Folder conversion Dillenger kit

[Big Malky]

Hi,
Big Malky here. Live in the North of Scotland and regularly commute to work by bike. Sometimes the headwind on the way home is off putting so thinking of some electric assist.
Had a Zap kit back in the nineties and was impressed by it. Looks like batteries have come a long way in the past 20 years.
Anyone have any experience or comment on this kit?

http://dillengerelectricbikes.co.uk/shop/250w-folding-electric-bike-kit/

Thanks,
Malky

 

[trex]

why bother?
you can get a ready made 20" e-folder with silimar specs for about the same money, delivered and guaranteed.

 

[Big Malky]

Ok any suggested models?

 

[D C]

Welcome Malky.
Trex makes a good point but the problem for us anywhere higher than the central belt is trying before you buy, that's why I put a kit on my existing bike/bikes which I knew were the right size and geometry for me.

Dave.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Any kit is going to be better than nothing. That Dillenger kit looks OK, but it would be nice to know the motor speed in rpm, especially if you'll get a small wheel version.

It would be best if you showed a picture of your bike so that we can comment on a suitable kit for it. There can be a lot of hidden obstacles.

There are complete bikes at that price, but the bulk of reasonable ones start at about £600-£700.

You mentioned "folder" in the title. Does it have to be a folding bike?

 

[Big Malky]

Our bike is a Dahon Vitesse 8 speed. My wife prefers the small wheel size. So she could use it on family bike rides at the weekend and I could use it to work during the week. Folders are good for sharing I have found.

 

[trex]

for your wife: the folding 20" Woosh Gale has 10AH battery, 30 mile range, and costs £559 including delivery. Similar bikes include the £799 Roodog Bliss and the £899 Juicy Compact.

The Gale:

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Some points to note for converting a Dahon Vitesse. The forks are too narrow for most standard front motors.

If you fit a standard rear motor, you need one that spins to 300rpm or more. Most have a threaded boss for a freewheel gear-set, which means you won't be able to use your present cassette. Freewheel gear-sets normally only have 14T top gear, which is too low for comfortable pedalling with electric assistance. You need a 11T top gear, which means a special DNP or Sunrace freewheel. You can get cassette motors, but they're not common in conversion kits. The Oxydrives have them, but I don't think they do a 20" one. DNP freewheels are OK, but an 8-speed one will offset your rim quite a lot, so you need to dish the wheel a lot to get it central. A 7-speed is better, but then it won't match your changers.

Those frog batteries in the Dillenger kit are missing some vital blocks in the seatpost clamp. Without them, the clamp makes a bit of a mess of your frame and doesn't clamp too well. It's OK on a cheapo bike, but annoying when you have a nice Dahon.

So, a few things to think about. A good Dahon is not an easy bike for a first conversion unless you have a good mechanical bent.

 

[Big Malky]

Hi folks thanks for the informative replies. Just noticed that Dillenger have just added a conversion kit for folders with the narrower front end.
Will need to make some measurements.