E-bike project - General E Lee

[Metallover]

I just joined there today... Or else, yeah, you know, yeahhh,, I'd be an expert...

[lutach]

You guys should talk it over and get a group buy to see if they can lower the price. It's going up for sure as the demand seems to be there and Headway will certainly enjoy a little more profit.

[zeropointbug]

I am thinking you need a big bulk order to lower the price, like 500 to 1000 or more?

Also, are you dead set on a specific voltage to use? If not, you could use some Prius NiMH cell modules, they are supposed to be fairly equal in performance to A123 cells (surprisingly)... you can get 2 7.2v/6.5Ah modules for $30 (at least it shows 2 in the pic, might be for one). There is a large selection of them on eBay.

These would be a very good option IMO, as NiMH are very durable and have very high cycle life, they have a nice 'packaged' appearance. It would make for easy pack making, nice and clean, and very robust, electrically wise. I was reading on the endless-sphere board and a couple guys used them in their ebikes and some say they would prefer them over LiFe pack.

[BL_RV0]

Are you referring to this auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...%3A1|72%3A1171 ?

[zeropointbug]

Oh yah, oops I forgot to post the link... that is they very one I was looking at.

[BL_RV0]

That's only for 1 cell. To get a ~28v 13ah setup would cost about $230 dollars plus shipping.

[Metallover]

And a 36v setup is wayy more. I think at this point I'm set on turnigys.

[BL_RV0]

They'll be light but are vulnerable and will not last as long.

[Metallover]

Well, I'll do my best to protect them. I don't think that'll be a problem. They do have a relatively short life,,, probably less then 250 cycles. However, you have to keep in mind I won't be stressing these batteries much. It'll be a walk in the park for 10ah 20c lipos to discharge a constant, what, 50a? That's 5c.... I also don't plan on this project, if it comes together, to last more then a year. I bet these lipos will last much more then a year...

If The bike does go though a set of batteries and I'm looking for a new set, I'll look more into the a123s and headway cells, but for now lipo looks like the best bet. Unlike LiFe or Li-Ion, I don't have to get another charger or balancer and I have all of the proper equipment to properly maintain these lipo cells.

[johnrobholmes]

Headway requires 1000qty for a price break.

[Metallover]

SO, back to the general lee.

Awhile back, I stripped the bolt on the pedal arms which required me to get a new crank. I got a nice redline brand crank with sealed bearing and all that stuff. I have the old shaft which is the right size, 3/4", and I need the threads gone. Is the best way to do this is take it to a machine shop and have them take it on a lathe?

This is my jackshaft where I need the threads off so it fits in my bearings. It is 3/4" around the ends on the hex part.

[BL_RV0]

Just go buy a piece of rod at your local hardware store. Would be less expensive than having a machinist take the threads off of your shaft.

[Metallover]

OH! duh...

[BL_RV0]

[zeropointbug]

Make sure it's high carbon steel, don't cheap out now.

Maybe go to a machinist and ask him for some H.C. rod, he would probably have some scrap he would give to you for nothing.