Schwinn chopper ebike buildup questions

[RallySTX]

Holy macaroni, $1,500 bucks for a new Spoiler! I never would have believed it!
Brian L.

 

[sangesf]

ANY clue on how I could turn my Electric OCC into a trike?
I have one front motor, and two rear motors (I would only require one of the two rear motors to be powered).

I'm trying to figure out how to use the existing frame to put the wheels side by side..
The only problem is how to set up the rear cassette so that it works ok.. If I turn the wheel (that would be on the rear right) around the cassette will be on the correct side but will be backwards for coasting / pedaling purposes.
(You guys with OCCs understand what my issues are).

 

[RallySTX]

here's one answer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/26-Adult-Bicycle-Bike-Tricycle-Trike-Conversion-6BK-/180711363957?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a133c9575
And a few others.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Conversion-Kit-Use-Hollow-Hub-Chrome-/290582684912?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a813e4f0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIKE-TRIKE-CONVERSION-KIT-68-SPOKE-WHEELS-TIRES-/280726916308?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item415ca0ccd4

http://www.bigtricycle.com/-.php

http://www.bicycledesigner.com/

http://www.electric-bikes.com/trikes/kits.html

http://bike-engine.com/tricycle.html

http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TrikeZilla_ConversionKIt

That should be plenty to read about. Hit me back if you have more questions. The only trike I have any experience with lately, is my moms Schwinn 26 inch store bought. It's heavy, has the conversion in the second link I believe, and works fine. Seems to me the biggest issue you will have is finding another 20x4 rear wheel for the other side. Of course you could have JRH make you a set of matching wheels. http://holmeshobbies.com/home.php He can do pretty much anything.
Brian L.

 

[sangesf]

here's one answer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/26-Adult-Bicycle-Bike-Tricycle-Trike-Conversion-6BK-/180711363957?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a133c9575
And a few others.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Conversion-Kit-Use-Hollow-Hub-Chrome-/290582684912?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a813e4f0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIKE-TRIKE-CONVERSION-KIT-68-SPOKE-WHEELS-TIRES-/280726916308?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item415ca0ccd4

http://www.bigtricycle.com/-.php

http://www.bicycledesigner.com/

http://www.electric-bikes.com/trikes/kits.html

http://bike-engine.com/tricycle.html

http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TrikeZilla_ConversionKIt

That should be plenty to read about. Hit me back if you have more questions. The only trike I have any experience with lately, is my moms Schwinn 26 inch store bought. It's heavy, has the conversion in the second link I believe, and works fine. Seems to me the biggest issue you will have is finding another 20x4 rear wheel for the other side. Of course you could have JRH make you a set of matching wheels. http://holmeshobbies.com/home.php He can do pretty much anything.
Brian L.

I already have a 2nd rear wheel.. And I understand there are trike kits out there.. I'm looking for anyone that might have some experience taking an OCC and turning it into one.
And you do realize ALL of those conversion "kits" don't take a hub motor/wheel combination only standard wheels (in other words, I can't remove the hub motor to replace with a basic axle... Kinda defeats the purpose of a powered trike.

All "kits require you to remove hour own wheel and use theirs, again defeating the purpose I originally have intended.

 

[RallySTX]

Ok, well as I said before this is a build thread for my bikes. If you have a question, I will try to help in any way I can, but you could at least be clear about what you are looking for. Asking if there is a way to trike your bike, is a lot different than asking for a kit that is premade for hubmotors, and expecting help from only experienced trikers on a bike thread. I don't ever recall posting about that here. You didn't specify that the trike kit be compatable with hubmotors, or which ones. I think you should start your own build thread. Pick an area that fits the subject matter, and start asking questions. There are several trikers here, some with their own companies, that would be very capable to assist you. As always, I am here for you too. I wont be kicked arround for your amusement though. Seems to me, any of those kits could be altered to fit a hubmotor, or ar least used as a blueprint for your own design. I asumed that due to your relative inexperience, that you would want a kit, that allowed for a front drive only. Going for dual wheel drive, is not generally something expected of new members. That bike will be heavy indeed when it's done. The good thing about it is that the frame is stout enough to take the load easilly. Find a good welding shop, and have them fab up a simple but strong single to dual rear dropout adapter, with a sleve that has threads on one end for the freewheel. Sounds like about $500 worth of work to me. Good luck with it.
Brian L.

