bamboo bike kit

[cwah]

Hello all,

I've found this:
http://bamboobicycleclub.org/kits-for-bamboo-bike-building/

It looks quite nice, does it worth to convert it to a custom electric bike?

 

[EddiePJ]

It's probably the best thing that could happen to those builds.

A Lipo fire would be doing the World and the bikes owner, a big favour.

 

[cwah]

It's probably the best thing that could happen to those builds.

A Lipo fire would be doing the World and the bikes owner, a big favour.

I don't get your point

 

[EddiePJ]

My point... To me they look crap, with poorly executed construction methods.

Seeing them burn, would be the only safe and logical thing to do with them. Some people just shouldn't be allowed near hand tools.

edit.. You actually now have me thinking that maybe I should show them how it should be done.
I know that I could make the build seemless, and could even make the rear drop outs from a particular section of wood. The down side is that whilst having a shower, I planned the build and construction method, and calculated that it would be around 200 plus hours of labour for me to do it. I'm still thinking though. It might be a bad think to get into over the long winter months, and I enjoy something that both challenges my skills and my brain.

What motor etc were you thinking about?

 

[cwah]

I was thinking about something like a Cute100H, a BPM or BBS02. Favourite on the Cute100H as I had great experience with it in london.

My main issues in london are (by magnitude of pain):
- Rain damage (chain rust, throttle failure, controller failure related to it)
- Very small flat so it has to be parked outside
- Thieves damage

So something quite waterproof, reliable and cheap to build and replace would be my choice. I was thinking a bamboo bike could be a good candidate

 

[mike killay]

Does not appear to come with wheels

 

[Geebee]

I was thinking about something like a Cute100H, a BPM or BBS02. Favourite on the Cute100H as I had great experience with it in london.

My main issues in london are (by magnitude of pain):
- Rain damage (chain rust, throttle failure, controller failure related to it)
- Very small flat so it has to be parked outside
- Thieves damage

So something quite waterproof, reliable and cheap to build and replace would be my choice. I was thinking a bamboo bike could be a good candidate

A bamboo bike would do nothing for your stated issues except stand out more and be easier to break or vandalise.
A proper folder would maybe address most of the stated problems.

 

[Alan Quay]

A bamboo bike would do nothing for your stated issues except stand out more and be easier to break or vandalise.
A proper folder would maybe address most of the stated problems.

....or a bigger flat.

 

[trex]

the only way to defeat thieves in London is to take your bike inside.
Therefore, a folder is a must. When you consider what needs doing to electrify a folder, then a ready made bike like the £669 Woosh Gallego is both cheap and fit the objectives.

 

[Geebee]

Problem trex is that it doesn't do 30 mph, shred the rear tyre off the line and look illegal .
Sorry cwah, I tried to resist

 

[cwah]

the only way to defeat thieves in London is to take your bike inside.
Therefore, a folder is a must. When you consider what needs doing to electrify a folder, then a ready made bike like the £669 Woosh Gallego is both cheap and fit the objectives.

Nice bike but for many reason keeping it outside is the best for me. And unless I can put at least twice the battery capacity on the bike I can't really buy it

 

[Nealh]

Keeping a bike outside in an open public space would never work for me, the thought of it being damaged or stolen plus the weather would make my mind up. Compromise is the only option whether you like it or not and a folder in your limited situation would probably be best.
The other option is to move !!!

 

[trex]

you'll have to compromise on some aspects some of the time cwah. Go see Woosh in Southend and try their bikes - they may give you new ideas for your next project. Try the Zephyr-B at least.

 

[cwah]

Currently I 've been parking my bikes outside for 2 months and no damage (other than rain) happened yet. I'd like to explore this option a bit more...

It also saves so much space at home... plus i don't need to clean when it rains

 

[martin@onbike]

If someone spots you zooming around at ridiculous speeds and notices that you lock it in the same place every day in public, it won't be there for long...or will be vandalised.
Isn't it a naff old conventional you've had locked up outside for 2 months?

"something quite waterproof, reliable and cheap" + un-nickable and 25mph....
I don't think you are going to get what you want Cwah

 

[trex]

Currently I 've been parking my bikes outside for 2 months and no damage (other than rain) happened yet. I'd like to explore this option a bit more...

It also saves so much space at home... plus i don't need to clean when it rains

that's because nothing on the bike is worth nicking. But as soon as your bike has an LCD or a motor or a battery, it will attract the low-life.
You've got to rent a bike shed or bring the bike inside. Plus, your bike will stay cleaner longer.

 

[cwah]

If someone spots you zooming around at ridiculous speeds and notices that you lock it in the same place every day in public, it won't be there for long...or will be vandalised.
Isn't it a naff old conventional you've had locked up outside for 2 months?

"something quite waterproof, reliable and cheap" + un-nickable and 25mph....
I don't think you are going to get what you want Cwah

My current setup is almost there:

Cheap Dawes bike at £50.
BMSbattery kit with Q100H 260RPM with wheel:
http://www.bmsbattery.com/ebike-kits/632-250w350w-q-85100sx-motor-e-bike-kit.html
And this bottle+controller battery pack:
http://www.bmsbattery.com/battery-pack/681-bottle-ebike-battery.html
About £500 shipped.
multi-voltage led light: http://www.banggood.com/Motorcycle-Cree-U2-LED-Headlights-Modification-Lens-Strong-Light-p-923250.html

So I have for about £600 a 25mph, cheap but not reliable/waterproof yet as water damaged it a bit outside and throttle is getting a bit crazy. But I'm buying so silicon gel to have it fixed.

i was thinking bamboo may be more waterproof

 

[cwah]

and the bike has been outside with motor for almost 3 weeks now!

 

[trex]

with the battery on the bike? the problem with the throttle can easily be fixed either with a condom over it or you can get a torque sensored bottom bracket for $50.

 

[martin@onbike]

I'm pleased for you, but feel it will only be a matter of time until you leave your flat to go to work, and find your transport either gone or unusable.
I personally wouldn't gamble £600.