Kepler
10 MW
Since completing the build on the Super Commuter, I have had quite a few requests from people to build a similar bike but at a more affordable price point. Although it is a kind "For Sale" thread, it is also a build log to share what I have done to build the bike in the first place and what is required so that anyone can use the information to build a similar platform if they wanted to.
The Super Commuter design has proven to be a fantastic high speed commuter that doesn't raise raise a second look out on the bike paths and gets to your destination in great comfort and without fuss.
So here is the build criteria.
> Build the bike on a strong 29er Mountain Bike platform
> Stick with an aluminium frame to keep costs down.
> Bike must have Hydro Disc Brakes.
> Bike must have reasonable front suspension fork.
> Bike must use a reasonably wide tires for comfort and small bump compliance.
> Bike must be fast (50kph sustainable) but user adjustable.
> Gear set needs to have a range wide enough to allow efficient cadence input all the way to the bikes maximum speed
> Bike needs to be light enough to pedal for long distance without assist.
> Bike needs to look like a bike and to blend in as much as possible.
> Bike electrical system needs to be water proof enough to withstand occasionally being caught out in a shower and still getting you home.
> Turn key bike needs to be affordable (Under $2K)
> Bike electrical system needs to be compatible with a wide range of voltages. (48V to 84V)
> Must be fitted with large screen Cycle Analyst to allow user definable limits to changed as required (Set to Aust legal limits)
> Pedal Assist option
> Prefered battery chemistry (but not limited too) will be LiPo due to its cost, weight, and performance. (Batteries not supplied with the bike)
So here is a little teaser picture of what the finish product will look like. (obviously missing the hub motor and wiring in this picture) Build pictures to come.
Although this may look like to some that this is just fitting an ebike conversion kit to an existing bike, I can assure you it it is much more than this. Parts have been selected that I have personally tested over 1000's of km of riding with much of it being custom modified to my specifications. My aim is to build quality custom ebikes that still look and ride like bikes but outperform just about anything else out there.
The super Commuter opened up my eyes to what ebiking was really about. Keep it quiet, stealth and under the radar. Ride it like a push bike and enjoy the freedom to be able to mix it with the fastest bikes out their. I am surprised by the level of respect I get out there on this type of bike even mixing it with the fast lycras. Just yesterday was a perfect example with me latching onto a fast Lycra on the way to work. He was sitting 35kph to 40kph consistently. I stayed behind him for a while and he knew I there. Got an opportunity to pass him safely and took it up a notch (40kph to 45kph) Stuck with with this pace for the 5km. I had a feeling he would stay with me and as we came to slow selection, he pulled up beside me with a big smile on his face.
He says, "couldnt believe you passed me back there. No one ever passes me on these tracks" . I commented on his amazing pace and although I was puffing hard, i needed to put him out of his misery and point out that I had some assist. He was blown away. No comments about cheating, just totally impressed with the tech. Got going again and enjoyed the next 10kph flat out all the way to the city. His leaving comments were that it was the best ride to work he had ever had and thanked me for the draft.
This is obviously a geared hub motor based build however in a few weeks time, using the same frame, I will be building a 750W Bafang mid drive. Should be a very interesting comparison opportunity.
The Super Commuter design has proven to be a fantastic high speed commuter that doesn't raise raise a second look out on the bike paths and gets to your destination in great comfort and without fuss.
So here is the build criteria.
> Build the bike on a strong 29er Mountain Bike platform
> Stick with an aluminium frame to keep costs down.
> Bike must have Hydro Disc Brakes.
> Bike must have reasonable front suspension fork.
> Bike must use a reasonably wide tires for comfort and small bump compliance.
> Bike must be fast (50kph sustainable) but user adjustable.
> Gear set needs to have a range wide enough to allow efficient cadence input all the way to the bikes maximum speed
> Bike needs to be light enough to pedal for long distance without assist.
> Bike needs to look like a bike and to blend in as much as possible.
> Bike electrical system needs to be water proof enough to withstand occasionally being caught out in a shower and still getting you home.
> Turn key bike needs to be affordable (Under $2K)
> Bike electrical system needs to be compatible with a wide range of voltages. (48V to 84V)
> Must be fitted with large screen Cycle Analyst to allow user definable limits to changed as required (Set to Aust legal limits)
> Pedal Assist option
> Prefered battery chemistry (but not limited too) will be LiPo due to its cost, weight, and performance. (Batteries not supplied with the bike)
So here is a little teaser picture of what the finish product will look like. (obviously missing the hub motor and wiring in this picture) Build pictures to come.
Although this may look like to some that this is just fitting an ebike conversion kit to an existing bike, I can assure you it it is much more than this. Parts have been selected that I have personally tested over 1000's of km of riding with much of it being custom modified to my specifications. My aim is to build quality custom ebikes that still look and ride like bikes but outperform just about anything else out there.
The super Commuter opened up my eyes to what ebiking was really about. Keep it quiet, stealth and under the radar. Ride it like a push bike and enjoy the freedom to be able to mix it with the fastest bikes out their. I am surprised by the level of respect I get out there on this type of bike even mixing it with the fast lycras. Just yesterday was a perfect example with me latching onto a fast Lycra on the way to work. He was sitting 35kph to 40kph consistently. I stayed behind him for a while and he knew I there. Got an opportunity to pass him safely and took it up a notch (40kph to 45kph) Stuck with with this pace for the 5km. I had a feeling he would stay with me and as we came to slow selection, he pulled up beside me with a big smile on his face.
He says, "couldnt believe you passed me back there. No one ever passes me on these tracks" . I commented on his amazing pace and although I was puffing hard, i needed to put him out of his misery and point out that I had some assist. He was blown away. No comments about cheating, just totally impressed with the tech. Got going again and enjoyed the next 10kph flat out all the way to the city. His leaving comments were that it was the best ride to work he had ever had and thanked me for the draft.
This is obviously a geared hub motor based build however in a few weeks time, using the same frame, I will be building a 750W Bafang mid drive. Should be a very interesting comparison opportunity.
( The second picture is me. A trip to ER and 4 weeks of constant treatment)
