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Stavros
Received my Brompton e-bike conversion kit which was somewhat delayed by the Covid shutdowns in China, no fault of Swytch. I ordered the earlier 250kWh battery that looks like a black brick on your handlebar. The newer version is smaller and sleeker looks to be a better choice. Assembly took about 90 minutes in several simple steps: --Remove front wheel and tire; reinstall tire/tube on Swytch motorized wheel. --Install wheel and torque nuts. Make sure you get the lips on the torque washers inserted correctly in the fork ends. --Fit pedal sensor ring. I used the Brompton round unit that secures neatly onto the crank arm. The location on the non-drive side is exposed; others have installed it on the more protected drive side but I had no room for the sensor. --Fit sensor. Longer zip ties helped here. --Fit battery handlebar holder. An accessory mount is available for the Brompton luggage carrier but I opted against it. --Fit wiring. No real issues other than the geometry of the sensor ring and sensor both of which require some fiddling to get right and secure. Riding? Once you charge up and customize the settings, the bike performs very well. I found the lowest power setting to be optimal. Given that boost power is determined by rpm and not torque, your riding style will change... you will find your pedaling cadence to be driven by how much power you need from the motor. Optimal Uses? This conversion makes the Brompton an even better commuter... you will arrive at work sweat free. I took it out on a shopping trip and found the climb at the end (a slog up a steep grade with a grocery pack) had turned into an easy push. Flexibility? While the kit adds some weight to the bike, it's not anywhere near what other ebikes weigh and you retain your Brompton portability. Folding is not a problem. Buying an accessory frame handle strap (non-Swytch) makes it easy to carry. You can remove the battery and front wheel to quickly reconvert it back to an analog bike. Recommendation? I recommend this for any owner of an analog Brompton who is interested in ebikes and uninterested in the heavy investment in an entirely new cycle. It's an elegant solution.
3 years ago
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