EMF
100 kW
Interesting thanks for the info! So if the motor is running, then does this mean the pedals are going around? Can't wait to see what you guys think and also see the range. What voltage(s) are you going to run these at?
My Chopper is getting a big brother !
- Thread starter Ypedal
- Start date
GGoodrum
1 MW
EMF said:
Both kits come with a new freewheel crankset, which allows the the pedals to "coast" while the motor is running.
The 1000W motor/controller combo is spec'd at 48V, which is what I am going to try first. I have no idea about how much over this the controller can handle. I'll have to take apart the controller, take some pics, and let the likes of Rick and Richard, and maybe Bob, if he's around, to see if these might be modifiable in the same fashion as the Crystalytes. I'm hopeful, however, that with the extra torque that you get with the gearing, they may not need the"extreme" mods we do to the Clytes in order to drive an x5 to 80-100A. I'd be extremely pleased if a "stock" 48V/40A Cyclone setup comes close to the torque/acceleration I get with a modded 72V setup with a 5304. My gut tells me it should come close. I'll know soon enough as my shipment cleared Customs today, so I should see it here on Monday.
The timing is actually good because I fried the controller on my Townie this week. I had put in a controller that Bob had upped the current on to 100A+. The acceleration was pretty amazing, about like a small motorcycle, but short-lived. I now know how much current the stock motor wires won't take.
The wires fused, and the then the controller farted.Anyway, I'd really like to just run 48V setups, as it simplifies the wiring (I have dual main power leads and dual WattsUp meters on all the 72V setups, because they peak out at about 66V...). It also means less expensive packs.
I too love the Nexus hubs. There's a Nexus 8 on my wife's Townie. That might be overkill, though, as I think a 3-speed should be plenty. I forget his name, but there is an Aussie runnine one of these on a custom setup, with a 48V SLA configuration. I seem to remember that he said he starts out in 1st, and then shifts straight to 3rd. He uses 2nd, for when he needs extra torque for going up a hill. I also remember him reporting that he was seeing 2500W peaks, even with the SLAs. This is a big motor, and at 1000W is, in my opinion, purposely underrated. I know from my own 48V a123 setups, which hit about 2000W with a stock 40A controller, the power is "almost" enough for me, but will strain trying to get me up over some of the hills around here. With 72V and 50-60A, I can fly over anything with out slowing down. I'm guessing 2500-3000W, with the extra torque that gearing provides, will be enough to do the trick. We'll see.
If this works out, I'll probably re-do my wife's Townie, which has brake problems right now. This model came with the Nexus 8 in the back, with the integral hub brake, and another hub brake up front. There's no mounting for standard V-brakes, or for disc brakes. I ended up putting the 5304 up front, and then implemented an electric/regen-typ brake, using a bunch of wire wrapped around the downtube, but this was not without problems. First, it required that I put torque arms on both sides, in opposite directions. Even still, this causes a lot of stress on the dropouts. Next, a button wore out, so when it failed, there was no front brake at all. Luckily, this occured close to our house. Anyway, what I'm doing right now is looking for a new front steel fork that has V-brake mounts. Unfortunately, this is not so easy beacuse the Townies use a screw-type headset, that is unusually long. I'm now back to Electra factory, trying to get an existing Townie V-brake fork that will work with the super big "Fat Frank" tires. If the Cyclones work out, I'll just put the old whell/hub brake setup back on the front.
Most of the new chopper-styled beach cruisers I saw in San Diego last weekend were Phats, and almost all had Nexus 3 hubs. This sounds like a good match for a 1000W Cyclone setup.
-- Gary
EMF
100 kW
Thanks good info. Yes, just today I put together in my thick head, how versatile this Cyclone setup could be. See a hill? No problem downshift. I also agree that if a sufficient feeling of power and tourqe can be achieved at 48 volts, that things get simpler. I like the look of the throttle too. As you say, with this much power, a 3 speed makes a good spread for the motor. The cool thing, will be watching the CA and noting the watts in the different gears at a given speed, this is what I am very interested in. Getting that motor spinning fast! Can a certain cruising speeed be achied at less watt usage by selecting the right gear- inquiring minds want to know! Free extended range if so. For this reason, I would love to have the 8 speed- for testing purposes.
