Triathlon/TT ebike conversion?

[sk7fast]

Curious.
I'm not a competitive racer or anything, I just dig the looks of these race bikes.
I've done a conversion on a MTB before but that's about it.

Would a 500w to 1000w rear hub motor damage the frame?
Any threads where this has been done? I can't seem to find any.


Example: S (Small) Trek Speed Concept SL6 Carbon TT Triathlon Frameset + Cockpit | eBay

 

[gromike]

The answer to your question is --maybe.
It depends on the frame, and it depends on the motor. I'd probably go for a smaller geared rear hub motor.
With a lighter, and more responsive pedal bicycle the less motor power you need for a responsive ebike.
I have an old Cannondale CADD5 R700 road bike, and of what I have read is that the chain and seat stays are too light and thin to carry a motor.
That said, I put a 500w front geared hub motor on a Cannondale Badboy, and that is one quick ebike. Of course, you also pedal with a certain amount of gusto.

 

[RunForTheHills]

The riding position wouldn't be very comfortable for long rides and I am not sure where you would put the battery. That position on the bike is ideal for getting aero and putting your weight and power over the pedals. Not so much for cruising with motor assist. They do make high end ebikes with carbon frames, so it is possible. Most of the high end carbon ebikes use integrated mid-drive motors and frame batteries though.

$10,000 - $14,000: