The eBike thread

jamesieliz · 07-03-2021 3:41pm

eeloe wrote: »

Thinking of picking up the Kuma R1.

Does anyone have any experience?

Just an edit...

after some more research it's either the Kuma R1 or a the VanMoof s3.

I’ve ordered the R1, using bike to work scheme - it’s due for delivery to me next week so I might put up review once I try it out;
I only saw the bike after browsing this forum and once price came down in sale I decided to go for it - my limit was 1,500 as that’s all the scheme allows for.
I am very occasional bike user so not sure if this will give me enough ‘help’ but I’m hoping it will be enough to encourage me to get on the road more during the summer months.
I don’t live in Dublin so I wasn’t able to try it out before buying it - fingers crossed that I made the right choice, the bike looks lovely and reviews seem good so far.

Mousewar · 07-03-2021 3:52pm

eeloe wrote: »

Looks really great.

Is there a boost feature or a throttle in anyway?

No, none of that. But put it on max assist and it takes off very fast.

eeloe · 07-03-2021 5:16pm

jamesieliz wrote: »

I’ve ordered the R1, using bike to work scheme - it’s due for delivery to me next week so I might put up review once I try it out;
I only saw the bike after browsing this forum and once price came down in sale I decided to go for it - my limit was 1,500 as that’s all the scheme allows for.
I am very occasional bike user so not sure if this will give me enough ‘help’ but I’m hoping it will be enough to encourage me to get on the road more during the summer months.
I don’t live in Dublin so I wasn’t able to try it out before buying it - fingers crossed that I made the right choice, the bike looks lovely and reviews seem good so far.

The r1 is certainly the top of my list right now with the VanMoof a very close second if i can manage to get one on the scheme.

Mousewar · 07-03-2021 5:40pm

eeloe wrote: »

The r1 is certainly the top of my list right now with the VanMoof a very close second if i can manage to get one on the scheme.

I got a quote for the vanmoof on the bike to work scheme grand. Just opted for Kuma in the end.
Van moof is about 2k isn't it? So, the R1 is quite a bit cheaper. M1 is same price as a vanmoof now.

07-03-2021 7:30pm

Mousewar wrote: »

My Kuma M1 finally arrived.
It's a lovely looking bike. I specifically ordered the black as I wanted it to look as "ordinary" as possible. The rack and bag in the pic detracts from its looks tbh.

Cycling it is great fun. I put it on the highest power setting and gave my wife a go. She couldn't stop laughing. It's quite exhilarating.

As an ebike novice, I can't really assess how it compares to other bikes. Certainly on level 5 assist, it's very nippy and ordinary inclines are no bother. Go down to level 1 and there's not a lot happening. I tackled a couple of very steep hills and in level 5 it went up them fine. I mean, it still required extra effort from me and I wasn't bombing up them but it went up steadily and I wasn't panting or anything. These are the type of hills where you'd just get off and walk if you were on an ordinary bike.
I've also cycled it with the motor off. It's a heavy bike so you notice it but it's actually grand and cycles fine. No real drag with motor off. I sometimes just switch it off when coming downhill.

I took it out to Bray today (I'm in Shankill) and went to the base of Bray Head. Then came back and thought, feck it, and went up Killiney Hill. Back home now and it really wasn't much effort at all.

Well wear, sure is a neat looking bike!

What torque has that motor ?

How much was it again ?

WoollyRedHat · 07-03-2021 7:43pm

Mousewar wrote: »

I got a quote for the vanmoof on the bike to work scheme grand. Just opted for Kuma in the end.
Van moof is about 2k isn't it? So, the R1 is quite a bit cheaper. M1 is same price as a vanmoof now.

Did you use Travelhub?

WoollyRedHat · 07-03-2021 7:44pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well wear, sure is a neat looking bike!

What torque has that motor ?

How much was it again ?

M1 is 2068 on sale atm. Think their new range is due out soon.

