Just ordered from Taiwan

[stevew]

Well, I've done it. I've ordered a 350w motor unit and a battery from Cyclone so we will have to see how long it takes to get here.
It's to fit onto my Pashley TRI-1 so that I can haul my tools about easily. Hope it will do the job.
Keep you posted !!

 

[flecc]

Someone has just posted high praise for the service just received from Cyclone and Paco there, so it looks as though they're past their earlier problems Steve.

I'll be interested to learn how you get on with the conversion.
.

 

[stevew]

Had acknowledgement from Paco today saying they will ship on Thursday via EMS
BTW what is EMS ??

 

[flecc]

Had acknowledgement from Paco today saying they will ship on Thursday via EMS
BTW what is EMS ??

Google says it's emergency medical services, so delivery by air ambulance perhaps.

Three alternatives from the Google search:

1) Short for Expanded Memory Specification.

(2) Short for Enhanced Messaging Service.


(3) Short for Enterprise Messaging System.



I guess though that it's express mail service.
.

 

[Jeremy]

EMS is indeed the Express Mail Service, the Chinese Post Office in effect, rather than an international shipping company like UPS. EMS is generally quick and not too expensive, but currently has severe shipment restrictions because of the Olympic Games. UPS are relatively unaffected by the Games, but are much more expensive. EMS has a direct tie-in to the Royal Mail/Parcelforce, so an EMS tracking number will work on the Royal Mail/Parcelforce site to track delivery within the UK, which is very useful. The handling charges that the Royal Mail/Parcelforce may apply for handling customs clearance, duty and VAT liability are also more reasonable than those from the likes of TNT, UPS etc, in my experience.

If you motor kit doesn't contain a battery than EMS will probably be able to ship it OK, the current problems in mainland China are largely to do with the shipment of hazardous cargo whilst the Games are on. Some vendors are trans-shipping through Hong Kong, as the restrictions are less stringent there at the moment. Taiwan may well be OK too, as it's not part of the PRC, my guess is that it depends on the route the package takes.

Jeremy

 

[stevew]

Thanks Jeremy,

The kit does indeed include a battery but as it's coming from Taiwan and not China I'm hoping all will be OK.

 

[Orraman]

stevew,

Have you ordered the freewheel crank or the double freewheel motor?
I look forward to your build reports, I need inspiration.

Dave

 

[stevew]

I've ordered the freewheel crank and the 10AH battery / 2 hour charger combo.
What would you be fitting it to if you do get one ?
Watch this space for inspiration !!
BTW doesn't that music on their web site get on your nerves !!

Steve

 

[flecc]

BTW doesn't that music on their web site get on your nerves !!

Steve

It's different on each page, some classical, some pop. Some of it is very irritating, but I like the Jerry Chang Pachelbel arrangement, it was made famous on YouTube with millions of hits, and that's where they snatched it from. I think they are both music fans, though it seems Savannah is the most keen.
.

 

[Orraman]

stevew,

I have the same 10Ah and 2 hour charger that you have ordered plus the double freewheel motor that I hope to install on my much loved Peer Gynt long wheelbase recumbent that I am trying to refurbish.

Dave

 

[stevew]

Motor and battery all arrived this morning. Customs label says value $30 "motorised kit for testing" and the postman just dropped it off with nothing to pay. Initial inspection looks good. Quality seems fine and all the bits look like they are there. No paperwork/instructions at all so I guess that we are expected to go by the web based instructions but the care in packing was evident, miles and miles of bubble-wrap !!
Will get to work this w/e.

 

[flecc]

You timed it well Steve, it's forecast wet in our area this weekend so nothing missed while you're working on it. Hope all goes well, it's be interesting to see how it is on that trike.
.

 

[stevew]

I'm not sure how much I will get done as I have the privilege of looking after the grandchildren this w/e !! Couple of noisy boys who want to be doing something ALL the time.

 

[flecc]

Oh dear! Best of luck anyway.
.

 

[bogmonster]

Just been to the Cyclone website. What is that all about? Very strange....

 

[stevew]

Sorry for the delay but it's now fitted and working. Not the easiest to get the motor sprocket lined up on the Tri-1 but after moving the chainwheel to the other side of the crank freewheel it's now lining up OK. Lots of power, I can't imagine a hill this combo would not be able to get up in first gear. I rarely have to go down to anything lower that gear 3. Even then with a bit of pedal help it flies up hills. And remember this is a heavy machine with it's big luggage box and all the gubbins I normally carry. Top speed on the flat in still wind conditions is about 17 mph and with a little tail wind it will run at 18-19. At that speed i can't keep up with the pedaling !! Charger is quick and seems efficient although as I haven't run the battery flat yet I don't know the range of the full charge time.
More to follow in another few months !!

 

[flecc]

That's great news Steve, ready for business. Are you going to add any signage? It should attract plenty of attention as something very unusual in our areas.
.

 

[stevew]

Oh dear, everything seems to be taking longer than expected. Still haven't got the signs done for the bike repair business but that seems to be going well enough without signs. Used the E-Tri-1 today in the pouring rain and it's still working after a good soaking so it looks like it's waterproof. Still not had the chance to test the range as i normally carry the charger with me to recharge at wherever I'm working. Only negative thing I can think of is that because I have had to move the chainwheel slightly to the left to get it to line up with the motor pinion it's now rather too far off line with the rear gear cluster. Chain line is perfect when it's in the highest gear (which is the one I use most) but as I move to the larger sprockets the chain gets more and more out of line until it's really sideways when on the big sprocket. Normally only use the three smallest sprockets but then going down to the biggest I have to be really careful so as to prevent the chain coming off the front chainwheel.
Must say it has made a really good vehicle which is a pleasure to ride.

 

[flecc]

Glad it's a pleasure to ride Steve, there obviously being question marks over that with this sort of conversion.

On the chainline, I'm not too familiar with the Tri-1 but I think it's steel framed, so it may be possible to get a lateral shift of the rear frame alignment to suit it better. The amount needed is quite small as you know.
.

 

[stevew]

Ah, but remember it's a trike and there is all sorts of triangulation in the rear construction to prevent one rear wheel getting ahead of the other I do think re-setting would be impossible without cutting and re-welding.
BTW went to see the sign man today !