Outfitting the Dash E3 (minimum)

DashRiprock

DashRiprock

Active Member
I haven't road a bike in 30 years and just ordered the Dash last night. I'm leaning towards the (Schwalbe?) Marathon tires that have evidently been recently re-engineered and closed-end (not closed loop) tires by either Gaadi or Cobra if either three of these companies have plans to support a 700/45 tire. What I'm basically looking for is a set of tires and tubes that are the most durable out there (regardless of cost) and either a kit containing all the quality tools needed to perform basic maintenance or some recommendation on a CO2-based solution (gauge, non-plastic core tire irons, flat kit, multitool or anything else that I am missing).

Disguising the battery is also tops on my list along with the most cost-effective method of mounting fenders that hopefully offer a well thought out cargo platform at the same mounting location. My light will have to be at minimum an XPG2 or XML2 LED yet I have no idea if manufacturers have stayed current with lighting technology and may just (finally) put my headlamp/flashight 'problem' to good use. I bought this tailight several years ago for emergency trailer lighting yet perhaps there is a brighter product on the market even at Planet Bike: .

Any help would be appreciated and I just want to thank the members here in advance for basically steering me towards the Dash in the first place and guiding my initial research.
 
Yes disguising the battery is something I'm also considering. I think using a black plastic maybe 4 ft X 4ft sheet and cutting it to a shape similar to the grace mx battery enclosure using zip ties to sort of connect the different pieces of plastic to the down tube.. at least eventually that's what I'll be doing for sure.
 
Kyle hamor said:
Yes disguising the battery is something I'm also considering. I think using a black plastic maybe 4 ft X 4ft sheet and cutting it to a shape similar to the grace mx battery enclosure using zip ties to sort of connect the different pieces of plastic to the down tube.. at least eventually that's what I'll be doing for sure.
Click to expand...
I'm stuck between what you describe
 
DashRiprock said:
I'm stuck between what you describe
Click to expand...
...(?) ...and causing it to look as jury rigged as possible..or a lesser version of your suggestion with maybe a pop-riveted/hinged look sporting a cooler sleeve for further confusion. It would seem that it's either integrated/hidden or designed to look entirely different. Being a biking novice, I have no idea what would not draw attention or normally be carried there.

downtube-covering-ebike.jpg

Here's the image source http://www.flickr.com/photos/jewo/8743959710
 
  • Fenders and rack: I assume you have seen the recent posts about the Planet Bike Cascadia 29er Black Fenders and the Topeak Explorer or Super-tourist racks and the Topeak MTX slide-on bags with deployable panniers. That's a great option and there are others.
  • Light: I use a Cygolite Metro 360, very bright, a fantastic light that gets the top ratings. For the exact Cree LED you are asking for I think the Metro 500 has the Cree XML2 LED. Might wire in a Lumitec IQE to the main battery as well at some point but this one is doing for me right now.
  • Don't forget to install a mirror and here's a quick testimonial on that.
  • I use these reflective ankle straps to keep my pants from getting into the chain and if I am on my bike I am wearing this reflective vest as well.
With respect to hiding the battery, why? I started riding my bike to work in it's original stripped state and then added the racks and other items and was really surprised in the change in how people treated me and the size of the bubble I am given. In it's stripped state the bike reads Electric Mountain bike, now it screams Commuter. I get total respect and other bikers admire the bike, I get compliments at stoplights. I'm no longer a biker who is cheating, I'm a smart commuter. Even though the gear takes your eye away from the battery everyone knows I have a motor because I just flew by them.

The tires, the bike comes with these, I think. I've seen reference to reflective sidewall and kevlar, but I don't think these have either. I hope others respond to your other questions because I would like to know the answers myself.

Congratulations on the bike. What fun they are.
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

I looked at the mounting holes and wondered about buying fenders without the rack already integrated into the package. Do they both mount to the same holes (which I assume are of a standard width/diameter) and if so, isn't the space already taken?

Couldn't find the IQE on Lumitec's site but like the Metro 500 features. I suppose the 'strobe' effect is the most effective way to get noticed though I haven't seen them much on motorcycles either here in the Midwest. Have never seen the ankle/minimalist reflective vest gear either.

As far as disguising the battery goes, it's simply a perception thing here as well. Motorizing anything might as well be akin to driving with the devil where commuting w/bikes is not as common. For heaven's sake there is a 15 mph speed limit (I hear) on 40 some mile trails that link strictly hodunk villages out in the middle of nowhere. The government entities that control these trails don't want more 'mere citizens' in 'their' public spaces or improved access to same but just the opposite. Not to go off-topic but I've witnessed it in off-road motorized recreation and it is the exact same reason that they don't physically 'count' those accessing non-motorized trails... it's not about 'access for all'... it's about limiting access; ignoring tort reform (vs. legislating personal responsibility) and retaining unquestioned control of the (public) resource itself.

As far as the tires, tools, etc. I'm hoping that someone responds myself and here are some links for what I am hoping somebody will do for this particular bike: (it looks like the tire is available here)


Gaadi tube; can't find this or the Cobra tube.


hoping that there are others.

