I want to build an E-cruiser Newbie

[Ozzietx]

The Electra Townie E-bike is definitely out of my price range. My plan is to purchase an Electra Townie plain push bike. I will purchase a Bagang 750w rear hub along with a 20ah battery pack. This appears to be more power and a bigger capacity than the factory e-bike version for less than half the money of purchasing a factory Townie e-bike.
Since the drive system will be less expensive than the mid drive I was initially considering, it allows me to up my budget on the base bike. I think I will like the geometry on the Townie better than some of the less expensive bikes.
Thanks again to everyone who added their thoughts to this.

 

[Bullfrog]

Brand new guy here. I am interested in building a cruiser style e-bike. Would the collective be willing to verify my sanity and safety. I want to go with a steel frame for the flex and durability. I’m not super concerned with weight.
I am attempting to keep the base bike frame reasonably inexpensive. I am considering the Retrospec Cruiser 29.
Unfortunately, it is not available with disc brakes. I really do want to go with disc brakes on this bike.

Chatham 29" Beach Cruiser Bike - Single Speed

This 29" single-speed beach cruiser bike is a must for easy-going coastal cruises. FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $35.

retrospec.com

I would need to convert it to disc brakes. I am considering the following components:

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

I plan on using the CYC X1 pro for power

CYC X1 STEALTH Gen 3 Mid-drive Motor Kit

The CYC X1 Stealth mid-drive motor is the latest mid-drive motor from CYC Motors. This 2,000-watt bad boy is the stealthy baby brother of the X1 Pro.

www.electrifybike.com

And will use this battery

https://a.co/d/3kCMdBn

Does this seem plausible, or am I missing gaps in my knowledge or sanity. I appreciate any helpful input.

The bike will be used as a commuter bike, as we travel around the country in our RV.

Steel frame...excellent idea. I like the Schwinn and Mongoose Mt bikes with a steel frame because they are relatively inexpensive and the frames are very strong. The Schwinn/Mongoose Aluminum framed Mt Bikes are not a bad choice but given the choice, I'd go with steel.

How are you going to use the bike? My recommendations on motors are below:

A. Want to ride off road, a Bafang BBSHD is the way to go. You can't beat it as far as easy installation and aftermarket support.

B. Want to ride on the pavement at speeds below 30 mph, go with a geared hub like the MAC/GMAC. The MAC has better acceleration per battery amp than any motor listed in the drop down menu of the Grin Tech Motor Simulator. It may overheat if you push it faster than ~30 mph steady state. 30 mph is flying on a bicycle.

C. Want to ride on the pavement at speeds above 30 mph, go with a Direct Drive Hub Motor like the Leaf, QS205, Cromotor, Crystalyte H55, or something similar, there are a lot of good choices out there. I always liked this article written by "Spinningmagnets": Five Large Hot Rod Hubmotors for Street E-bikes, the Double D’s

Battery...I buy all of mine from EM3ev.com. Joseph is the guy that answers the mail and he is very helpful.

Disc Brakes...I wouldn't use anything else but converting a no disc brake bike to disc brakes is not a trivial matter so I'd start with a bike that comes from the factory with them.

Tires...off road-Maxxis DHF front and DHR II rear. On pavement-Schwalbe Super Moto-X or Pick-Up or Maxxis Hookworms.

 

[Bullfrog]

Learn to use the Grin Tech Motor Simulator and then run your set up through it to ensure you have the speed and thrust you want as well as the steady state temperature of the motor...anything above 130C is too hot and 130C is pushing it.

Motor Simulator: Motor Simulator - Tools

I'd put in 1.5-2.0 for the incline just so you put a little more load on the motor.

 

[nicobie]

Check out my Townie build that I finished many years ago. The link is below. I can't think of much I would change other than that a 7 or 9 speed would be plenty.

 

[Ozzietx]

Circling back around on this. I have purchased two Electra Townie 9Ds. I am ready to order the E parts to make them E bikes.

I want to use a Bafang 750w rear geared hub. I believe I am confident in assembling the components.
I have seen "kits" on Amazon for around $750. Would this be the best course of action, or , is there a better vendor
to purchase from. The only vendor on Amazon only has a 90% positive rating. Also, there does not seem to be a way to select the wheel finish. My wife's Townie has natural finish aluminum rims. My Townie has black rims. I am sure there are vendors that sell more expensive components. I am pretty much limited to around $750 per bike for this project.

 

[ToAsTyWoAsTy]

Circling back around on this. I have purchased two Electra Townie 9Ds. I am ready to order the E parts to make them E bikes.

I want to use a Bafang 750w rear geared hub. I believe I am confident in assembling the components.
I have seen "kits" on Amazon for around $750. Would this be the best course of action, or , is there a better vendor
to purchase from. The only vendor on Amazon only has a 90% positive rating. Also, there does not seem to be a way to select the wheel finish. My wife's Townie has natural finish aluminum rims. My Townie has black rims. I am sure there are vendors that sell more expensive components. I am pretty much limited to around $750 per bike for this project.

I know this thread is kind of old but I am new as well. What did you end up getting and did it turn out how you wanted?

I have this bike and trying to figure out what I need...

Townie Path 9D EQ Step-Over - Electra Bikes

Start your two-wheeled adventure with Townie Path 9D EQ Step-Over. See the bike and visit your local Electra retailer. Shop now!

electra.trekbikes.com

 

[MxusMick]

ToAs get a brushless DD rear hub motor 750w~1500.range, a lithium battery/charger, a 3 wire throttle, and a brushless controller that's the same voltage as the battery plus a little more so you can upgrade, more mosfetts better.