2old

The individuals that prefer direct drive do so since the motors cool better ( no gears inside to retain heat), are quieter, more trouble free (only one moving part), less expensive and seem to tolerate high power better AFAIK. Each has its advantages.

rick kimura

They are a slim battery ,,, . I haven't tried a direct drive , so im going to set about finding one to have a go on . Ill look into the link you sent me ,,,,TKS

rick

vincent713

You are right on all accounts however, I haven't notice my motor getting hot or overheat. It does make a whining noise at take off but once it gets going, it's quiet. It's very hard to break the gears and I haven't seen it happen yet but you can buy the gears and replace them yourself if it ever happens. I just appreciate the torque that the geared motor produces and I do a lot of pedaling and appreciate the free resistance that it possess. For sure each has its advantages.


I forgot to mention the battery weighs about 5-6 pound so you can buy extra batteries which are cheap on their website to double your range!

2old

Vincent, I agree totally, and have a geared motor too which has never been hotter than lukewarm. It's much better for a more bike like, stealth (if one cares) and light overall system. The DD's that I've seen are cumbersome, but I'll probably try one eventually just to see what a 1KV-2KV system feels like.
Rick, you'll be surprised by the weight distribution if the bike has a rear mounted battery as well as the DD motor.

rick kimura

Hi bob , I know what your saying ,, ive even been even considering mounting the current battery on top of the bar in front of the seat . But that would require lots of thought / trial and error and being unable to slide the battery out would be another hurdle id need to overcome . And less vibration going to the battery id assume .
A "cemoto" is looking like a better option by the day
Vincent ,,, + 1 , my geared 200w motor of 3 years has never even been warm to touch , and that's with this 48v its currently running . Ive read they make noise ,,,,noise ,,,what noise ? The only noise my geared motor makes are the vibrations going through the guards , which ive insulated with tape . A DD is a must try down the track for the experience . I hover around 70kgs , have my "mini fox terrier" in the basket . She weighs in at 6kgs , bike still does the same speed with or without her on board ,,,!
rick

2old

Rick, Take a look at the Portland Design Works cargo rack or the Origin8 handlebar with front rack (Amazon). Have you ever considered a "tringle bag" for your battery or isn't there enough room?

vincent713

I am LOVING my Cemoto! I bought a basket the other day and will install it when I get a chance, will take some pics. I also bought an extra lithium battery from Electro Bike World since it is very compact, light weight and to double my range. The price was really cheap I couldn't resist. Now I can make a 60 mile journey without worry of running out of battery. For the price I paid for my ebike + extra battery, it is still cheaper than a lot of kits or ebikes out there with less than 60 mile range.

rick kimura

2old,,,thanks bob origin8 & Portland front racks are very substantial looking . It wont go in the frame so my only option is the front or rear . Probably keep it rear with extra padding . Will keep the thinking cap on for now ,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks !

Vince , Yes having that extra fully charged battery with you will be a terrific backup should the need arise . How about a box specially made to keep it in attached under the top mid frame bar ,, or somewhere easily accessible ?

rick

bobbrooke

yes same battery, way more torque, top speed is up perhaps 5-6 mph. I really don't notice much difference in how many miles on a charge, but I live in a small town so it's mostly 3-6 miles at a go. The supplier was very helpful, and switching the whole thing over was quite easy.

vincent713

I bought a basket from Walmart for $14, inspired from Rick's bike. I didn't use the hardware that came with it and decided to use zip ties. Works great! Now I need to figure out where to mount the extra spare battery or I can always stick it in the basket.

vincent713

My lithium battery comes with a female DC plug so I bought a male DC jack with a usb adapter. Now I can power my led headlight and charge my phone/tablet with my bike battery when I'm on the road.

chas58

How cool is that? Run everything off your bike battery!

vera987987

Hi Vincent,
I'm thinking of getting this bike, I was wondering if you're still happy with it? Were you able to attach a rear bike rack? Do you think if the seat was down all the way it would fit a 5'2" rider? Thanks in advance.

vincent713

Hi Vera,

I am still loving this bike and ride it everyday usually after work in the evening when it gets cooler. This is why I had install the led light for night riding. The dual suspension on this bike gives it a really nice soft comfortable ride especially when you go over bumps and cracks. The battery last a long time and hold its charge very well. I rode 12 miles today and came home with 2 battery led indicator left out of 3.
I have not installed a rear rack yet but this bike does have screw holes to mount a rack. The basket I installed in the front gives me plenty of space to store my stuff, grocery, tools, RC helicopters, drinks etc.
4th of July weekend I folded my bike up and threw it in my car trunk and took a trip to the lake. Rode my bike close up to where they were shooting fireworks and it was spectacular!
My wife is 5'3 and she can ride my bike with no problem.

rick kimura

Hey Vincent , its a really smart looking bike , love the seat , nice job on the light ,,the basket too , and they really do come in handy for carrying stuff ,,ive put my mini fox terrier in there and weve clocked up "easily" over 10,000mls over 16yrs

Heres a pic of my little mate for life ,,,,,,,,,,,,,!

vincent713

Thanks! My wife likes to ride with me as well but she's too big for my basket. So I gave her my old bike "Trail Maker" and we ride every chance we get. Cute terrier!

vera987987

Thanks Vincent, for your reply.

ChiliHead

Just seeing if you are still happy with the bike. I had a Chinese made electric scooter that rusted and had all kinds of problems. I don't want to repeat that!

How is the riding position? I'm 5'5" and wonder if I'd be really stretched out. It looks like that top tube is pretty long. I want something with a reasonably upright riding position. I'm a couple of inches taller than your wife. Can you tell me if she is stretched out or fairly upright when riding it?

Thanks!

vincent713

I ride this bike daily and still enjoying it. It's a mountain bike style so it has more of a forward lean to it in its stock form. This was why I added an adjustable stem and 5" rise handlebar. It now has a very upright position and doesn't strain my shoulder, arms and wrist. You should be able to ride this bike at 5'5, you can always move the seat to the lowest setting and move it forward towards the handlebar.

ebikebike

Howdy, I would also like to upgrade to a 750w rear hub motor (36v), did you have to upgrade the controller or is it rated for 20 amps? (750w / 36v = 20.83 amps)

Also, do you know if its a 'geared' motor?

Thanks

bobbrooke

I bought a complete 750 watt rear hub kit and changed everything but the battery.I went to the 750 because it was the largest wattage that I could find that would sill operate on the original battery (36 volt 10 ah) It is not a geared motor so it is quite a bit quieter.

vincent713

Did you notice a big difference in performance, speed and power or was it only a slight difference? Also, was there a big notice in range since the bigger motor use more wattage?

bobbrooke

The difference between the 300 and the 750 is like night and day. Notice it most on hills and starting from a stop. I really did not notice a huge difference in range as I live in a small town and my trips are usually no more that 10 km.
If it was not for the cost of the battery i would have gone to a 48 volt system, but I am nevertheless quite pleased with this setup.

ebikebike

That's perfect, and exactly what I was thinking of doing, that way I can also get the LCD upgraded display as well.
I was worried that the larger controller will not fit in the same space, and also the cables might be hard to snake.
Were you able to use any of the original cables/connectors, or have any suggestions you could share?
Thanks

bobbrooke

The larger controller was tight but still did fit in with some minor modifications. I was able to use the Pedal assist control which was attached to the crank. I simply swapped ends. All the other controls I swapped out and was able to fish the wires through the frame, starting with the largest first. All in all a thoroughly satisfying swap, with few if any issues.I orderded my wheel and assembly online through Ebay, came air freight from China. Just a week.
Suggestions, like everything think it through before you do it