Joe's Ebike Saga 2015, ninth bike

From a neighbor I bought a nice mountain bike for $400, well used but still in good working order. Like just about all American mountainbikes it did not have horizontal drop outs, so I decided to overcome my prejudice and go with the ubiquitous derailleur instead. This gives me more range than the single speed of my eighth bike, using number 3 setting of the 8 speed rear derailleur for climbing steep inclines and using number 6 setting for the highest speed I am interested in on level roads. I like the small steel frame, RockShox fork and the overall configuration, offering a nimble ride and a perfect fit for my size. As with all my bikes, new or used, I shall upgrade to higher quality tires.

Installing a 500watt Bafang midframe motor compatible with my 36volt downtube batteries I use for all my bikes interchangeably, this bike is the most fun to ride of any of the bikes I have so far for use on rural roads with some steep hills. Including a high capacity battery the total weight is 47 lb., beating all my other bikes in that respect.

The only thing I changed on the bike itself is the handlebar, exchanging the existing one for a BMX handlebar at the BIKE KITCHEN. A more laid back, upright posture is not only more comfortable for someone my age, but also much safer. So for about 2k I easily custom made an ebike that performs as well as any much higher priced bike. Not only is the total cost lower than a new store bought ebike with the same features at present, but being able to take care of any problems myself will save me money in the years to come. Although the bike itself is not a new one, it will outlast not only the battery many times over, but also the brand new motor. A good quality used bike is a much better fit for a costly ebike motor than a cheapo new bike.

Up to this point I was able to at least incrementally make improvements with each bike, but I am afraid with this bike I have reached a point where I cannot see how I can reduce the cost or the weight without also reducing performance.