News

We've been working hard this year to update our Cycle Analyst line to keep relevant to the rapidly evolving ebike field. This includes big changes to the insides, slight changes to the outsides, and a very much revamped manufacturing process that will help us scale with the growing interest.

Version 2.3

The standard Version 2 series of Cycle Analyst has been upgraded to V2.3. While the external operation is nearly identical to the V2.25, the internals are completely redesigned. All units now all come default with a communication cable both, usable not only for datalogging but also firmware upgrades. The change list is explained here.

Molded Shunt and the Stand Alone Model

We're also manufacturing a precision 1.00 mOhm potted shunt as a separate product, which effectively converts a CA-DPS into the Stand Alone Cycle Analyst. When a Stand Alone CA is ordered, you now have a disconnect between the shunt and the CA which can facilitate wiring, and makes it easy to later use your CA as a direct plug-in device should you get a compatible controller.

Robust Mounting Bracket

While we were at it, we also tooled up a custom "Grin Tech" mounting bracket for the Cycle Analyst enclosure that is stiffer than the previous bike light bracket, uses 100% stainless steel fasteners so will not rust, and has a wider clamping range, going all the way down to 7/8" bars and up to 1.5"

V3 and Pedalec

Finally, the Cycle Analyst V3 Beta program is ready to ramp up to the next level for wider spread testing, as we have a fresh production run in stock. Please see the special V3 purchase page for details. We also have a good supply of Thun torque sensing bottom brackets with a custom cable harness that lets you install it and plug into a CA without any connector crimping, and are keen to see more riders experiment with a CA V3 pedalec mode.

Finally, thanks to those who made it out to the Sooke Slow Food Cycle last month. It was an honour to be invited back to one's hometown in order to spread community awareness about electric bicycles, and to see local towns take increasing interest in low impact transportation alternatives.

With June in force, we're extending the regular store hours to include Saturday as well from 12:00-5pm, and will be rotating our crew of staff to have someone knowledgeable on hand.
We’ve also finished making and installing an awesome all aluminum “Grin Technologies” on the building, so those of you trying to find us on the weekends will no longer have to treasure hunt for the little window signage.

Vancouver Maker Faire

The one exception will be Saturday June 23rd, where we will be present at the 2nd annual Vancouver Mini-Maker Faire, this time taking place at the PNE. We had a great time checking out neat projects once again at the San Mateo Fair last month, and look forwards to being a part of the Vancouver event.

We now have dangerous goods training to ship lithium ebike batteries using Fedex air services. Unfortunately this adds a $50 FedEx hazardous material surcharge and about $10 in special packing material, but it does mean we can resume battery-only shipments anywhere in the world. The hazmat shipping is not yet added to our online cart checkout, so for the time being we will send updated quotes over email. We are also working on a solution for ground shipping to the US via a different carrier.

We've also standardized all of our V2.25 CA devices to include a short DC power plug as standard. By default this ships with a protective rubber cap, but if you ever want to connect a Lumenator light, DC-DC converter, or other device that can run off the pack voltage then it couldn't be more convenient to plug in. The power is right there at the CA, no additional wiring required.

We had a booth at the Taipei Bike Show earlier this year and unveiled the Version3 Cycle Analyst device under development. Among other things, this unit can directly connect to a THUN torque sensor, enabling any ebike conversion to have a proportional torque control like BionX. It also features a battery state of charge graphic and a host of new capabilities in the setup menu.

The full details are discussed in the V3 CA endless-sphere thread where we are experimenting with a limited beta release. There will be a more general pilot batch later this month, so those wanting to build a non-proprietary pedalec ebike should stay tuned.

This Friday May 11th we're pleased to be hosting the book release party for Kris Holm's hot-off-the-presses "Essential Guide to Mountain and Trials Unicycling". This is the first comprehensive treatise on modern unicycle technique and skimming through the pages makes you want drop everything and hop on a one-wheeler. Some drinks and snacks will be provided and a good stash of books themselves will be on hand for anyone wanting a copy signed by Kris himself.

Plus, if everything goes as planned, we might even have a Grin Technologies sign installed on our building to help you find us, and some more novel geared unicycle projects for brave riders try out.

It's been over a year since we moved to our new shop space in False Creek. Renovations are always ongoing but the last round included a big spring cleaning to organize piles of miscellaneous inventory we'd like to clear. This means lots of bargain goods on our garage sale shelf for those hunting for project parts. The list includes sample and prototype batteries, hub motors, slightly used or scratch & dent CAs and ebike lights, motor controllers and more. Available at the moment for walk-in customers only.

Finally, it is with some sadness that pay tribute to Justin's mom Louise, who died unexpectedly in a car accident at the end of May. She was large driving force in many of the ambitious shop and office renovations GRIN has done over the years, volunteering tons of elbow grease and bringing a special touch for all the colours, artwork, and plants that breathe life into a space. We will miss her, but the legacy of her help here will live on.

For those who've been a bit uncertain about ebike torque arms, when you need them, how to install them, etc. we've completed a long overdue section of our website devoted to this topic. Please have a look and let us know if it covers most all bases you'd want to know about.