I like the bionx system, but i'm going to bail on the whole idea. The reason..The shops that are "dealers" here in Van. BC. (the ones i looked into) suck. The problems i had ranged from: one shop- and i thought this was going to be a good place, they had bionx products all over the store..The owner seemed confused and unorganized with his answers and even where he kept product in the store...---What will be forgotten on my bike install???
Another store i walked into, the building looked like it was about to fall apart, i almost tripped on a large section of lino that had worn through to the base floor. Then in the service area i see an 18 yr oldish guy standing at the work bench stabbing and digging a screw driver into the bench..lol...---They don't take care of their own shop so how much care will they take with my bike.
The next store i check out, didn't even have any Bionx product in the store...--no product, enough said i guess.
Also to top it off..I sent a couple of emails to Bionx asking about time till failure hrs/km on their system components..This was a week ago..still no answer...I bet they will be just as quick with any warranty problem i'll have..
I think i'm going to go with plan b and build my own Chinese system. My only real choice is a small store in vancouver..I hope they have their S*** together or i may as well bail on the whole electric bike idea..Serious bummer!
Sorry to rant. But i can't believe how "hack" some bike shops around here are..If i pulled some of this stuff in my shop (heavy equip. repair), i would be out the door or the customers would..
JeanCoutu
08-18-07, 05:41 PM
Yeah, lots of bike shops are lame. Threads like this one abound on BF:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=333486
But, good ones also exist. For example I don't have the tools for facing misc orifices or getting a frame/derailleur hanger aligned, so they're a godsend for things like that. They're also an excellent way to get common parts quickly say for the yearly overhaul, things like chains/cables/brake pads.
There's also a small electric bike specific shop around here, they don't have bionx. No doubt they're competant with the electric part, but they're really quite lame as far as the bikes go. Though I may have bought stuff from them if they had what I wanted, and I'm sure they've installed plenty, but I wouldn't want them to touch my bikes.
If you had your heart set on a BionX and don't mind DIY, I've seen a few BionX kits for ~500$ in local pawnshops. Most of them have "free installation" things too, but then I wouldn't want them to touch my bikes either. I'd guess there's likely to be equivalents available in your neck of the woods.
HalfLifeT1
08-18-07, 07:32 PM
Wow..That post hit it pretty much right on the head as far as what i experienced. On an update, i just checked out two more Bionx "dealers"..They both had no product, not even a Bionx sign saying they carried the product. I really wonder how Bionx approves dealerships..I had a diesel engine dealership when i owned my own business..Final approval took a year, to get the contract and details sorted out. I know there is a big difference between a diesel engine dealership and a bicycle part dealership. But a dealership is a dealership. From the manufacturer and the dealer, there has to be product support, knowledge, supply and service.
In a way it was good the Bionx plan flopped. I'm looking forward to building my own project.
Yes, i have seen Bionx systems at pawn shops. I pondered that route, strip a bike for it's system. I also pondered buying/ordering the Bionx kit from a "dealer". But i can just imagine the fun i will have claiming warranty should i come across a defective part.."because i installed it myself".. One shop hinted that there would be no warranty if i installed the kit myself..
I'm positive there are some really good bike shops here in Van. I have to find them first though.
The7
08-18-07, 10:29 PM
I'm positive there are some really good bike shops here in Van. I have to find them first though.
Please post them when you find them!
HalfLifeT1
08-18-07, 11:00 PM
Yes, I will post any good shops i happen to come across. As for the ones i had problems with, anyone can PM me and i'll tell them my experience. I don't want to post shop names as i think i just puts unnecessary dirty laundry up. As the impression of a shop is mine and mine only and perhaps my experiences may be only unique to just me. (Although i strongly doubt it)
Skyway6
08-20-07, 01:09 PM
same experience i went thru. in the end i ended up with a 50cc scooter :) almost went Bionix and even put deposit down with work to done by next day..but the mechanic never showed up and they do not even have a regular mechanic but "borrow" one from an other shop. Could not tell me when they would complete the work so i said forget it..give deposit back and i am outa here.
Tried an electric scooter (from place near main/2nd) was ok..but too limiting...
so let me guess..one of these stores you went to, was it downtown near BC Place/Cambie bridge?
Other place i checked was in N Van a few blocks from Seabus.
I still have my Brodie..i ride that weekdays for getting to work and ride scooter on weekends for fun.
