Sturdly's blog

What's the brown leather belt for? Multiple choice test later in this entry.

Did my initial test fit of the motor mount and as expected the odd frame geometry is supplying more challenges.

A quick list of issues follows:

I. Down tube angle does not match angle of motor mount.

II. Supplied 2 inch round u clamp is not appropriate for this application.
A. Oval down tube is 2.25 x 1.25 inches = u bolt too short and too wide.
B. Round contact surfaces not a close enough match to distribute the clamping force allowing tube damage.

Well, all the components and tools arrived from Harris yesterday. Order was complete including the grade 25 bearings. It came well packaged and everything was as advertised. I'll be ordering from them again if my LBS doesn't have what I need.

After much agonizing over which type of conversion kit to use I purchased an elation ebike bottom bracket drive kit from Oz which has finally arrived in the US after a bit of a wait. My main concern is no US distributor yet so it's all long distance so to speak.

I decided to go this route for multiple reasons. Local terrain includes many steep hills, the finished product needed to be light enough for me to lift into a transit bus bike carrier, I have no access to a machine shop and zero experience with electric bikes. This kit seemed to offer all that I was looking for. Mostly I wanted the bottom bracket mount Unite motor, motor freewheel adapter and the freewheeling crank set. I also liked the light weight, quick release, easy to carry, complete with handle battery pack.