Don't underestimate the value of a front wheel drive.

[Louis]

My first attempt at a mid drive was using a Trek Pure. Unfortunately the frame put the motor into a position so low that I just wasn't happy. It probably would have been OK but I wasn't happy.
i.e.The Trek Pure, for me, is even more comfortable than the Townie or Smoothy. It just right. I decided I wanted to keep the Trek and also wanted to see what was so bad about the front drive that most "experts" tended to put it down. I had a chance to grab a 1000W MXUS front wheel , with an upgraded Lyen 6FET controller as a payback for some work I did for a reseller. I jumped on it and I jump on this ride weekly. I use it to run errands where parking and security may be a little sketchy. I'd hate to have it stolen, but I haven't got that much in the bike.

I've been really pleased with it. PAS is set up so that it cruises at 16MPH pedaling in assist mode. It's capable of 29MPH with my 29E pack. 27 with an aging 48V 13s 3p pack, and a blistering 30 with a 52V PF.

I had read that these steer funny, but I don't have any sense of loss of control. I really like it. It's not to loud and has plenty of power. It will spin out in sand or on rainy days but not enough to be a problem.

Installation is super easy. I think the Smart Pied Golden Motor would make a great conversion. $319! For a quality kit well above anything sold on eBay.

In my opinion this is a conversion that should be considered, especially on a budget.
http://lunacycle.com/hot-new/smart-p...motor-hub-kit/

[SextonTom]

Louis,I don't see the Pure in Trek's line-up. Is it an older bike ?

[Louis]

They dropped the Pure a year or two after they bought Electra. Townie is now a Trek product. A shame really. I like the design better for a hub drive at least.

[tonk]

That's a really beautiful looking bike.

Unfortunately at 240# in hilly/mountainous country I don't see a hub drive in my future but I do like the price point of the system. As far as them not making the Pure anymore, they can be found on the secondary market if your patient.

I've never experienced a front wheel bike but I remembr my first front wheel drive car. Took me some time to settle in on becoming comfortable with how it handled. It has it's advantages but if your not used to it, it can get you in trouble. I was in a white out on solid ice between Flagstaff & Albuquerque, no one else on the road but plenty of trucks & cars off the sides. Tail decided it wanted to lead, was able to keep it on the flat which would never have happened with a rear wheel drive.

[Louis]

Louis,I don't see the Pure in Trek's line-up. Is it an older bike ?

They dropped it. Since they now own Electra and the Townie. Sad. I really liked the style and I still love the geometry. It's a really comfortable ride. Even the seat was decent. It's the only seat I haven't replaced. Not cushy but evenly supportive. I do like fat tires at lower pressures for comfort. A 7 speed is a perfect fit, but it is a 73MM Bottom Bracket. The BBS hangs a little to low for my sensibilities. 15MPH with PAS. 28 by throttle. Gonna throw one of my studded tires on for winter ice days. I just finished my FatBike one speed for snowy day runs.

[OptimusPrime]

Lots of value in a hub motor regardless if it's front or rear. The emphasis here has definitely been on the mid drives but I contend that for most folks who want to cruise on road and bike path, the hub motor is great. Dead silent, reliable, plenty of power, relatively inexpensive, and no issues of chain line, bottom bracket fitment, gear ratios, etc.
My Trek on the bike path:

http://sendvid.com/4pnegg9x

[spinningmagnets]

Louis, if you ever get bored when you have some time on your hands, could you see if a BBSHD would fit inside the triangle? Not a full installation, just pull the crankset and cartridge, slide in and take a pic?

If it does, I can see a used Trek Pure really going up in value when I see them on craigslist for half-price...maybe even $100?

[Rix Ryds]

Sure looks like it will. Hey, maybe we ought to start a thread about which bikes WILL accept a BBSHD in the triangle. Would be good to know.

[Louis]

Ron, Unfortunately it didn't. BUT it's been 2 1/2 years since I looked at the option and can't remember if the was a solution. That was my first attempt at a build and how I ended up with the SA 3 SPD with Drum Brake wheel gathering dust. Sure, I can find the time to pull it and see how the BBSHD might be an option. Perhaps the dimple I saw in another thread of some removal of motor housing that you did.

$100 Pure? DAMN color me green. I'd disgust all the experts and throw a front motor on in an instant. It's also the only seat I've never bothered to replace. I'd suggest the NCX but I road 8 miles yesterday and my gimped up ass came home happy. It's amazing what 2" tires with lower pressure can do for a comfort ride.

[spinningmagnets]

2" tires? If you just like to cruise, and don't ride like it's a sports car, test ride 3.5-inch tires sometime.

[Louis]

2" tires? If you just like to cruise, and don't ride like it's a sports car, test ride 3.5-inch tires sometime.

2.5 are as large as the Smoothies will take so it's hookworms. The Pure probably won't take anything bigger than the hookworms. I don't have a frame except the bikesdirect tank that will accept a 3.5".