 

[TopCat]

here's one answer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/26-Adult-Bicycle-Bike-Tricycle-Trike-Conversion-6BK-/180711363957?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a133c9575
And a few others.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Conversion-Kit-Use-Hollow-Hub-Chrome-/290582684912?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a813e4f0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIKE-TRIKE-CONVERSION-KIT-68-SPOKE-WHEELS-TIRES-/280726916308?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item415ca0ccd4

http://www.bigtricycle.com/-.php

http://www.bicycledesigner.com/

http://www.electric-bikes.com/trikes/kits.html

http://bike-engine.com/tricycle.html

http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TrikeZilla_ConversionKIt

That should be plenty to read about. Hit me back if you have more questions. The only trike I have any experience with lately, is my moms Schwinn 26 inch store bought. It's heavy, has the conversion in the second link I believe, and works fine. Seems to me the biggest issue you will have is finding another 20x4 rear wheel for the other side. Of course you could have JRH make you a set of matching wheels. http://holmeshobbies.com/home.php He can do pretty much anything.
Brian L.

I already have a 2nd rear wheel.. And I understand there are trike kits out there.. I'm looking for anyone that might have some experience taking an OCC and turning it into one.
And you do realize ALL of those conversion "kits" don't take a hub motor/wheel combination only standard wheels (in other words, I can't remove the hub motor to replace with a basic axle... Kinda defeats the purpose of a powered trike.

All "kits require you to remove hour own wheel and use theirs, again defeating the purpose I originally have intended.

I wanted to make a trike outta my spoiler after seeing this pic...

and am still thinking about it.
There have been the odd trike build(s) pop up on the Schwinn forums but after an update a lot of the pics went bye bye I havent seen a hub motored trike yet that I can remember. Maybe build a normal trike and put your hub motor as a mid-drive.

An XL chopper trike form schwinn forums.
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/schwinn-life/forums/showthread.php?84689-XL-Chopper-Trike
I saved off these pics last year when I was thinking of a trike build. In pic 2 attachment, you could place the hub motor where the back wheel should have been.

Regards
Tom

 

[RallySTX]

Thanks Tom, I really like that first pic. There have been several trike conversions that cought my eye over the years, but none that I know of that started with the Spoiler, or had hubmotors on both rear wheels. I probably would have been nicer to that guy, but I felt he was calling me stupid, and leading me arround the bush. Mabye that's just my bad experiences getting the better of me. I really want to help the guy, but I think he needs to be clear about what he is after the first time. How is your motor, and controller doing? Not much to ad here on my end except that the tourqe arms on the Stripper are on, and tight. I just need to fab a rear disk brake caliper mount for both bikes. And I have an ES member working on the final pieces of the Spoiler tourqe arms. Another member has rear brakes compatable with my hubs, as well as a 88v controller I need. I hope to be sending both members some cash Sep 3rd. Holy cow, I just looked at the pic attachments you sent Tom, that OCC XL, was a rare bird on it's own. Worthy of posting directly for sure! I'm gonna risk a slap and post one here for those watchers that might not know how to handle an attachment. Again, the OCC XL is the adult size version of the standard bike sold to teenagers that I have featured here. Only about 2,000 built and shipped to the US, they are nearly impossible to find. Every ad I found and answered to so far, was sold before I could get an answer.There is even a larger version called the XXL that is built for baskerball players. Only sold in red, and limited to 200 shipped to the US, you are more likely to be struck by lightning, than to even see one. This is why seeing an XL trike is worth the estra effort.

Thanks Tom!
Brian L.

 

[TopCat]

Thanks Tom, I really like that first pic. There have been several trike conversions that cought my eye over the years, but none that I know of that started with the Spoiler, or had hubmotors on both rear wheels. I probably would have been nicer to that guy, but I felt he was calling me stupid, and leading me arround the bush. Mabye that's just my bad experiences getting the better of me. I really want to help the guy, but I think he needs to be clear about what he is after the first time. How is your motor, and controller doing? Not much to ad here on my end except that the tourqe arms on the Stripper are on, and tight. I just need to fab a rear disk brake caliper mount for both bikes. And I have an ES member working on the final pieces of the Spoiler tourqe arms. Another member has rear brakes compatable with my hubs, as well as a 88v controller I need. I hope to be sending both members some cash Sep 3rd. Holy cow, I just looked at the pic attachments you sent Tom, that OCC XL, was a rare bird on it's own. Worthy of posting directly for sure! I'm gonna risk a slap and post one here for those watchers that might not know how to handle an attachment. Again, the OCC XL is the adult size version of the standard bike sold to teenagers that I have featured here. Only about 2,000 built and shipped to the US, they are nearly impossible to find. Every ad I found and answered to so far, was sold before I could get an answer.There is even a larger version called the XXL that is built for baskerball players. Only sold in red, and limited to 200 shipped to the US, you are more likely to be struck by lightning, than to even see one. This is why seeing an XL trike is worth the estra effort.

