Home grown retro re-(e)cycle

[kneegrinder]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and to be honest this is the only forum I have ever signed up to. I've read the rules and I think that I'm not going to be breaching any with this post.

First of all I'd like to say that I'm not a company just a guy in his workshop with a shared interest in electric bicycles.

I'm looking for some constructive feedback regarding my first bike build. I've made the cycle in the style of a 1920's board tracker. This is not the first time that This has been done but I think its a first to be made up of (about) 80% recycled/re-purposed components, (rewired car alternator for motor, old laptop battery packs etc).

Let me know what you think, good or bad, I promise I won't be offended.

If anyone else out there has a home grown project please join in. It would be great to see everyone else's ideas and designs.

Cheers,

Phil.

 

[vfr400]

It's veritable work of art. You must be proud of it. Did you weld up the frame yourself? What's the all-up weight.

I have a couple of comments regarding it's functionality. It seems a missed opportunity not to use a hydraulic brake at least on the front. I think you're going to find the brakes a bit lacking if you put many miles on it.

Second point is regarding the battery. Many of us have made batteries out of recycled cells. generally, it's a complete waste of time. You can get a cheap battery that works, but it'll be very saggy, lack range and it'll be very heavy compared with using new modern cells. Also, if I understand correctly, that's the battery on the downtube with exposed cells. 18650s are absolutely not weatherproof. If they get wet or damp, they rust extremely quickly probably due to electrolytic corrosion. Maybe I've misunderstood what you've done with those cells. if so, could you explain?

 

[kneegrinder]

Hello vfr400,

Thanks for the feedback its very much appreciated.

You're absolutely right regarding the 18650's on all the points you make. Also, using a car alternator isn't the most efficient. The cells are wired in 14S 9P (56v on a sympathetic charge). The alternator can handle much much more but as you say the front brake can't. The frame is about 40% old mountain bike 60% reclaimed 25mm electrical conduit and I did weld it myself (don't look too closely). The forks are cut down (extremely budget) Suntour xct's.

I can get about 10 miles at 20mph (no pedalling) and although I've not weighed it yet I estimate about 20kg.

When I originally started I wanted the cells to look like cylinders, I planned to have 2 in a "v" format if that makes sense. Prior to the massive sprocket I utilised a Sturmey Archer hub to get the required gear reduction, this when fitted rendered the "v" idea a none starter.

I'm planning on a second build now I have learned the basics. I'm going to utilise Tesla cells for 2x10s packs, this time in the "v" format with some work to keep the aesthetic but ensure they are weather proof at the same time.

Obviously this prototype is way more "style over form" and defiantly a fair weather ride. I would like to progress the concept still retaining the re-cycled/re-purposed ethos.

 

[vfr400]

I look froward to seeing your next one. i love this sort of customization. If you're going to build another frame, what about adding something like this to it, so that you don't have to have cable ties around the frame?

 

[kneegrinder]

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. The frame fixings for the cables in your image are a definite improvement and easy enough to include, (haven't brazed for years).

 

[Gliggsy]

Beautiful piece of work/art

 

[kneegrinder]

Thanks Gliggsy

 

[Nealh]

Quite a stunning garage build, looks amazing.

 

[kneegrinder]

Thanks Nealh.

What are your thoughts regarding marketability? Do you think the re-cycled approach would appeal or are riders/potential riders looking for new/mainstream rides?

 

[Nealh]

It's not to every ones style though I think one off's that look good should remain as one off's and something brilliant to make people look at and talk about.
These great styled bikes may have a small niche market but best kept as a bespoke one off imho, though one could try the bespoke design/build route.

I certainly love it and wow would be fun to ride it about and see other gawp at it.

It's in the uniquness of the Blair 60v e-cruiser on endless sphere that he built, for power he used 6 x dewalt tool batteries and like your design was a one off.

Blair’s E-Cruiser, using DeWalt cordless tool battery packs

Blair is a guy who works as a mechanic at a foods processing plant, and over the years he has seen cordless tool batteries improve quite a bit. He recently decided to build a custom ebike using DeW…

www.electricbike.com

 

[vfr400]

Thanks Nealh.

What are your thoughts regarding marketability? Do you think the re-cycled approach would appeal or are riders/potential riders looking for new/mainstream rides?

It's not legal, so there's not much anyone can do with it. You're out on the power, pedal sensor (lack of), throttle and battery voltage.

 

[gsm.terra]

Looks amazing! great work there!!

 

[kneegrinder]

It's not legal, so there's not much anyone can do with it. You're out on the power, pedal sensor (lack of), throttle and battery voltage.

Sure, that's a lot of legislation that would need to be complied with and I suspect a considerable amount more also. To be honest I think it may impact the bikes appeal to such an extent that it becomes non-viable.

Food for thought though. Thanks again.

 

[kneegrinder]

Looks amazing! great work there!!

Thanks gsm.terra

 

[kneegrinder]

It's not to every ones style though I think one off's that look good should remain as one off's and something brilliant to make people look at and talk about.
These great styled bikes may have a small niche market but best kept as a bespoke one off imho, though one could try the bespoke design/build route.

I certainly love it and wow would be fun to ride it about and see other gawp at it.

It's in the uniquness of the Blair 60v e-cruiser on endless sphere that he built, for power he used 6 x dewalt tool batteries and like your design was a one off.

Blair’s E-Cruiser, using DeWalt cordless tool battery packs

Blair is a guy who works as a mechanic at a foods processing plant, and over the years he has seen cordless tool batteries improve quite a bit. He recently decided to build a custom ebike using DeW…

www.electricbike.com

Yes, I think you may be right. Keep it as a one off.

I love the Blair 60v e-cruiser and its Dewalt battery power, what a great idea! Its a great deal more refined than the "Voltster". I'm going back to the site to watch all the constructors videos. Thanks for the link Nealh.

 

[georgehenry]

Looks lovely, reminds me of the first flat tank motorcycles of the turn of the last century.

 

[kneegrinder]

Looks lovely, reminds me of the first flat tank motorcycles of the turn of the last century.
View attachment 39361

Thanks georgehenry, that was from where I drew inspiration. I think a set of "springers" would enhance the look.

 

[Nealh]

I love the Blair 60v e-cruiser and its Dewalt battery power, what a great idea! Its a great deal more refined than the "Voltster".

They both in there own rights have appeal and look the biz.