Reid Alpha
November 6, 2022 – Reid Alpha – Third and final build, with suspension fork.
This was my first build (bicycle conversion) which was actually THREE (3) builds on one frame as I tested out 2 different direct drive hub motors as well as a Bafang BBSHD mid drive over the course of about a year.
The video to the left shows the evolution of the bike from December 2021 through about October 2022. This is when I put the saddle bags on and lights and horn, but still hadn’t yet upgraded the fork. A photo of that “final version” is shown below the video. I was planning on looking into what it takes to make the bike a street legal EV with DOT rated lights, turn signals and horn. The bike was smooth and quiet, and likely capable of over 35mph.
The last motor I installed was an NB Power, 2500Watt max, together with 2 48V batteries and a Phaserunner controller with Cycle Analyst digital dashboard (from Grin Technologies of Canada). I added a pair of Origin8 100mm wide road tires and a suspension fork but I was unable to further test it out due to a collision with a car November 11, 2022.
I sustained a debilitating knee injury in this low speed collision where the driver of the car was looking straight down as if looking at a cell phone – the last thing I saw before impact was the top of the driver’s head lit up by my headlight. I was about a foot or so from the right hand edge of the road and the driver was clearly unaware I was there in spite of ample lighting on my bike.
The legal case concerning the accident remains unresolved, but I will say I am no longer able to work in the same capacity that I was and further, finishing the several bike builds that I started in 2022 has been a real physical challenge. Progress with the “ebike business” has been slow moving, but will likely be including mobility assist accessories going forward.
The “snow video” to the left is the first run in snow – complete with front brake rubbing and apparently frustrating me enough to comment on it, though I can’t quite make out what I said. It’s a fairly rough video with my phone camera, and tool bag (I think) bouncing against the handlebar providing a background “rattle” when I go over bumps… but I was just enjoying the fact that this crazy machine allowed me to actually cruise around in the snow as well as it did!
In an effort to raise money for some of these business plans, I’m considering buying used bikes for refurbishing, where I can rebuild/ upgrade some, as well as make some available for motor conversions. This will be in addition to selling kits as a Golden Motor dealer/ builder, and will likely be tied in with my dad’s “garage sale” items that I will be offering up in coming months. (Hence, the “garage sale” button now added at the top^)
The Eahora X5 foldable fat bike – pictured below – was the first ebike purchase and the one that started the whole “I want more” affect – meaning “what can be done with custom builds” … including lights/ horn for road use … and eventually OFF ROAD tires for mud and snow – now tested in BOTH thanks to December in Ohio! ……. O%O ……..
EXPLANATION: The original battery did not last 3 years, which is why I mounted the external battery on top. ALSO the original motor axle “spun out” causing the axle to spin about 45 degrees and embed the threads into the aluminum frame, after hitting a significant pothole. I have since replaced the motor core – including the clutch/3gear cluster – controller and display, as the original would not work on any other components as part of the controller security software protocol. The upgraded 30Amp controller allows for either 48 or 52Volt battery, and the mount works for either. I wanted/ needed this upgrade so I can ride it without concern for pedaling, and still achieve above 25mph … which it accomplishes quite well. I typically run it around 1400-1600Watts, but I tested it around 1800 once (or maybe twice) but the performance overall was not much better, and achieved about 32mph. So since only top speed was affected (noticeably) the typical running amps achieved around 27-29mph – which seems like a nice balance of performance/ longevity, as I should be able to get 2-4000 miles out of the clutch/ gear set, without concern of failure in the mean time.
FINAL DETAIL: I also added Grin Technologies (of Canada) hardware in the form of 2 “torque arms” – one on either side of the rear axle – in an effort to stabilize the axle going forward. ……. O%O ……
fat tire mtb & the need for “more”
By the Summer of 2022 I had decided to DIVE IN by purchasing 2 fat tire MTB’s, one full suspension and one hard tail – from the internet, just to prove I could perform the conversions to electric.
I decided on heavy steel frames and wide (190mm) rear axle dropouts for 26 X 4.0 – or bigger – tires! The idea was to build them with the same Golden Motor kits but different overall setups to compare/ contrast. I soon found 2 more aluminum frames from a “scratch n dent” sale (Area 12 Ebikes/ FKA “Bolton ebikes”) and had them powder coated matte black, earmarked for the same Golden Motor front drive version.
These bikes have taken on a life of their own, and evolved nicely into “rolling MTB art” suitable for literally WHATEVER terrain, as these huge tires roll over anything! The pictures represent the nearly 3-year evolution of the first two MTB’s, plus one FRONT DRIVE aluminum frame that finally came together summer 2025 – now with snow tires…
Create anything
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.
Create anything
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.
Create anything
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.
Discover a world of possibilities
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.