Older Townie build with front crystalyte hub help

[jkj]

My dad has an electra townie with front crystalyte hub and rear nexus internal hub. Its got a lead battery that has started to lose range. I was thinking about ordering a new battery for him. What kind of battery chemistry do you guys currently recommend? The lead battery is currently mounted on the rack. I was thinking either there or a water bottle type mount. I also want to take a good look at the front hub and make sure there are torque arms on the bike. I think it goes high teens as far as speed now? Any estimation on speed if I upgrade him to 48v? Would it be best to stick with 36v?

I'd like one that is pretty bulletproof and easy to maintain.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/48v-lithium-battery-48V-12Ah-Li-ion-Water-Kettle-water-bottle-Battery-bike-battery-for-electric/32263280915.html?spm=2114.031010208.3.29.qrZFVv&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_3_79_78_77_80,searchweb201644_5,searchweb201560_1

 

[Marin]

check out lunacycle.com they have a good variety of lithium batteries.

 

[jkj]

It currently has 3 BP 12-12's on it after looking. Each one is 12AH @ 20hours (http://www.bb-battery.com/productpages/BP/BP12-12.pdf) What would this be equivalent to in lithium? I know the C is a lot different. I'm just trying to figure out how many AH and 36 or 48V.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-quality-48v-15ah-lithium-kettle-water-bottle-48v-battery-kettle-for-350w-500w-750w-electric/32455568087.html?spm=2114.031010208.3.212.gWD3nC&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_3_79_78_77_80,searchweb201644_5,searchweb201560_1 is one of the batteries I'm looking at.

 

[docnjoj]

Lead acid will usually get about 50-60% of it's rated capacity at Ebike current draw. They rate them at a 20 hour draw. A ten or 15 hour lithium would be less than half the weight and put out nearly it's full rating of power and capacity. If in the US check out Luna Batteries. Owner is on this board and prices are reasonable and shipping is legal and quick..
otherDoc

 

[jkj]

any input on the water bottle battery vs rear rack? What about 36 vs 48v?

 

[dogman dan]

Chances are good your controller would handle 48v. If the speed is only high teens now, then you have the slow rpm motor, and it would gain about 4 mph with 48v. Likely you have the 408, vs the 407 motor.

I'd go 48v 10 ah for sure. Where to mount it? I'd say nothing wrong with keeping it on the rear rack, unless you really want to free up the rack top for cargo.

Why not a bottle mount? well, you'd definitely want the battery there on a 30 mph bike. But since you are still going to be looking at about 22 mph with 48v, you won't feel like you need the battery in the center. It will already feel great losing 20 pounds of weight in back.

In the end, go with the battery that seems like the best deal, the best combination of price you like and vendor you trust.

 

[jkj]

Awesome thanks for the input! Any good deals out there? Aliexpress? Lunacycle?

 

[dogman dan]

Well, since you asked specifically, E-bikekit.com has a 25% off sale till Monday night.

Not near as affordable as alibaba deals though.

 

[jkj]

I'm upgraded my dad's 36v LA ebike to a lithium battery. I was going to buy one of the cybermonday batteries from lunacycle. Please tell me which one!? crystalyte 408 setup.