A2B Metro chronicles...

[pdarnett]

So, some of you will know I bought an US generation 1 A2B Metro and it's become my daily commute bike, with some modifications which I thought I'd share in case any other A2B owners are watching. This is what I've done.

• Made it pedal assist (US version is throttle only) fitted, used a GBK-LED01 Electric bike LED meter and fitted a PAS sensor and wheel. had to buffer the input to the throttle via a transistor as the controller has quite a low throttle impedance
• Changed the rear shock, my god was it bouncy, it's a big heavy bike and bouncing round corners is not safe!!
• Modified the rear mudguard to stop it rattling (the main complaint of most A2B owners)
• Fitted rear pannier bags and lights.
• New brake pads all round for the BB5 brakes, these ones http://www.uberbikecomponents.com/view-product/Uberbike-Avid-BB5-Semi-Metallic-Disc-Brake-Pads seem good so far.
• New grips (stock ones are quite harsh on hands).
• New Valvert pedals (the stock one are too slippy)
• The main one now. Upped the stock 42T chainwheel to a 44T, not big enough, then a 48T, still not enough, and finally a 53T (had to change the chainset in order to achieve this. This is the best thing to do with any of these bikes, the performance is 100% better, no more "ghost pedalling", great power delivery for a commuter bike. Just ordered a 53T chain guard now to stop any trouser entanglement!

 

[pdarnett]

Almost forgot, I also fitted a moped style mirror (threaded inserts already on the brake levers) and my Orp horn!

 

[patpatbut]

I have an orp horn as well. It works great.

Do you know what is the best way to add the remote switch to it?

 

[pdarnett]

I think its a stereo jack plug, I need to have a play to see if I can make a two way switch, press soft for chirp then harder for full horn. I'll do some playing when I get a mo.

 

[halfer]

How do these bikes handle, out of curiosity? I briefly looked at these on the web, but was completely put off by their (iirc) 28kg weight.

 

[peerjay56]

So, some of you will know I bought an US generation 1 A2B Metro and it's become my daily commute bike, with some modifications which I thought I'd share in case any other A2B owners are watching. This is what I've done.

• Made it pedal assist (US version is throttle only) fitted, used a GBK-LED01 Electric bike LED meter and fitted a PAS sensor and wheel. had to buffer the input to the throttle via a transistor as the controller has quite a low throttle impedance
• Changed the rear shock, my god was it bouncy, it's a big heavy bike and bouncing round corners is not safe!!
• Modified the rear mudguard to stop it rattling (the main complaint of most A2B owners)
• Fitted rear pannier bags and lights.
• New brake pads all round for the BB5 brakes, these ones http://www.uberbikecomponents.com/view-product/Uberbike-Avid-BB5-Semi-Metallic-Disc-Brake-Pads seem good so far.
• New grips (stock ones are quite harsh on hands).
• New Valvert pedals (the stock one are too slippy)
• The main one now. Upped the stock 42T chainwheel to a 44T, not big enough, then a 48T, still not enough, and finally a 53T (had to change the chainset in order to achieve this. This is the best thing to do with any of these bikes, the performance is 100% better, no more "ghost pedalling", great power delivery for a commuter bike. Just ordered a 53T chain guard now to stop any trouser entanglement!

View attachment 8833

Goodness! That's a f..jolly big chainring

 

[pdarnett]

Works really well. As it's a heavy bike it really gets some momentum going on the flats, and I couldn't pedal along fast enough. The big chain wheel has made a massive difference. Handling wise it rides like a motorbike, had to learn how to lean into corners properly. But a great solid ride for city centre commuting.

A big bike needs big locks. Motorbike lock on the front with a Kryptonite lock and cable on the back. Aldi pannier bags on a slightly modded back rack (ie added some side pieces on the stock rack with a small bar inbetween to keep them apart).

 

[pdarnett]

You'll just see my £5 bike alarm behind the seat post, (a noise maker basically) and the front and lower mudguard light were Victoria Pembleton ones from Halfords.

 

[pdarnett]

Oops forgot the picture.

 

[halfer]

Those locks look pretty sturdy! I do much the same: two big D locks are off-putting to would-be thieves.

Do you leave your panniers, ever? I'd imagine they would be the first thing to be nicked, but I've never used them.

 

[patpatbut]

how do you find the new BB5 pad?

My default pad is awful to give enough stopping power

 

[pdarnett]

I leave my panniers on at work, they only have my raincoat a pump and a cheap toolkit in. The pannier bags are cable tied underneath though. Our bike rack is right next to our 24hr reception so are always in sight.

Brake pads are a little bit grindy but stop you instantly. Have skidded a few times with the back one, but they've only been on a week or so, time will tell.

 

[pdarnett]

Just realised this morning I need a longer chain, I wouldn't be able to use the larger sprockets as the dérailleur would be too close, not really an issue as I rarely need those gears, but I'm a stickler for everything being right!

 

[Geebee]

Just realised this morning I need a longer chain, I wouldn't be able to use the larger sprockets as the dérailleur would be too close, not really an issue as I rarely need those gears, but I'm a stickler for everything being right!

I am the same, I like to allow any gear combo just incase for an upright, and for use on a recumbent as there is no such thing as cross chaining

 

[pdarnett]

Got a SJ4000 camera for Father's Day (with a multitude of mounting options) and have been testing it, impressed so far, this clip is of the pointless Bradford bike bridge that doesn't connect any bike infrastructure at all (not that there is much).

Sound includes Orp horn chirping and new brake discs grinding in! Thanks to Techmoan for the great review that led to this being the camera that with probably record my death by an uninsured driver (highest in the UK, yay Bradford).

Watch in 720p HD if you want to see the quality in full effect.

 

[newboater]

that looks a really clear picture I was debating which helmet cam to go for ,I think your ,and techmoan review just swung it for me ,do you have any idea where it was purchased thanks

 

[pdarnett]

I bought mine from here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HD-1080P-12MP-Bike-Helmet-Sport-DV-Action-Waterproof-Car-Camera-DVR-Cam-SJ4000-B-/171314371804?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_Video_Camcorders&hash=item27e321dcdc

I have mine mounted on my handlebars, but there's a ton of mounting options included.

 

[newboater]

its ok then with the vibration? thought I might mount on the helmet at the risk of looking like a tele tubbie

 

[pdarnett]

There's a little bit of vibration, but as you can see in the clip I think it's acceptable. I'll take a picture of the mount I'm using. I've tried it on the helmet but I tend to look around too much!

 

[pdarnett]

For any fellow metro owners here's the wiring for the 2nd battery connector. Next task for me is to build a spare pack just in case.