Converting a 'vintage' SCOTT Octane fx-1 to e-bike

[Jesper]

(08-09-2021, 06:46 PM)Scott D Wrote:  In the UK. Max wattage legally for any on-road is 250w and MUST require pedalling to be an assist only system up to 15mph then no input from motor.
Sure, there are 1500w monsters out there but nobody on these rides is doing more than 15mph un-assisted.
Fitness level is OK, but riding fitness is a different thing, gone are my days of 60 miles mixed terrain and coming back fresh or beasting technical climbs. I'm a slightly overweight 47 year old who walks 3 hours a day with his husky/collie offroad.

I posted in this section to see if I could get help as frankly I know I'll either end up dropping £2 or 3k (UK) or a bike that may/will be underutilised or spend sub £1k on a perfectly good XC bike conversion...which will keep the wife happier.

Anything I've tested has been mid drive... Meridas or Giants... £5k bikes... Well, the guy owns the bike shop!

Don't really care about the purist aspect any more...left all that snobbery back in the 90's when a full suspension (GT Team RTS) replaced my rigid KHS Montana Comp(s). I want a modicum of enjoyment and will build riding fitness back up.

I'm only a purist when it comes to keeping a bike in a more original set-up; I doubt that I would ever modify an existing bike to power/power assist. I have no problem with any bike powered or not; I know they can all provide enjoyment depending on your needs.

Are there not any used bikes in the style you want? I regularly see them on Craigslist in my area for $500-$600 in excellent condition (they are not the "Walmart ebikes" either). I live and work in a college community so students are always getting rid of bikes/ebikes since the gas powered scooter craze has hit the area; or when they graduate and move, it seems like nobody wants to move their bike to a new location. I've gotten some great deals on bikes and equipment due to those facts.

Good luck, hope you find something satisfactory that doesn't break the bank and keeps the wife happy!