Hi
does anyone here have experience or know a review / forum to get information on the best DIY electric bike kits available? I'd like to convert my old commuter as a hobby. Mostly interested in hub-drives - I know Bafang is considered good bang for buck, but what model aso.
Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction 👍
Yep, me too. Bought a near new MTB off gumtree with hydraulic disc brakes, fitted the BBSHD. It's awesome. I bought mine from luna mate, which is the Australian version of luna (US bike store). https://luna-mate.com/luna-mate-bafang-bbshd-1000w-kit
Make sure you confirm your bottom bracket size and suitability. I also got the 14ah battery, disc brake cutoff sensors, and aluminium 42T chainring.
Also don't forget that in most states anything over 250W is not legal to ride on roads. I just swapped to commuter tyres and use them unless I'm going off-road (relatively rare).
I'm not convinced on mid-drive motors.
I feel like hub-drive would cut out all the stress and wear to the chain and cogwheels.
but thanks for the leads 👍
Yes they do stress the chain, which is why you can get a sensor that cuts motor power for a split second while shifting the rear derailleur. The worst things is shifting while under high drive load. I don't have one fitted and after a few years have not broken a chain (yet).
It's no coincidence that all brand name, high quality, high power, expensive e-bikes are mid drive. Mid drives are much more powerful and provide much more torque than hub drives. You get the mechanical advantage of the gears, just like your legs do. They also have a much lower centre of gravity due to the positioning of the motor.
Hubs are fine for mostly level riding. If you plan to ride up any steep hils or off-road, mid drive is much better. Hub drives are generally much cheaper too.
had a https://dillengerelectricbikes.com.au/products/street-legal-… which worked well, can unlock the speed limit and it would do about 30-35kph max (Google, wrote an article how and a review). was easy to install, didn't bother with throttle and just used pedal assist mode. top gear (21?) and top power (9) would pretty much work out perfect cadence.
It looks like Luna Mate is putting around $500 premium on the set compared to ordering from china direct.
Is it worth it?
They claim 1y manufacture warranty but the warranty void list is so long that it basically only seems to cover DOA
Check out https://endless-sphere.com/forums/
I have a Bafang BBSHD mid drive on my bike and its awesome.