Thanks for your time and patience d8veh
What is the difference between the Q100 and Q128 you mentioned? And which wattage motor did you have in mind, assuming the power would be restricted to 250w by the controller?
2 weeks ago I knew nothing about electric bikes other than having ridden one in Seville and a Raliegh Motus at Centre Parks. Since then I have spent £580 on a folding 26” wheel MTB the first of which stopped working on the first day and the replacement developed a fault on the first day so I have returned it for a refund. (I will not mention the make/supplier until I have my refund)
I the last 2 days I have ridden a couple more including a Xiongda front wheel, unfortunately only on the flat so not really a trial. The Xiongda would have to be a front wheel because of the drop out widths. And bear in mind the front wheel is removed on the paratrooper for folding so this would be a spanner and disconnection job with the torque arm to consider. But to be fair the folding will not happen often and a bit of dis/reassembly is OK.
To answer your question as to my requirements.
Power – obviously limited to 250w for legality
(Although how is this bike legal?
https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/hill-climbers/Smarta-GT8-Smarta GT8 Electric-Bike
Speed - the 15mph restriction if fine.
Distance – 30 miles would be nice with assistance. The bike I returned had a frog 36v 10ah battery and when the PAS packed up it was down to 1 of three battery level indicators after 10 miles using the throttle for assistance.
Torque – probably the most important for hauling my 68year old 105kg carcase up hills.
(the bike in the link boasted 45NM) this is where the Xiongda’s 20/40NM is tempting.
Budget – none, but no-one wants to spend more than they have to. I struggle to see where the money is in some of the £2k+ bikes.
It’s choosing the right components I need help with. I realise he Paratrooper does not lend itself to electrification.
A rear hub motor is the favourite although I have not ruled out a crank drive if one will fit or even Xiongda front wheel.
A rear carrier battery including controller or controller in a pouch under the back of the saddle and battery(s) in the pannier bags possibly purpose made shrink wrapped. The carrier that comes with the bike actually disconnects from the seat post and pivots around the wheel to act as a stand and for folding. But I do not have to use that. A seat post quick release carrier and battery could be the answer. I do not care for the frog type (past experience also the battery fouled with the quick release seat post ring requiring brute force) although they are a neat solution.
Do I seem to have answered all my own questions? If so, I would like your opinions on my thinking and suggesting the best products. I would prefer to buy in the UK. And whilst I am quite capable as a retired engineer of fitting a kit myself, I would prefer to go to someone who has experience with electric bikes.
Sorry for such a lengthy response but all the facts are relevant I think.
Phil in Lancaster
