Hacker News Reader

Comment by goldmouth | Hacker News Reader

Does anybody know of a good, complete, ebike conversion kit for an older trek mountain bike?

I have a 4.4 mile round trip commute but I don't really want to spend $1000+ , plus I'm pretty diy.

Mr Money Mustache recently posted a writeup for a conversion for about $1000. I think you could do the same conversion for less if you source your kit and battery cheaper- these same kits sell for less on ebay.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2016/05/25/recipe-for-a-badas...

AliExpress (Alibaba for b2c) has a better selection and is generally cheaper than ebay but shipping is literally the slow boat from China.

Just get some smooth tread tires that will be better for pavement travel.

2.2 miles takes about 40 minutes to walk.

On a bike and mostly flat terrain, 10-15 minutes max.

Unless the commute is a steeply graded 2.2 mile slope the motor seems overkill and providing little if any benefit to travel time or enjoyment. Wouldn't you rather get to work with a little endorphin rush?

Maybe ride the route first after work or on a weekend to show yourself you can do it. But after a commute or two you will quickly see it's nothing and likely want to ride even further.

Indeed knobbly tyres and MTB-style frames are one of the worst things to have happened to non-leisure cycling in the UK.

People buy a cheap MTB from Halfords, use it casually a few times out with the kids and then try commuting on it perhaps as part of a Cycling Week. After a couple of attempts it goes back into the garage.

Outside Oxford and Cambridge, traditional road-going non-racing frames are quite rare.

In the US, folks buy older, non-suspension mountain bikes, and convert them to commuting use by adding street tires and whatever other accessories they desire (rack, fenders, etc.). The result is a fairly comfortable, utilitarian bike, that's not a theft magnet.

So-called hybrid bikes seem like the most commonly sold bike in north america. Flat bars, 700c wheels, mid-thin tires (32-40 mm), geometry either can be somewhat sporty or more laid back.

Just wish more would come with accesories useful to most utilitarian cyclists. Fenders, lights, racks/baskets, and chain guard. Man, chain guards are so hard to come upon in NA, I really envy european bikes for that. I suspect for most peopl it's #1 reason for not cycling in regular/work/office clothes

The biggest expense is usually the battery -- the one I got (700 watt hours) was about 500 (with shipping), and it can get me from 30 - 60 miles (hard throttle only vs. taking it easy and pedal assist). Lunacycle is now selling a small size pack that is about 1/2 the capacity of min (about 300 watt hours) for $230, plus $30 shipping, and you will need a charger (another $35 - $70).

A decent hub motor kit starts off at around $350 from a reputable vendor, you can either put on a front or rear hub motor. I've heard good things about the Golden Motor's magic pie kit (and variations) -- this is a direct drive from $325 to $375 or so, but since it is direct drive I would put it on the back wheel myself. The only front wheel conversion I would do would be a geared motor.

Opinions vary; here's a very busy BBS for ebike and other EV DIY-ers: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/

you dont need an ebike for that, unless its up hill both ways.

< 5 miles is very doable with pedaling. my commute is to work is 5 miles and my best time is 23 minutes (in Boston).

You can spend nothing and get a free gym membership out of it.

so 4 miles round trip why even bother.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com