itselectric
1 kW
Try Bay Cycle and sport in Toronto area.erexa said:
http://baycyclesports.com/
Prodeco Tech- Phantom X ebike
- Thread starter rzannotti
- Start date
http://baycyclesports.com/
Jason27
10 kW
A 24V 10 Ah battery seems pretty weak for the price.
Hyena
10 GW
If anyone in Australia is interested in these prodeco bikes I've been working with a guy who's in the process of setting up as the Aussie distributor.
I've only ridden the 20" folding mariner which has the performance you'd expect from a 24v bafang type motor but I'm interested to see how the phantom X goes. I have no doubt these can be made to perform quite respectably with a few of the usual mods. Unfortunately being an american made / shipped product it'll be more expensive to land them down under.
If you're seriously interested in buying one (ie not a tyre kicker) PM me and I'll hook you up
I've only ridden the 20" folding mariner which has the performance you'd expect from a 24v bafang type motor but I'm interested to see how the phantom X goes. I have no doubt these can be made to perform quite respectably with a few of the usual mods. Unfortunately being an american made / shipped product it'll be more expensive to land them down under.
If you're seriously interested in buying one (ie not a tyre kicker) PM me and I'll hook you up
I had a bit more time the other day to take the Phantom X around town.
I'm around 200 lbs. The bike was around 65 lbs with some attached accessories and lock.
My first trip was 12 miles total and the battery still shows the 50-100% charged green light (no precise battery gauge). The motor never seemed to get very warm to the touch...70F air outside probably helps. I had the throttle full out pretty much the entire time and I also pedaled along with a modest effort. On the flats it ran up to 20mph (19.8-19.9 on my bike computer haven't double checked again gps yet). It accelerates quick up to 15mph, not too long to 17mph though getting to 20mph takes some time and a good straight away. Seemed that I was going 15-17mph most of the time since I had very few long straight aways (urban area). I didn't go on many hills, although I did hit one 100ft ~7% grade hill that at the top the bike speed dropped to 12.5mph even with my assist. My max pedal speed was 22.5 mph going slightly downhill. Other than downhill, I found it very difficult to exceed 20mph since the gearing isn't set-up for high speed and the controller seems to cutout the motor at 20mph+.
Some other observations:
I'm surprised at the size of the tires. 2.125" x 26" are noticeably larger than my other bike's 1.95" x 26" MTB tires.
Bike is unbalanced due to all the weight being in the back. I think this is probably typical with most e-bikes with rear hubs and batteries. I found the handlebars and fork to lose stability whenever I shifted my weight towards the front at higher speeds. This could be due to softness in the front shock; I haven't looked at adjusting it yet. I have a feeling that front lowrider panniers could improve the balance and handling.
I'm still trying to get the brakes adjusted. They're still too soft for my liking...I should be able to easily lock wheels with disc brakes.
Hopefully, I'll get to really push it this weekend.
I'm around 200 lbs. The bike was around 65 lbs with some attached accessories and lock.
My first trip was 12 miles total and the battery still shows the 50-100% charged green light (no precise battery gauge). The motor never seemed to get very warm to the touch...70F air outside probably helps. I had the throttle full out pretty much the entire time and I also pedaled along with a modest effort. On the flats it ran up to 20mph (19.8-19.9 on my bike computer haven't double checked again gps yet). It accelerates quick up to 15mph, not too long to 17mph though getting to 20mph takes some time and a good straight away. Seemed that I was going 15-17mph most of the time since I had very few long straight aways (urban area). I didn't go on many hills, although I did hit one 100ft ~7% grade hill that at the top the bike speed dropped to 12.5mph even with my assist. My max pedal speed was 22.5 mph going slightly downhill. Other than downhill, I found it very difficult to exceed 20mph since the gearing isn't set-up for high speed and the controller seems to cutout the motor at 20mph+.
Some other observations:
I'm surprised at the size of the tires. 2.125" x 26" are noticeably larger than my other bike's 1.95" x 26" MTB tires.
Bike is unbalanced due to all the weight being in the back. I think this is probably typical with most e-bikes with rear hubs and batteries. I found the handlebars and fork to lose stability whenever I shifted my weight towards the front at higher speeds. This could be due to softness in the front shock; I haven't looked at adjusting it yet. I have a feeling that front lowrider panniers could improve the balance and handling.
I'm still trying to get the brakes adjusted. They're still too soft for my liking...I should be able to easily lock wheels with disc brakes.
