The last upgrades for my Aipas

[usclassic]

So I have added an air shock and some cable actuated hydraulic calipers to all the other stuff and am happy with the final result.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Ready for adventure! I think many if not most would refer to those cable-activated brakes as "mechanical". In what sense are you using "hydro" here?

 

[RunForTheHills]

Ready for adventure! I think many if not most would refer to those cable-activated brakes as "mechanical". In what sense are you using "hydro" here?

There is a hybrid type of hydraulic brake called a cable actuated hydraulic brake. It uses a cable, but has a hydraulic piston on the caliper. So it has the self-adjustment feature that hydraulic brakes do, but uses existing cable brake levers.

 

[usclassic]

Ready for adventure! I think many if not most would refer to those cable-activated brakes as "mechanical". In what sense are you using "hydro" here?

They are cable actuated hydraulic dual piston calipers

 

[stompandgo]

They are typically stronger than a cable actuated brake, but you don't get the mechanical advantage of a hydraulic brake system.

I'm also a firm believer that no e-bike that heavy with that kind of load carrying capacity should have 2-piston brakes of any kind. We do a lot of 4-piston upgrades on bikes like this.

 

[RunForTheHills]

The cable actuated hydraulic brakes are useful for converting e-bikes that may have a switch integrated in the cable brake levers to hydraulic. There is a use case for them. I am a fan of over-engineering, but those brakes can probably lock up the wheel and will be fine for stopping that bike. The first disc brakes I had were mechanical. They were very fussy, needed frequent adjustments, and squeaked a lot. I almost swore off disc brakes altogether until I tried hydraulic disc brakes.

 

[usclassic]

Removed about 7 lbs, counting hardware, of high rear weight by attaching tote directly to rear rack. Cleaner look and much easier access no more bungees.

 

[usclassic]

I will be adding two 5 gal. totes instead of the bags I had. They each had four clip buckles that proved too much of a pain to open load and close at the grocery store .

So I will try these as panniers

Dimensions: Measures 12.3 inches W x 16.4 inches D x 8.6 inches H,so my insulated bags will just drop in fast and easy.

 

[usclassic]

Was able to order two sets at one time.

 

[usclassic]

Mounted the two side totes using the large zip ties I salvaged from eBike packing and the thick abs backing panels from left overs from another project (the front basket floor). Also used a couple stainless steel angle brackets I had mounted unto the frame for a little extra bottom support. Then sealed it all up with duck tape.

Thinking about adding solar panels to the tote lids. Turn signals and reflectors are on the way.

 

[Dave Rocks]

".There's no such thing as "The last upgrades".
Good pictures nice camera.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I had those brakes on my BBS02B build and they were more than adequate. But that bike was about 45 pounds.
Not a big fan of that much weight on the rear suspension. Loaded up with that much unsprung weight it turns the rear into a whale tail. I guess if you're just relatively low speed commuting it can be less of an issue... but that's not how I like to ride.
It does look capable of bringing home the supplies! Good luck with that being the last upgrade

 

[Slaphappygamer]

What would be the total weight with full cargo? You may notice that you’ll want/need to upgrade the controller, or motor, OR both to have more torque to handle the extra weight.

There truly is never a “last upgrade”. E-bikes are fun.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I'll add to my post... You may want to try locking the rear shock when loaded up. It'll probably handle better and the fat tires may provide enough cush'

 

[usclassic]

What would be the total weight with full cargo? You may notice that you’ll want/need to upgrade the controller, or motor, OR both to have more torque to handle the extra weight.

There truly is never a “last upgrade”. E-bikes are fun.

This Aipas has more than enough power when loaded and the new setup is more than 7 lbs lighter than before.

 

[usclassic]

I'll add to my post... You may want to try locking the rear shock when loaded up. It'll probably handle better and the fat tires may provide enough cush'

New setup is now lighter than before I removed the heavy rear rack and bags and it was ok then so I expect it to be even better now that it is lighter.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

There truly is never a “last upgrade”

Exactly. Just a fiction to pitch to your household CFO. But use it wisely — rarely works more than once.

 

[Gionnirocket]

It's one thing to be castrated... it's another to boast about it.

 

[usclassic]

Rode to grocery store today with new tote setup. First thing I noticed was the louder it sounded, tire and motor noise seemed amplified but I got used to that ok. The old bags muffled the sounds. Next the bike just felt lighter and more nimble. After loading the groceries which was so much faster and easier the ride home was far better, virtually all wobble was gone and the bike still felt lighter and better handling at all speeds. The lids stayed closed even after very bumpy roads and stuffed full by the insulated bags inside. Gave my old bags to my son as I won't be going back to them. Looking forward to getting the turn signals installed next.

 

[PCeBiker]

I use my old POS ebike to get groceries, and when I load 70 pounds of cargo in the box, my ebike wobbles all over the road

Even my new ebike had a wobble (when I rode no-hands) with a 15 pound battery on the rear rack, so I had to mount the second battery to my top tube.

@usclassic
Have you considered a trailer?

It travels better and it has a quick release so you only use it for grocery runs.
Then you're not toting around totes when you aren't using them.
(Even big gusts of wind can throw your bike around with mounted boxes)

I'm seeing a pretty nice trailer frame right here ??,..
Just needs wheels and a tow bar.

I bought a trailer for the grocery bike but I don't use it often.
Using the box is easier, and it's a fun ride home.