LightningRods mid drive kit

LightningRods said:
A 76R frame is on it's way to me right now to have a mid drive fitted to it. I don't expect the 76R frame to be very different from the Raptor 140 frame which was an easy fit.
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Do you have to order the Qulbix frame with any special modifications to allow installation of the lightingrod kit?

Thanks.
 
The main thing we're trying to figure out is which rear dropout width to order. Qulbix has three widths and none of them are standard bicycle hub widths. I can only assume it's because of their history of being hub motor powered. Generally speaking, wider is better and gives you more room to stuff in sprockets, disc brakes and wide ass knobby tires.

The bottom bracket is standard fare and easy to work with. The heavy gauge sheet metal battery box is an ideal place to bolt the upper hanger securely to. I originally designed the rigid mounts and spring loaded chain adjuster for the Raptor 140.
 
Dear Eric,

Just one, that's all I need.

VBG

LR, As usual, stunning work. BTW I heard Elhanan just ordered a frame. :lol:
 
tomjasz said:
LR, As usual, stunning work. BTW I heard Elhanan just ordered a frame. :lol:
Click to expand...

Thanks!

He-Whose-Name-Shall-Not-Be-Mentioned can buy as many frames as he wants. I hope he's happy running a Bafang. :p
 
I have just read some info at your website to see any differences between big block and the small one. I would like to have more info between these two, any link(s) for more info?

Thank you! 8)
 
Small block: https://www.electricbike.com/lightning-rods-mid-drive-kit/

Big block: https://www.electricbike.com/lightning-rods-big-block/

For most up to date details it takes some reading and searching of this thread. I read most of the posts and as a result I have a much better understanding of the kit and its ongoing evolution. When I went to do the physical install this past weekend it only took an hour and most of that was pulling the original cranks and bottom bracket. Just waiting to get my battery delivered and wire it all up.

Now having the big block kit in my hands I'm more impressed than I was just reading and looking at pictures. It's a serious pieces of machinery and absolutely beautiful in the eyes of the mechanically inclined.
 
eMTBHunter said:
Small block: https://www.electricbike.com/lightning-rods-mid-drive-kit/

Big block: https://www.electricbike.com/lightning-rods-big-block/

For most up to date details it takes some reading and searching of this thread. I read most of the posts and as a result I have a much better understanding of the kit and its ongoing evolution. When I went to do the physical install this past weekend it only took an hour and most of that was pulling the original cranks and bottom bracket. Just waiting to get my battery delivered and wire it all up.

Now having the big block kit in my hands I'm more impressed than I was just reading and looking at pictures. It's a serious pieces of machinery and absolutely beautiful in the eyes of the mechanically inclined.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much! 8)
 
pkirkll said:
Nice...pics soon.. eh
Click to expand...

It's alive! It is a total rats nest as I try to lay things out and develop a permanent mounting strategy for everything, but it's functional.

Biggest issue so far has been smoothing out and limiting the throttle so I don't cause the bike chain to jump. Also helps me maintain control of it. About 10 minutes into riding it I hit the throttle too hard from a dead stop and it damn near tossed me off.

Just amazing power. Bike drivetrain is definitely the limiting factor particularly with 31" diameter tires (29+ setup).
5d4b3c3891e2d8b77c1087dc127012ca.jpg
 
eMTBHunter said:
Biggest issue so far has been smoothing out and limiting the throttle so I don't cause the bike chain to jump. Also helps me maintain control of it. About 10 minutes into riding it I hit the throttle too hard from a dead stop and it damn near tossed me off.
Click to expand...

Nice one.

If you are running your throttle via the CA all will be fine once you dial in your up ramp settings.

The way mine is set up now is impossible to flip the bike even if I allowed it over 5kw. Without the CA I could easily flip it and have experienced the bucking horse which could also eat the drive train in less than a second.

Enjoy!
 
LightningRods said:
I'm also going to incorporate a mount for a torque sensor on the chain from the chainwheel to the lower jackshaft.
.
Click to expand...


Mike is the torque sensor mount for a Beam TS, should I get one coming, where would you get one from?
 
It is for a BEAMtsS. I've been talking to Grin Technologies, who have been trying to integrate the ts with the CA3. I've also been talking to Santa Monica EV, who are the creators of the system. I have one customer who has put together a BEAMts system with one of my small block cargo bike drives for the Surly Big Dummy. Last I heard it was working well.