Hopefully, I'll get to really push it this weekend.
I emailed Prodeco today based on some questions I had regarding the seat, battery, charger, and rack. They turned around some good answers to my questions in a few hours, didn't expect that 
. That's a good sign in my opinion.
I took the bike out again for another 8 miles putting the total to 20 miles and still with at least 50% battery. Overall I really like the bike so far and wound definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a production ebike. Its an extremely good value compared to other production models available right now...I did my homework on this one.
I'll post the information if Prodeco gives me the okay. Their email had a confidential disclosure footer...
. That's a good sign in my opinion.I took the bike out again for another 8 miles putting the total to 20 miles and still with at least 50% battery. Overall I really like the bike so far and wound definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a production ebike. Its an extremely good value compared to other production models available right now...I did my homework on this one.
I'll post the information if Prodeco gives me the okay. Their email had a confidential disclosure footer...
My questions:
Hello-
I received one of your Phantom X bikes recently from BikeMania.biz.
I have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer:
1) The seat was not as pictured (black vented w/ red stitch); I assumed the change was due to availability issues which I can understand. Is there a way I can exchange my seat for the black red stitch vented verison when its available?
2) Also is the battery really 12AH or is it more? Its just seems really big compared to pictures (+5" longer). Do you have a quick charger available for purchase (4 or 5A)?
3) What is the rack's estimated weight rating? I see you added frame supports and it seems to be able to handle a 20 lb side pannier even with the battery weight in my opinion. I do not plan on putting the load on top of the battery.
****Prodeco's email response + ATTACHED PDF INFORMATION ON THE PHANTOM X BATTERY****
Dear XXX,
Thank you for the email.
The battery is a 38.4V 12Ah but different than the other 12Ah batteries out there. This is a solid true 12Ah and will not see a reduced travel time. The voltage is at just above 42V charged and can power 36V – 42V motors. The industry is predominately 24V, 36V or 48V. The prismatic cells are a little bigger is size, hence the longer alloy shell but will give you years of performance. The cells are one of the most expensive Li-ion cells on the market right now. Placed up against a typical e-bike 12Ah, 1 year from now this battery could have as much as a 50% longer distance per charge available energy storage. The pricing of the battery itself when compared to other e-bike companies, and considering our 2 year warranty, should be $800 or more versus the $399. Our low pricing is reflected due to our direct negotiation and partnering with the cell manufacturer. The cell manufacturer is not an e-bike battery company with inflated prices. They are one of the largest cell production facilities in the world with over 4,000,000 square feet and produce cells for the auto/transportation industry. They are considered one of the leaders in the world in lithium technology and battery development.
On charging, the additional benefit of the battery is the ability to charge at 5 to 10Amps. Lithium Manganese or Cobalt, the predominate battery for 90% of all e-bikes have a max charge rate of 2-3Amps. We have a 5 Amp charger available the beginning of next month and reduces the time to 2-3 hours charging. We are awaiting UL approval on a 10Amp charger which will charge the battery in 90 minutes.
One customer reported yesterday he did over 40 Miles on his first charge and still had more to go.
We had to brace the battery and why one of the delays on the Phantom X. We are developing a smaller battery to become the standard battery on the Phantom and will be out soon. It will be a 38.4V9Ah and the 38.4V12Ah will be an option.
In regards to your question on adding pannier’s. We floated the battery base for this reason. If you do not jump curbs and do rough riding, the rear rack can handle the additional weight. If jumping curbs or aggressive riding is done, there is flex to the rack, seat tube and braces. The braces were added because of that type of riding. Originally the design called for no braces but the battery was 5†shorter. The added 5†caused additional leverage.
In regards to your question on the red stitching saddle. We can send the saddle with red stitching shortly for no charge. It is arriving next month and we did not want to hold the Phantom shipments up any longer.
It is much more difficult and involved that we build each bike here in our facility than most people realize. It takes 8 hours per Phantom X to build. We believe it is worth the wait for the customer and the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive. The shops love the quality of the components and the bike realistically is a $2500 e-bike that is selling for more than 50% off. We are 100% confident if we put a $1999 sales price on the bike, it could go up against the competitors in that price range and still beat them.
Thank you.
Hello-
I received one of your Phantom X bikes recently from BikeMania.biz.
I have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer:
1) The seat was not as pictured (black vented w/ red stitch); I assumed the change was due to availability issues which I can understand. Is there a way I can exchange my seat for the black red stitch vented verison when its available?
