I've finally finished my build. A Crystalyte Voyager 36V rear hub on a custom build up Kona frame. Check this (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?o=3Tzut&pic_id=316499&v=F&size=large) out!

YELLOW!!!

Nice. :)


I LOVE that HORN!!! :D

Very nice.
What rack trunk is that?

The horn is strictly Dollar Store, the racks are MEC.

Ok, now we need some good performance reviews on how she handles, speed/distance/hills? etc.


Oh, and how's that beer? An IPA I see. Wonder if they sell that one up here in WA.

Ok, now we need some good performance reviews on how she handles, speed/distance/hills? etc.


Oh, and how's that beer? An IPA I see. Wonder if they sell that one up here in WA.

It's Southern Tier, from Lakewood NY. $13 for 6 in Ontario. Very hoppy for a US beer. Since hops are grown in your area, I'm sure there are other great IPAs in Washington state.

You'll have to wait for the bike review.

Me again.
I've just done my first 42 km commute. The hub is remarkably peppy, especially at low speeds and climbs hills and takes headwinds well. Much better than the 400W brushed I was running before. It just took an hour to re-charge at work, so it must not be drawing much power. Than again the bike is pretty fast itself, so I imagine I might be able to get away without charging at work. I was never able to do that with my Wilderness Energy brushless, in fact it would drain the batteries so quickly that twice cells exploded.

Most of the issues I currently have, are around the build, not the hub. For instance, I decided to go with two folding wire cages instead of panniers. I've already moved then back twice, but I still occassionally kick them.

I've got two locks to carry (in case I have to leave it out somewhere) and the Stock Lock doesn't come with a rack and I don't have frame space anyway. I'm now using carabiners connected to the wire cages to hold the locks.

I've got what looks like a cooler (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?o=3Tzut&pic_id=316496&v=16&size=large) (actually a tackle box) that I use to pack the batteries with ice packs during the hot weather to keep them from overheating. I think that really shortens their life.

This may be an ignorant question, but...

I saw recently on tv where they were showing Li-ion cell production, and they stated that Li-ion cells actually run better at warmer temps. Generally from 100F-140F. As they were layering flat cells together to make those larger blocks, they alternately placed thin heater plates and foam insulation layers between them, to keep the cells warm. That way they operate at max efficiency.

Doesn't colder temps (like freezing) actually make those cells operate at lower eficiency?

Maybe, but I'm running Nicads, and they,like Nimh heat with discharge.

sweet - nice job. Love seeing 'em evolve...

Great bike! How much did it cost you to build?

Don't tell SWMBO, but,
I bought a Kona Dew bike, switched out the front forks and disk brakes. I stripped the bike and had a custom paint job done. I went over on the front forks because the dealer could only get a single shock fork in black (more $$) I went with the Crystalyte rear hub and switched out the seat post for one with a shock. I already had the battery box and the batteries. I think the bike was around 5, the paint around 3, the hub almost 6 and an extra 1 for the fork. Add the folding rear carriers and I think we are looking just over $1500. Batteries not included.

I could have not gone with the paint and cheaper shocks and saved $400, but this is my car replacement and it gets ridden everyday. About 1,000 kms a month

Stokell, that MEC hard plastic box/trunk that you have is really nice. I searched the MEC website and google but could not find it. Where did you buy it? Do you have a link?

I've finally finished my build. A Crystalyte Voyager 36V rear hub on a custom build up Kona frame. Check this (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?o=3Tzut&pic_id=316499&v=F&size=large) out!

When I click on the link, i get "You are not authorized to view this page".

Stokell, that MEC hard plastic box/trunk that you have is really nice. I searched the MEC website and google but could not find it. Where did you buy it? Do you have a link?

That's a Louis Garneau (http://www.velotique.com/bag-6.htm) box. Velotique sell them.

Thanks.