I like the bionx system, but i'm going to bail on the whole idea. The reason..The shops that are "dealers" here in Van. BC. (the ones i looked into) suck. The problems i had ranged from: one shop- and i thought this was going to be a good place, they had bionx products all over the store..The owner seemed confused and unorganized with his answers and even where he kept product in the store...---What will be forgotten on my bike install???
Another store i walked into, the building looked like it was about to fall apart, i almost tripped on a large section of lino that had worn through to the base floor. Then in the service area i see an 18 yr oldish guy standing at the work bench stabbing and digging a screw driver into the bench..lol...---They don't take care of their own shop so how much care will they take with my bike.
The next store i check out, didn't even have any Bionx product in the store...--no product, enough said i guess.
Also to top it off..I sent a couple of emails to Bionx asking about time till failure hrs/km on their system components..This was a week ago..still no answer...I bet they will be just as quick with any warranty problem i'll have..
I think i'm going to go with plan b and build my own Chinese system. My only real choice is a small store in vancouver..I hope they have their S*** together or i may as well bail on the whole electric bike idea..Serious bummer!
Sorry to rant. But i can't believe how "hack" some bike shops around here are..If i pulled some of this stuff in my shop (heavy equip. repair), i would be out the door or the customers would..
Zeuser
08-20-07, 02:15 PM
I went to Quebec to get mine since all the local shops in Mississauga are clueless in regards to electric bikes.
HalfLifeT1
08-21-07, 02:30 AM
so let me guess..one of these stores you went to, was it downtown near BC Place/Cambie bridge?
That's a good guess..I was going to put a deposit down too..But I got a really bad feeling about the dude, because of a run around he was doing, and i walked out the door too.
I'm a bit diappointed i wanted a bionx system. I been thinking about what i can do about it. I've decided, i'm going to phone Bionx and tell them how shotty their dealer network is. Someone needs to, may as well be me.
Due to lack of dealer support, i'll see if they will sell me a system direct. Failing that, see if they will "hand select" a dealer for me to go to and have bionx provide me with a written guarentee the work will be done correctly from their selected dealer. If Bionx is any bit customer service orientated, they will do it.
Skyway6
08-21-07, 11:21 AM
before you try direct..and you want a local dealer..i would go check out the place in north Van
they seemed more professional and up to speed on things. Pricing is about the same. If you know the place i mean..just go there..(Esplande..few blocks east of Seabus ..)
http://www.electriccoast.com/contact_us/default.asp
no affiliation with them.. just found them professional and if i was going to go electric bike again i would buy from them.
That's a good guess..I was going to put a deposit down too..But I got a really bad feeling about the dude, because of a run around he was doing, and i walked out the door too.
I'm a bit diappointed i wanted a bionx system. I been thinking about what i can do about it. I've decided, i'm going to phone Bionx and tell them how shotty their dealer network is. Someone needs to, may as well be me.
Due to lack of dealer support, i'll see if they will sell me a system direct. Failing that, see if they will "hand select" a dealer for me to go to and have bionx provide me with a written guarentee the work will be done correctly from their selected dealer. If Bionx is any bit customer service orientated, they will do it.
HalfLifeT1
08-21-07, 12:47 PM
Thanks, I haven't checked out that shop. I'll go see them.
HalfLifeT1
08-25-07, 03:50 AM
I checked out electric coast today. The guy did seem pretty honest, obliging and knowledgable (at least he answered the questions i had). He even pulled out a battery pack so i could have a look inside. I was happy and we set up an order for a p 350 kit with the extras i was looking for. 2 weeks it should be in. Thanks for your suggestion skyway6.
The7
08-25-07, 07:58 AM
I checked out electric coast today. The guy did seem pretty honest, obliging and knowledgable (at least he answered the questions i had). He even pulled out a battery pack so i could have a look inside. I was happy and we set up an order for a p 350 kit with the extras i was looking for. 2 weeks it should be in. Thanks for your suggestion skyway6.
Are you going to install P350 by yourself?
Fairplay
08-25-07, 04:21 PM
http://ebikes.ca/index.shtml did you check out this outlet ?
Fairplay
08-25-07, 04:33 PM
http://lh6.google.com/seivadle/RtCuW5-WBoI/AAAAAAAAAzU/diTquzGgPgk/s144/SNB12716.JPGThis bike was built with assistance from my above link and I am well pleased with the result
Fairplay
08-25-07, 05:27 PM
http://lh6.google.com/seivadle/RtCuW5-WBoI/AAAAAAAAAzU/diTquzGgPgk/s144/SNB12716.JPGThis bike was built with assistance from my above link and I am well pleased with the result
Whoops not a lot of info on those last posts.
