OwnerEd Resnick
Owner's Other EVCrystalyte e-bike (improved)
LocationSan Diego, California United States map
Email email image
Vehicle2007 Trek 7.2 FX
Aluminum bike with a steel fork. 700C wheels.
MotorCrystalyte 5303 (aka Phoenix Racer) Brushless DC
DrivetrainFront hub motor
ControllerCrystalyte 4840
48V and 40A max output (1920 watts).
Batteries4 B and B BP12-12T2, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
System Voltage48 Volts
ChargerSoneil 4808
InstrumentationCyclocomputer.
Top Speed34 MPH (54 KPH)
34 mph max speed on flat ground, regardless of whether or not I'm pedaling (I can't do much at that speed).
AccelerationVery slow, unassisted. However it's fairly quick when pedaling.
RangeI've gone on a few 12-mile trips, but the battery output starts sagging after about 6 miles.
EV Miles
Current:40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight95 Pounds (43 Kilograms)
Rough estimate. Batteries are 38 pounds, front hub motor is 24 pounds, bike is 27 lbs, controller's one or two, then there's the basket and misc accessories.
Tires700x35 rear, 700x50 front. The front wheel is about 28" in diameter; rear wheel is a bit less.
Conversion TimeThe bike could have been electrified in a day, and I can (and have) removed all electrical components in minutes, and put them back on also in minutes. But the initial installation took a while because I wasn't quite sure how it all went together at first.
Conversion Cost$2400. The bike was $400, the e-bike kit was $1050, and the tire, lights, and cyclocomputer were $350, but I destroyed my first motor and fork and had to get replacements for both, adding over $600.
Additional FeaturesThe batteries are all in a very tough nylon bag placed in the rear basket, and there's a single connector from the batteries to the controller. I can remove the batteries simply by unplugging this one connection, then just lifting and carrying the pack by its handles. Extremely convenient; I can bring the batteries inside to recharge, or bring them inside the car so I can carry the bike on an ordinary trunk-mounted car rack. Takes less than one minute to put them back on the bike and plug them in.
I bought my kit from WebPage and I recommend them as they pre-wire the batteries, ensure all connections match up (no soldering needed) and they ship the nylon pack and basket, since that's really a great method for carrying the batteries.

I regret getting a front hub motor and a suspension-less bike, though. Even at just 34 mph, bumps can be a bit painful. But it's still lots of fun!

code by jerry