Starsbravo
1 µW
TLDR* Need bike for winter commute for a noob cyclist, 1500 to invest (already have the bike). Looking for something reliable and scalable for leisure in trails, 8 mile daily commute and can charge in the office and home. *TLDR
Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and I've been lurking and reading for a few days now. The need of a commute bike led me here and I'm getting ready to pull the trigger but have some questions that I haven't found the answer for.
First things first.
I'm 29, 6'1" / 182 lb guy (plus a 15/20 lb backpack with food, extra clothing, and whatnot). I rode bikes when I was a kid but a little out of shape currently. The main reason to get an ebike is to do my daily work commute, which is 4.1 miles each way and with slight hills in it and I can choose between a couple of roads and a mostly paved trail. I already bought my bike, so we should be able to work with it (giant Roam 2 2015) all stock, just added a couple of plastic generic fenders and some nice lights. I have a budget of around 1500 USD, but would love to trim it down a bit if I can keep up with both needs and pluses.
- What I need -
** Getting fast to work without breaking a sweat, under 15-30 Fahrenheit (most likely rain, snow and ice included). I can and have commuted this distinct roads using my bike as it is, but I cannot shower in the office (and by cannot I mean I really don't want to).
** Be able to drive along with cars (30 mph, flat) in 1 lane streets without bike line for a few blocks (I would want to cruise at the same speed, I feel very insecure being passed by so many cars and so close).
** Stay alive, safety first.
- What I would love (on top of what I need)-
** Something easy to install/maintain. I'm a total noob when it comes to bikes and don't have tools nor a place at home to do my own repairs, have to take the bike to a shop in case anything needs adjustment/repair.
** Something powerful enough to use for leisure on light trails on weekends and in heavier trails in probably 6 months in the future (kit could be transferred to a new mountain bike by then).
** Something I can combine with an additional motor once I get tired of one motor and want to speed a bit (I know it would require additional motor, components and maybe a more competent bike, but that's something for the future).
** Weather proof system (freezing temps, occasional rain)
** Be able to pull a small trailer for groceries.
- Considerations -
** Would take the bike to a shop for them to install stuff is beyond really basic knowledge is required and/or requires tools not included in kit.
** I still plan to pedal myself, some exercise is good and a bit of extra heat will also be appreciated for me.
** Want to ride on my work clothes (could change the shoes for boots or winter bike shoes though).
** Can use bus in bad days, but that's what I'm trying to avoid in the first place.
** Can charge battery at office and home.
- What I think I need
** Bafang 750 W mid drive kit with 48 volts battery. Have taken a look at Dillingers kit http://dillengerelectricbikes.com/s...c-bike-kit-750w-11-6ah-bafang-8fun-mid-drive/ and that seems to fit what I need and want for now.
** Rough tires that will not puncture or blow easily, can handle weight and some speed (I don't know how to repair tires and don't want to learn while freezing and thinking of how late I am for work). My current rim is 700c x40, dunno if only 700c x40 tires will fit or slightly different tires would do. Can change the rim also if needed, I cannot streess how much I don't want to have to repair tires or land on my teeth.
** Something to strengthen a bit my aluminum frame? I know I can't change for a steel frame now, but don't know if still can reinforce it.
- What I have already (not considered in the budget, paid for this already)-
** Giant Roam 2 Bike http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/roam.2.2015/18606/76010/#specifications
** Regular cannondale bike helmet
** Balaclava, ski gloves, ski googles, insulated boot covers, cycling thermal base layers, cycling pants.
- Questions -
1- What is special about the Dillenger kit that I can't get from other US dealers at a better price? I've seen the pictures of similar kits and they all seem the same.
2- Will I be able to remove the speed limit to the controller myself without voiding any warranties?
3- Can I add a Cyclist Analyst to this? can I in the future add an additional motor and use the CA to limit the watts to remain street legal while on the road (750 W, US).
4- Heard they are currently developing a torque sensor to use with this kit, will it be compatible with the current kit or will I be screwed and need to replace a considerable amount of parts to get it when it comes out?
5- Will this stuff fit my bike and components? I am absolutely lost on that, not familiar with bike component names to analyze requirements and tell widths, clearances and other considerations.
6- Extra gear I should consider?
