Electra Townie BBSHD

[CapeCodRhino]

Hello community!
I have some questions about a new eBike build. This is my first post and if there is an existing article about my question please post a link.
I just purchased a 2018 Electra Townie 7d men’s. I fell in love with the comfort and style of this bike! I would like to make it an eBike. It seems that the BBSHD is the motor of choice these days. This bike will mostly see on road usage with occasional dirt paths. My weight is 165 lbs.
However, does anyone have experience with installing on my bike model?
I’m curious if frame modifications or chain guard removal is necessary?
I looking for a battery with excellent longevity/power that is reliable, suggestions?
Any other suggestions for maximum power/range while being reliable? Looking more for V6 Camry performance/ reliability vs. Ferrari performance/maintenance.
Thank you so much!

[calfee20]

Hello community!
I have some questions about a new eBike build. This is my first post and if there is an existing article about my question please post a link.
I just purchased a 2018 Electra Townie 7d men’s. I fell in love with the comfort and style of this bike! I would like to make it an eBike. It seems that the BBSHD is the motor of choice these days. This bike will mostly see on road usage with occasional dirt paths. My weight is 165 lbs.
However, does anyone have experience with installing on my bike model?
I’m curious if frame modifications or chain guard removal is necessary?
I looking for a battery with excellent longevity/power that is reliable, suggestions?
Any other suggestions for maximum power/range while being reliable? Looking more for V6 Camry performance/ reliability vs. Ferrari performance/maintenance.
Thank you so much!

http://electricbike.com/forum/forum/...le-s-bbshd-kit

[CapeCodRhino]

Thank you so much!!!

[calfee20]

For a battery I would get Luna's 52 volt 24 amp triangle. It is the best purchase I have made. Easily 50 + mile range. NO range anxiety. Oh they seem to be out of them but they have a 28 amp/hr https://lunacycle.com/triangle-52v-p...ge-high-power/

I also have one of these batteries on a Paratrooper Pro https://lunacycle.com/52v-panasonic-...ce-long-range/ The reason I am mentioning it is because it fits very nicely into a Blackburn medium outpost bag. https://www.blackburndesign.com/bags...ag-medium.html

[calfee20]

I am thinking of going down the Cape for the first time this year on Friday if the weather forecast holds. If you want to hook up for a ride or a BS session let me know. I am close enough to help if you need it.

I would even be willing to bring out 2 bikes if you wanted to go for a ride and see what it is all about. The weather looks good Saturday to...……..calfee.

[CapeCodRhino]

Thank you for the advice! I like the look of the battery and rack setup you have. What battery is that on your Electra?
Also, I might take you up on your offer to help with my build. I live in Falmouth, but I also own a commercial building in Bourne off of MacArthur Blvd. I have tools and a powerful air compressor there.

[calfee20]

That style battery doesn't seem to be available anymore. I have two batteries with mounts and a special rack that one mount is installed in. I might consider selling all of it or one battery and it's mounting bracket.

[CapeCodRhino]

Just throwing out a last minute Hail Mary... If your still planning on coming to the Cape today and will be crossing the Bourne Bridge between 11:30 and 2:30, would you like to stop by my shop? I’d love to check out your bike for a bit. I’ll be working but can take a little break.
No pressure at all!
Take care,
Steve

5 Otis Park Drive
Bourne, MA 02532

[calfee20]

I could not find a photo of that member's dual rear rack battery bags. I remember that he used two of these batteries. http://lunacycle.com/52v-panasonic-g...ce-long-range/ and two bags like this or similar.

http://www.amazon.com/ARD-CHAMPS-Mot...=handlebar+bag The dimensions would lead you to believe the batteries would fit but I never believe anything until I see it.

He attached the bags to the rear rack and let them hang down enough so he could still put a bag on top of the rack.

Cable sleeve. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I feel like I am forgetting something...……...Oh well

[calfee20]

If you decide to go this route grab the batteries NOW. This is the first time they have been available in a year. In fact what ever battery you decide get it right away because historically Luna will sell out quite rapidly and people will be crying for months looking for certain batteries.

[CapeCodRhino]

I’m finding out as you stated that the batteries sell out quickly. The Shark and Wolf packs are already sold out. All that is left is rubber wrapped packs. I do have concerns with the durability of these style packs though. What do you think of Rhino Lining a rubber wrapped battery for durability? If it would work out I know a guy that does great work!

[calfee20]

You are going to put it in some kind of a case or bag so durability is not an issue. In rare cases a battery will be unwrapped and repaired and your liner would just increase
weight. However making your own bike is a personal thing and I am sure you are very comfortable with Rhino linings so what ever floats your boat.

http://electricbike.com/forum/search...22townie%22%7D

[spinningmagnets]

Welcome to the Electra / BBSHD club! If I owned a beach-side ebike rental shop, half the ebikes would be exactly this. Here's mine: https://electricbike.com/forum/forum...fat-with-bbshd

Be aware that if you ever crave just a little more power, the BBSHD has been run with an external controller at "up to" 72V, or...it was kept at 48V/52V and then had the amps raised from 30A "up to" 50A...I do recommend a smaller chainring...Mine is still stock and I can easily do 30-MPH...

[CapeCodRhino]

Thank you for the warm welcome!
I am almost ready to place my order with Luna, just trying to fine tune a few details. Top priority is to discover a stealthy way to conceal the battery. I am currently looking into custom made leather bags off of Etsy. Also looking into antique metal containers that can be mounted on the rear rack with a “Airstream camper” rounded style to house the battery. Once I figure that out I will pull the trigger!

[Fred]

Thank you for the warm welcome!
I am almost ready to place my order with Luna, just trying to fine tune a few details. Top priority is to discover a stealthy way to conceal the battery. I am currently looking into custom made leather bags off of Etsy. Also looking into antique metal containers that can be mounted on the rear rack with a “Airstream camper” rounded style to house the battery. Once I figure that out I will pull the trigger!

Here's some pics of custom bikes using leather extensively. This is a shop in Buenos Aires where the owner makes high end custom ebikes. I had the pleasure of visiting him and riding one of the bikes around Buenos Aires last fall.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/julescycles/photos/

[CapeCodRhino]

It’s official, I just placed my order with Luna tonight!
BBSHD “hot rod” kit
52v Panasonic GA 17 ah performance + long range battery
52v charger
Let’s see how long it takes to ship to MA!
I’ll post my build once it arrives.
Super excited!