Mousewar · 07-03-2021 8:04pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Well wear, sure is a neat looking bike!

What torque has that motor ?

How much was it again ?

80nm max output
2k

Mousewar · 07-03-2021 8:05pm

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Did you use Travelhub?

Yep

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

M1 is 2068 on sale atm. Think their new range is due out soon.

Ugh
Although, that means I probably wouldn't have been able to afford the new model anyway.

WoollyRedHat · 07-03-2021 8:21pm

Mousewar wrote: »

Yep

How long did it take between uploading quote on Travelhub, to getting the bike?

Mousewar wrote: »

Ugh
Although, that means I probably wouldn't have been able to afford the new model anyway.

Yeah new one will retail at over €2,600. I think the biggest changes is introduction of a belt to replace chain and the lights will now be integrated into bike (I thought they were already?)

Mousewar · 07-03-2021 8:47pm

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

How long did it take between uploading quote on Travelhub, to getting the bike?

Yeah new one will retail at over €2,600. I think the biggest changes is introduction of a belt to replace chain and the lights will now be integrated into bike (I thought they were already?)

1 month.

Where are you getting your info about new models?
The light is integrated on the R1 but not the M1.
They're modest enough changes anyway so not too worried.

WoollyRedHat · 07-03-2021 9:40pm

Mousewar wrote: »

1 month.

Where are you getting your info about new models?
The light is integrated on the R1 but not the M1.
They're modest enough changes anyway so not too worried.

Was chatting to one of guys in Kuma and they mentioned it to me.

BarryM · 08-03-2021 5:36pm

I have been having a barney with Jorvik, a UK supplier of e-bikes. I bought a tricycle from them about 2 years ago and it worked fine, a bit underpowered but street legal.

I didn't use it for a period before christmas - it had been working fine, and I kept it indoors until about a month ago, when I would not start, battery charged etc.

I finally sent the front wheel back to Jorvik and they said I needed a new motor, the other one was rusted.... I questioned how a bike that is designed to be ridden in wet conditions could have that issue and here is the reply I got -

"All electric cycles (made by us or otherwise) are not completely waterproof and all manufacturers will advise not to get them saturated and if they are used in the rain to dry them for storage.

All cycles are susceptible to rust if not kept in a dry location and - we can't comment on the conditions each tricycle are kept. Electrical items used outdoors such as lawnmowers will rust if allowed to get wet and not dried. We have not replaced a motor due to rust and no cycle manufacturer will list rust a warranty term.…"

What is "storage" are they saying that if you bring it in from the street you have to dry it??

They sent a photo, of the motor.... attached file (.png)

Are they having a laugh?

Barry

mailforkev · 10-03-2021 12:05am

I got the Vanmoof via the bike to work scheme (using Travelhub) so it can be done. Two invoices, one for me, one for work.

Mousewar wrote: »

I took it out to Bray today (I'm in Shankill) and went to the base of Bray Head. Then came back and thought, feck it, and went up Killiney Hill.

I’m only a couple of minutes away from you with my S3, if we ever bump into each other on the N11 cycle lane, it’s on.

Mousewar · 10-03-2021 3:47pm

mailforkev wrote: »

I got the Vanmoof via the bike to work scheme (using Travelhub) so it can be done. Two invoices, one for me, one for work.

I’m only a couple of minutes away from you with my S3, if we ever bump into each other on the N11 cycle lane, it’s on.

I'll keep an eye out for you!
That said, I often get lost on the N11 bike lanes. It's a meandering mess of potholes and pedestrians.

