Hi,
Here's the background:
I'm planning to convert 2 classic fixed 26ers to ebikes. Both are in pretty good condition, as my wife and I used to ride often and I have always wrenched my own machines. Both are all original and are a 1990 Diamondback Apex and a 1989 Specialized Stumpjumper. I ride the Apex and my wife rides the Stumpy. I want to hot rod mine, ride cross-country singletrack, and use it to learn trials techniques and transfer those skills over to my DS motorcycles (Wheelie anyone?) My wife is more about gravel grinding with some occasional singletrack when needed. We live on top of a pretty steep and long hill, so we need the power at the end of the day to get us back up and home. I think I've decided on using BBSHDs for the power upgrades and for the HD reliability. Budget is in the $1000+ range for all upgrades for each bike.
So the questions are:
1) Are these classic cromoly frames a good starting point? I know from experience that those frames are very strong and lively frames, even if a bit on the heavy side, so I think they are a good place to start.
2) Downhilling on either over rocky singletrack (i.e. creekbeds and runoff tracks) always left my arms buzzing and my hands tingling from the vibes. Should I a) immediately look for front shocks (might be difficult due to the 1" steerer tubes), or b) just build 'em as-is and ride them, or c) start with a good used hardtail or FS bike?
3) As I am planning to have quite a bit of power on tap, I think the brakes will need some attention. Am I right, or will the OEM cantilevers be adequate?
4) If I do need to upgrade the brakes, should I upgrade to a) v-brakes, b) mech. discs, or c) hyd discs?
5) Does anyone have any other general or specific advice I should consider that isn't readily available in the other build threads?
Thanks,
Kubcat
Here's the background:
I'm planning to convert 2 classic fixed 26ers to ebikes. Both are in pretty good condition, as my wife and I used to ride often and I have always wrenched my own machines. Both are all original and are a 1990 Diamondback Apex and a 1989 Specialized Stumpjumper. I ride the Apex and my wife rides the Stumpy. I want to hot rod mine, ride cross-country singletrack, and use it to learn trials techniques and transfer those skills over to my DS motorcycles (Wheelie anyone?) My wife is more about gravel grinding with some occasional singletrack when needed. We live on top of a pretty steep and long hill, so we need the power at the end of the day to get us back up and home. I think I've decided on using BBSHDs for the power upgrades and for the HD reliability. Budget is in the $1000+ range for all upgrades for each bike.
So the questions are:
1) Are these classic cromoly frames a good starting point? I know from experience that those frames are very strong and lively frames, even if a bit on the heavy side, so I think they are a good place to start.
2) Downhilling on either over rocky singletrack (i.e. creekbeds and runoff tracks) always left my arms buzzing and my hands tingling from the vibes. Should I a) immediately look for front shocks (might be difficult due to the 1" steerer tubes), or b) just build 'em as-is and ride them, or c) start with a good used hardtail or FS bike?
3) As I am planning to have quite a bit of power on tap, I think the brakes will need some attention. Am I right, or will the OEM cantilevers be adequate?
4) If I do need to upgrade the brakes, should I upgrade to a) v-brakes, b) mech. discs, or c) hyd discs?
5) Does anyone have any other general or specific advice I should consider that isn't readily available in the other build threads?
Thanks,
Kubcat