grench
Well-Known Member
No bike in the pictures???Ann M. asked for some pictures of where we ride.
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Life is good
Nirmala
Active Member
Yeah, I am not much of a picture taker, so I have not taken the camera with me on rides yet. The shots were all taken before we got our ebikes in areas where we now ride .
Sedona is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth:
https://www.google.com/search?q=sed...oTCJGD_9SHgckCFcV4JgodW2wI9g&biw=1585&bih=879
It is becoming a mountain biking mecca, but we stick to the roads, and the scenery is jaw-dropping either way.
George S.
Well-Known Member
Seems to be a good bike and that's where the prices should be. I'd have a hard time with a proprietary battery, so if I wanted 25 AH I would definitely build a bike and buy a battery, put it in a bag from the start. Big batteries are the way to go, for a lot of reasons. There are much less expensive bags than that one, maybe $35. Known vendors.
I wasn't sure where you were, since you mentioned Flagstaff. I went to school in Flagstaff. Like everywhere in Arizona, what it was in the 70's is simply gone, so I don't really go back. It has changed. A lot of people like it. I suppose they are doing the same things to St. George, Utah.
I wasn't sure where you were, since you mentioned Flagstaff. I went to school in Flagstaff. Like everywhere in Arizona, what it was in the 70's is simply gone, so I don't really go back. It has changed. A lot of people like it. I suppose they are doing the same things to St. George, Utah.
Nirmala
Active Member
The world is getting crowded for sure, and especially the nicer places to live. Fortunately, there is still a lot of open space here in northern Arizona.
Those bags did seem expensive, but I was not really looking hard and just posted the first one I came across.
I am appreciating the longer range I get with two batteries. And especially since I did not have to pay extra for the second battery, I think I prefer this setup with two smaller batteries. That way I can only take one on shorter rides. Although as you have mentioned on other threads, weight is just not as much of an issue on an ebike. I really did not notice the extra weight of the second battery on my 42 mile ride.
Those bags did seem expensive, but I was not really looking hard and just posted the first one I came across.
I am appreciating the longer range I get with two batteries. And especially since I did not have to pay extra for the second battery, I think I prefer this setup with two smaller batteries. That way I can only take one on shorter rides. Although as you have mentioned on other threads, weight is just not as much of an issue on an ebike. I really did not notice the extra weight of the second battery on my 42 mile ride.
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Needpower
New Member
Sometimes minds think alike. Viewed your pix of your auxiliary battery set up. In order to facilitate the use of the e-motor on my bike I attached a sling type hanger to carry the battery a friend made for me. But it is not as secure as I would like it. There is a lot of play when I ride. Suppose it could be mounted to the rear rack but I would be worried of it bouncing up and down loosening e-connections inside. So until I can get my hands on an OEM battery, this will have to do
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J.R.
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Piedmont Highlands
@Needpower good for you, glad you're up and running! Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you make a battery How do you like the bike?
How do you like the bike?@Needpower have fun! carrying a battery in a sling like that is not good for you or the stowed battery... Just wrap in something spongy like neoprene and bungee cord it to the rear rack.
Nirmala
Active Member
Or at least put some bungee cords around the bag so it is snug against the top tube.
Needpower
New Member
Really like the bike, even from the start, have not had any really long rides(4-10 miles). Basically errand runs to and from the store, post office, still a little apprehensive about the sling battery. Since its not attached securely. But I do enjoy the rides. This setup was put together in July and works. The only mechanical problem I've had is with the thumb throttle. It runs well with no weight on the bike but just whirs and barely has momentum when there is a rider. Could be the connection or the homemade battery. Without the OEM battery it is hard to tell. For the money, I think it was a good investment!@Needpower good for you, glad you're up and running! Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you make a battery
Needpower
New Member
Bungees might work well. Don't want to burn the paint.
Thanx!
