I was looking at the possibility of converting my existing bike using the alienocean kit or similar. However, I have read around that you should not mount front wheels with motors if the forks are made of cast aluminium. The way to check if the fork is aluminium is by simply using a magnet - if it does not stick then it's aluminium. My bike "failed" this test - the magnet did not stick. The fork I have is branded as an NRX 6500 and the specification can be found here:

 

http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/SID=side878fef6e37963a2719bcbf63e422/index.php?screen=sh.detail&tnid=105

 

I cannot find any information about the composition of the fork so would like to confirm if the fork is compatible with a motor.

 

I would value other's opinions on if this fork would be safe to use with an electric motor.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Mike

You should be fine so long as you fit a torque arm and washers. I'm only using the washers at the moment and so far so good but will fit an arm in the near future.

 

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/Bike/E-Bike/DSCF4913.jpg

 

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/Bike/E-Bike/DSCF4915.jpg

I have aluminium suspension forks (Fox) on my mountain bike and I fitted an ezee hub motor and have had no problems. I do not have a torque arm but intend to fit one but I do use a thick washer on each side.

I remember reading an article on endless sphere and it stated that you do need to tighten up the wheel nuts fairly tightly.

The other thing I have got used to doing is not using the throttle from a standstill but pedal off and then ease in the power. Full throttle from standstill would put a lot of torque through the wheel and is more risky for the fork. Also ease off the power up-hills and go up a bit slower and pedal harder! So you should be OK.