Is it possible/practical to convert my Day One to a Steps system? I really don't want a hub motor, so if the Steps is a 'no go' is there an alternative?
Any pics, STEPS requires a specific frame to mount the motor. I built a Nuvinci hubbed bike with a TSDZ2 mid mount motor and it goes well.
Have a look here for kits, they have gear sensor add on too. Just decide how much power and range you want http://dillengerelectricbikes.co.uk/electric-bike-kits/bbs-hd1000-bafang-mid-drive-by-bafang.html
Dillinger are bloody expensive! ...And bafangs aren't very smooth in the way they deliver thier power due to the cadence sensor. DZ2s are much smoother as they use a torque sensor and have a much more natural feel
That's why I chose TSDZ2, reacts like a bike just with more oomph. Steps/ Bosch etc all use torque sensing.
That's very interesting. Where do you suggest I would go for the battery for a TSDZ2? I saw mention that with a crank based system you can only have one front chainring. Is this correct, and why?
I only have one front chainring with the Nuvinci. You could possibly have a double front with a bit of thought but with a hub gear based bike most like a simple chainline. Battery wise I bought a 36v 15ah "Shark" pack, Samsung celled. You need to choose what voltage you want, 36v and 48v most common. My Gtech and TSDZ2 are both 36v. Mine's a work in progress, put bigger disks on a few weeks back.
You can get the TSDZ2 with a double chainring, but I'm not sure how happy an Alfine would be running one, since Shimano designed to be just a 1x. You'd need to get creative with the chain tensioner. Even if it you could make it work I don't think much would be gained running it as a 16 speed bike since the standard 8 gearing gives a useful spread of gearing. With my DZ2 running 42:18 gearing (chainring/sprocket) I hardly ever use the lowest 3 or 4 gears and they are only really there as 'get me home gears' for when the battery goes flat, and pedalling a dead 20kg ebike is no fun . So in effect it's a 4 or 5 speed with motor assistance. The 42/18 tops out at about 25mph, which is enough for ripping round town - I could go faster but I'm not one for peddling like a Tw4t. I'd like to go a bit higher with the gearing but Aflines like to stick as close to 2:1 ratio as possible (ideally 42:20) and can be prone to damage 'over torquing' if you go outside the recommended ratios. 42:18 works seems to work OK My battery is known as a 'hailong' (due to the shape of the case), and is a bit smaller than the above mentioned shark. it's 36v 15ah and was from http://eclipsebikes.com/product_info.php?products_id=107 And I got my motor kit from a reliable firm in China, and it's delivered from their warehouse in Germany, so no silly import taxes @DaddyPaddey Do you have flats or drop bars? oh and piccies...
