I posted about the next project I want to get going before this Christmas a few days ago. Then I found out how expensive it would be to use the reasonably priced Bafang motors I wanted when I added shipping! It doubled the motor price and made the project as expensive as a BBSHD build! Forget that! I deleted the post! This project has been like a roller coaster ride from the start! On again, off again!
First contestant for The Price Is Right ebike will be the Sixthreezero "Ride In The Park" model 7 speed bike. I loved my Schwinn when I had it, (first bike I was going to use for this project) but this bike is at least 3x better at only 2x the price! A great deal weather you make it electric or just keep it pedal powered!
So, I'm not one to give up on a great project idea that easy! This was the first ebike I wanted to build a few years ago, but I was sent the wrong motor from the supplier and I haven't got back to it until last weekend. I have the mind to do it, and it's going to be a GREAT bike! I've improved on my original idea of a 500w geared rear drive classic styled commuter bike to add an optional 500w geared front motor making it 2wd 1000w! This is something that can be added on at a future date when you get bored with only 500w rear drive bike. Boredom does happen with small motors, and you wouldn't have to go out and buy another bike! Just add another motor to the one you already have! You're already saving money when you buy one of these!
Stole this photo from on line of the 500w front motors. Just a little larger than a typical bicycle drum break. The basic idea is that even with the 2wd version, it would be hard to tell the bike is electric. At least until you pass someone in the bike lane effortlessly, who's killing themselves to do 28mph! I would never build a bike with only front motor! They break and people fly over bars and eat the ground! I don't have a sister who's a lawyer, or a brother who writes insurance indemnity packages, so forget about it! The front motor is only available on bikes that have a rear motor for extra power and all weather traction!
Now I get to the point! Mxus motors are what I'll be using! Forget about Bafang! No need for a middle man to make a bike intended to be affordable with a reasonable amount of power impossibly expensive! That's what every other company you see in the bike stores are doing! I could be wrong, but I believe that Mxus was the company making these motors for Bafang in the first place. Mxus has been around for a long time and is known for making motors for other companies to be rebranded. It's only recently they started selling them under their own Mxus name with the 3000w motor, but that's another bike story, and a 2wd bike I want to have going for next years Christmas season!
Another photo of the Sixthreezero Men's "Ride In The Park" 7 speed bike. I LOVE this bike! "It takes me back to simpler times, before the Empire" Obi-wan Kenobi quote. One thing I want to change, and I may leave it as an upgrade option, is the brakes. I like the ones on this bike, but an easier quick release version would be better for when you get a flat tire. The Kenda tires are nice, but I'm also considering upgrades for them, and puncture resistant tubes as stock parts added to the ebike versions of this bike.
I'm still researching what seller to buy from. This could take some time. Some sellers offer it only in black, while others offer it in black or silver. I need both for different model bikes! Some sellers also offer complete package kit deals, and others just the motor. I have quite a bit to sort out for production suppliers, but for the first two motors I'll just pick what looks like a good one and drop the dime to get the project rolling. I'll try to place an order tomorrow at least for the rear motor.
I think sometimes, or most of the time, people don't realize how much time and money goes into R&D. Personally I've spent thousands over the past couple years just on research & development for the bikes the company I work for builds. Some of those bikes have changed, and my research is no longer valid. Without a doubt, it's been a roller coaster ride the past couple of years!
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