Any update on Pedelec options with Magic Pie Edge?

[Bassman_steve]

Just thought I'd ask, since most of the info on the forum seems related to throttle control...

The goal is to convert my 2008 Kona Hoss hardtail mountain bike into a road-legal urban pedelec. It's a big, beefy bike, perfectly suited to my build (6' 3", 235lb).

The Hoss may represent some mounting problems, because of the way it's configured:
- Downhill MTB hardware, including oversized handlebars, seat post, stem, etc.
- SRAM hydraulic disk brakes.
- 7-speed cassette.
- Marzocchi suspension fork.

I spend a lot of time riding on the paved bike paths here in London, Ontario. As a result, I need a quiet unobtrusive drive system. I would prefer it to be controlled by my pedalling effort, rather than a twist or thumb throttle.

Motor-wise, the Edge looks like a perfect fit for my requirements, so now it's just a matter of choosing the right accessories.

What controller and sensors should I use to get a smooth, intuitive pedal assist?  I rode an early 36v Bionx conversion a number of years ago, and would like to emulate that smooth, effortless "magic legs" feeling.

Will I need special hardware to mount the display unit on the fatter-than-normal bars?

How do I go about triggering a motor cutoff from the SRAM brake levers (integrated brake fluid reservoir)?

[Bikemad]

What controller and sensors should I use to get a smooth, intuitive pedal assist?  I rode an early 36v Bionx conversion a number of years ago, and would like to emulate that smooth, effortless "magic legs" feeling.

I think the pedal torque sensor and Cycle Analyst will be needed to achieve the smooth pedal assist that you are looking for, but they are not cheap:


Click for more details.

Will I need special hardware to mount the display unit on the fatter-than-normal bars?

I don't know what diameter bars the Cycle Analyst mounting bracket will accommodate, you would need to ask Gary (GM Canada) for more information.

How do I go about triggering a motor cutoff from the SRAM brake levers (integrated brake fluid reservoir)?

Regarding the brake switches, it might be possible to adapt your existing brake levers by fitting a microswitch or magnetic reed switch etc. to sense the lever movement, but if you cannot easily adapt your existing brake levers, Gary also sells complete hydraulic brake kits:


Click for more details.

The above levers have an integrated brake switch to cut the power to the motor and engage the regenerative barking when the levers are pulled.

Alan
 

 

[Sam.Vanratt]

Hi Steve
 in the beginning (2012) I started with the same intention: PAS only control. The MagicPie 3 (that was the top model at that time frame) was very sturdy at the EU 25km/h + PAS limitations. After my first MP III Problems (defective controller) was solved I used the frequency of my 12 pol PAS to generate a throttle signal (quite simple with a Frequency-to-Voltage converter). As It starts it's signal from the first movement it's much more easy to control the bike, BUT as soon as I need to be very  slow (train crossing, moving around obstacles, ... ) it helps to have a throttle in reach to get in control again.
Alan's suggestion Cycle Analyst is quite the best way, as it tooks a lot of sensor information and not only the PAS which is very crude with the typ. 6 pols. It might be a lot of money at frst, but pays out in the coming years. As I could not use a torques sensor (no chain/gear) it was out of question, but for you it might be just the right toolset.
In the meantime I switched to a optical sensor which reads a black/white board (which rotates) and delivers 120 impulses per turn, which is smooth par excellence with my F/V converter (just 5 pieces of hardware).
As I'm using Magura hydraulic brakes I bought an (inofficial) brake switch from a workshop at magura four years ago which works flawlessly front + rear since then.
Cheers
Sam