Motobecane HAL5 + BBSHD

[WebEsquire]

My new trail bike arrived today. Installation was a breeze. Had to have the bike shop remove the BB, mostly I didn't want to bother with it.

I haven't yet figured out how to install the magnetized brake cut off sensors on my Shimano M395 brake levers. Has anyone had luck with that? There doesn't seem to be a good surface area near the brake lever to mount the sensor.

I'm really looking forward to shredding some hidden trails near my house, I should be the only one out there. My commuter bike is looking pretty sad right now, which sucks considering I just finished it last week!

[WebEsquire]

I figured out a clever way to install the brake sensors. In the process, I discovered one of my brake sensors doesn't work. Hopefully Luna will send me a replacement.

I super glued the magnetic ring into the lever (which is also metal), and used a zip tie to secure the sensor nearby. Works like a charm.

I also tucked the bag back a bit since it was interfering with the rear suspension. I'm dialed in right now!

[Dave mc]

Great looking bike, how are you liking it so far?

[WebEsquire]

Thank you! I love this bike. I find myself riding this bike the most, although I wish I had a much larger battery for it. From my measurements, no decent size batteries will fit in the medium size frame though.

[Dave mc]

I have a motobecane fantom29 and I where a back pack for longer rides and use a bag under the seat for shorter rides. The hal 5 may be my next build, I am thinking I might like a 27.5. What size chain ring in the front did you go with?? I cant believe how much fun these bikes are, I have not ridden my bike much in years, I put one of these motors on it and I cant wait to ride every day now.

[WebEsquire]

Agreed! I did a 16 mile ride yesterday on this bike. I went with the luna mighty mini chainring. To be honest, it's a bit undergeared - I could've went with a larger chainring and been just fine. I hardly ever use gears 1,2, or 3.

If you are thinking about getting a HAL5, I would recommend getting a large frame, if possible. The medium frame is just too limiting when it comes to batteries/frame bags.

[Jim McLain]

Hi WebEsq!
I'm a newbie (posted intro) and considering a HAL5 for my 4th build. One was a Motebecane Boris with a medium frame (using a Luna Shark pack) and I don't think I'd be happy with a Large frame.
I'd like to use a Shark Pack on a Hal 5. Would you be so kind to provide a down tube measurement on your Medium frame? (top side from the top-seat tube joints).

Thank you.

[WebEsquire]

Hi Jim,

On my medium frame, there is maybe 13" of usable space for the downtube. I would be really surprised if you could fit a shark pack into this frame. I've measured it many times and tried to find something other than a mighty mini that will fit (besides custom), so far without luck. You are welcome to come dry fit, I would be very interested in the outcome. I live in Mission Viejo.

Here are the official specs if you are curious: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...5-hal6-geo.gif

[WebEsquire]

I just wrote a response and it got lost somehow :(

I measured around 13" of usable space in the downtube, but here are some specs: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...5-hal6-geo.gif

You are welcome to come try to dry fit it, I live nearby. PM if interested, I'd be very interested to see if it does fit.

[WebEsquire]

I measured around 13" of usable space in the downtube, but here are some specs: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...5-hal6-geo.gif

You are welcome to come try to dry fit it, I live nearby. PM if interested, I'd be very interested to see if it does fit.

[WebEsquire]

Hi Jim, it's about 13". I sent you a PM if you'd like to come try to dry fit it, I'd be interested to know if it fits as well.

[Jim McLain]

Thanks, went to read your PM and lost it. Sent you a PM.

[WebEsquire]

At 300 easy miles, seems the motor is leaking grease around the seal. I'll probably have to open her up soon. Despite a wobble at around 18 mph, and a slight tick probably from low grease, she's still a joy to ride.

[cntclass1]

The bike looks great!!

What are the front fenders and how well have they worked for you over the last year? Thanks!

[geekwithoutacause]

My new trail bike arrived today. Installation was a breeze. Had to have the bike shop remove the BB, mostly I didn't want to bother with it.

I haven't yet figured out how to install the magnetized brake cut off sensors on my Shimano M395 brake levers. Has anyone had luck with that? There doesn't seem to be a good surface area near the brake lever to mount the sensor.

I'm really looking forward to shredding some hidden trails near my house, I should be the only one out there. My commuter bike is looking pretty sad right now, which sucks considering I just finished it last week!

what size bbshd dd you get ? 68mm ?