Electra beach cruiser build

[OptimusPrime]

Turns out I have a Trek shift mens frame and I can tell you that would be a great choice for her. The bottom bracket is 73mm so the BBSO2 will fit. That 34T rear cog will be great for keeping the motor rpm's in a good range. Im not a fan of under top tube mounts because every bump is trying to tear the battery from its mount. So if you go that route be sure to add extra support, those little tiny tabs are easy to crack.

[thedadude]

Thanks for the Feedback Optimus Prime.
I saw two threads on Electra builds but they were both standard frames with BBSHD's, gut says the BBS02 would not need to dimple the frame because it has a smaller diameter motor housing.

No, I don't have the Electra bike, we are currently considering frame choices/options. This build is for my bride who has a bum foot (chronic stress fracture) but still wants to ride. She has a relatively new Trek Shift2 comfort hybrid. This ride would be for recreation so commute length/ride weight etc. are not as important as ride comfort and of course style and the Electra is a classic beach cruiser...and it needs a front basket for her pup...of course.

I was looking at the Electra Cruiser to simplify the build (7spd and an inside the frame motor setup) and just sell the Shift2. So I borrowed a friends Electra 3sp this weekend for her to test ride and do some measurements. I think the BBS02 would fit inside the frame well, but.... it has a single piece crank with press fit bearings so would need to pull them and install a BB adapter (so much for an easier build), and would also need to add a rear rack or something to hang the battery on after setting her seat height on the test ride (was thinking I could do the mini cube in a saddle bag). Think we're back to hanging onto the Shift2 and slinging the motor under the downtube and suing a bottle style battery.

I do think the Electra 7 step thru would be a nice looking beach build if you could stuff the motor inside the frame and find a good place to hang a battery...might even get to do her friends Electra 3 spd next if I can get the brides ride worked out. Note: We looked at a few year old Electra 7sp this weekend, it had the 1 piece crank, though the current Electra book shows a 3 piece on the 7sp so they must have transitioned in the last couple of years.

The Trek Shift2 step thru frame w/ 21sp, has SRAM twist grip shifters and a bastard drive setup unfortunately, Shimano front derailleur(which would go away), SRAM X3 rear de, KMC "Z" narrow chain and "Megadrive Superlow" cassette(34T-14T). I PRESUME I can use the rear drive and chain...more questions. On to the next thread.

[OptimusPrime]

The build at the beginning of this thread is using an Electra kids bike. They use a different style bottom bracket and a one piece crank. The adult models use a threaded bottom bracket which is what you want

We need to know more about the particular bike you want to convert

[OptimusPrime]

The website says sealed cartridge bottom bracket for the current models. Do you have the bike already? How old is it?

To my knowledge two people on this forum have installed their motors inside the triangle on an Electra cruiser but they were not step through and it did require putting a dimple in a frame tube.

[thedadude]

I see this is an older thread but does anybody know how this build turned out? I am looking at converting an Electra Step Thru Cruiser with 7spd SRAM Revo Twist gearing on the rear, using a BBS02 and trying to squeeze the motor inside the frame between the seatpost and downtube. Would love to see if this has been done before I venture into the unknown. Looks like on the 3 speed they use a pressed in bearing cup on the BB, anyone know if they use the same crank setup on the 7 speeds?

[Louis]

I find the brakes to be the most frustrating detail to overcome.

I have an old harwood dwell that I used on several old Schwinns. I also need to do dremel work to clean up slag.

I do have a 3 spd hub and wheel with drum brakes that I intended to use on just such a conversion. But never did. I need up doing a front wheel DD on the build.

http://electricbike.com/forum/forum/for-sale/parts/10546-sturmey-archer-3-spd-with-drum-brake-new-in-alex-wheel

[dwd2010]

This is from> DIY Builders section>Ebike building directions>BBSHD on an Electra Cruiser. Page 3, post #34 & #35.

Member calfee20 posted this link for an adapter http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalog...roducts_id=104

These adapters are available on amazon, ebay, and lots of other places. All have the three long screws to hold them together

It's for converting a one piece crank to a three piece crank, or installing a cartridge bottom bracket.

I don't know if anybody has mounted a BBSHD with one yet. I think you have 13mm of space on the BBHSD between the motor and the mounting part that goes into the bottom bracket.

Thanks, appears to be exactly what I need. Appreciate the link. Anyone with recommended procedures for taking out what I believe are called bearing cups that are currently existing in bottom bracket.

Attempted with hammer and piece of 1 by wood but it just splintered. Maybe I need to try with a piece of galvanized pipe?!

Also the linked bearing adapter, I'm assuming the hardware bolts contained are designed for 68mm width. Doesn't have any specs, no problem if a little shortening is needed.

I've been doing a lot of reading, think I'm beginning with the right style bike but perhaps wrong model.

[Louis]

The simple adapters that spinning first introduced me to have been my go to fix. Turned old school Schwinn one piece into nice sealed crank rides.

There are also 4 bolt versions.

https://www.amazon.com/Truvativ-00-6.../dp/B000VT550K

[calfee20]

Thanks. That's a one-piece "Ashtabula" style of crank. Very common on beach cruisers, but I'm surprised to see it on an Electra....

Steel frame Electras seem to use a one piece crank. The cruiser 7d Tall is steel and has a one piece crank.

[1 cog missing]

This is from> DIY Builders section>Ebike building directions>BBSHD on an Electra Cruiser. Page 3, post #34 & #35.

Member calfee20 posted this link for an adapter http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalog...roducts_id=104

These adapters are available on amazon, ebay, and lots of other places. All have the three long screws to hold them together

It's for converting a one piece crank to a three piece crank, or installing a cartridge bottom bracket.

I don't know if anybody has mounted a BBSHD with one yet. I think you have 13mm of space on the BBHSD between the motor and the mounting part that goes into the bottom bracket.

[Louis]

Looks like a not so clean and easy retro from here. Please share how he does it.

[dwd2010]

What's your plan for rear brakes?

Trying to determine viability of this cruiser for a BBSHD KIT was my first priority. LBS mechanic seemed to think rim brake would be easy to retro fit. Obviously if this bike passes the eligibility hurdle for the kit I'll be losing brakes and verifying retro fit of those rim brakes.

[spinningmagnets]

Thanks. That's a one-piece "Ashtabula" style of crank. Very common on beach cruisers, but I'm surprised to see it on an Electra....

[dwd2010]

This is what was removed.

[dwd2010]

Appears to be 68mm width on bottom bracket. Contains no threads just what appears as pressed in bearing holder for crank arm. Attaching some more photos