Giant Comp or Keewee Cromo 8?

[PRW]

I have the opportunity to buy either of these bikes this weekend:
* a Giant Comp with the full triangle
* a Keewee Cromo 8

Which would ES people recommend, for light trail riding? If I get the Keewee, I would probably get the frame cut (it is Chromoly), and a battery box put in.
thanks

 

[Samd]

Hmm, the kiwi looks nice and is just begging for a box that could hang off the downtube. get it welded offsite and just attach it. Maybe two Ally boxes for hot swappable batts. Or charging outside in an old BBQ.

But the rear dropouts look like they lack any large flanges to affix some torque plates to. Maybe a closeup photo if poss?

The giant is a nice bike too.

Both very similar to a Santa Cruz I just did, battery box hanging from the linear downtube.

 

[PRW]

Hey Sam,

thanks for the reply - the Keewee dropouts are as per this thread, about 2/3's down the first page. Avanti D8 is the same as the Cromo 8.
edited - THIS tread... http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=47970

 

[John in CR]

The Cromo for exactly the reason you mentioned. I wish I could find steel bikes like that here.

 

[PRW]

Thanks John, your advice is much appreciated. Looking forward to this one!

 

[dogman dan]

Too bad you can't buy both. But the giant does have the frame bag area to carry a decent size battery.

But if your battery is going to be 100v anyway, it won't all fit in that giant triangle. About 700w should fit, but not 1500wh.

I'd pick the giant for my use, because now days I ride with only about 500wh. 48v 10 ah and the new bafang bb drive on that giant would be sweet.

But if you plan to run a cromotor, maybe the kiwi would be best.

 

[PRW]

Thanks Dogman - if I buy both, I may have to fund a divorce as well...
I like the idea of trying to make the bikes as "bike-looking" as possible -but I really do like the look of the Comp as well. Perhaps if the guy lets it go cheaply...

 

[Samd]

Here's what I would do Peter - a couple of aluminium saddle bags on your D8 copy to hold three brocks either side of the top tube.

Probably use the controller underneath the two 'saddlebags' to tie it together.

SD

 

[PRW]

thanks Sam - I like the idea of the saddlebags - but could the box height be increased to 200mm, to double the battery capacity, and totally hide the frame?
cheers
Peter

 

[Samd]

Hmmm, I reckon the pedals and the front forks might both hit.
165mm shown.

 

[PRW]

thanks Sam - but 200mm up from base of downtube, not down....View attachment Avanti D8 battery box.pdf

 

[Samd]

For sure, just gotta work around the seat mount. It's kinda hard to see side on and I'm struggling to recall Dmitrii's bike. I'll check his youtube movie.
Any chance of a photo at 45 degrees?

 

[Samd]

I need to clean up the CAD, but I guess you could take something like this and smooth it out.

 

[PRW]

ok.... how about... this!
Recess for seat post to bolt through, basically two "saddle bags" joined at the top. To be checked in cardboard tonight.View attachment avanti 2.pdf

 

[PRW]

so... onto making up some cardboard mock-ups (cockups? ) last night...

This is what the seat post looks like close up, and the bike with the seat post removed

I started off with a rough cardboard concept, just to see if things fitted, and the intention was to add bits as I went...View attachment 9

but then I realised it would be easier to make it out of one section, and fold it to suit...
the completed box came out quite nicely, but looked way too big...View attachment 5

and on the bike, only just cleared the cranks. Height of 200mm visually too much

so, the box was cut down, which looked much better, but I forgot to take pictures! After, I decided that a box of this profile would be best... and if I can avoid the seat post altogether, that would be good.View attachment 2

So, will have another go over the weekend. Of course, if the box slims down so much that it has limited battery capacity, it would make more sense to use this - quite like the look, particularly the first picture!

 

[Samd]

I'm inclined to agree - the look is very chunky. Congrats on the CAD though (Cardboard Aided Design)!
The bag does look good.
The chunkiness of those HK lifepos is a challenge. Time for you to fit an outdoor lipo charging shed to your house and get back to lipo. 8)

 

[PRW]

I'm inclined to agree - the look is very chunky. Congrats on the CAD though (Cardboard Aided Design)!
The bag does look good.
The chunkiness of those HK lifepos is a challenge. Time for you to fit an outdoor lipo charging shed to your house and get back to lipo. 8)

thanks - you're right, I'll have to learn to love lipo... I have a spare Weber at the back, I just won't charge at the office anymore.

 

[Samd]

What you need it a big aluminium box cut into the frame so that the flames have no chance to oxygenate and the box just gets really warm.

oh, wait.

 

[PRW]

What you need it a big aluminium box cut into the frame so that the flames have no chance to oxygenate and the box just gets really warm.

oh, wait.

no wonder I get very little work done at the office - I just go in circles!

 

[millzy555]

Did you get the battery bag from the group buy??

 

[PRW]

yes - I actually bought 2! A guy here in Perth may want one, though...

 

[millzy555]

yes - I actually bought 2! A guy here in Perth may want one, though...

Keep us posted if he doesn't

 

[PRW]

Keep us posted if he doesn't

I have sent him a text asking if he is taking it, will let you know when he replies
EDITED - he has confirmed that he wants it....

 

[ridethelightning]

the kee wee is awesome!

it has so much more possibility than the comp cause you can just weld stuff to it if need be, including dropout plates.ally is not so easy to work.

you could remove the top tube and seat and make a huge battery box with new seat attachment, leaving the downtube only. would end up being like a chaika frame perhaps.....

 

[PRW]

Thanks, haven't heard of a chaika frame. Will investigate!