Cyclotricity kit review

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,887
8,518
61
West Sx RH
Good call DC forgot how good it is for electric's/wiring esp if stretched properly and sticks to it self like s**t to a blanket.
 
D

Deleted member 4366

Guest
That's another thing to think about. The drip loop allows you to remove the wheel to change a tube or tyre. If you have the wire strapped tight, you need to carry something in your toolkit to cut the strapping.
 

bateman

Finding my (electric) wheels
Mar 28, 2015
16
9
46
Added self amalgamating tape.

Looking further into the forks, suspect the current ones are unsuitable for conversion and I should change them before riding the bike again.

Had assumed the whole fork was metal because the dropouts were, but they do seem to be carbon fibre above after a closer look. Can see grey dust where the hub has rubbed and the evans spec does say carbon which I'd assumed was a mistake (Langster fork materials changed over the years).

Don't fancy changing the fork myself. Think I'll go back to the shop and ask them to fit a new steel fork that's the same length, but with 10mm dropouts so filing isn't required and wide enough so there's no rubbing on the hub. Seems there's mainstream brand steel forks for < £30 on amazon, and seen other places online charging £20 to fit so will go with something like that unless anyone has some other advice e.g. a specific fork that's best for e-bikes.
 
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bateman

Finding my (electric) wheels
Mar 28, 2015
16
9
46
Have talked about the fork problem at length with 4 local bike shops, and they've all come to the conclusion that I should move the kit onto another bike. A couple tried to fit other front forks, and couldn't. The steel racing forks they had were too tight on the hub, and non-racing forks didn't fit the frame.

Any suggestions to fix the fork replacement problem?

If not I'm reluctantly thinking of getting a hybrid bike for about £300, moving over the kit and selling my old bike.
 

bateman

Finding my (electric) wheels
Mar 28, 2015
16
9
46
I changed the bike to a cheap hybrid and switched over the kit.

The forks weren't the only reason for changing. My old single speed racer was perfect for my old road only commute in London, but a bigger hybrid with straight handlebars and wider tyres is much more suited to my new mainly coastal path commute.

I chose this particular bike, mainly because it was £200, in stock near me, and seemed acceptable quality. But its been surprisingly alright:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/raleigh-edale-mens-hybrid-bike (largest frame, I'm 6ft1)

Steel forks, and the drops didn't need to be filed to fit - checked this by taking the wheel into the shop before buying. Generally seems more suitable for an electric conversion. Much more comfortable and stable. I've been leaving it in top gear permanently.

Have now done 100 miles on the new bike. Including my 26 mile total commute today. It was quicker than by car, and much more fun.

Throttle only it does about 18mph on the flat with no wind, and has a 25 mile range on my route being used in that way. I've run it throttle only for most of the time so far, as you're supposed to fully discharge then charge the battery 3 times before part charging and I wanted to do that as quickly as possible.

But I won't use it throttle only day to day. I'd prefer to pedal lightly most of the time, and put in some effort to move quickly on smooth open sections when they're quiet. Seems there's little (but some) help from the motor in these bursts. Rare opportunities but I've been up to about 25mph according to my phone (or 35 according to Strava, suspect the former is more likely).

In most situations, the motor is very quiet but its whir will be noticeable to those around you on throttle only. Only gets a little brash on steep hills.

The kit feels pretty strong to me. Particularly when fully charged. There seems to be a very gradual drop in power throughout the battery's discharge. The flat cruising speed appears to drop from 18mph to 15mph over the full range and acceleration drops proportionally. The battery range is so much further than my point to point journey this won't affect me, but I'm glad I didn't go for the smallest battery option.

Loving the kit, and my new commute. Very happy with my new electric bike.

Cyclotricity have been helpful. Knowledgeable, quick to respond to emails, and easy to reach by phone.
 
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