upgrades to an M1

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I did the usual things we all do...
first a saddle, (tried several)
then a little bag on the crossbar,
then a slightly longer, rising handlebar, with better grips and a mirror
then a rack.

adjusted the suspension as much as it allowed but still found it wanting.

so the next post will be a big step, a new fork.

 

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The new fork is a very cheap 26" 120mm Air fork with rebound.

It's replacing the Fiido '20 x 4' 50mm?? sprung fork.

The new fork (orange stantions) adds at least 100mm height to the front end!
...and is half the weight of the original fork.

I'm used to road and hybrid bikes and not seeing the top of a 700c tire far in front is still bit disconcerting, hoping a slacker angle might engender more confidence.

 

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That's also means going from threaded to threadless and sealed bearings.

Just a cheap headset from Amazon, 44mm cups. for the straight 1 and 1/8 steerer.

 

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I could not find a new folding stem they were all quill fitting, like the original is.
So I'm forgetting about folding and just going with a steerer extension (and another 50mm in height!)

 

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All that height meant the front brake cable needed to be longer.

and it is now routed in front of the fork.

 

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This is the result.

next project: a dropper post maybe?

 

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LOL, not in the Fiido forum.

 

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You have the best kept garage I've ever seen!

 

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Dropper post has arrived, just waiting for a shim to fit 31.6mm to the enormous 33.9mm of the M1.

It's a Brand-X with a 125mm drop, internal wiring and lever included.

 

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I've folded the bike and put it in the car several times. I don't miss the folding stem at all. It's actually a bit easier to man-handle with a fixed handle bar.

Seen a few videos where the stem and bar is replaced with a BMX style bar, but I prefer the cleaner lines of the riser extension and flat bar.

 

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Dropper fitted! Now I don't fall over every time I stop!

 

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The lever fits conveniently on the left.

 

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Went from a 160mm to a 203mm rotor on the front. Left the rear at 160mm.
Is there a danger of the fork snapping at the crown??!!??!?

 

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There is a thread somewhere about what truck do you put your bike in.
This is my truck,

 

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After trying the brakes on a few hills, the rear 160mm proves to be ineffective and dangerously weak. I'll have to put a 203mm rotor on the back wheel.
The power of motor hides the extra weight of the bike... but you remember in a hurry when you try to brake while going downhill!

 

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Still riding this thing, though just for irregular recreational use.
Found a new bag for the square cross bar that has a built-in bottle holder!
Latest change is the Loop Handlebars, a low cost version of a Jones bar. That made a huge difference in the riding position and much more comfortable.
Fitted a slightly better rear suspension with rebound adjustment.
Original battery is holding up with no problems, that's probably because my longest journeys are all about 20 miles which is just a bar and a bit on the display.

 

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A quick addition: Like many cheap ebikes, only a front light is wired to a handlebar mounted switch.
I got one of the cheaper 2 wire rear lights from Amazon and cut off the plug.
I traced back the cable from the front light then used a couple of 'clip-on' T-connectors to add the new light in parallel to the front light.
(pictures to follow)