Aussie Bob's Road Bike Conversion

Aussie Bob converted his Canondale road bike to an eBike.

Here is his RIDE Report

DAY 1 - Unpowered ride on driveway - pleasantly easy. Wiring in controller changed to reflect absence of throttle

10km ride:- Basic power mode was #2 (of 5). Used #3 only on two test hills. Display erratic, esp. when powered down automatically.Noticed drag when switching to unpowered, freewheeling and over 25kmh. Need for Garmin to check riding characteristics

PLUS

1.8km climb, average gradient 5%, maximum about 14%. Maintained modest but smooth tempo in power #3 without undue exertion. No obvious impact on battery life.

DAY 2 - Solo ride of 42kms., 401 metres climbing elevation

Preparedness for perceived “drag” referred to above results in a smoother ride. Requires 2/3 seconds increased exertion whenever this takes place.  A slightly lower gear than normally expected for unpowered riding results in more noticeable assistance.  Higher cadence. Mainly in power #2, but #3 of great assistance on modest inclines.

Battery usage indicator unchanged until total of 45kms reached (including yesterday). Display speed about 2kmh less than Garmin.  Drop down to unpowered not always exactly @ 25kmh

Trip odometer at around 75% of Garmin throughout – possibly only indicates distance travelled under power

Very steep 100metre pinch: lowest gear and power #5; little perceived benefit from high power; battery usage indicator fluctuated and then returned to 3 bars (out of 4)

800 metre climb, average 9.5%, maximum over 18%.  Again, may have been better to use less power-assist and slacken speed.  Some exertion required but not as debilitating as usual.  Technique needs developing for this type of very steep climb.  Avoid overuse of power #5.

Deduced range:Say, 70% battery life (3 bars remaining = 75%) after travelling 53kms on 75% power usage:(53*.75)/.7 = 57kms, or total 76kms, inc. unpowered usage.        Room for improvement?

Sundries

Need to relocate one bottle cage to crossbar. 18mm spanner required to loosen rear wheel nuts. Technique for rear wheel removal. Old rear wheel returned, said to be interchangeable

I'm not sure that immediately slamming the power up to its maximum is the way to go, given the profile of the climb. Intuitively, power #3 may be the way to start, rising to #4 for the final 150metre steep pinch at maximum gradient. I'd try and avoid #5, except as a last resort.

My ideal would be to complete the climb with whatever exertion was required while avoiding any need to fight the bike uphill and wrecking myself physically. Given time, I'll work out the optimum manner of ascent that works for me and let you know. I'll also count the teeth on my new gearing and pass on that info'.

I've reworked my range data to date: 50% Battery - 53 kms; 100% Battery = 106 Kms- Range assuming 25% freewheeling - 141 kms.