Thanks Tom!
Brian L.

Hi Brian, Not much to report on my end at the moment. My motor is still blown (need to save pennys for a new one) but the 36v controller is working - for now. The problem with the spoiler is I dont know what to do next with it motor wise? Do I go RC or just buy a motor like I had only bigger - 36v 1000watter. No matter what I decide the problem is always finacial -aint it always
My next purchase is one of those paraboards, I'll order it next week once my paypal acount is topped up with enough cash for it. The other week I had to claim an ebay/paypal refund on a spoiler front tyre that never showed up. So if theres enough cash I'll order a new one from another seller.

As the spoiler is out of commission at the moment.
I had a couple of small motors I got of kiddie scooters laying around that I have never done anything with. Last week I attempted to add one of the motors to my mountian bike. I did manage to get it working - in a fashion, but as like the spoiler its not geared right and will probably burn out in time.

Schwinn choppers.
There are some neat bikes on the schwinn forums. DONT join the forums and start reading any of the threads - you'll just start drooling
There were a few variations on the chopper bikes made by schwinn - Stingray with various colour scemes. Stingray electric - Spoiler - XL (rare) - XXL (very rare) and the Spoiler SS 3 speed/double fat tyre ( the rarest of the lot). The Spoiler SS was in the schwinn catolog for a short time but it was when the chopper fad was declining so there was only ever one made before they pulled the plug on all the choppers.

Spoiler SS

Regards
Tom

 

[RallySTX]

Typical corporate leadership, just when they finally get something right, they drop out. That SS had to be a $1,000 bike, the regular Spoilers went for $600 and up. Looks like they finally came up with a comfy seat too. Dumbasses! I was on that site yesterday, and it was like two thirds of the pics didn't show at all. I thought there was something wrong with my PC. But a few did show up, so I just decided to keep my spittle to myself, and wait for more awesomeness from abroad to show up. As to your bike, I would just get the larger motor and run what you built. If you go RC, you have to redesign the whole thing over again. RC uses reduction jackshafts and multiple chain drives to achieve their goal. Those systems are very noisy, and prone to failure, in my opinion. Much more work to set up right, than they are worth. You have a bike that is nine tenths done. All you need is a good 1500 watt motor, and you should be good for years. I hear you on the cash flow issue, you are spot on. I have been reading other posts, and I wonder if you could get some bigger wires between the controller and your new motor. Another rider said that when he upgraded those wires to 8 gauge, his motor stopped heating up, and he got more performance too boot. Just be careful you don't hurt yourself messin with that other bike. We want to hear about Spoiler trips, not hospital visits! Regards.
Brian L.

 

[RallySTX]

Here's a little project I did yesterday and today to pass the time. I'm waiting for parts from oversea's. After reading this thread, http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=31421 I decided to try it myself. Surprised myself, I thought that I had failed. The first time I plugged it in, nothing happened, no fan, no smoke. I went back a few hours later with the DMM to see what was what. Still no fan, but had power. After takeing the pic I checked again, and the fan was on.
I'm not happy with the output power, seems a bit low. Not bad for my first PS hack though. Not bad for a one arm bandit huh!

Brian L.

 

[AussieJester]

Big achievement for any novice electrical nubs like us buddy, but doing it with ONE ARM shiiiiit that deserves some huge kudos buddy well done, thats truly is outstanding i would find a way to frock it up guaranteed, i couldn't imagine doing ti with one hand :-|

KiM

 

[RallySTX]

Thanks for the Kudo's Kim! :lol: I'm getting close, just a few more parts and one of these frocks will be turning and burning.
Brakes, boxes, and batteries is about it here. I'm drooling, I find myself deliberately rubbing myself against the Stripper, every time I walk by it. Here is the second video I watched. This is closer to what I actually did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TQbQXpJTio0#!
Brian L.

 

[TopCat]

Poor Tom, I saw that one comeing. That's what happens when you push three times the rated juice through a unmodded motor. I hope it can be rebuilt a bit more stoutly this time. Truth is you need a bigger motor for the power you are useing.
I just checked, and the new paraboards aren't up yet. I messed up and ordered the board with the charger, and only found out after it arrived that I needed the cables. God thing EP Buddy shipping is quick, they showed on Friday. I haven't done much yet but attach the cables to the board. I'm still working out how to use these batteries and stuff without hurting either the cables, or shocking myself. Going through life with one hand is challengeing. I need to use a small needle nose pliers to remove the balance taps from the paraboard, and I need a quick grip clamp on one side to seperate the bullets. I gotta work out a way to discharge the batteries now, before I can charge them up. I will have to set up the Runt for testing, then attempt to charge the batteries. I just hope this stuff works!
Brian L.

