It's time for the e bike discussion

[RPower]

I might prefer adding a motor to a less-classic 1990's beach cruiser (e.g. GT Dyno), or to an industrial bike (e.g., Worksman), or a semi-MTB hybird(?).

I completely agree with you idealistically; however, my angle is economic. The problem is that there isn't much value placed on classics. You see beautiful, complete bikes go for dirt or get parted because no one wants to pay what they are worth. I rarely buy compete bikes because I like the build process and then loose my a.. when I sell them. I've posted classics and get sad offers or comments about what's wrong with the bike to diminish its value? Old bikes, other than your grail bikes, simply aren't valued and look cooler than a 1995 reproduction, in my opinion.

 

[RPower]

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Here is my electric stingray. I built it up from a beater I got from from @onecatahula I'd like to swap to lithium at some point, as lead acid is incredibly heavy.

Bomb!

 

[Rollo]

Nothing wrong with pedal assist, I live in hill area and common. I ran into a grandpa on ekit bike, he enjoy riding with grandkids

... Agreed ... when I use the pedal assist on my fat tire bike ... I still get the exercise but headwinds and hills are a non-factor ...

 

[SirMike1983]

If it does not permanently alter an original vintage bicycle, and the area is hilly, I think a pedal assist is great on the open road. I have no problem where the electric motor is used to help someone pedaling against a steep hill on a public road.

I am against eBikes that become dime store motorcycles operated at higher speeds. I am also against allowing eBikes on bike or multi-use bike/walk/run trails and on protected nature trails.

 

[Freqman1]

I don't have anything against E-bikes (they just aren't for me) and as long as you can undo any mods on a classic or antique bike then no harm no foul. That said purpose built E-bikes are probably a better way to go if you are strictly concerned about transportation. Of course if you want that 'ol school vibe then you are going to have to do a custom. V/r Shawn

 

[cyclingday]

If you’re having fun with it, it’s all good!
I think I’d be tempted to try and build something unique, that had a vintage look, but incorporated all the modern amenities of a state of the art Electric Assist.

 

[J-wagon]

Reminds me past weekend group mtb ride local route, Palm Canyon epic, about 26 miles. Couple guys on E-mtb. The rest of us on analog bikes, dubbed Team Amish

 

[Fritz Katzenjammer]

I am writing my thoughts as a full fledge antique Motobike enthusiast doing a museum restore on an old Shelby. However, I got into this building custom electric bikes for someone and built one that I ride when I feel really lazy, want to try out new products or have super high winds. I'll eventually decommission the old Shelby I ride and release it back into the wild as a mostly original bike. The red Westfield is a custom for a dude who bailed but I'll finish it up at some point. My issue is that every time someone straps some loud, stinky 2 stroke on an old bike or presents a Whizzer the crowd goes wild. Sold the chrome Rex and my wife is deciding between the Schwinn and a custom Monark Super Deluxe I am finishing - a bike with Nuvinci hub that I can't wait to try out. Though I don't spend much time on the electrics, mostly riding my mountain bike and an old Hawthorne Flyer, I think it is time to consider electric restomods and crusty motorbikes with electric motors as viable options for enthusiasts who need extra boost (old bikes are heavy) and/or want to use them for transportation. After all, they are Motobikes (OK, not the Schwinn) and they are motorized...... comments?

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That red thing... why... its porn!

i want one!

 

[RPower]

That red thing... why... its porn!

i want one!

Open to trades lol!

 

[Chavez]

Here’s two of my vintage Ebike builds. One started out as an ‘80 Schwinn collegiate. The other a 69-70 Raleigh Twenty.
Both were built from the frame up and every nut, bolt and washer spec’d out by me.
I had to spread frames and forks as well as some modifications to the bottom bracket area on the Raleigh Twenty. I built the wheel sets changed wheel sizes on both models. The collegiate is running 650b’s. Both have bafang 36v motors running on Milwaukee 18v batteries x2 in series. They get up and go, ride amazingly smooth and can get up any hill around and then some.
I could go on and on, but I’m pro Ebike for so many practical everyday reasons. I also enjoy the simplicity of a traditional bike ride on any well tuned machine (bicycle).