Dutch Bike Conversion Questions

S

suigeneris

New Member
I have a WorkCycles Ladies Secret Service. I love my bike (though it is heavier than I expected), but after a year, I moved to a place that is a little hillier - and I am a little older - than I am willing to power myself. Basically, town is downhill from my home (just over a mile), but I am going to need to go home at some point... There are not a lot of other hills; there is maybe 100 - 200ft change in elevation.

IMG_2853.jpgIMG_2836.jpg

I researched electric bikes, but most are too small (my SS is 61cm). I really liked the Gazelle but I don't want to go through getting the perfect bike again (I imported my bike myself because 61cm was not available in the U.S., and my ride is perfectly pimped — since the pictures below, I have changed the rearview mirror and seat, and added a coffee cage and phone rack) so I started researching conversion kits.

Desires: unobtrusive, I read about the Gruber assist model and really like the idea of routing wires internally; battery under/on rear rack; not full time, I like the idea of it engaging when pedaling gets difficult.

What is the best solution in each of these categories?
1. Money is no object
2. Solid choice and here's why
3. This will get you by

How do I find someone who will do a good conversion job? I would like to get it done early this year February or March. I am fairly particular so I don't want to my bike to be a first time experience for someone;-). Thank you for all suggestions and information!
 
suigeneris said:
Looks like one of the BionX kits is the way to go. Any reason to look elsewhere?
Click to expand...
There's some BionX bashing going on here which is too bad because I think their products are quite good in terms of performance, reliability and flexibility (offering four levels of regeneration, pedal assist and a trigger throttle). It's true that they cost more than something like E-BikeKit but they are also much more refined, you can get a downtube mounted batter pack and choose from an efficient city sized motor or a high torque off-road motor.

I chose BionX as a sponsor for EBR because they've been around for many years and offer something unique in the space. You can see their kits on bikes like the Smart Ebike or the Xtracycle Edgerunner. I appreciate that @J.R. covered their strengths and am sorry that I was unable to respond more quickly. Depending on your budget, BionX could be a good fit... and I like your cute dog :)
 
If you face book there's a group called, "BionX electric bike riders". I'm friends with this group. I don't own a BionX, but if you read through the posts in that group you'll find a lot of very satisfied owners.

JoePah's suggestion is good, and I also suggest this company which is very popular, and highly thought of.

http://www.goldenmotor.com/magicpie/magicpie.html

I have a friend that has a Magic Pie kit that he's overvolted that dependably goes 40 mph.
 
Last edited:
suigeneris said:
I researched electric bikes, but most are too small (my SS is 61cm). I really liked the Gazelle but I don't want to go through getting the perfect bike again (I imported my bike myself because 61cm was not available in the U.S., and my ride is perfectly pimped — since the pictures below, I have changed the rearview mirror and seat, and added a coffee cage and phone rack) so I started researching conversion kits.

Desires: unobtrusive, I read about the Gruber assist model and really like the idea of routing wires internally; battery under/on rear rack; not full time, I like the idea of it engaging when pedaling gets difficult.

What is the best solution in each of these categories?
1. Money is no object
2. Solid choice and here's why
3. This will get you by

How do I find someone who will do a good conversion job? I would like to get it done early this year February or March. I am fairly particular so I don't want to my bike to be a first time experience for someone;-). Thank you for all suggestions and information!
Click to expand...

Personally I would suggest a factory bike if you're going to have to hire someone to build it for you. There's nothing wrong with home built, but if you don't have the skill necessary, or know someone personally to help you I'd skip that option for now.

If money is no object then the choice is obvious, Stealth makes the best electric bicycles on the planet. Nothing else even comes close, but unobtrusive? Probably not, mine gets attention everywhere I go.

If a Stealth doesn't work for you then I'd look at a Stromer. Stromer's are well sorted, and have good power, and range, and for a little over $4000 are a good buy. They're close to 30 mph bikes if you can believe the reviews.

On the lower end, my son owns a Neo Carbon that's a very good bike for the $2900 he paid, and is powerful enough, and also difficult to even tell it's electric, and it only weighs 42 lb. It runs 25 mph with no trouble.
 
Hey @suigeneris,

Bionx is the best conversion kit. @JoePah likes ebike kit. I've been impressed with the power of those kits and they're very cheap.
I see some obstacles. The roller brakes in the rear aren't hub motor compatible and I'm betting you have internal shifters, which is an issue as well.

I guess you'd have to go with a mid-drive conversion then? Bafang, maybe? Rear-rack battery mounting seems to be the best option. Can your rack be replaced with a battery rack?

Good luck with your search. If you're in the Southeast, we might be able to help you out.
 
We share the same desire. I think you need to buy a new bike designed for your exact purpose. I live in an extremely hilly area.

The hills are so steep that I run uphill much faster than anyone ever pedaled. So, you can imagine how steep that is, 10-20% grade. I think bikes are only designed for a 5% grade, because downhill coasting speed is 30mph. Bike tires standards are designed for 30mph.

I have not yet found a bike that I am willing to invest in. I have researched the topic to the nth degree for over one year. I actually do the engineering calculations, too.

The closest thing for me is a new "cargo bike" by Felt called Bruhaul, due out in a few months. I explain my reasoning in the article I posted a few days ago about a cellphone camera that helps find the perfect match for your purposes.
 
Mike leroy said:
The closest thing for me is a new "cargo bike" by Felt called Bruhaul, due out in a few months. I explain my reasoning in the article I posted a few days ago about a cellphone camera that helps find the perfect match for your purposes.
Click to expand...

Love the Bruhaul. Absolutely love it.
 
Chandlee EBS said:
Love the Bruhaul. Absolutely love it.
Click to expand...

I think it is a great design, but I fear we are in the minority. The bike is practical, not flashy. Outrigger, The other new bike introduced at Interbike 2014 with the same availability date, is already for sale. Not sure if they will bring Bruhaul to market.

I posted a question for the release date on the Felt forum. I think they may not know how much pent-up demand exists. They need your feedback.
 
I like the solid front and rear racks on the Felt Outfitter. They may not be as elegant as your bike, but they are Dutch style. The bike can carry 100 lbs.

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)
 
Mike leroy said:
I think it is a great design, but I fear we are in the minority. The bike is practical, not flashy. Outrigger, The other new bike introduced at Interbike 2014 with the same availability date, is already for sale. Not sure if they will bring Bruhaul to market.
Click to expand...

It's coming. They're still designing accessories for it.
 
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