Hi Brian,

I ordered up a Paraboard with the 4mm bullet connectors from EP Buddy last week and it has arrived today. After opening it up I noticed that it doesn't have the right balance cable to attach to my ICharger 1010B+
Im now going to have to order another cable to hook it up to the charger (to do any balancing).
I think this is the cable i'd need ... http://epbuddy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=89

Knowing next to nothing about chargers/charging rates/amps etc Im just wondering if I have wasted money in buying this paraboard? At the moment I charge up my batts 2 at a time. I was doing it 1 at a time but this was sloooooow and took 1 hour per batt. Sitting around for 6 hours wating for batterys to charge up aint any fun. I browsed around the web looking at umpteen pictures and found out how to balance charge 2 batts at a time using the little board that comes with the ICharger. This have shaved 3 hours off my charging time
The idea of buying the paraboard was to shave off yet more charging time (and save trying to make up some type of leads i'd end up blowing myself up with) but it seems that my charger isn't powerfull enough to do 6 batts at a time
see here... User Name Varga http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1302613&page=21

Motors
I had thought of getting a motor like the 36V 500w type I had (electric scooter motor) but just bigger - 36V 1000w off ebay. While browsing around I came across this motor which might be better? ... http://www.thesuperkids.com/15wabmcbrmos.html

The motor its self is pretty cheap enough but then I'd have to get hold of a new controller and there a bit expensive. I can see me drawing my pension before I get the chopper back on the road

Regards
Tom

 

[RallySTX]

Hello Tom, looks like that motor is the right one for the power you will need. The pic however makes it look awefully short from front to back. Needing another controller sucks but what can ya do. Another motor like the one you had will most likely burn up again. I was just reading a thread yesterday here about motor cooling fins, and it reminded me of your predicament. You should be able to reduce the amps output of the charger so that you can charge the pack without overdrawing the charger. It will just take longer to charge them. You only need to worry about balance leads when you want to balance charge. That should only be needed about every five charges. Eagerly awaiting a box of goodies from the land Down Under. Should be here in two weeks. A high output controller for the Spoiler, and rear brakes for both bikes. Once I mount the Calipers, the hard work is DONE! Looks like it will be next year before I can ride though. I tossed out that home built power supply due to low output voltage. I can't get Farfle to answer me, so I guess I'll have to look elsewhere for my tourqe arm straps. That's a bummer, but I'll get ahold of the local guys and see what can be done. Juist remember, "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!" Cheers!
Brian L.

 

[AussieJester]

Heads up for a fellow Sons Of Anarchy tradgic first EP of season 4 aired this week! The bois are out of jail Jaxs has shaved his head and there has been some big changes in Charming! First EP for this season was a ripper...

KiM

 

[RallySTX]

COOL That gives me a serious nose chubbie! S.O.A. Rules! 8)
Brian L.

 

[RallySTX]

Here I come to find out we here in America must wait nearly a week to see the same stuff you get in Oz. Anyway, Thanks to Hyena, I have a high voltage medium amp controller, and nicer brake levers with switches, and a disk brake set for the Stripper. Yeah the money left the country, but I bet everyone knows it went for a good cause. Thanks Mate!

Kudo's to the Eracers that monstered the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and change with a 350 horse Eprototype.

http://www.ecomagination.com/nurburgring-record-brings-electric-race-cars-closer-to-competition
Even the mighty Corvette ZR1 wasn't hardly any better, despite twice the power.
Brian L.

 

[itchynackers]

Brian,
I'm all for electric racing, but 7:47 from a purpose-built racecar is lightyears behind 7:19 out of a showroom stock street car. My 8 year old z06 ran that ring in 7:56 show room stock. Give the electrics a few more years. Maybe they'll trim some serious time off.

I keep waiting for you to finish that bike so we can go for a ride around Monterey/Riverside.

Adam

 

[RallySTX]

I'm working as fast as I can man. Us poor folk need time to get er done! A rear caliper mount for the bike, along with battery bag is still needed. The Big bike still needs tourqe straps also. I figure by this time next year, I should have one done. I am looking forward to that ride together too. Thanks for keeping the faith. Here's a early drawing for the rear brake caliper mount for both bikes.

