I'm looking for advice on my first ebike. Here are the basics:
Desired max speed on level ground: 20 mph
Desired max range: 20 miles at full speed, but I'll take less
Bike/wheel size: I'm converting a Specialized Crosstrail elite, which is 700c. The bike has an aluminum frame and front shocks, I'm hoping I can get around that by switching out the shocks for steel forks.
Brake type of motor wheel: no disk
Rider weight: 160 lbs
Terrain: Flat, paved streets.
Budget: $600-$1000
Details: I'll be starting work as a resident physician here in California. I have a fairly free schedule until mid-June when I start. For now, I can muck about if necessary to save money. I want to have a reliable bike by the time I start, because I won't have time to muck about with it then. I'll be using the bike to go back and forth from my house to the hospital and clinics, less than 5 miles each way. I want to have the option of 20 mph without pedaling because sometimes I'm just too tired.
I'm currently looking at the 700c Front PRO 901 conversion kit from GM
http://www.goldenmotor.ca/products/700c-Front-PRO-901-Conversion-Kit.html
And their 36V12AH LiFePO4 Aluminum Cased Battery
http://www.goldenmotor.ca/products/36V12AH-LiFePO4-Aluminum-Cased-Battery.html
My bike if anyone cares (mine has no disk brakes):
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/crosstrail/crosstrail
Questions:
1. Once this system is set up, will it be reasonably reliable?
2. Can I meet my needs better with a different product?
3. Are steel forks and a front hub motor ok, or do I need a bike with an all steel frame?
Thanks for any help!
Desired max speed on level ground: 20 mph
Desired max range: 20 miles at full speed, but I'll take less
Bike/wheel size: I'm converting a Specialized Crosstrail elite, which is 700c. The bike has an aluminum frame and front shocks, I'm hoping I can get around that by switching out the shocks for steel forks.
Brake type of motor wheel: no disk
Rider weight: 160 lbs
Terrain: Flat, paved streets.
Budget: $600-$1000
Details: I'll be starting work as a resident physician here in California. I have a fairly free schedule until mid-June when I start. For now, I can muck about if necessary to save money. I want to have a reliable bike by the time I start, because I won't have time to muck about with it then. I'll be using the bike to go back and forth from my house to the hospital and clinics, less than 5 miles each way. I want to have the option of 20 mph without pedaling because sometimes I'm just too tired.
I'm currently looking at the 700c Front PRO 901 conversion kit from GM
http://www.goldenmotor.ca/products/700c-Front-PRO-901-Conversion-Kit.html
And their 36V12AH LiFePO4 Aluminum Cased Battery
http://www.goldenmotor.ca/products/36V12AH-LiFePO4-Aluminum-Cased-Battery.html
My bike if anyone cares (mine has no disk brakes):
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/crosstrail/crosstrail
Questions:
1. Once this system is set up, will it be reasonably reliable?
2. Can I meet my needs better with a different product?
3. Are steel forks and a front hub motor ok, or do I need a bike with an all steel frame?
Thanks for any help!