Raleigh Caprice (3 speed Sturmey Archer) conversion

[Mappier]

Following the successful front wheel conversion of my Specialised Expedition I decided to do same to my wife's 3 speed Raleigh Caprice. She hadn't ridden it for years saying it was too heavy so it was crying out to be electrified.
I chose a Yose Power 250w 36v front wheel kit which fitted very easily; on the plus side it comes with all waterproof connectors. The Yose Power 36v 10Ah battery cost extra.
While about it I fitted new 700x38C tyres and a front basket. The kit included a bag for the controller but instead it fits conveniently in the existing pannier.
Cost as follows from Ebay:
Conversion kit £200
Battery 163
Raleigh tyres 28
Basket 20
The donor bike was probably worth £40 making grand total of about £450; I've similar ladies bikes in Halfords for £1000!
I'm pleased with the result but my wife hasn't regained her confidence yet so may end up swapping this for a smaller wheeled step-through model.
I've seen

 

[vfr400]

Nice. did you have to spread the forks a bit? Normally, forks without inboard drop-outs rub on the motor.

Why couldn't you put the controller in the compartment provided with the battery?

 

[Mappier]

I didn't really have to spread the forks just add a washer to give a bit of clearance.
I didn't use the controller bag as I wanted to keep the step-through area clear. It's a 7amp controller and not very big so it doesn't take up much space in the pannier.

 

[vfr400]

I didn't really have to spread the forks just add a washer to give a bit of clearance.
I didn't use the controller bag as I wanted to keep the step-through area clear. It's a 7amp controller and not very big so it doesn't take up much space in the pannier.

You can get bags that go under the saddle. There are all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some are more horizontal, some vertical and some in between, or there's the traditional style that hangs across the way.Use a hot soldering iron or similar to poke a hole in the bottom for the wires:

Bike Saddle Bag Cycling Seat Tail Bag Pouch MTB Bicycle Tool Storage Bag N8G1 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bike Saddle Bag Cycling Seat Tail Bag Pouch MTB Bicycle Tool Storage Bag N8G1 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Bicycle Seat Pack Saddle Bag For Tools Pink | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bicycle Seat Pack Saddle Bag For Tools Pink at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Vintage Bicycle, Cycle, Leatherette, Tool Pouch Bag, Saddle Mount Type & tools | eBay

Vintage Bicycle, Cycle, Leatherette, Tool Pouch Bag, Saddle Mount Type & tools. Condition is "Used". Dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd Class.

www.ebay.co.uk

I find bikes with only one panier offensive to the eye. A bit like those chopper motorbikes with the number-plate stuck on the side. It just looks daft and not right. This one looks like he's run over a moped: