Electra Townie model

[Pretzel]

I plan to buy an Electra Townie for my first build. Does it matter if I get the 21 speed 21D or the 7 speed 7D? I've read a lot about pairing motors with a 7 speed and am wondering if I should stick with the 7D.

I'm 6'3" 230 so I'd prefer to order the 21D Tall but I'll stick with the regular 7D (they don't offer a tall 7D) for the sake of the build.

I plan on street riding around my very hilly area (10-20% hills). I'm assuming I'll need a 48V 1000W motor, not certain on geared or direct drive. I don't care about speeds over 20mph and am more concerned with climbing hills.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[DAND214]

More I build the more I think I'd like to build one of those.

If you want climbing power look here http://em3ev.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=55

That geared hub has great power and also mors robust than most other geared hubs.

I would look at the 10t and 12t with a 48v battery. A friend just finished his build with the 10t on 48v and is very happy with the performance. He says it can hit 35mph on the 48v pack. My 8t will also do it on 44v but that's pushing it. Big hills go 12t and it will still do 25mph and climb like a goat.

I'm not associated to this supplier other than a customer, A HAPPY ONE.

Dan

 

[majornelson]

I agree with DAND214 (and also a happy customer of Paul's) regarding the motor and vendor. My gut is the 12T is the best given your hills but I'd send an email to the Paul (check the site but I think it is sales@em3ev.com) and get his recommendations. It may take a day or so to get a response but it's always great advice.

You could spend less but a DD motor will be much heavier and the kits you see on ebay are hit and miss, IMHO. You'll pay a little more but if you've got the budget, a MAC 12T 500W setup with a triangle battery or rack based one will not disappoint!

I also have a 7D Townie but pedal only (I'll put a motor on it eventually). Fun cruiser and black works well for more stealthy installations. What you want is a 7 speed hub on the rear which the 21D has (just adds 3 gears on the crank so no big deal). If you can fit the battery in the triangle, you'll have better handling than on a rear rack but either will work. em3ev.com offers two triangle bags plus others that can go in a bag on a rear rack. Check the dimensions of the triangle first.

Only other thing is that the townie has rim brakes (which are very good) but no standard option for disc brakes. A smaller battery (but still keep it at 48v) will help a little to keep the overall weight down but with reduced range.

 

[teklektik]

Does it matter if I get the 21 speed 21D or the 7 speed 7D?
I'm 6'3" 230 so I'd prefer to order the 21D Tall but I'll stick with the regular 7D (they don't offer a tall 7D) for the sake of the build.
I plan on street riding around my very hilly area (10-20% hills).

Buy the 21D. Most importantly, the frame will fit you.

As mentioned above, the 21 just throws in two extra chain rings up front so you will have the possibility of some added ratios which you may find useful in that hilly terrain - particularly if you need to pedal without power. You can put the same 7 cog freewheel in the rear for either the 7D or 21D. The only real downside to the 21 is the clutter of an extra shifter you might not use much...

 

[Samd]

I generally go for 7 gears or less these days on 500w+ geared hub builds despite hills.

It's my own personal preference, but I disagree with the above comments on a triangle battery - I'd keep it open. Perhaps consider instead fitting some rear panniers that suit the cruising look of the bike and hide the battery and a rear hub instead. I'm about to build a 3spd ladies demo bike to do so - found a nice set of leather rear panniers to suit the saddle and grips for $45. Batteries can then be chosen from a cheaper source, such as cube batts or a rack battery.

My two cents.

 

[majornelson]

I just checked my Townie and agree with Samd - no triangle bag. I think it may fit but the down tube has a nice curve to it which looks great but would look awkward with a triangle bag. There are many different choices for batteries but if you're getting a MAC from em3ev it's nice to get the entire setup from them. Makes it plug and play...

Electra has a custom rear rack for the Townie that looks and fits great. They also have a rear bag that a battery like this one would fit into nicely:
Battery:
http://em3ev.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=128
Rack:
http://amzn.com/B0030IASV0
Bag:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030IASWE/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are less expensive racks and bags that would work as well.

