It was my lovely wife's birthday recently, and to my delight she agreed that an 'around town bike' for taking the little one to school, running errands, popping to the shops and so on, might be a nice idea.
Her current bike is a gents style frame MTB with 250 watt mid-drive fitted, but to be fair it can be awkward swinging ones leg all the way over a child's head in order get on, so a lowered or ladies style frame would be a must.
Desire for a front basket was mentioned, and of course it needs a good solid rear rack to support the ever growing offspring. Also on the list was an easy lock that would secure to the bike quickly, "like the ones they have in Amsterdam" she said.
Practical Cycles on fleabay came up trumps, and a 35Kg rear carrier rack in silver, front basket and Axa lock were ordered along with a couple of other things I couldn't resist whilst browsing. They sell all kinds of 'proper' bike stuff; things I thought they stopped making years ago!
So the bike I found was a Creme Solo ladies mixte frame with Nexus 7 rear hub. Mainly chosen for the fact it's good real feel steel, ability to still fit a battery on downtube, and it's retro looks with the mixte frame.
My other half is a shocker for forgetting to shift down to set off again at traffic lights, roundabouts, junctions and so on, so I thought the Nexus 7 was a good idea.
It came with a 22 tooth rear sprocket on the Nexus, so once I had fitted the BBS01B mid-drive motor, battery etc and a 42 tooth chainring, my suspicions were confirmed and it was clear straight away the gearing was far too low. I swapped it for a smaller 18 tooth from an Alfine I used to have, and it's just right.
All the additions fitted splendidly, with a good safe and solid mount for the child seat and the basket taking pride of place on the front.
To say I'm pleased with it is an understatement, and I'm pleased to say she was bowled over too when she saw it.
Try finding something as nice as that off-the-peg is a shop! - Vive le conversion kit
