Electric Bikes - Update on my ebike quest

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View Full Version : Update on my ebike quest


Duracutter
11-04-08, 12:57 AM
So far, I've bought 4 izips from Canadian Tire, they were my first purchases early summer, then I bought the 5304 crystallite, the Phoenix Racer which is the 5303 crystallite that may or may not be modified, then I got the crystallite 408, the cyclone 1500w kit and some misc. motors for the izip modifications.

The cp izips are all dead, I overvolted 2 of them and the other 2 are waiting for mods. The most I overvolted the izips and they worked ok was 60volts. It went about 60km and would heat up if you didn't watch it. Finally, I tried 72 volts and that was it.

The 5304 has been a steady motor with excellent results. I run it on a Canadian Tire supercycle Hooligan model. This bike is bad. Suspension is non-existent, front suspension quit working properly the 2nd day and otherwise it's a harsh bike to ride with very hard pedalling action. The leg power doesn't seem to transfer very well... lol and I realized that when I rode my Specialized Expedition model today. What a difference. It's like night and day. All the same roads seemed smooth compared to using the Hooligan. Problem with the Expedition is it's all aluminum. It's also a cruiser, less of a mountain bike which is ok, it does take bumps and ruts well and I've set up the batteries on side bags off the rear rack. It makes the center of gravity low and runs well, I'm running 84 volts on the Phoenix Racer and it flies. If I push hard on the throttle at about 30km it spins on slight bumps. Lots of torque and top speed of about 75-80km.
In other words, crazy fast and dangerous if you don't watch it. Of course its a front wheel setup on an aluminum fork with suspension on top of that...haha, I'm sure karma will think faceplant is coming.

I know that can be a problem, so taking it easy on takeoff is critical, no jack rabbit starts at all. Once on the way though the bike pulls well and the Expedition does pedal nicely. I'll go full bore and be able to lay off the throttle and keep the speed by just pedalling, which translates into good exercise more fun and way more range. The hooligan wasn't that easy to pedal and made everything a chore. I'll still ride it, it's reliable, but the Phoenix/Expedition combo is tops so far.

As far as the Cyclone purchases, I'll sum it up this way, :mad: $1,500 and 2 1500w kits with motors that have no geardown transmission and little torque. It can't be pedalled without the motor running, something they've only recently adressed with a one way bearing, overheating because of the lack of torque....yadi yada... been there got all the tshirts, man poor product development... their 650w setup is better because of the gear reduction in the tranny it comes with which gives it 5times more torque than the 1500w. You tell me, sucks doesn't it so.... that's on the back burner until spare time in the winter.

For now, I just want to ride as much as possible, before the snow flies. I'll ride all winter, but it's easier to ride with no snow.

Hope my info helps someone make an informed decision.

:)


karma
11-04-08, 03:23 PM
yes the hooligan is junk, but the rear swing arm works great on other frames :):p