Convert Q45 to ebike

Flying Dutchman

Well-Known Member
Further update on my Skarper experience after I've done a couple of 20-mile commutes.

My commute is mostly flat with a couple of relatively easy hills. For the hills the Skarper does exactly what's expected - it gives that bit of help to get up them more easily. I find I go uphill doing 10mph very easily. Now here in the UK, e-bike motors are restricted to provide support to 25kph (about 15.5mph). This appears to be my typical speed on the Q45 though so I tend not to get any or hardly any support from the engine. The funny bit is that if I stay just under the 25kph I get support and it runs very easily, so much so that I want to change gear. However when I do that, I go past the 25kph at which point the motor cuts out, so I have to shift down again.

But apart from that I am very happy with this solution. I still get a good workout (some 2 1/5 hour on the bike) and I am not totally shattered by the time I get to work. Win-win. As for battery usage, I use about 50% each way so I can make it there and back on one charge - just about. It might be different if I have strong headwinds in one direction though - I haven't had that as yet.

To answer @llavalle - the solution that I got from Skarper is not the standard solution but it is basically doubling up on the strap that comes as standard.

@Robert Holler Skarper will come to the Taipei Cycle where they will try to link up with you.
 

llavalle

Member
To answer @llavalle - the solution that I got from Skarper is not the standard solution but it is basically doubling up on the strap that comes as standard.

@Robert Holler Skarper will come to the Taipei Cycle where they will try to link up with you.
Interesting. I would definitely prefer their solution over the BiMotal one. I feel like pulling on the 2 small M5 screws of the flatmount caliper is just asking for trouble.... (and not officially supported anyway)
 

llavalle

Member
Interesting. I would definitely prefer their solution over the BiMotal one. I feel like pulling on the 2 small M5 screws of the flatmount caliper is just asking for trouble.... (and not officially supported anyway)
So I reached out to BiMotal.

Their answer :

I am familiar with the CRUZBIKE and our system is compatible with the frame.
You'll need to purchase a coupe of upgrades:

  • A brake mount adapter: 140mm flat mount to 160mm post mount.
  • Upgrade the rear brake to a hydraulic 4 piston caliper. There is a compatible mechanically actuated brake that could work, but it's the same price if not more expensive than upgrading to a hydraulic brake.

Here is a list of value-priced calipers if you need a recommendation:
• Shimano: MT420, MT520, Deore BR-M6120, SLX BR-M7120, XT BR-M8120
• SRAM: DB4, 6, 8, Code, Level
• TRP Slate EVO
• Tektro: Orion, Gemini 4-piston
I'm already have FM 140mm to PM 160MM adapters on the way to put MTB hydraulic disk brakes on my A4X (was planning on cheap MT-200 with the longer reach handles but I guess I could get a set of MT420 instead)

Interesting to say the least.
 
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