 

[Pretzel]

I generally go for 7 gears or less these days on 500w+ geared hub builds despite hills.

It's my own personal preference, but I disagree with the above comments on a triangle battery - I'd keep it open. Perhaps consider instead fitting some rear panniers that suit the cruising look of the bike and hide the battery and a rear hub instead. I'm about to build a 3spd ladies demo bike to do so - found a nice set of leather rear panniers to suit the saddle and grips for $45. Batteries can then be chosen from a cheaper source, such as cube batts or a rack battery.

My two cents.

Similar to your Mundo (which is amazing) the 21D does have 7 gears in the rear with the additional 3 gears at the crank (for 21 total). I completely agree with not using the triangle as it will take away from the aesthetics.

Interestingly I rented a Pedego Interceptor a few weeks ago and found it to be a nice size. Then I rode the Townie 7D and 21D this week and felt like it was too small. Even though they appear to have a similar frame size. I think it is partially because I had to raise the seat high and then I was hunched over on the handlebars. If I replace with some swept back bars I'm likely to be sitting more upright which is what I liked about the Pedego.

So still mulling over buying a standard 21D at likely a discounted price or ordering a tall. Food for though is I'd like to throw on a front child seat for the toddler so that leans me towards the tall again for more knee clearance.

 

[Pretzel]

Preliminary build list:

The bike:
Townie 21D tall $550
All black is boring, parts upgrade to get the look of the Townie 8i ballon
Tires $80
Swept Handles $20
Stem $20
Seat $40
Grips $15
Total= $725

Electrified:
MAC 500/1000W, 12 fet 40A, 12T, 26" Alex DX32 CNC, thumb throttle, ebrakes $415 Do they have black rims? wont' match the front
battery $380
Rack$50
Bag $60
Probably need torque support
Total= $905

Total so far= $1,610

Feel free to rip this apart or tell me what I'm missing or should change

 

[teklektik]

Since you are trying to get a good fit to the frame and bars and don't have the luxery of pulling parts off the shelf to test for fit, I might suggest an adjustable quill stem. This will give you some fore/aft up/down adjustment.

The 21D Tall appears to have black rims which is what EM3EV ships so the colors should match.

Paul can also build you a split 50v pack if you want to get the weight down lower in panniers for better handling. Custom builds take a bit longer, but his prices for custom work are very reasonable and can get you a little flexibility on capacity as well. For instance you might get a split 50v 12.3Ah pack (7s6p) in place of the stock single 50v 10.25Ah (7s5p). Anyhow - a few more bucks for a few more options if they look attractive to you...

 

[nicobie]

I strongly recommend a xlite 3525 at 72 or 100v. I can't get mine to overheat on hills.

Check out my townie build in the signature link bellow.

 

[majornelson]

Definitely get the torque arm.

Maybe one of the others can comment on the right controller size or send a note to Paul. I have the 9 fet which seems to work well but I have an 8T and few hills.

 

[MikeFairbanks]

This is a Trek Pure I put together a couple years ago, which is similar to the Electra Townie. Works perfectly. 48-volt, 20amp controller for a total of just under 1000 watts. I weigh 195. Top speed about 27mph and can take hills. It's a seven speed in the rear of the bike, but only one front sprocket. Super fun.

I will say this, however: Having the motor in the front, with so much weight on the rear (from the geometry of the bike) means that you won't have a ton of grip on wet surfaces or sandy surfaces if there is an upslope. Flat surfaces and dry hills are fine.

 

[Pretzel]

I strongly recommend a xlite 3525 at 72 or 100v. I can't get mine to overheat on hills.

Amazing bike, I'll definitely be referencing your build for inspiration.

This is a Trek Pure I put together a couple years ago, which is similar to the Electra Townie. Works perfectly. 48-volt, 20amp controller for a total of just under 1000 watts. I weigh 195. Top speed about 27mph and can take hills. It's a seven speed in the rear of the bike, but only one front sprocket. Super fun.

