New power cable arrived earlier today. They said they had tested it before they shipped it. Fidgeted with it and then plugged it in. Turned the battery switch to on position, and then hit the "M" on the SW900 display. It's alive! YAY!! After all of these learning times, ups and downs of a custom one of a kind build as nobody else in the whole wide world owns a "GOLD KRATE", so while I still have to loom the wires, it was ready for an initial test ride. First test the pedal assist. 5 levels and it works good. Next test was the throttle.
IMPRESSIONS: My first fears were the control-ability of the front end. The rear motor takes off rather slow and then really gains speed quickly, you have to know your limits on that thumb throttle. Didn't want to wheelie even on fast takeoffs. WHOA! My fears allayed. In addition at around 15 to even 18 mph, it rides smooth like a dream. No issues of losing control of that front wheel.
Paul at the local bike shop:
Visited my friend listening to Sly and the Family Stone on the Gold Krate "Dance to the music"... He remembered that tune growing up in the early seventies when Krates were what most every kid wanted. We talked a bit and he suggested I can tighten the rear brake a little more. Noted as most of the taxation of stopping right now is on that hub brake. I told him about two hours of light left, I am tempted for a quick longer ride by Lake Balboa. Decided to head up the local busy street playing my 1960's tunes on a GOLD KRATE, only one in the world, at least of right now.
BRAGGING RIGHTS!
Okay, the longer ride at higher speeds. I was just feeling great and the evening traffic hadn't hit just yet. So onto the main street and opened it up a bit more to test again how easy or safe it was to ride at higher speeds. On the throttle heavy, the front end end never hinted of wanting to lift. At over 22mph it became a bit more to manage but remained tamed for the most part. Pushed it to 26mph, and it rode stable, no issues, remained a tamed smooth ride, rather refined from rides past in an era when Krates ruled!!! Upped the ante. Pushed it to 28mph, and that's where it starts to become a bit less manageable. Still a smooth plush ride, but the front end began to show signs that I better know what I am doing or else.
The Outer Limits: I decided to push it beyond 28mph while I had the fresh battery to do so. Got to 32mph and still remained fairly safe. In comparison to my regular stingray I would say at higher speeds that feels safer with the larger front wheel. So backed down and then took it for a loop ride around the lake. I kept the bike path jaunt at an average of around 18mph and on a very windy day. I found riding into the head winds the bike still remained very stable and no hints of control issues, and again, it ever wanted to wheelie on me. The weight of the battery in-frame negates that.
Overall impressions are generally the ride at around 24mph is more than fine, it cruises great. The ride has a very refined and had a very smooth and safe feel to it. I was not only surprised rather early in riding it, but was quite impressed. Now bear in mind I opted for the Big Green Apple Schwalbe tire front 20" and rear 26" and they ride super nice too. Generally speaking though, I am of a better mind to go mid engine on my future Krate builds, this wasn't bad at all, in fact on a less windy day and a bit warmer, this would be a great ride just about anywhere on the bike paths.
That said, in a few weeks I'll try and get videos posted of it being ridden for you guys. Thanks for following this thread. Remember that I do recommend seriously considering mid drive builds, though this rear hub motor does ride super fine. Stay safe all, it's been a wild ride getting here but today was just awesome, a 1960's style bike playing 1960's music, what can be better
