Single speed ebike build

[Vagos]

I'm thinking on upgrading my brakes. The frame is not discbrake compatible.
So, i eather go the easy way and just get dual pivot caliper brakes ( for slightly better braking power), or try to fit discbrakes ( welding and more ugly actions may occur...), plus i'll have to buy a new back wheel or hub suitable for a discbrake. And on top of that, i'll have to make sure that the forks have enough space gor the discbrakes...thoughts?

 

[Nealh]

The most important brake it the front as it is responsible for 75/80 % of braking, to accomplish this a fork change and a new disc hub will be needed as well as a HDB.
Maybe another better option is to replace both with hydraulic rim brakes.
Magura H33's are good esp with standard canti lever mounts price circa £130 for a new pair.

 

[anotherkiwi]

Even the HS11 will put you over the handlebars if you grab a handful ah the memory of feet at the vertical before the fall

If you are more reasonable they will stop you on a dime, or 0.10€ or...

 

[Benjahmin]

+1 for HS11's. Cheaper than 33's but still really effective. I've got front only with standard cable on the back. I'd say comparable to disc in stopping power.

 

[Vagos]

Those HS11s are looking good as the best alternative to discbrakes i guess. But, are they compatible for a steel frame? And my reach is 75mm. And i noticed that they hook up like v brakes. I don't have v brakes, neither does the frame/fork compatible with v brakes...
Edit... after some search i found out that those brakes are v brakes, so i can't use them and i don't want to mess with adaptors and welding.
I think i will take the "cheap aproach" and order a set of DP Dia-Compe calipers for 25€/set.
I hope they will make a difference in breaking power...

 

[Benjahmin]

Sorry Vagos, didn't look back at the 'photo's before I opened my opinion gob
You're right, HS11's won't fit.

 

[Vagos]

So, should i change to DP calipers then? That's the easiest choise i have. Will they make any notisable difference?

 

[Vagos]

I found these ones at 25€/set. Anyone ever used that brand before? Also, a small video of the bike in action is coming up.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Japan-DIA-COMPE-city-bicycle-brake-Front-dual-pivot-caliper-brake-Bicycle-parts-C-brakes-61/32317336665.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.261.4b0f3c003X25Hr

 

[Vagos]

I made a small aesthetic improvement at the pas.
The before and after pics...

 

[Nealh]

Neater then cable ties.

 

[Richardab]

So, should i change to DP calipers then? That's the easiest choise i have. Will they make any notisable difference?

Yes dual pivots are a vast improvement over old school side pull calipers, especially if you get good pads...but older frames have a much bigger brake drop than modern bikes that dual pivots are generally designed for. There are some ‘long drop’ dual pivots available, you might need to make some careful measurements before purchasing though.

 

[Vagos]

Yes dual pivots are a vast improvement over old school side pull calipers, especially if you get good pads...but older frames have a much bigger brake drop than modern bikes that dual pivots are generally designed for. There are some ‘long drop’ dual pivots available, you might need to make some careful measurements before purchasing though.

I found a cheap pair of dia-compe long reach dual pivot calipers and a pair of matching levers ( gold color). I will upgrade...

 

[Vagos]

Charging question...
If I want to store my bike for a long time ( one month), how do I charge the battery for storage? The charger doesn't have any settings. Do I charge it until it reaches 37-38 volts and then stop? Do I fully charge and take it for a spin until the voltage drops to the desired level? Even now, if I know i'm not going to ride for a couple of days, I try to have the battery at 36-38volts.

 

[Nealh]

Storage 38 - 38.5v, 0.5v either way won't do any harm.
I leave mine 37.5 - 39v.

All new cells I get from Nkon arrived no higher then 3.68v.

 

[Vagos]

Ok, my Thermal Grease Paste arrived and in the next few days i will add the heatsink to the esc. I found out, that you can add heatsink to the motor as well, it's called hubsink. Anyone tried that? I would like to add something like that, because i'm worried about the motor heating up. We have very hot summer days here in Greece. Am i overreacting?

 

[Nealh]

Sounds sensible for a hot climate.

 

[anotherkiwi]

Don't leave you bike parked in the sun, especially if the battery case is black!

 

[Vagos]

Don't leave you bike parked in the sun, especially if the battery case is black!

I always keep it inside and when I use it, I lock it in the shade and where I can see it. When it is in movement I worry though.

 

[Nealh]

I expect your summer shade temp is hotter then UK sun temp.

 

[Vagos]

I just made two small upgrades.
I used a small pvc pipe wrapped in sticker to hide the excess cables and also fitted a heatsink on the esc. I had to cut the enclosure though. Now i'm waiting for the new handlebar, brakes and levers...