hammandegger

From what I have read [from this site and from ampedbike.com] it is not advisable to use aluminum frames. Is there any way at all my bike can be converted to electric power that I haven't considered????

I have a frame that my specs say is made of "superlight ALUXX Butted Fluidform Aluminum." It has mechanical disc brakes and there are no shock absorbers.

It is a Giant Transport LX, which is a kind of heavy duty cargo bike.

I have tried to post a pic several times but apparently my computer is smarter than me. I have sent an email to the webmaster inquiring about posting pics, but as John Lennon once said there was "No Reply."

Thanks in advance.

hammandegger

Ok the pic uploading worked. Disregard the part about contacting the webmaster.

If the bike can be converted to electric, I still want the use of the front and rear racks for cargo.

Thanks.

RVD72

yes of course this can be converted to electric. aluminum frames are fine. be sure to get some torque arms for the dropouts.

you will need a place to mount the battery + controller assuming that you get a hub motor. usually the rear rack or triangle is used for the battery.

crackerdog

You could install the Ecospeed Mtn drive system, convert it to an Xtracycle and use a Stokemonkey or use a rear hub motor with torque arms (which I would use even with a steel frame bike). It is recommended not to use a front hub motor with aluminum front forks.

DarthSensate

There's nothing wrong with using an aluminum frame. That's FRAME. Aluminum dropouts on front forks with a front hub motor are not OK by themselves.

Use a torque arm and even an aluminum fork/dropout can be ridden safely. No one will actually recommend that you do so, but you can. The torque arm, if installed correctly will transfer almost all of the motor torque away from the dropouts and up to the fork blades. Even on a rear hub motor with an aluminum frame, it is probably advisable to use a torque arm to protect the rear dropouts.

-DS