Some conversion help please

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,887
8,518
61
West Sx RH
Shaz how did your test/trial ride go ?
 

Shazbag

Pedelecer
Jun 22, 2015
28
4
41
Portsmouth
Great I was very surprised how effective it was! I really loved the bafang bpm bb102 500w I only had it on peddle assist level 2/3 out of 9 and was going 12 miles and it was just slow lesuirely peddling so when I cycle with some effort my 15mph goal will be easy.

I was honestly shocked how much it helped I was not expecting it to be so effective

So I am wanting to get that mid drive system now
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,887
8,518
61
West Sx RH
Which BBS did you ride the 36 or 48v ? 48v will be a bit faster then the 36v but not sure about mileage, I suspect 48v may do better as the 36v is able to draw 25a where as the 48v is 18a so not so much draw on the battery.
If you visit Woosh have a ride on a BPM hub bike to see how much easier and more relaxed the ride is.
 

Ferdinand

Pedelecer
Jan 12, 2015
85
32
NG17
£5 3 hr bike maintenance workshop in Portsmouth.

http://myjourneyportsmouth.com/bike-maintenance-classes-portsmouth

I think you said Portsmouth, Shaz?

These are usually very good from scratch and take you through adjusting your bike fit (saddle etc), adjust brakes to repairing a puncture and an appreciation of gears etc.

I did one three weeks ago in Nottm and it was very friendly and personal - group of 8 max. At least 3 of us turned up with our bikesnin the car !

I don't see why an e-bike should make it different.

Ferdinand
 

Ferdinand

Pedelecer
Jan 12, 2015
85
32
NG17
One point not mentioned so far is that Pedelecs fall - so my local Halfords tell me - within the Bike2Work scheme, which gives rax relief on a bike costing up to £1000.

I don't know if it applies to kit conversions, but I expect it would apply to a conversion done to a bike bought by the converter.

If my sums are right, for your kit price you may be able to get the shop to buy in say a Careers something and do the kit, for a similar total.

Which gives you a free second bike should you want it (emergency spare or utlity bike for local or dodgy area use?), or a full set of spares, or the ability to sell your current one.

Ferdinand
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,887
8,518
61
West Sx RH
Have your kit fitted professionally and there should be no problems, the BBS is simple no soldering to do nothing just fit the kit it is all plug and play.
Worskhops may be good for general maintenance but leave the electric guessing game to the forum for solutions or a ebike retailer /fitter.
 

Shazbag

Pedelecer
Jun 22, 2015
28
4
41
Portsmouth
Hi Ferdinand, I am a student nurse come September so I dont think the Bike2Work scheme apply but was a good suggestion, I will look at the cycle maintenance scheme, if I can get someone to watch my toddler I will certainly book a place as it looks very useful.

Nealh, As for my test ride, I can link better now as on my PC not phone

This was the company I test rood this conversion:

http://www.electricbikeconversions.co.uk/product/bafang-bbs02-500w-36v-conversion-kit-with-battery/

Although I have to say I have now seen this conversion on Woosh and with fitting is over 115 pound cheaper so would really go there, as much as Electric bike conversions ltd where very friendly and nice, 115 pound is a big saving. (the one here at Woosh I think is the same and cheaper http://www.wooshbikes.co.uk/?cdkit and they charge less for fitting even with the 48v version its still cheaper, but over all its not speed I want but distance on a very loaded bike)

I didnt have that long out as I had my daughter with me and had to leave her in the car while I cycled a quick half mile loop, so didnt feel able to go out again with a hub drive, the guy that rood with me had a hub drive and it was nosiy although it was a old 250w they said as I commented on the noise, while the bbs02 I was on didnt make a sound!

If I can test drive at woosh, perhaps I can get over there with my parents for a day at the sea side and they can watch the children while I test drive both, and then if I bring my bike I can leave it with them for the day to be converted while we have some fun on the pier, Southend is a drive away but for the right thing its worth it.
 

Ferdinand

Pedelecer
Jan 12, 2015
85
32
NG17
You always have to ask lots of questions in these situations don't you :)

I hope that a place providing cycle maintenance courses, which is probably LA funded, has to have some sort of provision in place. Mine was in something called the "People's Centre" which makes me think of Cuba or early Paul Boateng, but was actually a community centre with activities and facilities which might have been sign-uppable-to.

And I'd guess it would depend on your employee status at the hospital. Employee or not? Or they might make an exception if someone raises it.

Best of luck.

F
 

Shazbag

Pedelecer
Jun 22, 2015
28
4
41
Portsmouth
UPDATE, just thought I would update all those that where nice enough to reply and help me.

I got my bike back from Andy @Woosh this week and did my first proper run yesterday. I did the city route I will do to the hospital and university and then came home this was 16miles, (although I will really do home-hospital-uni and then uni-hospital-home at the end of the day which is 2 X 13miles) it took 1hr 7mins which considering the stopping at lights, the fact I wasn't busting a gut, came home quite fresh and not sweaty, and considering the strong wind I was delighted with. I had my toddler on the back too. The hills where fine, just out of my seat once on the steep hospital hill but its short and with out the conversion I would be pushing the bike. My average speed was 14mph and top speed was 23mph on a long flat straight road with no traffic lights.

So I am very delighted! I wouldnt want to go faster then this, average 14mph is fab. I did feel a little bit of a cheat and abit guilty when overtaking cyclists though!

I had the 8-Fun BBS02 Kit with 48V 10AH battery kit & charger in the end and very glad I did, I did have it on level 3 (out of 3) 90% of the time, but I am sure as I continue to lose weight, get more fit and used to the route I can reduce this more and more.

Just got to find a big basket for the front now as the bike shop down here said they dont know of any front pan racks for disc break bikes

So Thanks again and just thought I would update
 

Ferdinand

Pedelecer
Jan 12, 2015
85
32
NG17
On front pannier racks, I have a Vavert Avancer rack on my Boardman Hybrid Team which has disks.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/BRADFR/vavert-advancer-front-rack

It weights less than 400g, and is rated for 10kg. It fixes to the wheel hub and the fork crown. No mid fork mount required. I had to make minor mods to the top mount - ie bend the metal strip in a slightly different place. No good if you have suspension, though.

The price is about £12 delivered at present, so if it turns out not to be suitable then not much has been lost.

I think it will take Panniers if you choose carefully - will require ones with solid backs imo, or a box/basket. That is my plan so I can retire the Topeak Supertourist rear rack.

Another option depending on quantity of stuff is a generous handlebar bag. I quite like the basic Halfords ones which carry about 6l, and are quite well priced..

eg http://www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/bags-baskets/halfords-2010-handlebar-bike-bag

I use an older one, but that may be worth a look and may be quick release.

You will want a bungie pack from a pound shop to keep a couple on there permanently for when you have funny loads.

Ferdinand