davmor

Hi Ross! Yes, still enjoying it, although sadly a death in the family (and I'm executor), coupled with atrocious weather until recently meant I've not been out as much as I'd hoped. I haven't really noticed the additional weight of the motor - although that might not be the case if I had to cycle uphill without it turned on! As it is, I find it provides helpful assistance on the flat and a real boost on hills (where I used to find my knees "crackling" with the strain of pedalling even in lower gears. Being realistic, it is an aid rather than a substitute for pedalling effort - but a really beneficial one I find. One of the big factors in my decision (apart from the relatively low cost, compared to some other solutions) was the ease of fitting, as there is no requirement for a magnetic sensor disc to be fitted to the cranks - the inbuilt gyro takes care of the motion sensing and, as far as my experience goes, seems to do it well. I'm pleased I did it.

Yes, it is a front motor. I didn't take photos as I fitted it, unfortunately, but I will take some pictures of the converted bike and of the various component parts in the next day or so (if it ever stops raining!). The two critical points are a 10 cm gap (approx) between the forks - mine were about 10.5 (just over, actually) but no problem getting a snug fit with the various thick/ thin washers and spring washers provided. I believe the two "special" washers with a lug (to counteract the torque of the motor) can be positioned inside the forks (as mine were) facing out, or on the outside of the forks, facing in - which gives quite some flexibility in arranging a snug fit. The gap for the dropouts (into which these "special" washers locate) should be 10mm - which is exactly what mine were, so no need to file anything in my case. As my forks are steel there was also no concern about needing a torque arm (not supplied, but easily available at low cost) to spread the load - which you may wish to consider if fitting to aluminium forks. Hope that helps.

Ok, my update as promised. The kit is very comprehensive, with an extender bracket to help move the display controller off the handlebar if wanted (I didn't), a manual thumb speed control to connect by wire (if no bluetooth for some reason -I didn't need this), a bluetooth display/ controller, a bracket for a smartphone (to control via an app), a "supersize water-bottle" battery (with inbuilt gyro and control electronics) along with its cradle and the motorised wheel itself (complete with tyre). It also comes with a disc (if you need for disc brakes) and all necessary screws, washers, brackets, cable ties, spanner and allen keys, etc. Fitting this unit was a doddle - it took me a couple of hours altogether (not half an hour, as advertised) but in fairness most of this was because my handlebars were quite cluttered with an LED light, GPS mountimg, Cateye computer mounting, and a bell. I also spent some time fitting BOTH the supplied display/ controller (bluetooth) AND the supplied bracket/ mount for a smartphone, downloading and configuring the free app (mine is Android, but an iPhone version is also available) and checking/ adjusting brake settings for the new wheel. (The gyro senses when you're braking, and cuts the power to the motor) I've tried it using the controller - you can set assistance in 10% increments from 0 to 100% (actually 99%, for the two-digit display!), or use a thumb "throttle" speed control, whereas the smartphone app allows 1% steps and five modes for different assistance profiles - this also gives stats on av. and max. speed, distance, battery charge, etc. It DOES require some pedalling up hills (it's only 250W after all!), but is perfectly capable of bowling along merrily virtually unassisted on the flat. I've only travelled about 10 miles (mostly on the flat, with a few long shallow gradients and two short, but quite steep, hills - and about half that I was running at 100% assist, just as a trial, and overall that used about 20% of the battery. Based on all the above, and as I do want to exercise but find my old knees struggle with some longer journeys/ hills and so just wanted some assistance (I plan to run it at about 50% with perhaps 70% for hills), I'm very happy!

My kit arrived today, just as promised (was warned at time of order that it would be 6-8 weeks, arrived after 7weeks!) First impression - well packaged, and comes complete with cable ties, set of allen keys and a spanner. I had a moment's anxiety that the battery & controller (inbuilt) - looks like an oversized water bottle - wouldn't fit in my frame, which is very small (Claud Butler Trailridge MTB) but removing my (real!) bottle cage and pump allowed me to fit it, although a tight squeeze (can still insert / remove the unit from the holder so that's ok!). I haven't got any further yet, as was interrupted and have some other stuff to do before I can get back to it later this week. Will update as/ when I can.

Mine is now due to arrive in two days time. I'll report back in due course! Reading the above (quote: "I had to bring the bike to a complete stop before the motor stopped") I cannot think how/ why this would be anything other than a gyro or control electronics problem - assuming, that is, no problems with the app itself - the motor can only drive if power is being supplied to it? (BTW There are a few videos on YouTube which aren't directly linked to the Easi-Fit website, if you are interested - again mostly positive, although I did note that another rider had to have the "bottle" with gyro & electronics replaced after 3/ 4 months).

I've got one on order! I'll let you know how I get on in due course (lead-time is about 6 weeks at present, I'm told). It will be my first experience of using ANY e-bike, conversion or otherwise, so you will have to bear that in mind. Just in passing, re: "..no way for it to tell if you want to freewheel, slow down or if you want it to kick in.." - it's my understanding that the battery "bottle" also holds a gyro, which is used to sense when stopped/ in motion and/ or climbing/ descending and used, in conjunction with the display controller (included) or smartphone (bracket also included) and free smartphone app, to provide appropriate assistance.

Hi there! I've just ordered an EasiFit Ebike conversion kit. It's on a 6-8 week lead-time at the moment, so I'll keep my fingers crossed there are no delays.. Looking forward to hopefully extending my cycling range, while still keeping fit (well, fitter than I now, anyway!)