Hello 604 owners!
As you all know, these bikes are dimensionally huge and non-standard. Many parts and pieces that are easily swapped out on regular bikes often will not fit at all or require modification. A few things, like the gearing is something that needs to be changed. I have started to do some small custom fit pieces onto my bike, and would like to see other people's creativity at work. When I get a chance I'll throw together some pics, the bike is a work in progress currently and more is coming but let's share what we have discovered works for this bike.
- Panniers = I use MOLLE style military pouches to attach to the oversize rack rails. Has anyone found an actual brand that works? I found very few, and the ones I found were not the style I was looking for. Most clips won't fit around the tubing, and the battery gets in the way.
- Gearing = I have swapped my main chainspring down to a 39t. Oh boy the difference is worth it. Has anyone tried a different combination? I am considering upgrading the entire drivetrain in the future. In stock form with the 48t this bike is barely able to move without motor assistance and I never found anything above gear 4-5 usefull even on flat roads. What works for you?
- Fenders = I actually have about 4 sets of fenders I bought lying around collecting dust as I kept trying to modify something to work. It's hard finding something that was big enough and could mount easily, as those large tires sure kick up alot of mud and water! Currently using just the back end of a dirt bike fender that attaches to the front forks. It is mediocre but works well enough for now. Currently element has started selling complete ABS fender sets on the website. I ordered a pair and boy are they large and plain...screaming for a custom art job on them. Mine are in the shop getting a vinyl wrap with a ww2 navy fighter/bomber theme. I'll post pics when they are done and mounted.
- Controller case = I have actually drilled 3 small 1/2" holes into the front of the part where the controller is held. This box is hard, thick black plastic and terrible for airflow and heat dissipation. If you do some heavy riding you can put your hand on the controller part of the box and just feel the heat. The controller is silicone sealed and essentially waterproof on its own and I have ridden it in the rain, water does not get in and I'm sure the electric system absolutely thanks me for giving it some cooing properties.
- Saddles, pedals, lights etc etc. = Small things, what have you used on your 604? I have gone with Shimano saint pedals, bontrager evoke R saddle and a simple portlandbikeworks light. I'll probably upgrade the light int he future but it works enough for now. A big upgrade I thought was useful was adding a suspension seatpost. I managed to get my hands on a suntour seatpost, similar in style to a thudbuster and it smoooths out the ride nicely, especially for a hardtail, non-suspension bike. The fat tires do soak up some bumps if you air them down a bit but it's nice to add some suspsension to the ride.
-Grips = I found the stock grips to be rather poor, and the throttle side especially would always start to twist and fall off. I did a custom cut job and bought 2 side lockable lizardskin mountain bike grips. On the throttle side I measured and use a hacksaw to cut off the excess. Then I put in a full size endcap so the cut ends are covered and everything looks immaculate.
-Things I am going to inquire into in the near future= Quick release front wheel and carrier options for the bike on a vehicle. As the bike is so large and weighs a ton, most bike carriers cannot accommodate it. I can fit mine into the back of my 4runner awkwardly but it is hardly ideal. The quick release front would solve this, but I am also going to look into possibly using a dirt bike carrier instead. The bike is big enough to warrant one.
- Motor upgrades = Has anyone looked into system upgrades? Is it possible and what is available? Mid drive options? Larger hub motor options? Hot rodding? I havent' even begun to look at this but am curious as to what options are available.
John
-
As you all know, these bikes are dimensionally huge and non-standard. Many parts and pieces that are easily swapped out on regular bikes often will not fit at all or require modification. A few things, like the gearing is something that needs to be changed. I have started to do some small custom fit pieces onto my bike, and would like to see other people's creativity at work. When I get a chance I'll throw together some pics, the bike is a work in progress currently and more is coming but let's share what we have discovered works for this bike.
- Panniers = I use MOLLE style military pouches to attach to the oversize rack rails. Has anyone found an actual brand that works? I found very few, and the ones I found were not the style I was looking for. Most clips won't fit around the tubing, and the battery gets in the way.
- Gearing = I have swapped my main chainspring down to a 39t. Oh boy the difference is worth it. Has anyone tried a different combination? I am considering upgrading the entire drivetrain in the future. In stock form with the 48t this bike is barely able to move without motor assistance and I never found anything above gear 4-5 usefull even on flat roads. What works for you?
- Fenders = I actually have about 4 sets of fenders I bought lying around collecting dust as I kept trying to modify something to work. It's hard finding something that was big enough and could mount easily, as those large tires sure kick up alot of mud and water! Currently using just the back end of a dirt bike fender that attaches to the front forks. It is mediocre but works well enough for now. Currently element has started selling complete ABS fender sets on the website. I ordered a pair and boy are they large and plain...screaming for a custom art job on them. Mine are in the shop getting a vinyl wrap with a ww2 navy fighter/bomber theme. I'll post pics when they are done and mounted.
- Controller case = I have actually drilled 3 small 1/2" holes into the front of the part where the controller is held. This box is hard, thick black plastic and terrible for airflow and heat dissipation. If you do some heavy riding you can put your hand on the controller part of the box and just feel the heat. The controller is silicone sealed and essentially waterproof on its own and I have ridden it in the rain, water does not get in and I'm sure the electric system absolutely thanks me for giving it some cooing properties.
- Saddles, pedals, lights etc etc. = Small things, what have you used on your 604? I have gone with Shimano saint pedals, bontrager evoke R saddle and a simple portlandbikeworks light. I'll probably upgrade the light int he future but it works enough for now. A big upgrade I thought was useful was adding a suspension seatpost. I managed to get my hands on a suntour seatpost, similar in style to a thudbuster and it smoooths out the ride nicely, especially for a hardtail, non-suspension bike. The fat tires do soak up some bumps if you air them down a bit but it's nice to add some suspsension to the ride.
-Grips = I found the stock grips to be rather poor, and the throttle side especially would always start to twist and fall off. I did a custom cut job and bought 2 side lockable lizardskin mountain bike grips. On the throttle side I measured and use a hacksaw to cut off the excess. Then I put in a full size endcap so the cut ends are covered and everything looks immaculate.
-Things I am going to inquire into in the near future= Quick release front wheel and carrier options for the bike on a vehicle. As the bike is so large and weighs a ton, most bike carriers cannot accommodate it. I can fit mine into the back of my 4runner awkwardly but it is hardly ideal. The quick release front would solve this, but I am also going to look into possibly using a dirt bike carrier instead. The bike is big enough to warrant one.
- Motor upgrades = Has anyone looked into system upgrades? Is it possible and what is available? Mid drive options? Larger hub motor options? Hot rodding? I havent' even begun to look at this but am curious as to what options are available.
John
-