2) Also is the battery really 12AH or is it more? Its just seems really big compared to pictures (+5" longer). Do you have a quick charger available for purchase (4 or 5A)?
3) What is the rack's estimated weight rating? I see you added frame supports and it seems to be able to handle a 20 lb side pannier even with the battery weight in my opinion. I do not plan on putting the load on top of the battery.
****Prodeco's email response + ATTACHED PDF INFORMATION ON THE PHANTOM X BATTERY****
Dear XXX,
Thank you for the email.
The battery is a 38.4V 12Ah but different than the other 12Ah batteries out there. This is a solid true 12Ah and will not see a reduced travel time. The voltage is at just above 42V charged and can power 36V – 42V motors. The industry is predominately 24V, 36V or 48V. The prismatic cells are a little bigger is size, hence the longer alloy shell but will give you years of performance. The cells are one of the most expensive Li-ion cells on the market right now. Placed up against a typical e-bike 12Ah, 1 year from now this battery could have as much as a 50% longer distance per charge available energy storage. The pricing of the battery itself when compared to other e-bike companies, and considering our 2 year warranty, should be $800 or more versus the $399. Our low pricing is reflected due to our direct negotiation and partnering with the cell manufacturer. The cell manufacturer is not an e-bike battery company with inflated prices. They are one of the largest cell production facilities in the world with over 4,000,000 square feet and produce cells for the auto/transportation industry. They are considered one of the leaders in the world in lithium technology and battery development.
On charging, the additional benefit of the battery is the ability to charge at 5 to 10Amps. Lithium Manganese or Cobalt, the predominate battery for 90% of all e-bikes have a max charge rate of 2-3Amps. We have a 5 Amp charger available the beginning of next month and reduces the time to 2-3 hours charging. We are awaiting UL approval on a 10Amp charger which will charge the battery in 90 minutes.
One customer reported yesterday he did over 40 Miles on his first charge and still had more to go.
We had to brace the battery and why one of the delays on the Phantom X. We are developing a smaller battery to become the standard battery on the Phantom and will be out soon. It will be a 38.4V9Ah and the 38.4V12Ah will be an option.
In regards to your question on adding pannier’s. We floated the battery base for this reason. If you do not jump curbs and do rough riding, the rear rack can handle the additional weight. If jumping curbs or aggressive riding is done, there is flex to the rack, seat tube and braces. The braces were added because of that type of riding. Originally the design called for no braces but the battery was 5†shorter. The added 5†caused additional leverage.
In regards to your question on the red stitching saddle. We can send the saddle with red stitching shortly for no charge. It is arriving next month and we did not want to hold the Phantom shipments up any longer.
It is much more difficult and involved that we build each bike here in our facility than most people realize. It takes 8 hours per Phantom X to build. We believe it is worth the wait for the customer and the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive. The shops love the quality of the components and the bike realistically is a $2500 e-bike that is selling for more than 50% off. We are 100% confident if we put a $1999 sales price on the bike, it could go up against the competitors in that price range and still beat them.
Thank you.
Racer_X
1 kW
baltiace1, Thanks a lot for posting the info. If you get a chance can you upload some pictures of the Phantom X? Also interested in looking at the controller wondering if it will be able to handle 48v battery. The motor looks alot like my 9c Direct Drive that I have. I really love the power and dependability in rain, shine, snow and sleet it just keeps going. I am sure you will enjoy the same, plus you can fold it and bring it with you.
Good luck
Good luck
Racer_X said:
I haven't taken photos yet. Will probably get to it this weekend and post them. In the meantime, I did see another owner has a blog on the Phantom X and has posted some photos of his bike. Link is below if you want to take a look.
http://yearoftheebike.blogspot.com/2011/05/phantom-x-by-prodeco-tech-photos.html
Racer_X
1 kW
baltiace1, Ok now I see what you mean about the battery. I also noticed that the key is attached to the battery. Are you able to remove the key from the battery after you turn on the power?
If I had that bike I would probably run it on lipo for the super stealth effect. From what i see I think you get alot for the money and you don't have to convert a host bike. Having gears, disc brakes and front suspension is an excellent start to a good ebike experience. That's what i will do on my next build if I don't just buy the Phantom X and just focus on upgrading the Controller and Battery voltage for unleashing some killer torque and speed
.
Looking forward to hearing more about your bike once you get it going good.
