walawn
Active Member
Hey guys! I know I've been quiet for about a week. That's because I've been working on my bike, and now, bikes plural. Last Friday I took apart my Radrover by removing the controller, battery, mounting plate, brake levers, throttle, cranks, and bottom bracket. That Saturday morning I installed the BBSHD kit (100-120mm) along with a 52V dolphin pack that I soldered in. I splurged for extras like the 42T sprocket, orange 1/4 twist throttle, Full color Luna display, and gear sensor. All in all it wasn't too bad of an install. I did my best on cable management and heat shrinked everything. The hardest part to me was sliding the BBSHD through the lower bottom bracket since there were several aluminum burs in the way. Once I got past all that it was pretty intuitive going forward with things like installing the gear sensor and speed sensor. It will do over 30 mph with the 42T sprocket and over 40 mph with the 46T. One thing that bugged me was leaving the rear motor in the wheel so I purchased a cheap Mongoose fat tire 7-speed bike with disc brakes to swap parts with. I can lift the new bike with one arm, while the Radrover's 60 lb. heft takes two of course. The tires retrofitted with little issues (I had to swap the 160mm rotors with the 180mm to make it all work). NOTE: Guys and gals with Radrovers or Rad Minis, please check your rotor bolts. Mine were not loose, but they were not tight either. They came off the stock RPB wheels very easily. In contrast, the cheap China bike's rotor bolts seem to have been torqued on with an impact lol. I have hydraulic brakes made for the BBSHD kit on the way as well as a Chromoly front fork (sans suspension). I think eventually I may swap the tires or install another set of the Maxxis Hookworms since I love how they handle and ride. The Mongoose will eventually get the Radrover's original controller and battery. And the brake levers, brake calipers, shifter, and throttle so I guess it will be "converted" into a much lighter Radrover or you could just call it a 25 mph "Frankenbike." It will be interesting to see how it hold's up to the Radrover's motor and speed over time. The Mongoose Mauls really was cheap, feels cheap (rock for a seat & super light) and nothing worked out of the box and still doesn't (i.e. derailer and mechanical disc brakes are junk), but I paid $200 for wheels and a frame so I'm satisfied. So anyone local to the DMV area (@NinjaNick, @opimax), when you are ready to ride a full 26" bike I will have a spare ready!