The later models will, especially Schwinns, had an old Raleigh I finally gave up on( gave it to Kid to convert to a gas powered motor bike.) Been working on a cheap steel framed step thru ebike, what stopped Me from going middrive was the BB was an odd width.Next bike will be ready made for sure.
Buying an eBike vs eBike conversion
- Thread starter Snoop
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m@Robertson
Well-known member
Glad you found it useful.
You asked about my favorite bike for this sort of thing. As you no doubt can tell I prefer to take my time and build up exactly what I want. My favorite full suspension bike is the one I used in this series:
How To Build An Ebike From Scratch
You want to build an ebike, but the project seems overwhelming. Lets de-mystify the entire process, including planning, parts and perfecting the end result.
talesontwowheels.com
That was a 1999 Intense Tracer frame (nowadays it has Maxxis knobbies on and some other, different parts like an Ergotec Space handlebar). The High Voltage Youtube channel did a review on this article series and he called it the 'holy grail' of ebike frames. Lots of room for a battery, super strong construction. Excellent downtube angle into the bottom bracket so you can tuck the motor up against it. Expand your search a little to include older frames. I spent a fair bit of time just being patient, biding my time looking for the right frame. I talk about the select/reject process I used that made the review process a lot faster.
Yes the CYC X1 Pro's construction does give you more options than an HD. My GG Smash with the CYC would have hung an HD straight down to the ground.
Yes, for sure thanks again M@, I just looked through the link above, "How to build an ebike from scratch" another wealth of information. I have been working my way through your blog but hadn't gotten to this one yet. The spreadsheet is great and will prevent a lot of further questions from me. I went to pink bike, something I didn't know about until just now. Look what I found an Intense Tracer 2012. https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3448111/They have changed the frame so it no longer has the space for a battery like yours does. It's a great deal though and with a Chris King rear hub it's ebike ready! Not a lot of detail but the drive has been upgraded to probably a 10 or 11 speed the angle of the picture makes it hard to tell. I did read your blog about the battery back pack you use on your GG Smash.
m@Robertson
Well-known member
That 2012 Tracer is likely a decent candidate for an underslung downtube battery. It looks like there is tons of room between frame wheel when fully compressed. Not my favorite place by a long shot but seems like an option.
