New e-bike in my stable...iZip Via Mezza Enlightened

[arkwright]

Does anyone know of a bag that would be suitable for the Izip Via Mezza enlightened?

The Via Mezza has more or less the same dimensions as one of our own folding electric bikes which come supplied with a sturdy bag (poweredbicycles)....If you need more info then you're welcome to ring on 01159 728251.


Arkwright

 

[daniel.weck]

Moore Large appear to say that 2010 version is due in March. No further information beyond that.

The 2010 bike is already available online, judging by the photos and descriptions I have seen...these shops don't mention "pre-order"...but then again, communication is pretty poor surrounding this brand or particular bike

The battery cost we were quoted seemed rather high, so I'll need to seek confirmation before I say anything!

Well, it's a bog-standard battery case so no big deal, it can be swapped for any after market LiFePO4 (not that I need a replacement now, just looking into it to have a better idea).

Thanks a lot ! Daniel

 

[daniel.weck]

Ouch, fractured aluminium fork!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2zruKaZCf5jUwsr59

I am lucky not to have had a major accident.
I am fairly certain I rode a few miles with the fork dangerously close to breaking apart.
I only noticed when I was locking the front wheel onto a post at the supermarket.
Looking at the angle of the fracture, this is probably the result of hitting potholes and breaking hard (disc brake).

...So, alumium welding (with internally reinforced cavity?) or just replace the fork? (assuming I can find a suitable replacement)

 

[saneagle]

I've never seen anything like that before. I'd get new forks - probably cheaper and more secure.

20" rigid fork disc brake - Google Search

 

[Ghost1951]

Ouch, fractured aluminium fork!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2zruKaZCf5jUwsr59

I am lucky not to have had a major accident.
I am fairly certain I rode a few miles with the fork dangerously close to breaking apart.
I only noticed when I was locking the front wheel onto a post at the supermarket.
Looking at the angle of the fracture, this is probably the result of hitting potholes and breaking hard (disc brake).

...So, alumium welding (with internally reinforced cavity?) or just replace the fork? (assuming I can find a suitable replacement)

You can't repair that fork. If you can get a new one to fit, then you can fix it.

Welding aluminium is a highly specialised business. You need to 'cure' the whole fork at high temperature for many hours with a controlled cooling process after heating any part of it for welding. Once you do some local heating the fork becomes soft and weak unless processed properly.

https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/248021-how-to-reharden-aluminum-after-annealing-it#:~:text=02%2D13%2D2013-,Re%3A%20how%20to%20reharden%20aluminum%20after%20annealing%20it%3F,hours%20to%20regain%20T6%20strength

.

 

[thelarkbox]

Glad it was discovered while off the bike and not while cornering at speed..

a bit of jb-weld and a couple of lolly stick splints held on with cable ties or gaffer tape and you should be good to wheel it down to the shop to buy new forks..

 

[daniel.weck]

I added photos to the album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2zruKaZCf5jUwsr59

I found a "compatible" fork on eBay, albeit with a slightly too short threaded steerer tube, and with V-brake bosses instead of disc brake mount.

I managed to take the crown race off the original tube using DiY tools, so I have the entire headset ready to swap over ... so now there's only the small matter of sawing / cutting / shortening the top of the frame head tube (1cm ... 15mm max) so that the steerer thread is long enough for the headset nuts!

As I am reluctant to take this irreversible step and we don't really need this e-bike anyway, I'm putting this project on hold
I have repurposed the iZip's 36V 9Ah battery for my e-Brompton in its touring configuration (I will post about this in a separate thread)

Let me know if you have an iZip Via Mezza Enlightened for sale "for parts" or if you need parts yourself