Fun Bikes x2

[catsnapper]

Two e-bikes that started as late summer builds. Not for commuting or any specific purpose, other than having a compact, nippy bike for local use, and a tandem to enable my non-cycling wife to enjoy the position of light duty stoker on some local day tours.

e-BMX

Based on a NOS Schwinn Power-Flow frame from the 90's.

Bafang 250W SWXB front hub for 20" wheel
36V 8Ah Li-Ion battery (replaced with 12.5Ah LiMno2)
KU 90 controller with 20A limit
Std BMX U-brake with Kool Stop pads
Cruiser rear brake
S/S with low gearing for hill assist only - or pretend pedalling
Throttle only
Cutoff brake and bar switch

Tandem based on a Thorn Voyager frame

Bafang BPM rear hub fitted with 6spd freewheel
KU 90 controller with 20A limit
12.5Ah LiMno2 battery
BMX bars
Avid Digit 7 V-brakes
Cutoff brakes and bar switch
Throttle only

Both have been great fun, the tandem exceeding expectations despite it's limited power, the BPM unit pulling two people up 15% slopes with moderate assistance from a fairly lightweight crew.
Mariangeles enjoyed the tandem so much it became the standard local transport, enabling us to use quiet paths and tracks I never knew existed.
Our heavier duty Thorn Raven Tandem frame is being built up to replace it, using an Ezee motor, larger Ping battery and disc brakes.

Several comments were made on another thread that e-bikes should be promoted on their fun aspect - that's exactly what these were built for.

Alan

 

[Scottyf]

Very nice builds. Very clean too. My bike is always covered in road poo.

Bet the bmx is quite fun at 20amp and front wheel drive whilst still being well balanced.

 

[flecc]

Beautifully built and presented, congratulations on these very professional bikes you've created Alan.

I especially like that BMX style version, it's exudes the fun possibilities.

 

[catsnapper]

Hi Scottyf and Flecc,

Thanks for the compliments
Yes, the BMX is a lot fun, especially passing other bikes with just a little gentle foot rotation. I've just been out trying it with the bigger battery - plenty of front wheelspin if required for effect

Alan

 

[Kenny]

Lovely bikes. I've been thinking of a tandem myself to try to get my wife out with me.
I'm surprised that no manufacturers have produced one with the Panasonic motor which would seem ideally suited for a tandem.

 

[flecc]

I'm surprised that no manufacturers have produced one with the Panasonic motor which would seem ideally suited for a tandem.

BikeTec of Switzerland do:

The latest version comes with a 36 volt 12 Ah battery on the deluxe Panasonic unit and has Magura Louise hydraulic brakes. Gears are to choice, 9 speed Shimano XT, 14 speed Rohloff or NuVinci CVT.

Prices after conversion from euros at today's rate, £3849 to £4707, very expensive, but the Flyers are generally considered to be the Rolls Royces of e-bikes in quality terms.

 

[Kenny]

Thanks Flecc, Hadn't come across that when I did a search.
Perfect.......apart from the price.

 

[flecc]

Thanks Flecc, Hadn't come across that when I did a search.
Perfect.......apart from the price.

I'm not surprised you didn't find it easily Kenny, BikeTec are brilliant at building e-bikes but useless at publicity, websites, agents etc. I suppose like Rolls Royce, selling on reputation alone to those with adequate wealth is all they need do.

They do tend to price for Swiss bankers!

 

[catsnapper]

I'm not surprised you didn't find it easily Kenny, BikeTec are brilliant at building e-bikes but useless at publicity, websites, agents etc.

They may be brilliant at building bikes and have an excellent reputation, but why on earth can't they design something with a little more elegance?? I know it doesn't impinge on functionality, but it certainly does influence plenty of people with sufficient money to buy them.

It's not out of engineering necessity, there are plenty of changes that would add some style without compromising anything. I've seen plenty of attractive bikes built on sound engineering values.


Alan

 

[Kenny]

The Bike Tec looks ok to me. Would maybe get rid of the curved downtube and have a step through rear for practicality, but it looks sturdy to me. A classic Pashley style is more elegant but think they can be a bit more bendy too.

 

[flecc]

Yes, their styling is a bit staid, BikeTec are in the Swiss-German tradition so value functionality most. Their trains for example are mostly an ugly lot, very angular and functional, but they do run on time in immaculate states of cleanliness!

The slight "S" bend in the downtube is a BikeTec trademark, incorporated into every model, for example the folder and even the high cadence (92 rpm) sport bike:

 

[eddieo]

Love the look of both bikes and excellent job!

 

[banbury frank]

Hi As part off our new range off 8 models for 2012 we will have a Tandem conversion


Rear motor single or twin 15 AH 48 volt battery's



Raleigh - Adventurer tandem

We convert most off the Raleigh range From £ 1,295 for the Peak DD with a 10AH 48 volt Battery

http://www.cyclelife.com/Product.aspx?pc=1&pt=10&pg=6855

Frank

 

[Mark Loveridge]

Such a tidy conversion! Look great!

 

[catsnapper]

I've been thinking of a tandem myself to try to get my wife out with me.

This is certainly a popular use of conventional tandems - plenty of non-cycling partners make good stokers and enjoy riding without worrying about road skills.
My wife has always been very supportive of my involvement with cycling and found it frustrating that she was unable to ride a bike well enough to ride with me. A tandem solved the problem, an e-tandem made it even better, the extended range and easier riding enabling us to make trips that weren't possible on the non-powered version.

So is an e-tandem an opportunity for more togetherness, or is the potential cost and relatively limited demand making it a non-starter?

The total cost for all the parts of my tandem, including a new frame, motor and battery was a little under £1100 - with existing parts and a s/h frame this could be reduced.
The build is quite simple and was straightforward to put together. It also makes an impromptu cargo bike, handy for carrying lengths of timer, piping etc.

Alan