The batteries are shrink wrapped together and I do utilize flexible foam sheets inside the sling. Will probably try to secure it to the rear rack. Since riding time here in Ohio is almost at an end. Winter is coming
Nirmala
Active Member
It is of course a bit of a gamble as that is the nature of these crowdfunding campaigns, but I went ahead and ordered one of the smallest ShareRollers:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/shareroller-add-on-e-power-for-bikes-scooters/x/12713097#/story
I hope it will be effective in adding some oomph to my Magnum Ui5 and let me climb hills more easily. It is pretty hilly around here and sometimes my 350 watt motor bogs down. I actually was imagining something just like this that would mount easily on the front wheel and give me more power when needed. Also, the throttle on the Ui5 is limited by the assist level you are using, so this should also give me another full throttle on demand option when needed. I hope to be able to leave the main motor in a lower assist level and then just use this front wheel motor when I need the boost. It will be fun to try, and it means I will have a two wheel drive ebike!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/shareroller-add-on-e-power-for-bikes-scooters/x/12713097#/story
I hope it will be effective in adding some oomph to my Magnum Ui5 and let me climb hills more easily. It is pretty hilly around here and sometimes my 350 watt motor bogs down. I actually was imagining something just like this that would mount easily on the front wheel and give me more power when needed. Also, the throttle on the Ui5 is limited by the assist level you are using, so this should also give me another full throttle on demand option when needed. I hope to be able to leave the main motor in a lower assist level and then just use this front wheel motor when I need the boost. It will be fun to try, and it means I will have a two wheel drive ebike!
Needpower
New Member
Yes, there is apprehension with this set up. Hopefully, I can get the OEM battery and make it safer to ride.
Nirmala
Active Member
Another excellent upgrade to the Magnum Ui5 is these Wellgo magnesium pedals:
http://amzn.to/1Suy5BJ
I use them with some Five Ten bike shoes that have a sole that really grips the pegs on the pedals:
http://amzn.to/1MvUfje
I immediately noticed a big difference with these pedals compared to the stock pedals on the Ui5. It was like my feet were glued to the pedals, so I could easily and confidently apply much more torque to the pedals. I found I was often in a higher gear going up hills than before and of course this meant I was getting more exercise, and my motor was less likely to bog down from going too slow up a hill.
Also I can spin much faster with these pedals, so instead of spinning out at about 28 mph in the top gear, I can effectively add speed up to about 34 mph just by spinning faster. Before my feet would feel like they were going to fly off the pedals at the higher spin speeds.
This is a highly recommended upgrade for anyone who rides a lot.
http://amzn.to/1Suy5BJ
I use them with some Five Ten bike shoes that have a sole that really grips the pegs on the pedals:
http://amzn.to/1MvUfje
I immediately noticed a big difference with these pedals compared to the stock pedals on the Ui5. It was like my feet were glued to the pedals, so I could easily and confidently apply much more torque to the pedals. I found I was often in a higher gear going up hills than before and of course this meant I was getting more exercise, and my motor was less likely to bog down from going too slow up a hill.
Also I can spin much faster with these pedals, so instead of spinning out at about 28 mph in the top gear, I can effectively add speed up to about 34 mph just by spinning faster. Before my feet would feel like they were going to fly off the pedals at the higher spin speeds.
This is a highly recommended upgrade for anyone who rides a lot.
Needpower
New Member
Jack Tyler
Active Member
Nirmala & the group, can one of you perhaps offer more info on the Magnum corporate entity? Yes, I see all the European models on the Magnum webpage and Court mentioned Magnum had a presence in Europe for a few years before being introduced in the U.S. But my impression is that Magnum is likely a Chinese company, not a European manufacturer, and first found a distributor for Europe and then subsequently found one located in Southern California for the USA. The Ui5/Mi5 duo look like they might be a fit for me. I would just appreciate knowing a bit more about who I’m buying from and where the supply chain I need to rely on is coming from, especially given my relatively distant location in Montana.
