How about this frame?

[scotticeberg]

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll

This, with big fat tires, and a123 packs in front rack panniers? Maybe a springy brooks or thudbuster. It could do a suspension fork, but that would negate the batteries in the low riding pannier front rack action.

 

[motomech]

I don't get it.
Why in the world would you consider putting batteries in front panniers with a triangle space like that frame has?
Folks here dream about a triangle like that and IMO, that's the best thing that frame has. But I'm too old and beat-up to ride anything other than a FS.
If you would intend to do "fat" tires, why not buy one of the Omniterra models?
They certainly come with nicely spec'ed components[50T chainring!]. I guess the 135 m/m fork would preclude a front motor and if it was desired to keep the 9-speed, that would limit the selection of rear motors.

 

[scotticeberg]

I want to keep the weight evenly distributed, and as low as possible. Hence, the idea of the batteries in front low riding panniers. I like steel frames that can accommodate fenders, large tires, front and rear racks, etc. I've yet to see a full suspension frame that can meet all those wants.

If I was going to do a full suspension build, with the batteries in the triangle, I would almost certainly have to utilize hobbyking lipo, to keep weight and volume to an absolute minimum. My living situation does not permit lipo. Also, good full suspension frame/fork is easily four times as expensive.

I like the idea of being able to steer the weight of the batteries in a front pannier. I know someone in a previous unrelated post expressed a similar idea. If you have ever ridden a touring bike with loaded panniers you might relate to what I'm saying.

I also have no intention of a speed higher than 25mph.

 

[Brentis]

I don't get it.
Why in the world would you consider putting batteries in front panniers with a triangle space like that frame has?
Folks here dream about a triangle like that and IMO, that's the best thing that frame has. But I'm too old and beat-up to ride anything other than a FS.
If you would intend to do "fat" tires, why not buy one of the Omniterra models?
They certainly come with nicely spec'ed components[50T chainring!]. I guess the 135 m/m fork would preclude a front motor and if it was desired to keep the 9-speed, that would limit the selection of rear motors.

+1
Upgrade to a Pugsley or Moonlander.

Center your battery pack if you can, ideal.
If not front rack will work.
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=35277&p=519333&hilit=Pugsley#p519333

This is better weight placement.
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/search.php?t=235
Dont debate front or rear hub. Run both :wink:

 

[motomech]

I want to keep the weight evenly distributed, and as low as possible. Hence, the idea of the batteries in front low riding panniers. I like steel frames that can accommodate fenders, large tires, front and rear racks, etc. I've yet to see a full suspension frame that can meet all those wants.

If I was going to do a full suspension build, with the batteries in the triangle, I would almost certainly have to utilize hobbyking lipo, to keep weight and volume to an absolute minimum. My living situation does not permit lipo. Also, good full suspension frame/fork is easily four times as expensive.

I like the idea of being able to steer the weight of the batteries in a front pannier. I know someone in a previous unrelated post expressed a similar idea. If you have ever ridden a touring bike with loaded panniers you might relate to what I'm saying.

I also have no intention of a speed higher than 25mph.

QUOTE- "If I was going to do a full suspension build, with the batteries in the triangle, I would almost certainly have to utilize hobbyking lipo, to keep weight and volume to an absolute minimum."END OF QUOTE

FS or not, that statement is not true. Lot's of LiFePo and LiNiCo in triangles here.

Look at these shrink-wrap batteries, 15 Ah and even 20Ah fit in a EVFalcon bag, which in turn fits in most open triangles[even with a shock.]

http://www.bmsbattery.com/50-battery-pack

Very positive reviews on these battery packs are now coming in here,

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=33566&start=60

Cell_man makes triangle A123 packs specifically for triangle mounting.

If your goal is only 25 mph, a larger gear motor like the Mac, BMC or BPM on 36V will get you there.
Or a mini geared motor, likie the MXUS, Cute or Bafang will get you there on 48V. Easy Peasy for $500 to $800.

Yes, it IS unclear to me how hanging the weight of a battery pack on the rotating mass of the frt. fork could possibly improve handling as opposed to centering it in the triangle. Sure, folks here do it, because they don't have another option.

 

[motomech]

I don't get it.
Why in the world would you consider putting batteries in front panniers with a triangle space like that frame has?
Folks here dream about a triangle like that and IMO, that's the best thing that frame has. But I'm too old and beat-up to ride anything other than a FS.
If you would intend to do "fat" tires, why not buy one of the Omniterra models?
They certainly come with nicely spec'ed components[50T chainring!]. I guess the 135 m/m fork would preclude a front motor and if it was desired to keep the 9-speed, that would limit the selection of rear motors.

+1
Upgrade to a Pugsley or Moonlander.

Center your battery pack if you can, ideal.
If not front rack will work.
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=35277&p=519333&hilit=Pugsley#p519333

This is better weight placement.
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/search.php?t=235
Dont debate front or rear hub. Run both :wink:

QUOTE- "Dont debate front or rear hub. Run both :wink:[/quote]"- END OF QUOTE

That's the spirit!

 

[motomech]

Scroll down towards the bottom,

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=235&start=675