I am looking to convert my carrera crossfire, 28in but I'm still unsure what is the best kit for me. I'm looking to commute about 15 miles a day but want something with abit more than 15mph. Not sure if my bike has a cassette or a freewheel. I'm really looking to buy a complete kit with battery but every time I think I've made my mind up I still have reservations..please help!!
Looking to buy??
- Thread starter Lazy lad
- Start date
Up to 7 speeds is normally freewheel. 9 speeds and above is cassette. 8 speed can be either, especially Carreras.
As far as the kit is concerned, it doesn't care what type you had, but the number of speeds does matter. You need a freewheel motor kit for 7 speeds and less, and a cassette motor for 8 speeds or more.
I have a crossfire 3 converted about 6 years ago with an Ezee front hub.
I have converted the front disc to hydraulic, with a larger disc, to handle the extra speed and weight.
Firstly, 25-30 mph is too fast. The forks are not good enough and, being a hard tail, at those speeds you will get shaken and juddered to pieces. Also braking and tyre grip will not be up to it in high traffic situations. Will it stop when Mr Dick Head does something unexpected/stupid/well it's only a cyclist.
At 25-30 wind resistance is significantly higher especially as the crossfire is not an aerodynamic road bike. You would need a battery capable of delivering a much higher constant current and therefore higher capacity = more expense.
My kit will sit at around 14-15mph in setting 3/5, at this it takes around 40 minutes to do the 9+ miles to my workshop. (Rural Wales, no traffic lights or, indeed, any traffic) But this speed is too high on some road sections with poor surface and I drop to 2/3 giving around 12mph.
For commuting I would recommend a rear hub for reliability and ease of ride and fitting.
Choose a geared hub 250w rated. I would not choose an apparently high rated hub (1000w or 1500w). Though cheap they are direct drive give high speed on the flat but are crap at hills and eat batteries. As well they are, of course, illegal which may be a consideration in high population areas where mishap/accident is more likely.
What you want to do is very achievable if you alter your speed expectaions to 20mph max. Depending on your age, weight, terrain etc. This is doable by you (with some effort) on a fully legal kit. Cut off speed will be around 16-17mph with you putting in the extra, especially as fitness level increases.
Have a look at Woosh kits as a start.
I have converted the front disc to hydraulic, with a larger disc, to handle the extra speed and weight.
Firstly, 25-30 mph is too fast. The forks are not good enough and, being a hard tail, at those speeds you will get shaken and juddered to pieces. Also braking and tyre grip will not be up to it in high traffic situations. Will it stop when Mr Dick Head does something unexpected/stupid/well it's only a cyclist.
At 25-30 wind resistance is significantly higher especially as the crossfire is not an aerodynamic road bike. You would need a battery capable of delivering a much higher constant current and therefore higher capacity = more expense.
My kit will sit at around 14-15mph in setting 3/5, at this it takes around 40 minutes to do the 9+ miles to my workshop. (Rural Wales, no traffic lights or, indeed, any traffic) But this speed is too high on some road sections with poor surface and I drop to 2/3 giving around 12mph.
For commuting I would recommend a rear hub for reliability and ease of ride and fitting.
Choose a geared hub 250w rated. I would not choose an apparently high rated hub (1000w or 1500w). Though cheap they are direct drive give high speed on the flat but are crap at hills and eat batteries. As well they are, of course, illegal which may be a consideration in high population areas where mishap/accident is more likely.
What you want to do is very achievable if you alter your speed expectaions to 20mph max. Depending on your age, weight, terrain etc. This is doable by you (with some effort) on a fully legal kit. Cut off speed will be around 16-17mph with you putting in the extra, especially as fitness level increases.
Have a look at Woosh kits as a start.
A good motor for 25 mph is the Q128 at 48v. The whole kit would be about £700. For 30 mph, you need either a BBSHD, which works out around £1100 for the whole kit or one of those cheapo 1000w direct drive kits with a decent battery at around £800
I don't think I'm at the level of mid drive kits..I'm looking for a rear hub drive just help with my commute to work.
Related Articles
-
MTF Enterprises announces acquisition of EMU Electric Bikes- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Wisper 806T folding bike wins Which? ‘Best Buy’- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Sustrans calls for protected cycle lanes- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Amazon launch their first UK e-cargo micromobility hub- Started by: Pedelecs
