Very nice. I really want to give bike packing a try but I’ll have to wait out the Texas heat till late September. Gives me all the time to convert a tandem I was gifted to a solar e-bikepacking rig by swapping out the rear position with a panel. Lots of space
Here’s an example of it with the solar mounted to it.
I got the idea from this fellow that has the panel on a trailer, but seems ungainly and extra tire means extra rolling resistance. Figured I’d just make a looooooongtail do the same thing.
I’m thinking something along the lines of this setup, somewhat akin to the footrests on a xtracycle but much bigger. Leaving various other mods to be added via the seat post. Bafang bbs02 without pedals on the rear BB.
Where I’m torn is whether to weld or bolt on to preserve rear pedal options.
I was on board with the bolt on enough to come up with the design in the first pic, but after spending hours staring at the bike I think I’m going to go with the hybrid option in the second pic.
The rails will be welded on but wide enough to still pedal when the running boards aren’t bolted on.
I wouldn’t weld. I’d keep it bolt on.
Great drawing! I totally understand your plan.
The Bafang on the sticker bbis interesting. Been thinking about how to do it for our tandem.
Keep us posted on your plan!
I can also put a larger chain ring on the front left side so that I can match the motor cadence better with my legs, something that is always a hassle to get done on a traditional bike is super easy on this tandem setup.
Essentially I’ll just shave off the crank arm of the left side chain ring and in theory it will work just the same as if I was pedaling on the bafang itself. I’ll just leave the crank arm on the right side of the bafang off since it would serve no purpose.
Ebikes are amazing, my old fat self was able to go 20 miles round trip, walk around a bit in the middle, and only be tired, rather than exhausted, when I got home. Takes the pain out (even an overpass is bad until you get a certain level of fitness). Add assist until I'm doing 10mph, cut back at 15
