The argument for a cell monitor is well noted. My Cycle Analyst has a Low Voltage Cutoff that will cut off all power at a certain level. I've not had any problems with cell balancing after the initial top-up, although I do manually balance the cells once a week anyways. Since I have it set to go at 34v (2.9v * 12 cells) it will generally catch any issues - although I would hate to be out in the middle of nowhere if it were to go off.

I would gladly trade the hours of manual finicky stuff to be lazy really, but this learning experience has been invaluable. It helped build "trust" in the system - knowing how far I can go and just how far I can push the system. I'm gradually expanding my range and testing different routes to maximize range by reducing hills and other wasteful practices. I'm pedalling more when it counts and watching the consumption of power to try to minimize draw to extend range.

I did check into local suppliers for balancers, monitors and chargers - it's much more effective to order offshore (a 2 pack 6S LiPo charger here is 400, a simple 8 cell balancer is 110) and as impatient as I am, I'll wait a little longer for the goods to arrive and save tons of money.

BTW - nwmtnbkr - great job on the cases...

Just got back from a 40km (25mi) ride, used 15.75 Ah and the cells were all at 3.23v, I'm bulk charging them now. Still haven't gotten the regen fixed, looked like I was right when I figured the jumper I soldered in on the controller wouldn't cut it.

Sigh - off the buy more Artic Silver for the heatsinks when I pull it apart.