BarryM · 11-03-2021 2:30pm

No opinions on keeping a bike rust free? Should I fit a heater in the shed?

jc bamford · 12-03-2021 10:17pm

I am on the lookout for a front hub conversion kit but find it difficult to find anything with over 30 N.m torque. I came across this today.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000076611012.html?spm=a2g0o.search0302.0.0.1f191cffkKBAwF&algo_pvid=baadf7a6-2411-4e27-881f-eb9f4042b122&algo_expid=baadf7a6-2411-4e27-881f-eb9f4042b122-12&btsid=0b0a555916153782320234182e64a4&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

Anyone heard of these Guys? Any issues with 48V as opposed to 36V?

unkel · 13-03-2021 12:39am

48V is better, provides more power at the same current. Also if that really is a Bafang motor and those batteries new Samsung 18650 cells, then those kits are pretty decent value for money, about €600 with the smaller battery, with free shipping coming from Germany, so no VAT / duty / taxes

Magzire · 13-03-2021 1:08am

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Bafang-BBS02B-48V750W-mid-drive-conversion-kit-48V-17-5AH-14-5AH-12-5AH-battery/254687454213?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=554456556470&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I ordered this but i dont think the battery unit will fit in where the bottle holder is. If this is the case what can i do?

Magzire · 13-03-2021 4:28pm

I suppose i can tap holes under the bottom frame part, or on top.

Thargor · 13-03-2021 4:32pm

It might fit, or you could put it on a carrier on the back, although that might ruin the looks a bit. Go to the carerra website and get the geometry and see.

Magzire · 13-03-2021 4:38pm

I guess if i mount on the top of the frame the power cables wont reach? Is there cable extensions available?

Thargor · 13-03-2021 6:39pm

You'll have no problem getting cables of any length you want, it might still be okay in the bottle cage holder though, I've definitely seen it done with one of those sloped top tubes on Andy Kirbys or someones videos.

Thats a great looking bike by the way let us know how you get on.

Magzire · 14-03-2021 3:32am

Thanks will do. The bike itself was only cheap but upgraded everything. Nearly 400e worth. New brakes to 203mm/180mm. More gripper pedals(was best upgrade imo), Magnetism wheels with Maxxis aggressor 2.40 tyres(crazy grip, like stabilisers). Adjustable steering stem with ergonomic handlebar grips.

Thargor · 15-03-2021 11:03pm

Do people find thumb throttles or grip shift throttles feel better in use?

16-03-2021 9:14am

Thargor wrote: »

Do people find thumb throttles or grip shift throttles feel better in use?

Thumb for me. You can hold on to the handlebars better then if all you have to do is move your thumb. It can be difficult to keep power delivery smooth with hand throttle.

SCOL · 16-03-2021 4:30pm

Thargor wrote: »

Do people find thumb throttles or grip shift throttles feel better in use?

I've used both and the thumb throttle is much better

Thargor · 16-03-2021 5:17pm

Thanks, any thoughts on 29/27.5" wheels vs 26" aswell? Much of a difference?

SCOL · 16-03-2021 6:13pm

Thargor wrote: »

Thanks, any thoughts on 29/27.5" wheels vs 26" aswell? Much of a difference?

I don't think there is much of a difference, you will go a little faster with bigger wheels I assume somebody will come up with the formula.

I use 29 inch narrow wheels on a hi bred bike at the moment, people don't know your on an e-bike. "Stealth"

Mousewar · 19-03-2021 12:29pm

Anyone else find that the second half of the battery drains a lot faster than the top half?
Took the Kuma out at full battery. Went 20k all the way into the city centre. Liberal use of top power when needed. Still had five full bars of battery when I got there. Another 20k back home and it was down to 3 bars. Was happy with that.
A few days later I decided to do a similar trip starting off with those 3 bars. It dropped down to one bar before I'd even got about 10k out. Switched to lowest power and made it although it was an unpleasant slog. Similar story home and it ran out leaving me 10k to go and no juice. It is a bit of a beast to cycle with no power and even in Level 1 assist it's hard going.

unkel · 19-03-2021 12:34pm

When only half full, the voltage sag under full throttle might temporarily drop the voltage below the threshold from either controller or BMS, cutting off supply to the motor. What helps when you need to get some distance out of a nearly empty battery is to not use anywhere near full throttle

nokiatom · 19-03-2021 1:24pm

Mousewar wrote: »

