Hello from new ebike rider

[ALW]

Hi there,

I'm Andy and have recently converted a 14 year old Marin Bobcat Trail to an ebike, using the 85SX kit from Woosh. It's been an utter revelation and I'm back in love with cycling and getting stir crazy when I can't go out!

A bit more about my journey into the world of ebikes can be found on my blog: https://alw-audio.co.uk/?p=769

Since writing that I've changed tyres to Schwalbe Marathon Plus (fitted yesterday, so not ridden on them yet) based on advice from this forum and the fact I've already had a puncture in the rear tyre!

Andy.

 

[Gavin]

Hi there,

I'm Andy and have recently converted a 14 year old Marin Bobcat Trail to an ebike, using the 85SX kit from Woosh. It's been an utter revelation and I'm back in love with cycling and getting stir crazy when I can't go out!

A bit more about my journey into the world of ebikes can be found on my blog: https://alw-audio.co.uk/?p=769

Since writing that I've changed tyres to Schwalbe Marathon Plus (fitted yesterday, so not ridden on them yet) based on advice from this forum and the fact I've already had a puncture in the rear tyre!

Andy.

Hello Andy.

That picture definitely gets you the July slot in the ebike photo calendar!

 

[vfr400]

Hi there,

I'm Andy and have recently converted a 14 year old Marin Bobcat Trail to an ebike, using the 85SX kit from Woosh. It's been an utter revelation and I'm back in love with cycling and getting stir crazy when I can't go out!

A bit more about my journey into the world of ebikes can be found on my blog: https://alw-audio.co.uk/?p=769

Since writing that I've changed tyres to Schwalbe Marathon Plus (fitted yesterday, so not ridden on them yet) based on advice from this forum and the fact I've already had a puncture in the rear tyre!

Andy.

You just made me green with envy.

That looks a really nice setup. Next step to make it perfect, change the brakes to hydraulics.

What was the total cost?

 

[ALW]

You just made me green with envy.

That looks a really nice setup. Next step to make it perfect, change the brakes to hydraulics.

What was the total cost?

The 85SX kit from Woosh was £599 with the 17Ah battery, that's really all that was necessary for the bike conversion. There were some challenges fitting the cadence sensor, which without a 3D printer I'm not sure I'd have easily resolved.

I also changed handlebars and saddle for comfort, and originally added the Continental Double Fighter tyres and a new set of inner tubes as the bike had knobbly off-road tyres which weren't much fun on-road. As above I've since changed to the Schwalbe's.

Then there's the new bluetooth smart helmet (fabulous for listening to podcasts whilst riding but still being able to listen to surroundings), brake pads, front light, phone mount etc.

As for brakes I've been looking at this, but it's not an easy option. The bike has integrated Shimano brakes / shifters and there simply isn't room on the handlebars for separate shifters and brake levers, because of the rise and sweep on them.

My brother has brand new unused set of hydros that I could have for free, but I haven't yet found a solution to the gear change that doesn't involve spending a fair bit on a new groupset.

Brakes are the biggest issue, I'm older and less resilient than I was as a youngster so they tend to get used quite a bit to keep speed down on long downhills, I've had one near miss where there was smoke pouring from the front pads and the front disc went a funny colour

The simplest option at the moment seems to be twin pot cable brakes (TRP SPYRE) or cable operated hydraulics (TRP HY/RD or Juin Tech R1 and their clones). The HY/RD seem best as they are self adjusting like proper hydraulics.

Any ideas or other advice will be gratefully received though, it is an area I want to improve.

 

[vfr400]

The 85SX kit from Woosh was £599 with the 17Ah battery, that's really all that was necessary for the bike conversion.

I also changed handlebars and saddle for comfort, and originally added the Continental Double Fighter tyres and a new set of inner tubes as the bike had knobbly off-road tyres which weren't much fun on-road. As above I've since changed to the Schwalbe's.

Then there's the new bluetooth smart helmet (fabulous for listening to podcasts whilst riding but still being able to listen to surroundings), brake pads, front light, phone mount etc.

As for brakes I've been looking at this, but it's not an easy option. The bike has integrated Shimano brakes / shifters and there simply isn't room on the handlebars for separate shifters and brake levers, because of the rise and sweep on them.

My brother has brand new unused set of hydros that I could have for free, but I haven't yet found a solution to the gear change that doesn't involve spending a fair bit on a new groupset.

Brakes are the biggest issue, I'm older and less resilient than I was as a youngster so they tend to get used quite a bit to keep speed down on long downhills, I've had one near miss where there was smoke pouring from the from pads and the front disc is discoloured

The simplest option at the moment seems to be twin pot cable brakes (TRP SPYRE) or cable operated hydraulics (TRP HY/RD or Juin Tech R1 and their clones).

Any ideas or other advice will be gratefully received though, it is an area I want to improve.

Keep searching Ebay for Shimano M585 or M765 dual control levers like these. Price should be around £40 to £70 per wheel. Get then with the caliper joined to the lever by the hose for easy fitting. check the length of the hose, though it's nothing to lengthen one:

Shimano Deore XT ST/BR-M765 Dual Control Lever Hydraulic Disc Brakes 3x9Speed | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Shimano Deore XT ST/BR-M765 Dual Control Lever Hydraulic Disc Brakes 3x9Speed at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[ALW]

Keep searching Ebay for Shimano M585 or M765 dual control levers like these. Price should be around £40 to £70 per wheel. Get then with the caliper joined to the lever by the hose for easy fitting. check the length of the hose, though it's nothing to lengthen one:

Shimano Deore XT ST/BR-M765 Dual Control Lever Hydraulic Disc Brakes 3x9Speed | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Shimano Deore XT ST/BR-M765 Dual Control Lever Hydraulic Disc Brakes 3x9Speed at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Are both of those suited to a 3x8 system? They appear to be 3x9.

 

[vfr400]

Are both of those suited to a 3x8 system? They appear to be 3x9.

I think it'll work perfectly if you just get a 9-speed cassette. It'll work with 8 speed, but on some gears, you have to double click then one back.

 

[Nealh]

These are much the same by Shimano, I have set on my main 700c off road touring bike and they are faultless.

SET SHIMANO ST-M600 HONE DUAL CONTROL HYDRAULIC BRAKE SHIFTERS 9/27 SPEED NEW | eBay

2x SHIMANO HYDRAULIC MINERAL OIL. HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE COMPATIBLE. OPTICAL GEAR DISPLAY. INNER GEAR CABLES ALREADY FITTED. OUTER GEAR CABLE CASING INCLUDED. Includes 2 SM-BH59 brake hoses (1300mm & 1700mm each).

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Fat Rat]

Welcome