Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 A few months ago I saw a ad in the popular mechanics magazine for a motor (kit) that you can stick on your bicycle that you can use at selected times when you dont feel like pedaling.It was only R1500 for the whole thing, fits on a standard frame that supports V-Brakes.A cheap motorbike/scooter is only 5K nowdays, but you still need to get a license for it and you dont have the pedals for when you do want to do some extra work. Anything under 50cc you dont need a license which is pretty cool. I commute alot and I am fortunate enough to have a shower where I work now so normal bike and I am sorted. But there is the occasion where I may need to go somewhere else where there may not be showers etc, then I am faced with a problem. If I had a motor-bicycle, I could motor there in cycling clothes etc, just light pedaling to keep the frostbite off and then no need for a shower. I would then be able to pedal home afterwards so that I could still get the workout. Anyone here doing anything like this?I wonder what other options there are.Especially with electric bikes becoming more advanced now as well that may even be a route worthwhile exploring.Only thing I dont like about some of the electric things they have out there at the moment is that most of them have pretty stupid speed limits built in. Like 25km/h or something. Im better off just pedaling then rather.The small petrol kit will get you to about 60 with the chainring they give you.A smaller chainring on the back will give you a bit more but then climbing hills may not work as well. So, ideas? Has anyone done anything like this? I almost dont really want to go across to the motorbike world incase I dont come back, but if I can keep some pedals on there I think I wont drift astray!
pastapouch Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Saw it as well... great for lazy people like me. My commute is just too far and hard to do.. will be 1:50 each way.
bikemonster Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Have a look at the hobby shop (Pastimes?) at Willowbridge. Last time I was there they had one in the window. (Apologies if I have annoyed any hubbers by submitting a post that is not contentious, sarcastic or otherwise useless. I'll try and make sure it doesn't happen again.)
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 Saw it as well... great for lazy people like me. My commute is just too far and hard to do.. will be 1:50 each way. Well then it would be prefect for you.With pedaling and motor you could probably get it down to an hour each way.
greenhorn Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Check ezeebike.co.za I think they also sell them on chain reaction cycles
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 Have a look at the hobby shop (Pastimes?) at Willowbridge. Last time I was there they had one in the window. (Apologies if I have annoyed any hubbers by submitting a post that is not contentious, sarcastic or otherwise useless. I'll try and make sure it doesn't happen again.) Nice.I would like to see something in action and hear from someone who has done it before taking the plunge. I mean look at the options.Even if I have to buy a makro bike to do the conversion it would still be worthwhile.
TNT1 Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 A few months ago I saw a ad in the popular mechanics magazine for a motor (kit) that you can stick on your bicycle that you can use at selected times when you dont feel like pedaling.It was only R1500 for the whole thing, fits on a standard frame that supports V-Brakes. So that's where Cancellara got his.
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 Check ezeebike.co.za I think they also sell them on chain reaction cycles Thanks. They have a 30km/h limit. "You can go up to 30km/h without touching the pedals" So I imagine that as you start pedaling it will reduce power to the engine rendering you pedaling on your own by the time you reach 35. The reason there is a limit on the electric bikes is because there is some countries that have something like a 25-30 km/h limit on electric assisted vehicles. Not that any stupid laws like that will stop anyone here in SA though.I could probably build a petrol powered bike and ride on the N1 without anyone doing anything. Also looking more for a kit that can go onto a bike though.The electric bikes just look too "softie" for me.
andretraut Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Why not get one like Cancellera was accused of using, hidden in the seat tube, then you can also use it in races such as the Cape Cobra!
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 So that's where Cancellara got his. That particular kit in mention costs a nice 10K or something.Yes, I would love that, but at that cost I would rather get a real motorbike.
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 Why not get one like Cancellera was accused of using, hidden in the seat tube, then you can also use it in races such as the Cape Cobra! It actually does hide away really well.The only external evidance is a saddle bag. So unless you are riding league you have nothing to worry about
TNT1 Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Why not get one like Cancellera was accused of using, hidden in the seat tube, then you can also use it in races such as the Cape Cobra! But not the bouckeart sounen race, cause they will make a cheating thread about you
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 But not the bouckeart sounen race, cause they will make a cheating thread about you
Breezer Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Ask Henlo from Recycle. He built one of those on a cheap MTB.
Woofie Posted January 31, 2011 Author Posted January 31, 2011 Ask Henlo from Recycle. He built one of those on a cheap MTB. ?Where they?
Cassie Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 Check ezeebike.co.za I think they also sell them on chain reaction cycles A good mate of mine has one of these - he has a medical condition and the doc's has advised him to stop cycling. He's far to adventerous for that and got one of these eezybike kits. AFAIK it's the fron hub that is replaced by this powerful electric hub. So he uses it only on steep uphill sections (his HR should not get too much elevated!) If you want, i can put you into contact with him...he'll be able to give yuo a great first hand experience on one of these... Unfortunately he's not on the Hub... My question is....will he be allowed to participate in MTB races? Should he get prior permission to enter? After all, he doing it for fun and not to have a podium finish?
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