Anyone else find that the second half of the battery drains a lot faster than the top half?
Took the Kuma out at full battery. Went 20k all the way into the city centre. Liberal use of top power when needed. Still had five full bars of battery when I got there. Another 20k back home and it was down to 3 bars. Was happy with that.
A few days later I decided to do a similar trip starting off with those 3 bars. It dropped down to one bar before I'd even got about 10k out. Switched to lowest power and made it although it was an unpleasant slog. Similar story home and it ran out leaving me 10k to go and no juice. It is a bit of a beast to cycle with no power and even in Level 1 assist it's hard going.

Top power eats power. I only use that when I have between a half and two thirds of my trip done. It's great to have that amount of battery left when your legs begin to tire. As the saying goes'' save the best for last''!!

Mousewar · 19-03-2021 1:48pm

Thanks for that.
I do love my full power. I tend to use it to start off after every time I stop. The acceleration is just so good. And I use it on hills. As I said before, Level 1 assistance feels like no help at all so I rarely bother with it except downhill.
I didn't feel like my usage was particularly different so just felt weird that the last three bars dissipated so much quicker than the first two bars.

SCOL · 19-03-2021 5:04pm

Mousewar wrote: »

Thanks for that.
I do love my full power. I tend to use it to start off after every time I stop. The acceleration is just so good. And I use it on hills. As I said before, Level 1 assistance feels like no help at all so I rarely bother with it except downhill.
I didn't feel like my usage was particularly different so just felt weird that the last three bars dissipated so much quicker than the first two bars.

I used to ride flat out all the time, but now I drop it down to the 2 or 3 gears
( I have a mid Drive ) and let spin more with a bit less speed and the battery lasts a lot longer. My commute is about 25km and I could have 70% after I get into work.

Magzire · 24-03-2021 12:09am

Thargor wrote: »

let us know how you get on.

It battery unit didn't fit so I had to use 3 rivets nuts. Now I need to figure out to dampen the front spring so it won't compress into the battery.
Oh and the motor only goes in half way into the bottom bracket and gets stuck. Will need to grind the inside. Another days work.

F3fNt6O

loughside · 24-03-2021 12:34am

Magzire wrote: »

It battery unit didn't fit so I had to use 3 rivets nuts. Now I need to figure out to dampen the front spring so it won't compress into the battery.
Oh and the motor only goes in half way into the bottom bracket and gets stuck. Will need to grind the inside. Another days work.

Dampening wont be enough, thats an accident waiting to happen at the first big pothole, over the handlebars type! Even locking them out mightn't work.

Only place seems to be on top of the crossbar back at the seatpost - not ideal either.

Magzire · 24-03-2021 12:46am

loughside wrote: »

Dampening wont be enough, thats an accident waiting to happen at the first big pothole, over the handlebars type! Even locking them out mightn't work.

Only place seems to be on top of the crossbar back at the seatpost - not ideal either.

I'll give the seatpost a go, was going to add an extra drink holder there anyways

SCOL · 24-03-2021 11:41am

Magzire wrote: »

It battery unit didn't fit so I had to use 3 rivets nuts. Now I need to figure out to dampen the front spring so it won't compress into the battery.
Oh and the motor only goes in half way into the bottom bracket and gets stuck. Will need to grind the inside. Another days work.