Justin at Grin has the the same problem that I do: there is so much to do and not enough of him to go around. Send Justin an email. I'm sure that he'll tell you where development is right now.
 
ok thanks I'll do that
 
I am building a very custom cruiser...not a MTB. It will have a Rollhoff wide rear hub and I am going for the 3000w big block. I want to buy one but am not sure how to go about it. I sent an email to the site but got no response...any suggestions?

Additionally, I am curious if anyone has seen a Cycle Analyst 3 paired up with a TFT screen?
 
widerimsim16 said:
I am building a very custom cruiser...not a MTB. It will have a Rollhoff wide rear hub and I am going for the 3000w big block. I want to buy one but am not sure how to go about it. I sent an email to the site but got no response...any suggestions?

Additionally, I am curious if anyone has seen a Cycle Analyst 3 paired up with a TFT screen?
Click to expand...

Sounds interesting. Looking forward to seeing more about your build. I agree, the Cycle Analyst is a great device hindered aesthetically and operability wise by its uninspiring and unfriendly user interface. The Adaptto is a step forward but not spectacular. Hopefully Grin will find a Bluetooth interface in the future. A supplemental phone app seems to be the most adoptable add on (already fabled with by the likes of Kelly Controllers and other).
 
yeah...looked at the Adaptto...pretty similar. One can buy a TFT screen online...just might be a tick tricky to integrate.

If I have to be the one to do it, slickness shall follow.

I like the idea of not having to rely on an app to run it...
 
LightningRods said:
Marin said:
Mike you've really made my day with this update, the way the motors are coming and the torque sensing possibilities. I can see my Luna project is going to be something special. Todd
Click to expand...

Eric at Luna Cycle really did it right when he designed the Luna frame. If possible the motor should always be after the bottom bracket. There is no advantage to running the motor power through the BB and there are a lot of disadvantages. It's just a necessity on most bikes because of available space.

Right now Eric and I are talking about trying out a Nexus 3 three speed IGH to see if we can provide a $100 transmission solution. With it's standard 19T sprocket it provides overall ratios of 14:1, 19:1 and 25:1. A lot easier on the driveline than just running a 16T fixed and obviously allows for a lot more top speed. It will almost certainly work with his Bafang version of the Luna but it's hard to say if the Nexus 3 will handle my big block motor without puking. I feel like I need to try it before going to the Rohloff. $1200 for a hub transmission is going to stop a lot of buyers.

Leif, I'm looking forward to providing upgrade parts to existing customers. Improvements will be constant. One of the advantages of being a small builder is that I can turn on a dime and implement new designs and revisions constantly. Big companies have model years. I have model months.
Click to expand...

Mike, did you ever try the Nexus with the Big Block?
 
Hey everybody...still looking for pointers for buying a Lightning Rods Big block...Mike...if your listening...I really want one!
 
Mammalian04 said:
Mike, did you ever try the Nexus with the Big Block?
Click to expand...

I didn't. What stopped me wasn't the modest cost of the Nexus 3. It was relacing the rear wheel again. In my case if I relace the wheel I want to go to a narrower rim with a 2.25" tire. With a narrower tire a wide ratio six or seven speed derailleur will fit the Luna. One thing leads to another...
 
I have a INTENSE951 downhill bike as a recipient for a new drive.
I want ALOT of power...but I want to use my space efficiently.
Questions...
1- Can a custom BigBlock be designed...so that the secondary shaft runs through the front triangle below the shock?
I know the motor itself wont fit inside that gap...but a small spinning shaft could, and the belt pulleys would sit outside the width of the frame.
If it could just have the motor below the downtube, and the rest above the downtube...would be best.
I'm hoping this would just be a set of custom mounting plates and the rest stock....but you would know better.

2-What is the upcharge for custom work of that^ nature?...if you offer custom at all.

3- I'm in Oregon too...
Big power breaks parts eventually...what kind of repair service do you offer?
Would I be able to bring it to you for diagnosis, repair and tuning?
What does a full rebuild cost, if I want it professionally serviced once a year? (new bearings/belts/freewheels/etc, full overhaul)

DSC04298 (1).jpgScreen Shot 2016-01-19 at 8.39.51 AM.png
 
The suspension on that bike works best with a 38t front ring.
I would prefer that the final drive align with that chain angle, so it wont over squat.
Strongly considering direct drive to left side, to keep my cranks and chain guide on the right.
Do you offer that? ...or are all of them through the crank?

Can it all come painted white...to match and blend into the frame?
I would like to disguise it as much as possible.

sorry for all the questions...I get excited easily :lol:
Thanks
 
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