Anybody converted one of these?

[Benjahmin]

So, it looks like it's a no go to put suspension forks on my hybrid.
So I'm looking for a donor bike to put my Ezee kit onto.
Has anyone used one of these?
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Marin-San-Rafael-DS1-2014-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_76192.htm

OR can you suggest something. My kit is front hub, rear rack battery and I will want mudguards and lights. Front disc would be nice. Any ideas?
Ben

 

[Nealh]

What is your budget ?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

For that price, you should eaily be able to find a ike with disc brakes. You can fit mudguards and lights yo any bike for about £30, so that's not really an issue.

 

[Benjahmin]

What is your budget ?

Well, I was originally offered this bike for £400, which I was thinking of paying. So I guess take that as an absolute top end.

 

[Benjahmin]

For that price, you should eaily be able to find a ike with disc brakes. You can fit mudguards and lights yo any bike for about £30, so that's not really an issue.

Really? It would be good to have at least a front disc, from the start, rather than retro fitting one. Some of the Giants look nice, just unsure whether the front hub will fit the dropouts.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Halfords Carrera Vengeance:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vengeance-mens-mountain-bike-2015

 

[Benjahmin]

Halfords Carrera Vengeance:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vengeance-mens-mountain-bike-2015

Thanks d8veh - Nice one - looked at the Vulcan because the 180mm disc matched the one supplied with the kit. However I think the 42t chain ring might be too small. My current bike has a 48 and that's just about OK.
All this is helping me get a grip on what to look for though, thanks.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Discs and chainrings don't cost much. You can find used ones on Ebay for not a lot, then sell the ones you take off.

 

[Benjahmin]

Discs and chainrings don't cost much. You can find used ones on Ebay for not a lot, then sell the ones you take off.

Got the chance to go to local Halfords this morning, I'll have a look.
Thanks

 

[Benjahmin]

So had a look at the Vulcan, nice bike, however being a mountain bike it has no lugs for rack or mudguards.
But they did have a Carrera crossfire 3, a 2011 model on offer for £275. Being a hybrid this does have all the mounting lugs I need, as well as lockout suntour forks. The front chainring is 48t, wheels are 700c, so looking good. Only fly in the ointment is the 160mm disc. The Ezee kit comes with a 180mm disc, and I cant see an easy way of moving the caliper. So I need to find out if I can get away with using the 160mm, if so it's on.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/carrera-crossfire-3-hybrid-bike

 

[Deleted member 4366]

You just need a caliper adapter that costs about a fiver.

 

[Benjahmin]

You just need a caliper adapter that costs about a fiver.

What like this?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-mount-adaptor-front-post-to-is/rp-prod13743?gs=1&gclid=COSk1P6YvccCFULmwgodJ4ACvQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Deleted member 4366]

That's the one, but it would probably be better to wait untl you've got the bike to check what's on it already. Whatever is on it, you need 10mm more.

 

[Nealh]

There are two types of adapter the one you linked to is a IS to post adapter, the other type is a post to post adapter where the calliper bolts directly to the rear unlike the IS one where it bolts to the side. Make sure you order the 180mm.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The photo of the Crossfire shows side mount (IS) to post mount. When you get your bike, check that it's the same.

 

[Benjahmin]

That's right, the caliper was mounted on the side of the fork, not the rear, so it's IS. So it's possible. Thanks chaps, another thing learned.

 

[Benjahmin]

Just reserved the bike, got it for £255, hope to pick it up on Monday. First time I've bought from Halfords, yet to see if the local store can live up to the web site efficiency.
Thanks for the help.
Ben

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I think they're OK for normal bikes, but I'm not sure that I'd let them near my electric one.

 

[Benjahmin]

You and me both d8veh. I shall be doing the conversion myself, the staff in there seem to be just happening to work in the bike department, rather than actually giving a damn.
Anyway it turns out that the only ones available are display models, which they won't sell. So it looks like the search goes on.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

What's the point of displaying them if they won't sell them. You can use click and collect from their website anyway. £255 if you order by tomorrow, or you can get it delivered to your house for an extra £2.99.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/carrera-crossfire-3-hybrid-bike

Sorry, the delivery option is only available on the Crossfire 2, which is £20 more expensive.