You've spent probably around €1,000 it would be a shame to damage it. Would it be possible to change the frame ? I when onto DoneDeal and bought a 2 hand for €100, brought the battery with me just to make sure it would fit. you could put the components from one bike to another.

unkel · 24-03-2021 11:47am

That battery looks massive. Do you need all that range? If not, you could get a smaller one. If you do need all that range, you could maybe get two smaller packs? My own battery is modular so I could go out with one of them or I could parallel the other one to it for long range. My battery is 52V nominal and either 6 or 12Ah. Total battery cost was just over €100 brand new

the_amazing_raisin · 24-03-2021 4:13pm

Just wondering if anyone here has tried the Rockrider E-ST100 or 500? Decalthon are selling them and they seem to be some of the cheapest e-bikes out there while still being high quality

I'm toying with the idea of getting an e-bike next year, partly for commuting so the electric motor would be handy for the long uphill ride home. I used to have a trail bike and I really like being able to take it offroad a bit which is something I feel commuter and road bikes really aren't capable of

I wouldn't be covering huge distances (20-30km max), so I feel for me the extra weight and bulk of an eMTB are worth it for what I'm looking for.

nelly17 · 24-03-2021 4:18pm

SCOL wrote: »

You've spent probably around €1,000 it would be a shame to damage it. Would it be possible to change the frame ? I when onto DoneDeal and bought a 2 hand for €100, brought the battery with me just to make sure it would fit. you could put the components from one bike to another.

Will that wheel not hit the battery when the susension compresses? Looks like 100mm travel

Magzire · 24-03-2021 6:15pm

nelly17 wrote: »

Will that wheel not hit the battery when the susension compresses? Looks like 100mm travel

It will on a heavy bump, but was thinking inserting something like hard rubber inside the springs to stop compression.
I'll try mount on top of frame

jc bamford · 24-03-2021 8:48pm

loughside wrote: »

Dampening wont be enough, thats an accident waiting to happen at the first big pothole, over the handlebars type! Even locking them out mightn't work.

Only place seems to be on top of the crossbar back at the seatpost - not ideal either.

There is a bike on Done Deal with that setup

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/an-electric-bike-in-good-condition/27596691

It looks a bit top heavy but might be OK

Magzire · 24-03-2021 9:30pm

Seems to be 5mm short. I cant fully screw in the motor bracket or the last nut. But seems rock solid at the moment.

No sure what do. When i measure the distance its 73mm

They advertise : Bracket bottom length:68mm
This mid drive motor designed to fit bike with a 68mm (2.68inch) or 73mm (2.87inch) wide bottom bracket. The inner
diameter of the bracket should be not less than 33.5mm. We will send extra washers and bolts for 73mm bottom bracket.

Not sure what the last part means as it to short anyways.

Thargor · 24-03-2021 10:16pm

Give the top tube a try for the battery, I haven't built an ebike yet but I have a massive top tube bag on my commuter that I thought was obscene when it came in the post but I tried it and its perfectly usable in practice and now I love it, my legs never touch it even when its full of gloves and masks and a litre of milk and other shopping.

Magzire · 24-03-2021 10:27pm

And......... it didnt come with this cable

SCOL · 25-03-2021 10:43am

Magzire wrote: »

Seems to be 5mm short. I cant fully screw in the motor bracket or the last nut. But seems rock solid at the moment.

No sure what do. When i measure the distance its 73mm

They advertise : Bracket bottom length:68mm
This mid drive motor designed to fit bike with a 68mm (2.68inch) or 73mm (2.87inch) wide bottom bracket. The inner
diameter of the bracket should be not less than 33.5mm. We will send extra washers and bolts for 73mm bottom bracket.

Not sure what the last part means as it to short anyways.

Use washers to shim it out or use a different screw.

Magzire · 25-03-2021 5:55pm

SCOL wrote: »

Use washers to shim it out or use a different screw.

Yep understand now

SCOL · 25-03-2021 6:27pm

Looking at the photos again, I'd leave it alone mine is the same the piece you have in your hand is loose on mine but as long as the motor is screwed tight to the frame it OK.

Magzire · 25-03-2021 10:56pm

I added the those 5mm washers just to be safe.
I got the new chain on and gave it a spin without the battery pack, amazed how normal it felt and really didn't notice the extra weight of the motor. So glad i can still use it for normal exercise without feeling like crap to cycle.

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