I would like two motors running simultaneously when the going got steep (over 5% to me) and that would have a serious draining capability on one battery. With two batteries and the 24 volt only used (initially) on real hills there would be some reserve capacity to be used (on the Currie of course) if the 36 volt ran out. That is unless one were riding the "Route des Alps".
I shan't make any rash modifications until the weather allows me to make more tests in more comfortable conditionsThat sounds great!
I have been looking at the second motor running as well option. The Currie is easiest to add, but the Torq hub brake would have to get the chop, no problem as the V brake that was on the prototype can be reinstated. The mountings are there, and the extra braking power would be needed with the likelyhood of generally faster speeds.
I was not thinking of faster more of "sustained" plus hillclimbing ability'
The new Powacycle Li-polymer battery could be an option to keep overall weight down, as it's only a bit over two kilos but it might starve the Currie of current a bit.
Not worried about the odd kilo or two with all that power available: on the "Route des Alps" a second battery with any set up (even basic Torq with Lance on the pedals) would be a 'weight off one's mind'. But agreed battery choice (since one is acquiring a kit) has many options, although 24V might be a tad limiting.
The Cyclone is a tricky option, and would require some mods on the Torq. The controller would need to be mounted a bit higher, at least up against the lock mounting, and possibly would need to be relocated. It's very "iffy" whether the standard mounting crossbars would be suitable, since the Torq rear frame suddenly widens in a way normal frames don't. The Torq's stand mounting isn't compatible so that would have to go.
I think there's too much modification required to accommodate the Cyclone. A big beefy Cyclone 2 would be nice on a lightweight MTB/Hybrid. with loads of spare batteries of course
It's R/H twistgrip isn't compatible with the mounting of the Shimano gearshifter, so might have to be mounted back to front with it's drum on the end of the handlebar, with the twist direction backwards. One way round that if it's a standard Hall effect twistgrip would be to buy a spare Torq twistgrip and mount that drum outboard on the right. Since it's a left twistgrip, the rotation would then be correct.
The Cyclone offers a thumb lever with hall effect whatsits, and I see the latest Currie Drive does too.
The fact that there's only a 44 tooth freewheeling chainwheel for the Cyclone is another problem, since that substantially gears down the bike, the opposite of what's needed with a faster two motor bike.
I have already modified my Torq with a 44 chainwwheel and a 13 - 32 cassette: although i've only had one test ride I found the three top gears adequate for 'cruising at 15.5 mph. according to the "up" gradient (1 -2 %). I always freewheel downhill as a matter of principle. I can restore the 12 tooth sprocket - the smallest sprocket is 'floating' on the cassette and presents no problem for one who has basic bike skills.
I found the 32 sprocket (39 inches) very relaxing
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Very sensible I think
. . I know it'd be a high drain, but if doable you could run both motors at 36V off one battery in theory - maybe for short "turbo boost" when needed ...
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Yes, although the Chopper motor is a bit lower powered by 13%, it's motor is lower geared by 16%, leaving it with a slight motor only hill climb advantage over the Quando. When the 7 speed hub is taken into account as well, it's comfortably the best for hills, if working correctly as you say.
I was somewhat surprised though when I got an on-screen message to say my message was not long enough (because everything I wrote was inside the box).Very sensible I think
I can't say one way or the other whether two motors is realistic or safe (as Russ said somewhere, what happens in a braking/emergency stop situation?) but in case its useful, I think I've heard of the Curries being over volted to 36V, even 48V and possibly higher, by some
The last thing I want to do is to fiddle about with (what seems to me) complex wiring - hence two motors/two batteries. I don't feel I could have faith in the longevity of over-volting to 48V
I'd also try the Torq derestricted, Pete, to see if that helped at all & as another option, I'd get that Ezee Chopper looked at too (was it from 50Cycles?) - something not quite right with that from your results, maybe just the battery? - Are the Torq & Chopper batteries interchangeable at all? Could you try the Chopper with the Torq battery to check if its just a dud battery in the Chopper??
Now why didn't I think of that - haven't been onto 50Cycles yet (either in high or low dudgeon) I think all Ezee bikes have the same battery fittings.
P.S. Nice editing in your post there Pete
Thanks for the compliment: here's more of the same. To let you into a very personal secret: I have not yet fathomed out how to break up a posting over several subjects (like this one) so that each subject on which comment is to be made appears in a separate 'blue box'. You need not tell me: I understand what I'm doing and it doesn't hurt my head.
