Yo phil;
No custom frame needed. Either of these motors will fit in the triangle of my hardtail bikes just fine, or i can pick up a steel frame and weld up a nice mount. I will just have to relocate the batteries. The center triangle is a great place to put that weight. Think of how motorcycles are designed.
I've also thought of using the extra triangle that opens up in an xtracycle configuration. Later on when i move, it will likely be relocated to do that:
http://www.xtracycle.com/cargo-bicy...cycle-freeradical/freeradical-base-frame.html
^-- check the link, and it will all come together for you mentally
As for the hub motor gearing, well i want the best of both worlds, man. I pedal over 80% of the time and like getting some excersize. On the hubzilla, you can put a 15T single on it. With a 60T front chainring you are maxed out at mid 20mph on a 26" wheel. On the 54xx, your lowest gear is limited to 14 or 15T it seems. That is also useless even with the monster size chainring.
Most of all i am tired of finding rust inside my hub motors after a few rides in mild rain. i want a reliable daily driver that can shake off a downpour and keep kicking for years. I am not convinced that is possible with a hub motor at all. You can drill holes, but crap gets in it. You can put red stuff on the windings, but i'm sure you're lowering the motor's ability to shed heat. There seems to be no end all solution to that problem.
And do i want to pay $600 for a hubzilla, then have it spoked, another $100? not really. Great motor, but it doesn't fit my requirements. it'd be worth the money if i liked hubs more. The Crystalyte 54xx is atrociously heavy and i am surprised so many people lined up to get it.
I have gearing ( 11t to 60T ) that can allow me to pedal up to 40mph on a 24" or 26" wheel. With a really tall-spaced rear gear cluster, i could also pedal at 20mph with the ratios, which is actually the speed i plan on operating the bike 75% of the time.
Not interested in a mid drive at this point. Bike chain could never contain the power i want to throw at it.
I'm sure you found that out quickly with the cyclone
It will make more sense when i get it together. I am looking for the best of all worlds and i am particular about everything being freaking perfect.
Maybe some of you want to chime in and present your reasons, since i'm not alone in wanting to do a chain driven setup.