Conversion kit for retro khs

[Russ34]

Hi , I put a post about coverting Marin b17 , I’ve decided it’s too heavy so I’m thinking of my other bike (I’ll enclose a pic if I can ! )
I’ve looked at various kits the most simplest seems to be the front wheel , whoosh seem to do a reasonable one ! Are there any disadvantages to theses type of kits ? I’m quite practical so I rekon I could manage a centre motor conversion if that was far better ! Many thanks for your help !

 

[Benjahmin]

Many will tell you that front hubs give crap handling. As you can see, in my avatar, my Carrera is a front hub and I've covered around 12k miles with it. So I can assume some authority here.
It was a simple fit though I had to fit a bigger disc and so alter the caliper mount, not a problem you will have. You will have to provide for at least one torque bracket. Best ones, I think, are from Hammer Bikes, but they need a mudguard lug to anchor too. Can't see if your bike has them. Otherwise, just make sure the dropouts are fully deep enough for the axle to seat.
I would also seriously consider upgrading the front brake to hydraulic, a Magura HS11 or similar.
My front hub is an Ezee which is high torque and I live in West Wales where hills are hills and flat bits live only in your dreams. On steep climbs where the surface is greasy, mossy or gritty, the wheel will scrub. I usually deal with this by shifting my CofG by moving my shoulders forward or, in extremes, standing up. But really it's nothing an experienced cyclist can't handle. In 12k I think I'm now on my 4th Marathon plus tyre - worn them to the blue under layer and never a puncture (that's buggered it!).
There is some issue with low speed manouvering, I use the the brake cutout to stop unwanted motor bursts when doing u turns, manouvering through gates etc.
I occasionally ride grit paths (such as the Tissington Trail). These millstone grit surfaces are an absolute hoot. Using the throttle to start off gives you controllable wheel spin, otherwise cycling normally is not a problem.
Majority of my riding is tarmac and, really, there are no issues that an accompished cyclist can't deal with. My wife rides a Big Bear (also front hub) is not a cyclist from childhood as I am, she also handles it and has never come to grief.
I'd sai, all in all, the tales of woe where front hubs are concerned are exagerated. There are no wheel centering/dishing issues when fitting and no chain line issues. Hubs seem to be more bullet proof than mid drives. I've had to change one case bearing in both my motor and the wifes - that's all.

 

[Russ34]

Many will tell you that front hubs give crap handling. As you can see, in my avatar, my Carrera is a front hub and I've covered around 12k miles with it. So I can assume some authority here.
It was a simple fit though I had to fit a bigger disc and so alter the caliper mount, not a problem you will have. You will have to provide for at least one torque bracket. Best ones, I think, are from Hammer Bikes, but they need a mudguard lug to anchor too. Can't see if your bike has them. Otherwise, just make sure the dropouts are fully deep enough for the axle to seat.
I would also seriously consider upgrading the front brake to hydraulic, a Magura HS11 or similar.
My front hub is an Ezee which is high torque and I live in West Wales where hills are hills and flat bits live only in your dreams. On steep climbs where the surface is greasy, mossy or gritty, the wheel will scrub. I usually deal with this by shifting my CofG by moving my shoulders forward or, in extremes, standing up. But really it's nothing an experienced cyclist can't handle. In 12k I think I'm now on my 4th Marathon plus tyre - worn them to the blue under layer and never a puncture (that's buggered it!).
There is some issue with low speed manouvering, I use the the brake cutout to stop unwanted motor bursts when doing u turns, manouvering through gates etc.
I occasionally ride grit paths (such as the Tissington Trail). These millstone grit surfaces are an absolute hoot. Using the throttle to start off gives you controllable wheel spin, otherwise cycling normally is not a problem.
Majority of my riding is tarmac and, really, there are no issues that an accompished cyclist can't deal with. My wife rides a Big Bear (also front hub) is not a cyclist from childhood as I am, she also handles it and has never come to grief.
I'd sai, all in all, the tales of woe where front hubs are concerned are exagerated. There are no wheel centering/dishing issues when fitting and no chain line issues. Hubs seem to be more bullet proof than mid drives. I've had to change one case bearing in both my motor and the wifes - that's all.

