Electric Bikes - Crystalyte Journey / 408 or Crystalyte Roadrunner: Which is better?

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xuertua
01-16-10, 05:42 PM
Hey there,

I am upgrading my bicycle with an electric motor kit and am deciding between either the Crystalyte Journey / 408 (500W, 36V, brushless) at $499.99 or the Crystalyte Roadrunner (900 watts, 36V, brushless) at $699.95, which both seem to be pretty solid and reasonable priced for the quality. Below are links to the specs of both kits.

Does anyone know which of these is the better option? I can't find too much about the Journey / 408-- is it a bit out of date, whereas the Roadrunner is more modern? I am installing the motor onto a pretty typical hybrid bicycle. Thanks!!

-Grant


Journey / 408 Link: http://www.econver.site.aplus.net/cgi-bin/mivavm?/mm5/merchant.mvc+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ASL&Product_Code=CCS&Category_Code=EBCKW

Roadrunner Link: http://urbanscooters.com/cgi-bin/urbanscooters/RoadRunner.html

nwmtnbkr
01-16-10, 06:18 PM
Welcome. Not knowing anything about the bike you plan to convert-- the types of areas you'll ride (flat, hilly, both?), your size, budget you're working with, etc.,--it's hard to answer your question. There is a lot of information on hub and non-hub motors (including all the Crystalyte hub motors) at Endless Sphere (that forum is a wealth of information; the only bikes they focus on are electric bikes). Plus, lots of information on batteries. (You'll want to buy as much battery as you can afford since battery performance will affect how well your system works. You'll also need to educate yourself about BMS requirements if you go with lithium.) Here's a link to Endless Sphere. http://endless-sphere.com/forums/
Snowsurfer
01-16-10, 07:25 PM
I have the RoadRunner, which is a 408 motor.

If I could do it all again, I would buy a Nine Continent, it has better torque and a better top speed with the fast winding.

The waterproofing is supposed to be better as well, and it is also cheaper, and was manufactured under tighter tolerances.

xuertua
01-17-10, 01:14 AM
Thanks for the replies. I am riding about 3 miles each way to school, and about 1 mile of it is a steeeeep steep hill. I weigh 190 pounds. I have anywhere from $300-$800 to spend, and obviously I want to get my bang for my buck. As for the bike it's going on, I am going to buy it after I pick my motor, so I will pick one to fit it. Thanks so much for your help! I am checking out endless-sphere and will be sure to spread my knowledge.