Non-electric problems

[Pete]

Hello all.
Since coming on this forum I have learned tons about electric bikes and am arrowing in on my first ebike! However I have also realised that the ordinary side of bike engineering is light years away from when I last rode bikes, and although I am 'handy' there is lots of stuff that I don't know. Anyway, it is obvious that many of you are or have been recently, keen cyclists and are knowledgable on the mechanical side as well and I wondered if the occasional 'non-electric' question was permissable here or if I should find a more relevant forum. I have one now on rims and brake types, but will wait and see the replies to this first!

Pete

 

[Alex728]

there are regular threads about the conventional bike parts.

in fact rims, brakes and wheels need to be more robust than on a normal push bike because they are subjected to far more force than unpowered machines..

most e-bikes use components of the same grade as a working bike of the Emergency Services (such as the ambulance paramedic ones found in some cities) or a tandem - this makes sense if you imagine your e-bike as half an "invisible tandem" with the motor being the other person putting in the power.

 

[Pedalo]

I realised a lot of my posts were all 'normal' cycling related though obviously I ride an electric bike. I don't think anybody minds - well I hope not!

 

[Pete]

there are regular threads about the conventional bike parts.

in fact rims, brakes and wheels need to be more robust than on a normal push bike because they are subjected to far more force than unpowered machines..

most e-bikes use components of the same grade as a working bike of the Emergency Services (such as the ambulance paramedic ones found in some cities) or a tandem - this makes sense if you imagine your e-bike as half an "invisible tandem" with the motor being the other person putting in the power.

I like the analogy of an 'invisible tandem' I think it will help to think of it this way.

 

[flecc]

Of course Pete, any cycling related question is fine since e-bikes are just bikes with added power. We've had threads on cycling with no relationship whatsoever to the electric parts of e-bikes, for example about which is the most efficient frame shape, the best cyclist positions for efficiency, and fairings for streamlining.
.

 

[Pete]

OK, thanks for that, so here goes.
The bike I have is a Dawes Acuma MB given to me by my son.

It has hydraulic disc brakes; one is OK but one needs bleeding and there doesn't seem anyway to do it, no reservoir or bleed nipples etc. My local bike shop said he had no idea, even though the brakes are ProMax which seem to be a reasonable make.

So I thought the easiest way would be to replace it with an ordinary V brake BUT I notice the rims (Rigida brand) are marked "Disc Brake" and don't know whether this means that you can't use a conventional brake? I am thinking probably not as the vertical rim next to the tyre wall (where the brake block would make contact) is very shallow, and not wide enough to allow a brake block to seat. It then slopes away from this and then flattens again to take the spokes. Not sure how well that description works, I have a photo but don't know how to insert one into this message.

Any help would be welcomed.

To avoid any confusion, this is the bike I am using while I make my mind up over which electric to get.

Pete

 

[flecc]

Your Promax brakes use DOT 4 fluid Pete, it's important to use the right fluid, but DOT 4 is easy to get hold of as it's the commonest car kind sold by Halfords etc.

To get all the details, use the link below, then click "Support" in the top bar, then click "Maintenance Guide" on the left and you'll see a "removing air bubbles" item. Theres also a manual you can download.

Promax

You need their brake bleed kit and you can get that in the UK from here;

Promax Brake Bleed Kit
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[Pete]

Thank you very much, excellent link. I have some Dot 4 so I am halfway there! I was being thrown by the fact that there was no bleed point on the caliper and I was applying car technique to a bike, but all clear now.

Pete