I will say this, however: Having the motor in the front, with so much weight on the rear (from the geometry of the bike) means that you won't have a ton of grip on wet surfaces or sandy surfaces if there is an upslope. Flat surfaces and dry hills are fine.

Great looking bike Mike!

I went ahead and ordered the Townie 21D Tall it will take a couple weeks to get here. I'll probably make a few mods to the bike before beginning the build.

Also picked up the wife a Townie 7D while at the bike shop today. I'm sure I'll eventually have to electrify that one after I'm done with mine.

Anyone know if the Townie 21D Tall has enough clearance for the Schwalbe Fat Frank Tires 26 x 2.35

 

[oneinch]

Pretzel, you are using the bike I'm contemplating for an ebike build - the 21D. I wish Electra offered the Tall for every model. My question is about your Electra rack. For the Townie there is a rack and a large rack. The Electra site doesn't provide information to distinguish between the two other than the word large. My research has implied that for the 21D Tall the large rack should be used and that the other one may not fit (properly). Anyhow, please update us on which rack you got and how it fits. The Amazon link doesn't specify the rack being the large.

Throttle choice...the 21D has trigger shifters. These might get in the way of a thumb throttle. I was wondering if a twist might be better. I'd prefer a thumb. I was wondering if I'd really need and use 21 speeds? I have a 21-speed bike now and almost exclusively use the middle ring. I was thinking of converting the bike to a 7 speed and moving the thumb throttle to the right handle bar side. What have you thought about this?

Also, I too like the look of the Balloon 8i. Great idea upgrading parts. I'm thinking of using a Brooks B33 saddle. I like the cream tires too. I was wondering if the rims on the Balloon Townie are just a bit wider? If they are they should work just fine on the standard rim.

Keep the info coming and include pictures. I'm holding off on my purchase as I am waiting delivery on a Project 346 Basman frame. The Basman is cool, but I think the Townie will be much more practical. I'll end up with both, but the question is whether to electrify the Basman or not.

 

[majornelson]

Here is a Basman done by Voltage cycles. Love the look!

http://www.voltagecycles.com/shop/voltage-cycle-base-model-sport-complete/

 

[Pretzel]

Pretzel, you are using the bike I'm contemplating for an ebike build - the 21D. I wish Electra offered the Tall for every model. My question is about your Electra rack. For the Townie there is a rack and a large rack. The Electra site doesn't provide information to distinguish between the two other than the word large. My research has implied that for the 21D Tall the large rack should be used and that the other one may not fit (properly). Anyhow, please update us on which rack you got and how it fits. The Amazon link doesn't specify the rack being the large.

Throttle choice...the 21D has trigger shifters. These might get in the way of a thumb throttle. I was wondering if a twist might be better. I'd prefer a thumb. I was wondering if I'd really need and use 21 speeds? I have a 21-speed bike now and almost exclusively use the middle ring. I was thinking of converting the bike to a 7 speed and moving the thumb throttle to the right handle bar side. What have you thought about this?

Also, I too like the look of the Balloon 8i. Great idea upgrading parts. I'm thinking of using a Brooks B33 saddle. I like the cream tires too. I was wondering if the rims on the Balloon Townie are just a bit wider? If they are they should work just fine on the standard rim.

Keep the info coming and include pictures. I'm holding off on my purchase as I am waiting delivery on a Project 346 Basman frame. The Basman is cool, but I think the Townie will be much more practical. I'll end up with both, but the question is whether to electrify the Basman or not.

If they offered the 7D in tall I probably would have gone with that but as you mentioned it's not an option. I'll let you know my experience with the rack and any other upgrades I make. I'll post them here.

Regarding the throttle I'm thinking a twist may be best due to the shifters on the 21D. The brooks saddle has rave reviews but I've also read it takes forever to break in, which I don't have.

I was worried about the wider tires not clearing the frame but I've found an example of a guy "ballooning" his 7D. He did add new rims too but didn't indicate if they were a larger rim as compared to stock. http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=62613