Amateur Wheel Builder Fails Quality Test

[jerrysimon]

Ok well maybe fails is a strong word and maybe I am setting the pass mark a little high.

Success = A wheel that requires no further adjustment after building.

My DIY EBrompton has just passed its 1K mile trip. A strange pinking noise was heard coming from the front. Man it took a while to track that noise down

Finally when checking the spokes I noticed a couple had changed tension. A few turns of spoky resolved the embarrasment felt whilst riding.

This was my first wheel build. I have subsequently built more than 6 others. I had planned to swap it out with another Tongxin build into a Brompton 36 hole drilled rim. This first one was built into a Sun CR18 rim. Lovely rim but a bugger to get Marathon Plus tyres on and off.

I am thinking of fitting Kojaks back and front 800gms weight saving

Regards

Jerry

 

[CheKmx]

Sounds pretty good to me for a first attempt. But I wouldn't know ad I haven't built any wheels yet.

 

[Pedalo]

I thought the first test was to pick the correct sized nipples

Only kidding - If mine does 1000 miles without adjustment I'll be pleased.

(Actually replacing my rear rim on my Cytronex which was my first crack at the art is still going strong after >800 miles but having read your post I'll go and check my spokes this weekend!)

 

[jerrysimon]

I thought the first test was to pick the correct sized nipples

LOL Excellent and well observed

BTW that was Dan's fault

You will soon know, the pinking noise was driving me crazy. I hate new noises. I was convinced something was going to fail embarrassingly. I don't know why I worry as some of the bikes I pass are so neglected and falling apart and yet I panic every time mine queaks out of place.

Regards

Jerry

 

[daniel.weck]

I thought the first test was to pick the correct sized nipples

This was embarrassing. The strange thing is: before Jerry placed his order, I ordered exactly the same specifications as him (which, as it turned out, is incorrect for the Brompton), and received the correct kit for the Brompton ! I just didn't pay attention to the actual measurements so believed the specs were right...until Jerry realized, at his expense, that it was completely wrong !

 

[jerrysimon]

Its all a learning experience Dan and you realise I blamed you in jest right

Regards

Jerry

 

[eddieo]

whats the best plug and ride kit (if there is one ) please for a Brompton?

 

[jerrysimon]

If you are talking umbilical from bike to bag then I would say Bulgin. See here

There are other options like the large eight pole Neutrik (very big and very expensive) or the one Cytronex use to connect their bottle battery. Although small again very expensive. The Bulgin plugs are readily available from Maplin though the backing plate on the one in my bag, is not.

Options for neat storage of the plug when not in use, are then possible if your using Bulgin fittings

Regards

Jerry

 

[eddieo]

Thanks Jerry but what I meant is a complete e bike (idiot proof) kit for a folder

In fact i have 2 Dahons so more sense to fit to one of them.

a folder would be handy with smaller motorhome or indeed the car.....

 

[jerrysimon]

Easy

For the UK

Electric Wheel Company

Import

Freedom E-Bikes - Home

Regards

Jerry

 

[daniel.weck]

Easy

For the UK

Electric Wheel Company

Import

Freedom E-Bikes - Home

Jerry is right to claim that the Tongxin-based products are the "best" choice for the Brompton, because of their low weight, bulk, and noise. However for the sake of providing complete information, here is the third obvious choice for an e-Brompton, this time based on the 8-Fun (Suzhou Bafang) motor:

Electric Bike Sales - Shop Online for Electric Bikes, Electric Vehicles and Cycle Accessories - Brompton Sparticle

Electric Bike Sales - Shop Online for Electric Bikes, Electric Vehicles and Cycle Accessories - Sparticle 250 Watt Conversion Kit V.3.

The motor is more powerful, but heavier and noisier (albeit one of the quietest brushless hub motors with internal reduction gear...it's just that the Tongxin is extremely silent in comparison to virtually any other hub motor, bar the direct drive types !)

 

[jerrysimon]

Thanks Dan I always forget to mention the Sparticle offering, which is in every way as much a plug and play solution as the others I linked to.

I actually went to see them in Cambridge, where I live, when I was seeking a solution myself. They had abandoned the Tongxin offering for both poor supply and support reasons and shortlived life span. I was told by them I would be lucky to get more than 18 months service from a Tongxin motor.

They had one Tongxin kit left, but I declined primarily because it was a 24v one.

Regards

Jerry

 

[Pedalo]

I guess it's also worth mentioning the crystalite motor which doesn't require the brompton fork modification. It does look rather heavy though.

 

[jerrysimon]

I guess it's also worth mentioning the crystalite motor which doesn't require the brompton fork modification. It does look rather heavy though.

Yes another valid solution that we often overlook.

How is your Brompton, E conversion working for you Pedalo ?

Regards

Jerry

 

[Pedalo]

How is your Brompton, E conversion working for you Pedalo ?

It works fine but to be honest I've still not really used it in anger. I'm not entirely happy with my handlebar layout so I've been experimenting with alternative switches & throttle controls. I obtained a simpler (without the power indicator leds) thumb throttle but while it's a bit neater, it tends to stick on quite badly. I also purchased an on/off switch which slightly anoyingly turned out to be off/on - I didn't realise that's the way motorbike kill switches work but I know now! I'm back to the original thumb throttle again now but mounted on the right hand side rather than the left.
I've also picked up some Shimano brake levers to make more space on the handlebars and am waiting for some Ergon grips to arrive.
Also because it's been so wet recently, rather than get my nice new bike muddy I've been getting the old one muddier!

 

[daniel.weck]

I obtained a simpler (without the power indicator leds) thumb throttle but while it's a bit neater, it tends to stick on quite badly.

Yes, it does require quite a bit of adjustment to operate smoothly on the curves of the Brompton "M" handle bars. My trick is to not tighten it very much (it is actually quite loose), but it "naturally" gets stuck when rotating against the brake lever mount. It really works well for me, without any perceivable "play" when operating the throttle (the response is immediate, despite the mounting screw being relatively loose). Note: thumb throttle mounted on the left hand side.