Conversion or new Ebike - The Answer

[AUbicycles]

I was at Sydney Electric Bikes in Pyrmont last week and the owner was kind enough to take time and provide a nice overview of the state of eBikes in Australia and opportunities. They are doing a lot of conversions, and ride themself.


I would like to share some valuable information for new buyers considering some of the poor quality bikes now on the markt. Conversions are the cheapest option and while that may sound obvious, for a new buyer trying to buy cheap - it may be better to get a cheap but reliable bike and a good quality conversion kit rather than a cheap (and nasty) electric bike.


Now you don't have to do the conversion yourself - so I recommend visiting some ebike shops (that stock more than one brand), get an idea of what you really need and with the competent advice you are better prepared and can spend your money more wisely.

[Nobody]

Another advantage I can see is that you don't have to have the upright "wind-sock" position of the average electric bike. If nothing else, you should be able to save some battery power on the flats as you have more chance of getting to/over 25 Km/h.

[tekkaman]

Thanks for the advice. Any recommendations on a shop in Melbourne which does conversions and offers a good range?

[AUbicycles]

Sorry, can't help you for Melbourne.
Maybe some of the Melbournites can help, google alone gives you (at least for me own quick search) shops with their own (single) brand. Spotted this thread here which may help.

I have been told that the BionX is the best conversion kit available... though in Australia a little hard to get, however this may change soon as a new distributer has started up. However, don't take my word for it... but do choose wisely.

[Joeblake]

Thanks for the advice. Any recommendations on a shop in Melbourne which does conversions and offers a good range?

I've had good dealings with the Greenspeed crowd in Melbourne. Whilst they manufacture recumbent trikes, they also build wheels with hub e-motors. I've had two done, one I installed myself, the other I had them do when they built the trike.

I'm not sure about the different types of motors available, but from the website here are a couple of examples.





I've got two Heinzmanns 200/400watts and they've been brilliant.

On a 26" wheel:



and a 16" wheel



Joe

[cachexian]

I bought my first kit from EVS in Melbourne. They're a good crowd that have been around for ages. Here's their website.

http://www.currietech.com.au/

Cachexian

[ChrisRider]

I recommend a New e bike, rather then conversion.

With conversions they can sometimes ruin or devalue your original bicycle.

Also, the batteries for conversions are chunky and heavy, and do not match with your old regular bicycle.

The other thing is, if you buy a new bike, then you have 2 bikes of value.

If you convert your bike, you only have 1 bike and of less value.