Customizing an eBike can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to tailor your ride to your specific needs and preferences. Here are some general steps to follow:
- Determine your customization needs: Think about why you want to customize your eBike. Do you want to improve its performance, make it more comfortable, or simply give it a unique look? Identifying your needs will help guide your customization decisions.
- Research compatible parts and accessories: Once you’ve identified your customization needs, research compatible parts and accessories that will help you achieve your goals. Check with the eBike manufacturer or third-party retailers to find compatible parts and accessories.
- Purchase and install parts and accessories: Purchase the parts and accessories you need and install them on your eBike. If you are not comfortable doing the installation yourself, consider taking your eBike to a professional bike shop or eBike dealer for assistance.
- Test ride and make adjustments: After customizing your eBike, take it for a test ride to ensure everything is working correctly. Make any necessary adjustments to improve your riding experience.
Some common customization options for eBikes include upgrading the battery or motor, installing a suspension system, changing the tires, adding lights or fenders, and customizing the paint or graphics.
Whatever your customization needs may be, take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process of creating a unique ride that is tailored to your specific preferences.
Next, is a good example of customizing an e-bike…
Customizing an e-bike
Not too long ago, I did a review on this amazing bicycle called the Magic Cycle. I shared with you how great it is, how well it operates, how smoothly it shifts, and what a pleasure it is to ride. I also mentioned how well-built it is.
However, when you see me in my camping blogs, I’m always riding this Mock Wheel Tour Plus. You might wonder why that is.
Well, let me explain why and then show you what I’m planning to do to make the Magic Cycle just as good, if not better, than the Tour Plus.
Choosing the Mock Wheel Tour Plus: Exploring Reasons
There are two reasons why I always choose the Tour Plus.
Firstly, it has higher handlebars, which makes the riding experience much more enjoyable. With no downward pressure on my palms, my hands don’t fall asleep.
Secondly, the Tour Plus has a larger rear rack compared to the Magic Cycle. This larger rack makes it easier for me to carry all the necessary camping gear, like a sleeping bag, tent, something to sit on, and all the other essentials.
It simply offers better convenience with this size of a rear rack.
However, I still love my Magic Cycle bike, and I’m determined to make two modifications to match the Tour Plus in terms of comfort and carrying capacity.
Similarities and Differences: Magic Cycle vs. Tour Plus
Everything else about the two bikes is pretty much the same. They both have the same tire and frame size, as well as a comfortable seat.
They both come with front suspension, 180-millimeter disc brakes, fenders, a lighting system, and 750-watt hub motors.
The only noticeable difference is that the Magic Cycle has a bit more power when it comes to tackling hills.
Adjusting the Handlebars: Elevating Comfort Level
The one thing I want to change on the Magic Cycle is the height of the handlebars.
By making this adjustment, I believe it will elevate the comfort level and make the bike even more enjoyable to ride.
I was able to purchase the same style of riser that the Mock Wheel has for only $26. This will raise the handlebars to the same height, providing a more comfortable riding experience.
The handlebars themselves have a similar configuration, further enhancing the similarity. However, it appears that I might need to buy another cable, specifically the front brake cable, as the current one seems to be too short.
I may have to replace it, but I’ll assess the situation. So, this will be the first modification I make.
Customizing E-Bike Components: Easy Plug-and-Play Upgrades
There are numerous ways to customize a bike, and most e-bike components are readily available in the market.
Another advantage is that the majority of these components are essentially plug-and-play.
For instance, if any electronic component malfunctions, it’s a simple matter of unplugging the old one and plugging in a new module.
Now that the old module is off, let’s see how the new one fits. It appears that it will fit perfectly in place. There’s a rubber plug on top that needs to be removed to access the screw that holds it securely.
Once aligned with the front wheel, a final check for proper alignment ensures everything is in order.
Now, let’s determine if I need to replace the brake cable or not. I’m uncertain at the moment, but it seems that the brake cable is too short.
Nevertheless, that’s not a problem. Oh, Linda (wife), I caught a whiff of coffee and thought it might be coming my way. If you could leave it there in the garage or something, that’d be great.
In any case, I do need to lengthen two cables. Firstly, the front brake cable requires an extension, and secondly, I need a cable extension for the display.
I’ll place an order for those and let me show you the other improvement I’m making to this bike.
Installing the Front Rack: Expanding Carrying Capacity
Since the rear rack is smaller, I’ve decided to install a front rack on this one as well.
