

 

[Anonymous]

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[Knuckles]

Not really for the tree hugger crowd! But very cool! In fact that is just plain SICK!