If I had that bike I would probably run it on lipo for the super stealth effect. From what i see I think you get alot for the money and you don't have to convert a host bike. Having gears, disc brakes and front suspension is an excellent start to a good ebike experience. That's what i will do on my next build if I don't just buy the Phantom X and just focus on upgrading the Controller and Battery voltage for unleashing some killer torque and speed
.Looking forward to hearing more about your bike once you get it going good.
tuxman
100 W
I wish this bike was listed on http://www.electric-bikes.com for comparison. It was by chance or by luck that I came across your post! So glad that I did!
I was considering the "iZip Zuma vs Pedego Cruiser vs eZip Trailz" but am now very interested in the Prodeco Phantom X after reading your post.
I wear a suit to work, so I want my next ebike to be able to go 5 miles up and down 4% grades with out any issues. I only have one short hill at a 16% grade which will be the only part I have to help peddle. ha!
I was considering the "iZip Zuma vs Pedego Cruiser vs eZip Trailz" but am now very interested in the Prodeco Phantom X after reading your post.
I wear a suit to work, so I want my next ebike to be able to go 5 miles up and down 4% grades with out any issues. I only have one short hill at a 16% grade which will be the only part I have to help peddle. ha!
Anything more to report, especially hill climbing info? Speed, pedaling effort needed, and how it effects distance? Any more data would be welcome.
I would be curious to know battery dimensions to get an idea if it would fit on the first level of one of those two level bike racks? For example, the one at http://www.e-bikekit.com/shop/index.php?p=product&id=88&parent=2 which appears to take a battery up to 3 inches high and about 6 inches wide. The one at this link or something similar looks like it might be sturdy enough to take more cargo on the top level and the sides.
I would be curious to know battery dimensions to get an idea if it would fit on the first level of one of those two level bike racks? For example, the one at http://www.e-bikekit.com/shop/index.php?p=product&id=88&parent=2 which appears to take a battery up to 3 inches high and about 6 inches wide. The one at this link or something similar looks like it might be sturdy enough to take more cargo on the top level and the sides.
tuxman
100 W
I tried to purchase but it's not available. Spoke to Richard, said they are sold out of the first batch. Working on a few issues, mentioned the battery rack. He said they would start production on the next batch in 60 days. But, he said they already have orders pending, so I would estimate it's close to 90 days. For $1,099 I could almost wait. Almost.
Hello all,
I just got my Phantom X a couple of days ago. I would really like to add some more speed to this set-up without adding more batteries. Would a swap out of the controller do any good? But I don't want to wear out the batteries too much or kill the motor. I'm a newbie, so I need some direction.
I just got my Phantom X a couple of days ago. I would really like to add some more speed to this set-up without adding more batteries. Would a swap out of the controller do any good? But I don't want to wear out the batteries too much or kill the motor. I'm a newbie, so I need some direction.
Racer_X
1 kW
I think the only way to get a noticeable speed difference would be to switch from 36v battery to 48v battery. I think the stock controller can handle that voltage and you will see a 7 mph increase in my estimates. Swapping the controller might also work but it depends if that battery can handle a higher discharge rate. For example "9 FET Lyen controllers" can be programmed to 35+ amps draw and that will greatly increase torque and possibly even speed.
Good luck, I am also looking at this bike for the great stock features and the strong possibilities of modifying for higher speed.
Well, I performed a small upgrade which improved my speed by at least 1 mph. I swapped out the stock heavy 2.125" mountain bike tires for lighter metro/city tires. The fronts got super light slick 1.5" tires, while the rear got more of a heavy duty 1.75" tire. I now get 18-19 mph w/ no peddling and 19-21 w/ peddling.
Maybe in the future I will swap out the 36V w/ a 48V.
Maybe in the future I will swap out the 36V w/ a 48V.
I am so glad I found this discussion, I too was very close to the Izip zuma, but am pleased to know that there is another option. I wrote to prodeco and got very quick replys. I saw previously someone had expressed concerns about customer service and email response. I can honestly say that I am more than pleased with the timing of response and information provided. I will wait to get the phantom and hopefully be able to purchase one soon!
tuxman
100 W
im@huhds said:
Richard was very good about answering questions quickly. However, it looks like July or later before you can buy one. The price is now listed at $1,199 on the manufactures website which is a great value. Sign up on the waiting list http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ProdecoTech_Phantom_P
I couldn't wait, so I bought the iZip Zuma, 2nd best value imo.
Similar threads