This front rack, which costs around $70 from Magic Cycle, includes the mounting screws. Although the Mock Wheel already has mounting screws, installing this rack is a simple process.
The screws come pre-applied with lock tight to prevent them from vibrating loose. With slotted screws, it’s just a matter of ensuring they are snug, level, and evenly positioned before tightening them.
Once the front rack is in place, it’s important to relocate the headlight from the front fender. This prevents the shocks from compressing and causing the headlight to collide with the bottom of the rack when encountering bumps.
When purchasing the front rack from Magic Cycle, they provide a nut and bolt for this purpose, along with a cable extension of the correct length. This extension allows you to move the headlight to the front of the rack.
Now, once I have the front brake cable lengthened and the display cable extended, I’ll be ready to hit the trails with this modified Magic Cycle.
The required components will arrive in a few days, and then I can proceed.
Upgrading the Brake Cable: Ensuring Smooth Functionality
Great news! The brake cable has arrived, so let me demonstrate how to install it. We’ll start by unscrewing it from the front caliper, releasing the cable so that we can remove it.
Using wire cutters, you can easily trim the cable. After cutting, we have removed one end of the cable.
Next, we unscrew the lock nut if it’s tightly secured, and the cable becomes loose because we have disconnected it at the bottom.
We continue unscrewing it until it comes all the way out, observing the openings on the lock nut and ferrule that screw into the brake.
We can now detach the cable from the other end by squeezing the brake and releasing it. With that done, we can remove the entire cable from the frame and wheel, leaving us with the old cable.
For the replacement, I ordered the Shimano Standard Brake Cable Set, which includes not only the stainless steel cable but also the black 5-millimeter sheathing that goes on the outside.
The set contains enough materials to replace two brake cables. Although I knew one cable would be too short, the cost was comparable to purchasing a single longer cable.
I trust the Shimano name when it comes to bicycle gears and brakes, so I went ahead with the order, even if I can’t use one cable.
Installation
To begin the installation, we need to run the plastic sheathing (I’m not sure what it’s called) first and then insert the cable into it.
The package also includes cable ends and ferrules for the plastic sheathing. We crimp the ferrule on the end slightly using a standard wire crimper, just enough to hold it in place. This end will sit inside the sheathing.
For the other end, we cut it leaving ample excess and then trim it to the desired length, aiming for a nice 90-degree cut. However, cutting the cable with regular wire cutters would deform it due to its construction.
To prevent this, we mark the cable, cut it a bit longer with side cutters, open it up with an awl, and insert a piece of the old cable to provide support.
This way, when we cut it with the wire cutters, it won’t crimp or deform, resulting in a clean cut.
Once that’s done, we run the cable from one end to the other, pushing it through the sheathing.
At the upper end, we slide the ferrule over the cable and crimp it lightly to secure it. Then, we insert the cable, ensuring that the slots align properly. With that, the upper part is complete.
Moving down to the lower end, we thread the cable back through. I fully extend it, then rotate it back and tighten it to remove some of the play, ensuring a tighter connection at the handlebars.
Once that’s done, we can proceed to cut the excess cable and add a cable cap to prevent it from unraveling. Using needle-nose pliers, we give the cap a gentle squeeze to secure it in place.
Cable Extension
Now, the last item has arrived: the cable extension. Although the shortest option I found was an 11-inch extension, it will suffice for our needs.
We have a male and a female end that need to be connected. They are splined, so they fit together in only one way. To secure them, we use a couple of cable ties, ensuring a reliable connection.
I must say, I truly adore this Magic Cycle. It boasts incredible power and performance, making it the most dynamic bike I own.
Moreover, the throttle allows for instant acceleration from zero to full speed, regardless of the selected power assist level.
Unlike most bikes, where the throttle only propels you to the maximum speed of a particular pedal assist level, such as 9, 13, or 16 miles per hour, the Magic Cycle excels in this regard.
It enables you to reach the bike’s maximum speed, irrespective of the pedal assist level. It’s a fantastic feature that I greatly appreciate.
Finalizing Modifications: Ready for the Test Ride
To further enhance my riding experience, I decided to raise the handlebars. While they were initially positioned lower, I found it more comfortable to have them at a higher level.
It’s a simple modification that makes a noticeable difference.
Well, that concludes the modifications. Now all that’s left is to take the bike out for a test ride. I’m thrilled about the prospect, and I’ll probably embark on the adventure tomorrow.
Thank you for joining me throughout this process.