If you could also point me to a nice dealer to make business with preferably in the states.
Thank you for all your helpful information and time!,
Florentino
Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and I've been lurking and reading for a few days now. The need of a commute bike led me here and I'm getting ready to pull the trigger but have some questions that I haven't found the answer for.
First things first.
I'm 29, 6'1" / 182 lb guy (plus a 15/20 lb backpack with food, extra clothing, and whatnot). I rode bikes when I was a kid but a little out of shape currently. The main reason to get an ebike is to do my daily work commute, which is 4.1 miles each way and with slight hills in it and I can choose between a couple of roads and a mostly paved trail. I already bought my bike, so we should be able to work with it (giant Roam 2 2015) all stock, just added a couple of plastic generic fenders and some nice lights. I have a budget of around 1500 USD, but would love to trim it down a bit if I can keep up with both needs and pluses.
- What I need -
** Getting fast to work without breaking a sweat, under 15-30 Fahrenheit (most likely rain, snow and ice included). I can and have commuted this distinct roads using my bike as it is, but I cannot shower in the office (and by cannot I mean I really don't want to).
** Be able to drive along with cars (30 mph, flat) in 1 lane streets without bike line for a few blocks (I would want to cruise at the same speed, I feel very insecure being passed by so many cars and so close).
** Stay alive, safety first.
- What I would love (on top of what I need)-
** Something easy to install/maintain. I'm a total noob when it comes to bikes and don't have tools nor a place at home to do my own repairs, have to take the bike to a shop in case anything needs adjustment/repair.
** Something powerful enough to use for leisure on light trails on weekends and in heavier trails in probably 6 months in the future (kit could be transferred to a new mountain bike by then).
** Something I can combine with an additional motor once I get tired of one motor and want to speed a bit (I know it would require additional motor, components and maybe a more competent bike, but that's something for the future).
** Weather proof system (freezing temps, occasional rain)
** Be able to pull a small trailer for groceries.
- Considerations -
** Would take the bike to a shop for them to install stuff is beyond really basic knowledge is required and/or requires tools not included in kit.
** I still plan to pedal myself, some exercise is good and a bit of extra heat will also be appreciated for me.
** Want to ride on my work clothes (could change the shoes for boots or winter bike shoes though).
** Can use bus in bad days, but that's what I'm trying to avoid in the first place.
** Can charge battery at office and home.
- What I think I need
** Bafang 750 W mid drive kit with 48 volts battery. Have taken a look at Dillingers kit http://dillengerelectricbikes.com/s...c-bike-kit-750w-11-6ah-bafang-8fun-mid-drive/ and that seems to fit what I need and want for now.
** Rough tires that will not puncture or blow easily, can handle weight and some speed (I don't know how to repair tires and don't want to learn while freezing and thinking of how late I am for work). My current rim is 700c x40, dunno if only 700c x40 tires will fit or slightly different tires would do. Can change the rim also if needed, I cannot streess how much I don't want to have to repair tires or land on my teeth.
** Something to strengthen a bit my aluminum frame? I know I can't change for a steel frame now, but don't know if still can reinforce it.
- What I have already (not considered in the budget, paid for this already)-
** Giant Roam 2 Bike http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/roam.2.2015/18606/76010/#specifications
** Regular cannondale bike helmet
** Balaclava, ski gloves, ski googles, insulated boot covers, cycling thermal base layers, cycling pants.
- Questions -
1- What is special about the Dillenger kit that I can't get from other US dealers at a better price? I've seen the pictures of similar kits and they all seem the same.
2- Will I be able to remove the speed limit to the controller myself without voiding any warranties?
3- Can I add a Cyclist Analyst to this? can I in the future add an additional motor and use the CA to limit the watts to remain street legal while on the road (750 W, US).
4- Heard they are currently developing a torque sensor to use with this kit, will it be compatible with the current kit or will I be screwed and need to replace a considerable amount of parts to get it when it comes out?
5- Will this stuff fit my bike and components? I am absolutely lost on that, not familiar with bike component names to analyze requirements and tell widths, clearances and other considerations.
6- Extra gear I should consider?
If you could also point me to a nice dealer to make business with preferably in the states.
Thank you for all your helpful information and time!,
Florentino