The other thing about the Nexus is only one shifter knob needed. Just move it to the left and roll it over. Mine (7 speed) is set up this way and its great.
IMHO, the 1000 watt will be a better setup as you wont need that poly idler, I wouldn't think. If I got the 500 watt, I would go to a bearing house and find a small idler sprocket I think and toss that smooth idler.
I'm gonna start trolling around for an 8 speed Nexus bike. Or at least a back wheel. I got lucky once, maybe I can again.
The other thing about the Nexus is only one shifter knob needed. Just move it to the left and roll it over. Mine (7 speed) is set up this way and its great.
IMHO, the 1000 watt will be a better setup as you wont need that poly idler, I wouldn't think. If I got the 500 watt, I would go to a bearing house and find a small idler sprocket I think and toss that smooth idler.
I'm gonna start trolling around for an 8 speed Nexus bike. Or at least a back wheel. I got lucky once, maybe I can again.
recumbent
100 kW
GGoodrum said:
Cambie Cycles in Vancouver BC will braze the boses for V-brakes to pivot on, and supply new V-brake hardware for $60 CAN.
This is the same company that built my recumbent bike, which has a 20" front wheel like your bikes do. They also sell 20" forks for amazingly cheap, worth a phone call.
Oh, and 48 volts is plenty of power 98% of the time, you just have to peddal a bit on steep hills to keep speed, it's easy.
EMF,
I got a Nexus 8 hub a few years ago, when they first came out, but I've lost interest in the idea of using it in an ebike, now. Provided you don't want to cover a huge speed range, the 3 speed hubs are quite a good match. With a 3 speed, the middle gear is direct drive and is as efficient as a derailleur - so, I set the gear ratios so that I use 2nd gear most of the time - 1st gear for steep hills and 3rd gear for speeds between 20 and 25 mph.
I got a Nexus 8 hub a few years ago, when they first came out, but I've lost interest in the idea of using it in an ebike, now. Provided you don't want to cover a huge speed range, the 3 speed hubs are quite a good match. With a 3 speed, the middle gear is direct drive and is as efficient as a derailleur - so, I set the gear ratios so that I use 2nd gear most of the time - 1st gear for steep hills and 3rd gear for speeds between 20 and 25 mph.
Pete said:
The strongest way is to build them up yourself, using trials bike parts, as Malcolm and I have done:
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3306&start=14
http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3306&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=113
EMF
100 kW
Miles said:
Ok, gotcha!
I like the sound of direct drive.
GGoodrum
1 MW
recumbent said:
Good to know, thanks. Right now I have the factory guys doing a custom "one of..." that will be painted the same matching green.
-- Gary
Ypedal
100 TW
Wow.. a dig back from 2008 !!!...
strangely enough, this red monster is about to FINALLY get converted... !!!!.. since i got it, i've been stealing bits and pieces from it for other projects, i wanted to mount a honda 4 stroke with jack shaft kit i have gathering dust, but , change of plan, will attempt to bolt up an X5304 tomorrow.....
above, some very nice bikes !!!! 8)
strangely enough, this red monster is about to FINALLY get converted... !!!!.. since i got it, i've been stealing bits and pieces from it for other projects, i wanted to mount a honda 4 stroke with jack shaft kit i have gathering dust, but , change of plan, will attempt to bolt up an X5304 tomorrow.....
above, some very nice bikes !!!! 8)
MadRhino
100 GW
I'm building this one, likely to ride next summer. Gonna put a Monster T on it :wink:
nicobie
100 MW
yes......
visuthdy
100 mW
madrhino,
that a sweet looking chopper. who makes it, where can you but one.
that a sweet looking chopper. who makes it, where can you but one.
MadRhino
100 GW
2009 Specialized Fatboy
Very small series, 5 available for a group buy, eventually
Very small series, 5 available for a group buy, eventually
