R. Martin L1

[amjones]

Any opinions/experience?

http://www.rmartinbikes.com/L1-electric-bicycle.html

 

[gogo]

Hey, I think that's what I have!
Can anyone ID this bike?

The frame looks identical but the crank, wheels and front fork are different from mine. The gear shifting system is very nice. I've had the motor and controller powered with 55 volts and didn't fry anything. These motors are supposed to be able to handle much more voltage and 30 amps. I'm going to try 80V with a different controller this weekend.

Figure the battery is worth about $400 and the hub motor $200, so as a package $800 seems very reasonable.

 

[amjones]

Wow, I just went back to that page and the price is now $799.

I'm curious about that battery. Martin claims it's only 7 lbs, but it sure looks like this battery, which is 4.5-5.5 kgs (10-12 lbs):

http://goldenmotor.com/batterypack.htm

 

[gogo]

The empty Martin L1 case that came with my bike is the same height as the goldenmotor case. It might be interchangable. I'd guess 10 lbs. to be more accurate.

 

[ozbikeman]

I have personal experience with these bikes - the L1 is also sold via http://www.electric-bike.com.au in Australia. The battery weighs 3kg, which is about 7ibs so this is correct.

 

[lifer]

Hey, I just noticed this bike has a geared hubmotor like an ezee or bmc. That''s got to be worth ~500-600 with controller - the 36V 10Ahr LiFePO is another $400 - the bike frame tailored for electric is worth a couple hundred. This looks like a great deal and about 10 lbs lighter than ezee's readymades. Can anyone who owns one comment on the power and speed? Is it anything like the ezee or bmc?

 

[dogman dan]

7 pounds is about right for 10 ah lithium. Doesn't say lifepo4, so it might be lipo.