Electric Bike Conversion Kit or Electric Bike?

Whoa boy.

I have had spinal problems day-to-day since I was a teenager. Only because I am tall and nothing to do with my adjusted to fit bike.

My bike is a Dawes Ultra Galaxy aluminium touring bike and is heavier than most.

Since I got fit, I struggle to sweat on the short journey to work and if I ever did I could get a shower at work.

Do it right and you'll be alright.

Also, I've always known what running can do to your knees and have always avoided it.
 
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Well good for you.
Why don't you leave this thread instead of coming in with your holier than thou attitude.
Why don't you go into the biker or car forums and tell them they should be riding cycles instead?
Some people want to commute without the problems that cars involve and an e-Bike can be very much like a scooter which I had to do today because of the broken chain but I suppose you shout at scooter riders too "Ooh can you only do 30mph? I can do 40+ mph which is faster than Bradley Wiggins".
I've cycle commuted 10 miles every day for 18 months and it's damaging me badly in certain parts of my journey.
Do you think I haven't been to experts to see if my riding style is incorrect?
Just leave the thread to those who know what benefits e-Bikes can bring.
 
Wow, I was just sharing my Bike experience.

Not sure if you are a troll or not. Noticed you accused somebody you've never met of being a Pedo on here the other day.

I'll leave you alone to your sad little electric bike life.
 
My bike can do 40+mph, get's me the 2.6 miles to work in 7 minutes and has no electric aid.

Keeps me fit too :)

9 mile commute in 23 mins (and that was on the low power build, not the high power one I have now) that's 7 mins faster than I could drive it.

Oh, and I lost 15kg in the first 3 months of building my ebike.

I'll leave you alone to your sad little electric bike life.

And therin shines this chaps opinion of ebikes.

You're missing the point mate. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it - it's a revelation - it's like passing your driving test after you've been walking everywhere.
 
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I have ridden an electric bike before, was pretty cool.

Sorry if I caused offence OP, didn't think while I was writing that.

Apologies.

EDIT: Sorry, Dimple not OP.
 
Here's my 40mph bike:

Will have 60 mile range once I have gotten all my batteries ordered :-)
My 1000w charger charges it in 30 mins-1 hour, I have a cargo trailer too so I can lug the charger and other stuff about.
I plan on using it for long distance touring around the UK and Ireland, charging at camp sites and anywhere else I can think of with a plug socket.
It has way more speed and power than anyone in a fancy Lycra outfit and carbon fibre bike can put out, although I am usually gentle with the throttle and I pedal to maximise the range.
If you like electric vehicles, check out: http://endless-sphere.com/forums/
 
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Two men talking in our kitchen at work which just shows the attitude of some.

Man 1: That's it, I've had enough, I'm fed up of the parking at this place I'm thinking of getting a motorbike or scooter and I'll save loads and be able to park it where he puts his bike (cycle).
Man 2: A bit radical though?
Man 1: Perhaps for you because you live 40 miles away but I only live 3 miles away and I've been going through how much I would save if I can put up with the weather but he (me) comes in every day and he's still wearing shorts.
Dimple: Actually another suggestion would be to get an electric bike, I've just had one.
Man 2: What's up with your legs? :rolleyes:

Then follows me asking him why he is in the majority of people who think a cycle is all about exercise and must be pedaled but all it is to some is a commuting machine.

Man 1: Why are you sweating so much if you've got an electric bike?
Dimple: Because I still pedal all the way here and because I know I can have a push whenever I want, I still put the effort in and being a heavier bike I'm putting more effort in than my other two bikes. I'm still putting 100% effort in going up Hartshill Bank but at the press of a button I can have a push which is mentally brilliant.
Man 2: This sounds like cheating
Dimple: Why is it cheating? I'm getting to work and back so that means you are cheating in your car but I can do as much exercise as I want while I'm commuting.
Man 2: Doesn't sound right
Dimple: Oh well.
Man 1: Sounds perfect
 
What battery chemistry are you using? I'd be worried about damaging the batteries if I used such a high charging current.

I am using Lithium Polymer (Aka LiPo) batteries that are normally used to power model aeroplanes and helicopters. You can also find them inside smart-phones and apple's laptops.

My batteries have a 2C charge rate, and they are 5 Amp/Hour each, so 5*2 = 10 amps. Some LiPo's have a 5C charge rate, allowing a 10 minute charge with a powerful enough charger and power supply!
I use two modified 700w server power supplies wired in series for 24 volts.

Then I plug four of them into a parallel charging board for a 40 amp charge rate (10A*4batts = 40A). My charger has a 40 amp max output :)
Here is what my charger looks like, used my old phone for this one instead of 1080p camcorder :-/

If anyone needs help with their build, reply here or use contact details in my sig. I am pretty good at electronics :)
Building a high powered electric bike can be dangerous due to the powerful batteries and high voltages and should not be attempted without plenty of research. Expect to pay between £600-800 for the build.
 
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Very intersting thread.
I ride a motorbike and have ridden bicycles pretty much all my life.
But electric bicycles could be a nice compromise between the 2.
The beauty of an electric bike is that you don't need a license or insurance. You buy the machine and ride it.
Living in London means that I never hit super high speeds due to the amount of traffic.
 
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