Magnum dealer distribution at the moment is interesting. A very few, widely dispersed dealers in only a couple of regions outside of the San Fran-to-San Diego megalopolis. I can appreciate their desire to expand their dealer network…but given the slow growth of ebikes in the U.S., aspirations aren’t the same as practical realities. I notice my closest Magnum dealer is two mountain ranges and a 2.5 hr flight time away. All of this made Nirmala’s report on issue resolution with Magnum very helpful. Thanks, everyone.
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Magnum dealer distribution at the moment is interesting. A very few, widely dispersed dealers in only a couple of regions outside of the San Fran-to-San Diego megalopolis. I can appreciate their desire to expand their dealer network…but given the slow growth of ebikes in the U.S., aspirations aren’t the same as practical realities. I notice my closest Magnum dealer is two mountain ranges and a 2.5 hr flight time away. All of this made Nirmala’s report on issue resolution with Magnum very helpful. Thanks, everyone.
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Nirmala
Active Member
I will gladly share what I know, but please understand that it might not be totally accurate as I am not associated with them in any way except as a satisfied customer. Magnum is an ebike manufacturer that has been around for about 5 years and I believe it is headquartered in Israel. They have sold a lot of bikes in Israel and in Europe, and currently have two Magnum models: Ui5 and and Mi5. The five in the model name refers to that they are the fifth generation version of these particular models.
Magnum is also the distributor in the USA for Leisger bikes which is a German company. They do not design/build those bikes but as of very recently, they do sell and service them here. They are just getting started with both the Magnum and Leisger brands in the US, which is why the dealer network is still very limited, although it sounds like they have plans to expand their network. You might contact them and just ask if there are going to be any dealers closer to you.
A lot of the ebikes out there are designed and "manufactured" by companies in Europe, the US or elsewhere, but the actual bikes are built and/or assembled in China, and that appears to be the case with Magnum ebikes. So it is kind of confusing as several even well known brands are actually built in China....but according to the specifications and quality requirements of designers in the west. The ebikes that are actually being sold by companies located in China do not in general seem to be up to par yet with their designs and specifications, and then you are at the mercy of customer service that is sometimes also based in China.
Based on my own experience, I would only recommend that someone buy a bike online directly from Magnum if you are fairly handy and familiar with working on bikes, or if you have a local bike shop that is open-minded and will assemble and work on the bike for you. I have no way of knowing if my experience is at all typical of the Magnum brand, but there were a handful of problems that showed up for us in the two bikes we purchased, and so I have had to do some repairs myself. It is pretty basic stuff such as swapping out the rear motor/wheel on one bike which involved moving the brake disc, freewheel, and tire from one wheel to another. The other problem was a motor controller issue and in that case Magnum sent us an entire replacement bike. This meant I had to assemble a third bike out of the shipping crate and make sure everything was OK on that one, plus take apart the original bike and put it back in the crate. The other challenge for me at first was attaching the handlebars and stem to the bike as I was not familiar with the integrated style of stem and how it attaches to the headtube of the fork. As a result, in attaching the handlebars of the first bike we received the headset bearings fell out and I lost some bearings. It still worked fine, but Magnum sent us a new set of bearings that I then more carefully installed. If you install the handlebars immediately, before even fully unwrapping the bike, it should not be a problem. Unfortunately, there is not a manual or set of instructions that come with the bike, so you are pretty much left to your own devices (although Magnum says they are working on a manual), and there is the video found further up in this thread that now shows how to install the handlebars.
