[Mike]

Hi Guys,

Here's a great write-up from a recent customer:
_________________

Hello,

I bought the Clean Republic lithium battery kit for my bike eariler this year. I have had a ball with it and it is a real pleasure to ride.

The pedal assist is great for this 200 pound 65 y/o. However it is also great if I decide to use the throttle only.

It works completely as advertised and goes on easily, just as advertised.

I ride a lot at Land Between the Lakes which has 170,000 non-commercial acres. I can cover 20, 30 or 40 miles easily. I could never cover this much ground without this electric motor.

I breathe more fresh air and see more wildlife and quite areas with this motor than I ever could before.

Thanks,
John Sneed

[JDuck]

I'm 64 and 260 lbs and that has been my experience also. I don't get less exercise with the Hilltopper, I get much more!

[dynodan]

Me too. Age 65/190 lbs. (lost 20 lbs. after a year riding the HT every day). Always had trouble before getting my butt out the door to exercise when weather/wind were bad. With the HT kit (and my new 20 AH/24V Ping LiFePO4 battery), I bundle up and laugh at the wind (if it's less than 30 mph). I ride 10-15 miles every day, and 20-30 in mild/warm weather.

[Mike]

Hey Guys,

That's all really great to hear. Hey Dyno, do you have a picture of your HT with the Ping battery hooked up? Did you do the wiring yourself? That would be a great rig to see.

Cheers,

Mike

[dynodan]

Mike,

Not sure how to post photos on the forum, so I'll email some to you when I get a chance and let you do it.
Wiring not difficult. Spiced the pairs from a NR HT motor controller's 4-pin LIB screw-on connector into a single pair of red & black Anderson push-on connectors (supplied by Ping) that plug into a matching pair from the LiFePO4 battery. About 25 % larger/heavier than 8.5AH LIB with 3X the range.

[Mike]

Hey Dyno, Sounds very cool. Sure, email pictures to mike@cleanrepublic.com and I'll post them up here!

[robert1389]

Dyno,

Your new 20 ah 24 V Ping battery sounds exactly what I need. My stock lithium battery that came with my HT is on it's last legs after about 600 discharges as well. $425 seems a bit steep for a new battery threw CR. I can buy an entirely new 350W ebike with 2000 discharge 36V 12ah LifePO4 battery for $1000. CR's battery claim is only 500 discharges. So to get Ping's 20 ah 24 V LifePO4 for $344 is a bargain. I would love to see your DIY explanation.

Thanks

Bob

Robert1389@aol.com

[Mike]

Ok ok, let's make sure we're comparing apples to apples here. These are some great points.

Bob, can you post a link or just paste the web address in your post of where you can get such a $1,000 bike including shipping and good customer service?

Thanks

[dynodan]

Bob,

Number of LIB discharge cycles varies greatly according to use style/pattern. If you got 500, consider yourself VERY lucky.
Ping 20AH battery with upgraded high-rate BMS & charger was $463 delivered from China. Appears to be a high quality product (so far), and Ping was quite responsive/helpful with email communication. Will shoot & send pics today to Mike for posting.

[robert1389]

Dyno,

Terrific !

Bob

[robert1389]

Mike,

I've already placed an order their top Phantom X2 500watt for $1299.99 and free shipping. Two year warranty on the
12 ah 36volt 2000 discharge battery and lifetime frame.

There are several less powerful models with 250 - 300w motors for $999 - $1099

I bought mine through one of their dealerships in NY

http://championelectricbicycles.com/main.sc

The company that manufactures the bike is U S based out of Pompano Beach, Florida. Their name is Prodeco Tech

http://www.prodecotech.com/


Bob

PS No Bull

[Mike]

Hi Bob,

No bull indeed. Of all the full-bike suppliers Prodeco does seem to be doing a good job at keeping prices low and offering good customer service for people that want to buy a whole electric bike. They seem to be taking a really strong approach. 2 years is also a strong battery warranty, though I do see this fairly big caveat on their page:

"...The coverage does not include loss of range to any battery packs, but does cover the batteries in case of complete failure or loss of charge...", as range is the #1 thing customers usually care about.

As with everything, it will take a few years to see who's going to be the customer favorite for full-bike brands, because the bikes need to be out on the road for a few years for all the final feedback to come back in. With all your help, out there getting healthier and spreading the word, we'll also keep improving our designs and solutions to keep the Hill Toppers as the #1 choice for service, simplicity, fun, utility and exercise. The Hill Toppers have been out on the market for many years now and we keep getting lots of great comments, return customers, and good discussions like this which also serve to accelerate our new product developments themselves. Thanks for the feedback and help!

Mike

[robert1389]

Mike,

I love my HTer. I installed in on my Montague Paratrooper folding mountain bike going on two years. I like it so much that I'm passing it onto my son when I receive my new Phantom. That's why I'm enquiring about battery replacements.

I've been the the woods at least three times a week, 7 - 11 miles average trip from early March thru last weekend. No snow up in here in Boston has provided us with an extended bike season, and my hilltopper has been very loyal.

Bob

[Mike]

Pics of Dynodan's healthy exercise machine. =)

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