Hello from Yorkshire, with one million questions

[AntonOutdoors]

First question... conversion kit or electric bike?

I have a nice On-One which I enjoy riding, but I just landed a job 10 miles from home the wrong side of a big hill.

I am hoping to commute by bike, but can't decide between buying a cheap bike, or converting my nicer bike.

A kit seems a better way to go, rather than buying an inferior spec. bike, but can't decide.

A front wheel kit would seem to mean simply swapping from electric wheel to normal, for holiday tours. Are there more pros or cons?

Also, I have an Hollowtech bottom bracket so couldn't fit the pedal sensor. Is there a practical work around? Or is it better to replace the whole chainset?

Can anyone clear the fog for me.

Cheers

Anton

 

[Laser Man]

Great satisfaction in fitting your own kit.

For the Hollowtech bottom bracket :
Enlarge to hole in the pedal sensor magnet ring so that it fits over the bearing holders.
Glue the magnet ring to the smallest chainwheel ( you might need a spacer if it is a very small chainwheel - otherwise the side of the chain links may hit the magnet ring).
A "cranked" sensor bracket may work - otherwise fit the sensor at the bottom of the seat tube.

It's not that much more work to do a proper job and fit a rear motor wheel. A spare cassette for the old wheel won't cost much, but I don't expect that you would ever take the motor wheel off once you are used to it!

 

[Nealh]

If you buy a kit from Woosh they will provide a sensor/disc for Hollowtech just let them know. Best to order via phone to make sure all is correct.

 

[AntonOutdoors]

Also forgot to mention I'm a chunky lad at a shade over 17 stone (105kg) If that makes a difference

I DO expect this to drop when I commute every day!!!

 

[Fat Rat]

Hi
Welcome to the site

 

[Benjahmin]

Only a million questions, c'mon you're not really trying?
Front hub is the easiest imo, nigh on bullet proof high reliability for commuting. Can be a bit tricksy on v.steep loose or slimey surfaces. But generally on tarmac perfectly OK.
As said, reckon you won't be taking it of - it's just too much fun! Also it leaves behind all the wiring, battery holder, and controller.
For the bigger chap, the bpm's from woosh are a high torque, hill climbing phenomenom.
Happy choosing.

 

[anotherkiwi]

If you are keen cyclist you won't like a front hub motor, it feels strange having all that weight in the wheel. I would opt for a rear hub which is no harder to swap out when you need to. This would be a good choice for a heavier person on a big hill:

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/cart/#/product/uid-188-swx02-48v12ah/bafang-swx02-48v-250w-rear-hub-kit-with-48v-12ah-battery

 

[Andy McNish]

What is the max gradient of the 'big hill'?

If it's really steep it might be a bit much for a 250W rear hub motor to push 17 stones up.
The guys from Woosh on here will have a good idea of what gradients their 250W rear hub kit can handle with 17 stone on board.

If you buy a pre-built bike new for decent quality with a mid-motor you are likely looking around the £1500 mark. Ideally you'd be looking for a discounted 2018 bike with a Bosch CX or Yamaha PW system, although at gradients of under 20% a 2018 or later Bosch Activeline Plus mid motor might also be OK if you can pedal a fair bit to help out. But that is a big jump from the 250W rear hub kit costs...