Thank you very much once again, you're a big help for this newbie!
 
Brian(J) said:
I responded to your question about rack and fender mounting in another thread.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Brian. Your alternate method is appreciated. I shot off a request to Currie in regards to 'their' (2013 promised) "city package" version as well. We'll see how good their customer service is and if they bother to send any (even far away) pics with an approximate release date.

June 2014 and no word whatsoever of accessories involving what is most likely going to be one of their most profitable products this year?...and the first bikes were shipped...when? I am surprised that nobody runs the new Marathon Plus run flats from Schwalbe.
 
If you look around here you will see the situation with those tires.
I have had some interaction with Izip/Currie and it has been 100% positive and very fast. They went out into the factory floor and took photos etc. twice in a few hours during my exchange of emails with them.
 
For the Gaadi tube, here is one source.
http://www.xxcycle.com/mtb-hybrid-tube-and-gaadi,en.php
I bought my suspension seatpost from xxcycle in France and I rate them 5 stars for fast shipping and great prices.

I seems like a pretty good idea to have a tube like this.
For me, I've changed so many bicycle tires and motorcycle tires that removing a wheel and changing a regular tube is not a big deal for me.
 
Last edited:
For tools:
  • I just bought some Slime 23042 Presta to Schrader Valve Adapters and it makes these presta valves so much easier to pump up and to read tire pressure.
  • My all time favorite tool is Topeak Alien II 26-Function Bicycle Tool. I have the older version and I used it to install most of my accessories on the Dash.
  • As far as plastic tire irons, I like them. Plastic is less likely to scratch up your rims. I've never had one break on me. And they are cheap enough and light enough you could have a couple extra if you are worried about breaking them.
  • Tire pumps: I prefer portable pumps to CO2. My Topeak Road Morph portable has worked great out in the field when fixing a flat.
 
Brian(J) said:
"...
I have had some interaction with Izip/Currie and it has been 100% positive and very fast. They went out into the factory floor and took photos etc. twice in a few hours during my exchange of emails with them..."
Click to expand...

Glad that you were treated well.
I had a pretty simple question...(paraphrased)..."when will we see it...".
Their answer? (timely none-the-less; yet keep in mind...I am giving them a heads up beforehand that I will come on up here and share with you all the answer to this very simple question):

(ignore the question/state the obvious that it 'isn't released'): "...I would advise you to visit a local shop to see what your options are...."

What I read was an insistence that we all 'figure it out (accessories) for ourselves' after (again) how many months that this bike has been on the market with this (heavily engineered?) 'kit' announced (promised) at the very same time?

For heaven's sake just answer the question as it is put to you.
 
Brian(J) said:
If you look around here you will see the situation with those tires.
I have had some interaction with Izip/Currie and it has been 100% positive and very fast. They went out into the factory floor and took photos etc. twice in a few hours during my exchange of emails with them.
Click to expand...
Nice! I'm not sure what photos they were taking but feel free to share here if it's something that might help others.

Good suggestions on all of the rack options. I agree with Brian(J) that adding accessories will take the focus away from the battery pack and position you as someone who's trying to stay fit, save gas and be friendly (you're out in the community after all vs. rolled up behind tinted windows). And if people do give you grief it's probably because their lives suck so much... sitting in a car alone on the way to a job they hate to pay or kids they didn't mean to have and don't have time to spend with. Sad really...
 
Schwalbe is advising June for the Marathon Plus tires P/N 11100771 (ECE Approved) and the tubes: P/N# AV17 No: 10429340

Schwalbe was prompt in their response but more importantly (simply) offered the availability information that I sought. If there's a better tire out there in terms of durability/ride; I'd like to (please) hear about it for this bike.
 
DashRiprock said:
Schwalbe is advising June for the Marathon Plus tires P/N 11100771 (ECE Approved) and the tubes: P/N# AV17 No: 10429340

Schwalbe was prompt in their response but more importantly (simply) offered the availability information that I sought. If there's a better tire out there in terms of durability/ride; I'd like to (please) hear about it for this bike.
Click to expand...

If you want absolute puncture proof tires, get Hutchinson Serenity. They are tubeless and its impossible to get a flat on them. Made of special rubber used in military, they are a beast. You can get them in 700C size from Amazon and the links are here.
 
Thanks for the part numbers. I see you want a tube with a Schrader valve to replace the Presta you have now. Will the larger valve fit?
 
Brian(J) said:
Thanks for the part numbers. I see you want a tube with a Schrader valve to replace the Presta you have now. Will the larger valve fit?
Click to expand...

If you're referring to the numbers I got straight from Schwalbe, Brian...I am too ignorant in regards to bikes to know whether it will fit or not (thanks for the heads up, regardless).

Thanks, Ravi...I'll pick up those before the Marathons and try the tubeless as well (you saved me from waiting and possibly made this newbie a little safer in the process).

I haven't been this excited about getting a bike since probably my first one...
 
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