rootshell
1 W
Hey everyone. Long time lurker, but finally taking the plunge to build my first ebike.
I've been and EV owner for years, and with the surge in popularity comes lack of convenient close charger availability at times. I'm finding myself commuting from the multi-charging station to my building, more and more. An ebike would be perfect for the task. My ebike commute would be really no more than 2 miles per day round trip, so range dictates the number of times per month I need to bring the battery home to charge.
My car is a small compact (Leaf), but the bike would not be transported much and remain on campus. Also, I'm a tall guy at 6'3" 230lbs, so a compact bike will not be practical in terms of comfort. I'm just not having a lot of luck finding a large frame used donor.
To summarize my ebike needs:
I have found some bargain steel frame donors on CL such as this: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/d/santa-clara-specialized-rockhopper/6897573224.html
I figure for $40, I can replace any parts that may need service and still keep it a budget build. The 20" frame does concern me though as being too small for my size.
Not opposed to buying a new donor and doing the conversion, if that's more cost effective than trying to find a 22" used donor.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
-Eric
I've been and EV owner for years, and with the surge in popularity comes lack of convenient close charger availability at times. I'm finding myself commuting from the multi-charging station to my building, more and more. An ebike would be perfect for the task. My ebike commute would be really no more than 2 miles per day round trip, so range dictates the number of times per month I need to bring the battery home to charge.
My car is a small compact (Leaf), but the bike would not be transported much and remain on campus. Also, I'm a tall guy at 6'3" 230lbs, so a compact bike will not be practical in terms of comfort. I'm just not having a lot of luck finding a large frame used donor.
To summarize my ebike needs:
- Short distances, maybe 10-20 miles to reduce frequency of charging. Will tote battery home to charge.
- Donor needs to support my size and height, 6'3" 230lbs.
- No real requirements in regards to speed, maybe 15-25mph. This is about convenience really.
- No hills on my commute, just what you would expect on varying surface streets.
- Trying to keep under a $700 budget.
I have found some bargain steel frame donors on CL such as this: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/d/santa-clara-specialized-rockhopper/6897573224.html
I figure for $40, I can replace any parts that may need service and still keep it a budget build. The 20" frame does concern me though as being too small for my size.
Not opposed to buying a new donor and doing the conversion, if that's more cost effective than trying to find a 22" used donor.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
-Eric