Stuart.
When I said in a previous post "I was not enamoured of the 20inch wheels" it was because I am 6 ft 3 inches tall. There's going to be a lot of seat pin exposed. The other worry is the "narrow handlebars" - I like 'em wide. Could be changed but would that vitiate the foldability option? The other advantage of the Quando would be on the French Trains getting to Evian les Bains and coming home.It's a thought Peter, that the Quando would do almost all that you want from a two motor Torq
yes you are right. But there are other issues I have with the Quando largely from the information that you impart in asides - it makes trying the bike indispensible - you have the bike and the hills - I might just ask you for a visit - you are nearer than Flat Land Loughborough or Cambridge.
To explain, I've never seen the point in a restricted Torq held at 15 mph and with it's questionable hill climbing, when the Quando with the same motor etc runs to 16/17 mph, and climbs almost anything with very little or no help from the rider. With a battery fresh off the charger, it runs to 18+ mph, while the restricted Torq is held to 15, and Quando hill climb speeds are always very respectable.
I'm coming round to derestricting my Torq. My pal had done his with a switch and has had some success on hills in South Somerset (10% ers) but he weighs considerably less than me. I like the Torq for its "proper bike qualities".
Range is another factor (even with 2 batteries)
For example, those who gear down the derailleur on a Torq to permit hill climbing at 8/9 mph or less, are outclassed by the Quando climbing the same hills at 9/11 mph with a bit less help from the rider than the Torq requires.
I have a job to maintain 8 mph - what I need is a cast iron guarantee that the bike (whatever it is) will do 10% unassisted so that I can leave off pedalling from time to time on the grinding climbs and come back in after a breather - is that asking too much?
That Route des Alpes would be dead easy on the Quando II, carrying full size panniers low down as it does, with it's low carrier able to carry a substantial top bag as well.
Now you are talking - I'm convinced!! Hey, Hey!! Let's not get carried away with all that weight. I would need a spare battery. What would be best for such a Grand Tour - Li-ion of NiMh?
And cost? Quando £745 (NiMh) or £845 (Li-ion).
Torq plus Currie, about double that or more including the second battery. Only someone wanting the speed and derestricting the Torq would gain in any way.
Sobering eh?
Sobering? I'm drunk with desire!!
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You'll be very welcome anytime Peter, Torq, Twist and Quando II for trial. A run out together with Torq and Quando to some of the hills would enable direct comparison. See below*.
It does 10% easily for my 74 kilos and will also climb 12% unassisted, and can even do an unassisted restart on 12%. Because you're heavier, you'd need to try those for yourself.
Where extended climbing is concerned, NiMh every time, since it will never suffer cutout until empty.
Your 6' 3" is a problem here though Peter. The Quando II is only suitable for up to 6', it would have to be the suspended Quando I. Since that has bungee rear suspension it has a limited small 10 kilo carrier, not enough for touring, unlike the full size 25 kilo one on the Quando II.
I've always been pleased that I'm 5' 6", since it makes life so easy. Beds, chairs, cars etc, never any problem with getting a fit, and I'm just tall enough for bikes and motorbikes. Easier to hide when things go wrong too. Pete said:
Yes, both of those happen to me too Pete! Especially the smileys one: now I just put when I have too many - smileys for free!! ..me said:
me said:I'd try to sort the Chopper before considering a new purchase (unless of course you have a preference for the quando...) as it (Chopper) really ought to be tops for steep hills as Flecc said... and should handle your hill with very little effort from you.
Please check with someone who'd know that its ok before you swap the batteries - it was just an idea, so make sure its ok. Also, before you try that or call 50Cycles, I'd try to diagnose exactly what the problem is: its possibly easily remedied by you e.g. damp in the battery connection (likely): check out Flecc's site for tips on drying out damp etc. & much more.
Your mate's speed results up camel hill (?) suggest to me that there may well be a power gain when the Torq is derestricted, so that's worth a go, but bear in mind that it will also likely lessen range to a degree.
I hope the editing thing didn't do your head in & that its helpful
P.S. check my post in the "index for threads" thread - hope thats helpful too.
Stuart.
Hi Peter,
Guess it was the message editor - sorry to falsely accuse you. I must get a picture of the hierachy in my mind for future correct use......and many other things too.......e-mail is a breeze by comparison.
