Just built my first ebike! What should I upgrade first?

[filmoreslim]

First off I'd like to thank all the contributors to this forum for getting me started! I wanted to keep my first build cheap so I used an old trek mountain bike I have plus the following items:

• 48V 1000W rear hub kit (Yescom/Xccerries) http://www.ebay.com/itm/48V1000W-26...491857?hash=item5672940991:g:uSwAAOSwkEVXGZ6U - $272
• 48V 20AH triangle battery (Aliexpress) http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Grea...-for-1000w-1500w-2000w-motor/32401868802.html - $435
• Cheap thumb throttle on ebay - $10

Total: $717

Took it for a spin and I couldn't stop smiling! Got it up to 32mph which was faster than I expected. I weigh 185lbs and the bike before the conversion was about 32lbs. I'm unsure about the battery quality so far, I put a post in the battery tech forum about it. https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=80860

Overall I really happy though, and will to start upgrading some stuff soon. What kind of things should I be thinking about? Heavier duty tires? A Cycle Analyst? Headlight?

Also, do I need a fuse between my battery and controller? I believe the controller is rated for 26A, would a 30A fuse be ok? Also wondering about connectors from the battery to the controller. Would the Anderson PP30's be ok for this bike? or PP45's?

Can't wait to ride in to work tomorrow

 

[Chalo]

Looks fine to me. I'd go for fatter tires as the most cost effective change. CST Cyclops 26 x 2.4 is a good choice. Use about 40 psi and raise or lower as you feel is appropriate.

Powerpoles have the same contact whether 15, 30, or 45A. It's only the wire crimp part that differs. So use the version that's most appropriate for the gauge of wire you're using.

 

[Projectitis]

Great ride! I know the feeling of that smile

After getting a flat at 40km/h (harrowing!) I now use thorn-proof inner tubes. They're heavier, so probably not as good for performance, but I value my skin That was my first upgrade. My next, especially for commuting, was panniers and a light. Just ideas.

Edit: My AliExpress aluminium battery pack has an Anderson connector. Works a treat.

 

[Drunkskunk]

Good looking ride.

The first upgrade you need is a torque arm.
Some Koolstop brake pads would up the performance a bit on the brakes.
Good tires make any bike better. anything bigger than 2" would be a big improvement. CST Cyclops 2.4" would be perfect.

 

[docw009]

I would rely on the controller to do its job and not install a fuse.

If you plan to commute in traffic, one of those blinking front headlight and tail light combos might make you less invisible in the daytime. Edit. I see you might already have one.

A rear rack is useful.

A bell or horn helps too. Mostly to alert other bikers or walkers.

A dremel tool is a nice upgrade to the tool collection. You could shorten the u-bolts that hold on your controller. Bike looks good though!

 

[d8veh]

Definitely the front brake. If it were my bike, I'd change the forks to disk brake type and fit a hydraulic disc brake. After that, a front tyre with plenty of grip.

 

[motomech]

I use 4 mm bullet connectors on my main power wires and they will "blow" like a fuse. Don't ask how I know
I run CST Cyclopes tire on wider Alex rims and the ride is smooth. I also use the CST Holly Roller tires which use the same carcass, but with a block tread. These are decent "dual-purpose" tires for street/light trail riding. The CST tires are kind of soft and I used to get a lot of flats from thorns. I run them tubeless now and that has reduced my flats somewhat.

 

[ScooterMan101]

First thing a disc fork , something like this ... http://www.jensonusa.com/Surly-Instigator-Fork

or another brand that is strong, and quality disc brake,

since you are now going faster than that bike was designed for.

a Front Disc Brake, like the ...

Avid BB7 Mechanical, for ease of set up,
or
Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake,

 

[filmoreslim]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Probably do tires, a rack or panniers and a bell first. Is this my best option for a torque arm? http://www.amazon.com/Grin-Technologies-Universal-Electric-eBikes/dp/B00K60C67Y Are there any cheaper options that might work for me? Thanks again all!

 

[motomech]

These genaric TA's are inexpensive when ordered from the vendors in China, but unless combined with other items, the freight is too high;
http://lunacycle.com/hub-motor-kits/torque-arm/

 

[Drunkskunk]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Probably do tires, a rack or panniers and a bell first. Is this my best option for a torque arm? http://www.amazon.com/Grin-Technologies-Universal-Electric-eBikes/dp/B00K60C67Y Are there any cheaper options that might work for me? Thanks again all!

Holy F*ing... Just wow. Yeah, there are much cheaper sources, like going directly to the manufacturer, Grin Tech, Ebikes.ca. www.ebikes.ca While the V4 is designed specifically for a rear mounted motor, the front work just fine for most applications. The $9 one marked as the TorqArm_EZ might fit your bike just fine. It's similar to what I've used on several bikes.
The $38 V4 will fit. less guess work but more cost.