Brian L.

 

[magudaman]

Hub Drives are easier but I wished I had done mine chain or belt drive with a better motor inside the frame for some really fun torque:

Then again when I put this together I didn't have a penny to spare and really did it on a shoe string budget, I really want to get into the choppers again, your stuff is inspiring to get back into it.

 

[RallySTX]

That's high praise from the guy that posted such an awesome pic on my humble thread! Pushing a lot of weight uphill will really show you what you have. I gotta say though, that I'd try one of the new 9C HT hubs with 24S and a Leyn controller before bothering with the hassle of multiple chains or jackshafts. The 5x12 hub from Methods is just begging me for a shot at hill climbing. I want to send it to Farfle for upgrades too. Firstly however I must finish the tourqe arms on the Spoiler, and the brakes on both bikes. Speaking of which, I found out today that the Switches I just got from OZ have brake light switches under the handles, not Ebrake switches. No real issue, with two push buttons within easy reach, all I need to do is tap one with my thumb before braking. Below is the paper cutout of the brake plate for the rear caliper. I need to redo it and reduce the long slot, as it is redundant. And a first look at Hyena's switches on the Spoiler.

Brian L.

 

[TopCat]

a first look at Hyena's switches on the Spoiler.

Brian L.

Those look a lot better than the simple thing I bought for my lights/indicators/horn etc

Due to financial constraints (like myself) it may take time to fully complete your bike(s) but in the long run it'll be worth it once your riding around beaming a big EGrin

Regards
Tom

 

[RallySTX]

Or hiding my embarassment under a black helmet. Time for another OOPS! I GOOFED! moment. Earlier I said that the switches I bought from OZ had the wrong type of pressure switches under the brake handles. That was wrong, they are the right ones. After a few hours rest, I was thinking about it moments ago, and I realised that auto brake switches operate the same way Ebrake switches do. So I broke out the DMM [again] and retested the switch I removed from one assembly last night, and TADA it is fine. I have no reason for the oversight. I guess I was just tired from a long day. I spent five laborous hours creating that stupid looking piece of paper I photographed, and then I went and tried to help out a neighbor, which backfired. Anyway, I must apologise to Hyena for saying something that wasn't true about his parts. SORRY MATE!
I emailed Justin at Ebikes.CA, and asked about brake rotor screws for the rear 9C hubs I have, since one was shipped from New York without them. He said they should be available at the local bike shop as they are M5 threads. I didn't know that either! Just got off the phone with Michaels Cycles, and the screws are four bucks for a set, but he couldn't tell me the thread size, but did say they are all the same standard size. That works for me! Thanks Tom, Mabye later today I'll take a pic of the switches I got off the SCORE thread. Those don't even have a means of tightening them on the bars. They are designed to have the handlebar grip slide over the top of a lip they have, and that is supposed to keep the stationary. Truthfully as light as they are, it probably works, and for the price I paid for them, I will be proud to use them on the Stripper. Cheers.
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

Nice build RallySTX (Brian), I'm picking up a Spoiler on Saturday, and plan on turning it into a winter project (you know how these Wisconsin winters are, although you have it a bit better; I live in Kenosha so we have the big pond to deal with). I also entertained the thought of looking for a second spoiler and turning it into a trike with one of the bolt-on kits. but will have to see about that. Can't wait to see how this all turns out so I can get some ideas for the hopeful "2012 Trike Project".

I'm thinking the bike I pick up tomorrow I will keep as "pedal drive", just maybe repaint it, change the seat and add a 3 speed hub and shifter, and if I have the time and opportunity add a hub motor to the front for some pull while "coasting". but the main reason I am posting is to find out why you decided against the front hub when you first started out, what was the reason as to why is wasn't feasible.

 

[RallySTX]

I thought I posted this link in the thread earlier? Anyway, read this first.
http://visforvoltage.org/vehicle/spoiled-spoiler/7417 I wanted to use the front hub aproach due to the larger wheel offering faster speed. But I never liked the idea due to the extra weight it adds to the front. A guy in Cali who posted pics on this thread has a set of ruined front dropouts due to no tourqe arms, and the design of the slots. Of course he hates me now because of the battery box fiasco, but that's another story. Please remember the frame you're getting is aluminum, so plan your mods acordingly. I weigh 210 pounds, and my frame flexes when entering or exiting driveways. You mentioned the word repair, so if there is any trouble with your Spoiler, you can feel free to PM me, or ask here, and I will do all I can for ya! Welcome to the Sphere! Good luck.
Brian L.