That’s really useful, thanks very much for taking the trouble to go into such detail it’s really useful! I live in Devon near Dartmoor so we have big hills too ! Is there a front wheel conversion you would recommend? Many thanks Russ

 

[Nealh]

Nothing much wrong with a front hub.
Motor noise may be more noticeable only because the way sound travels from the front vs the rear.
As has been said wet or loose surfaces may induce wheel slip.
A powerful hub may cause some torque steer.
Front wheels suffer less punctures in my experience then rears.

 

[overlander]

I agree with the previous posts that there is nothing wrong with front hubs. My daily hack for non leisure use is a MTB with a swytch kit fitted and its been outstanding. Took about 30 minutes to fit and with a few extra parts can easily be swapped between bikes in minutes.

 

[Russ34]

Great , thanks for your replies ! Could someone recommend a legal front wheel kit please ! Thanks

 

[Nealh]

Woosh bikes MXUS xf07 £499.
Woosh hub kits | Electric Bike Conversion Kits from Woosh (wooshbikes.co.uk)

Steel rigid forks are best, if using ali suspension fork then you need good strong drop outs.

 

[Russ34]

Woosh bikes MXUS xf07 £499.
Woosh hub kits | Electric Bike Conversion Kits from Woosh (wooshbikes.co.uk)

Steel rigid forks are best, if using ali suspension fork then you need good strong drop outs.

Thanks I’ll take a look

 

[Benjahmin]

A couple of years ago we holiday'd in south Devon, near slapton sands. We cycled the area well, including a trip to Dartmouth, ferry over, then to Brixham to visit chilhood haunts.
The severity of the climbs out of some of the back road coombes suprised us, and a few defeated us resulting in the ignominious push up the hill. Remember, we're used to hills !
On this basis, I would recommend the BPM front (it's the motor fitted to the Big Bear). Though heavier than most it is renown for it's torque and, boy, do you need it. It would be worth considering getting a 36v motor but running it at 48v to get extra torque. However this would involve buying mix and match components and may be a step too far for first conversion.

 

[Russ34]

A couple of years ago we holiday'd in south Devon, near slapton sands. We cycled the area well, including a trip to Dartmouth, ferry over, then to Brixham to visit chilhood haunts.
The severity of the climbs out of some of the back road coombes suprised us, and a few defeated us resulting in the ignominious push up the hill. Remember, we're used to hills !
On this basis, I would recommend the BPM front (it's the motor fitted to the Big Bear). Though heavier than most it is renown for it's torque and, boy, do you need it. It would be worth considering getting a 36v motor but running it at 48v to get extra torque. However this would involve buying mix and match components and may be a step too far for first conversion.

Ah right , thanks for getting back to me ! That’s put a bit of a spanner in the works then , I don’t fancy getting too complicated, I’m not sure what to do then now ? Thanks Russ

 

[Benjahmin]

Have a look at Woosh kits, the BPM front. It's rated as a 50nM motor so is already high torque, and the kit is plug and play. Woosh are very good with backup for their customers. This motor will get you up most things, if you are willing to work the pedals. As fitness/strength builds you'll become more capable.
The few climbs (think there were two) that defeated us really were severe and you'll soon get to know where these are in your area and plan rides accordingly. For instance the long climbs out of Brixham and Dartmouth (both sides) were no problem
Don't be put off. Converting really is rewarding, and you end up with a machine you know well and can repair if needed.

 

[Russ34]

Have a look at Woosh kits, the BPM front. It's rated as a 50nM motor so is already high torque, and the kit is plug and play. Woosh are very good with backup for their customers. This motor will get you up most things, if you are willing to work the pedals. As fitness/strength builds you'll become more capable.
The few climbs (think there were two) that defeated us really were severe and you'll soon get to know where these are in your area and plan rides accordingly. For instance the long climbs out of Brixham and Dartmouth (both sides) were no problem
Don't be put off. Converting really is rewarding, and you end up with a machine you know well and can repair if needed.

Thanks , I’ve done the climb from the ferry at Kingswear out towards Brixham on a road bike ! It’s certainly a tough one ! I’ll have a look at the kit !