The site I gave gives you all the details you need to convert a bike of your choice to electric assist. The web site covers most details (the average person would understand) and though the “store” they have may not inspire confidence to a none tech mind The lack of polish is more than backed up by a deeper understanding and a willingness to advise what would best suit your requirements….
The bike on the thumbnail is getting quite well known by some of the racers round Vancouver…. chased by many overtaken by few only to be caught and overtaken again when they are knackered from sprinting or come to a hill….
The reason for being caught is I deliberately slow down. The electric motor develops most power at 30kph reduces to no input at all at 45kph , my now 50+kg Raleigh Matterhorn has too small a front chainset for me to assist at that speed so if you want to overtake me do it on a long straight with a tailwind or downhill
The set up I chose will only do 20mph / 30kph without assist, so it does comply with legal requirements… I have yet to meet a racer that can maintain 30kph coming all the way up to the UBC from Spanish Bank….if I do I can always pedal a bit harder.
I use the bike solely for recreation and normally don’t use the motor except for hills, but travel around 65-70 kms on an average run out at quite a leisurely pace. I reckon battery alone 2x24v 1200ah Nimh will last 30 to 35Kms.
The other day I did talk to someone who had bought a $600 Canadatire electric bike.... It buzzed, had a lead acid battery, wasn’t very fast and has short range...... very good value for that price though.
The7
08-25-07, 06:09 PM
http://lh6.google.com/seivadle/RtCuW5-WBoI/AAAAAAAAAzU/diTquzGgPgk/s144/SNB12716.JPGThis bike was built with assistance from my above link and I am well pleased with the result
Wondering how much is your motor kit plus 2X24V NiMh battery.
Are you using 2X24V as 48V on your ebike?
HalfLifeT1
08-25-07, 07:44 PM
Are you going to install P350 by yourself?
The bionx kit is fairly fool proof, modular kit.. Installation is no charge. I still haven't decided if i'll take the kit and run or let him install it. I would like to install it myself though. I've got a couple of weeks to decide.
HalfLifeT1
08-25-07, 07:58 PM
http://ebikes.ca/index.shtml did you check out this outlet ?
I was planning to check out that store. I am going with a bionx kit, but i started planning out a crystalite kit and i think i will go ahead with that too. 2 ebikes are better then one..lol. (One for commuting to work and one to play with.) The only problem with ebike is they have a small window in which they are open. I can't go during the days or times they are open for business. I'll email and see if i can arrange day and time to visit.
I'm not too concerend if the shop is a hole in the wall, providing the Proprietor is knowledgable.. Besides with the chinese stuff i have low expectations of warranty anyways. Treat the whole event, good or bad, as a learning experience and the money spent as the cost of an education. My venture into electric bikes.
Fairplay
08-25-07, 09:46 PM
Hi T7
Yes the batteries are in-series 48v I use 2x24v High rate chargers.... takes about 4 hours to fully charge it's automatic (but no heat sensor) so cuts out on voltage rise... the batteries alone were around $500 you can check the prices for all the other stuff on my link....... To keep it legal I went for the 26in 408 otherwise I would be tempted to speed too much and get lazy with the pedals.
The 20amp controller is fine, also the owners own design meter for keeping an eye on speed usage power output (fuel gauge) charge-cycles etc has been fitted and is very useful.
I have done around 2000 kms on it during the sunny weather….. the main drawback is my bike is a hardtail and definitely does not like potholes especially with it’s additional weight. Not a bike to take mud tracking but gravel tracks and light sand… no problem with two wheel drive (me powering the back wheel) it stabilizes the front under power.
Traffic lights are good you can stay in the middle of the road because the first thirty yards or so (even in top gear) you can pull away quicker than the cars…. ie it makes left turns easier.
Best of all…… it’s just a bicycle
HalfLifeT1
09-09-07, 03:51 AM
Just to update this post, I picked up my kit from electric coast this fri. I wanted to install the kit myself. They had no problem with it. They even pulled the parts out of the kit and went over the install, what to look for etc. mainly the white indicator on the motor axle. If the indicator isn't pointing parallel to the ground (sometimes the factory gets this wrong) the torque sensing will be off. Mine was ok. If it was off, they said to bring the bike in they would re-align it (needs a special puller which they have). They did forget to order my second battery charger. But oh well, it's on order now. All in all, i think electric coast is a good place to buy a Bionx kit. They were helpful and didn't try to BS me like another Bionx "dealer" did.