Other than the attachment of the handlebars, there is actually very little other assembly required. I think it was just a matter of putting on the pedals, pumping up the tires, and installing the optional rear rack. The brakes were pretty squeaky until I learned how to adjust them according to this video:
One other tricky thing which must be common on ebikes is that it is difficult to get to one of the adjustment screws for the rear disc brakes because of the hub motor. You could of course just remove the rear wheel and adjust the brake and then remount the rear wheel to see if you got the adjustment right, which might take a few tries. But given how it is a bit challenging to remove and remount the rear wheel of an ebike with a hub motor, I instead used a hacksaw to cut down the shorter end of an allen wrench so that it would just fit between the hub motor and the brakes (it has to be very short). It worked for the slight amount of adjustment that was necessary.
With all of the problems that showed up, Magnum was incredibly helpful and worked with us until they were fully resolved. The replacement bicycle showed up within a few days of when I told them about the faulty controller, and the replacement wheel/motor and other parts showed up promptly also. I think the bikes are a good value for the money, but of course the components are low to mid grade at this price, which in the long run is probably another good reason to either know how to work on the bike yourself, or have a good relationship with a bike shop. We are having a lot of fun riding our bikes, and these bikes were affordable enough that we could buy two of them so that my wife and I can ride together.
I hope this helps and please let me know if there are any other questions.
Magnum is also the distributor in the USA for Leisger bikes which is a German company. They do not design/build those bikes but as of very recently, they do sell and service them here. They are just getting started with both the Magnum and Leisger brands in the US, which is why the dealer network is still very limited, although it sounds like they have plans to expand their network. You might contact them and just ask if there are going to be any dealers closer to you.
A lot of the ebikes out there are designed and "manufactured" by companies in Europe, the US or elsewhere, but the actual bikes are built and/or assembled in China, and that appears to be the case with Magnum ebikes. So it is kind of confusing as several even well known brands are actually built in China....but according to the specifications and quality requirements of designers in the west. The ebikes that are actually being sold by companies located in China do not in general seem to be up to par yet with their designs and specifications, and then you are at the mercy of customer service that is sometimes also based in China.
Based on my own experience, I would only recommend that someone buy a bike online directly from Magnum if you are fairly handy and familiar with working on bikes, or if you have a local bike shop that is open-minded and will assemble and work on the bike for you. I have no way of knowing if my experience is at all typical of the Magnum brand, but there were a handful of problems that showed up for us in the two bikes we purchased, and so I have had to do some repairs myself. It is pretty basic stuff such as swapping out the rear motor/wheel on one bike which involved moving the brake disc, freewheel, and tire from one wheel to another. The other problem was a motor controller issue and in that case Magnum sent us an entire replacement bike. This meant I had to assemble a third bike out of the shipping crate and make sure everything was OK on that one, plus take apart the original bike and put it back in the crate. The other challenge for me at first was attaching the handlebars and stem to the bike as I was not familiar with the integrated style of stem and how it attaches to the headtube of the fork. As a result, in attaching the handlebars of the first bike we received the headset bearings fell out and I lost some bearings. It still worked fine, but Magnum sent us a new set of bearings that I then more carefully installed. If you install the handlebars immediately, before even fully unwrapping the bike, it should not be a problem. Unfortunately, there is not a manual or set of instructions that come with the bike, so you are pretty much left to your own devices (although Magnum says they are working on a manual), and there is the video found further up in this thread that now shows how to install the handlebars.
Other than the attachment of the handlebars, there is actually very little other assembly required. I think it was just a matter of putting on the pedals, pumping up the tires, and installing the optional rear rack. The brakes were pretty squeaky until I learned how to adjust them according to this video:
With all of the problems that showed up, Magnum was incredibly helpful and worked with us until they were fully resolved. The replacement bicycle showed up within a few days of when I told them about the faulty controller, and the replacement wheel/motor and other parts showed up promptly also. I think the bikes are a good value for the money, but of course the components are low to mid grade at this price, which in the long run is probably another good reason to either know how to work on the bike yourself, or have a good relationship with a bike shop. We are having a lot of fun riding our bikes, and these bikes were affordable enough that we could buy two of them so that my wife and I can ride together.
I hope this helps and please let me know if there are any other questions.
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