I bought my Specialized Mountain bike a year ago, very pleased with my purchased. I sent it to Johnny to convert, 1000W mid-drive, 48AH slim shark with a spare back up battery and NOW I'M ON CLOUD NINE. Man, this bike is my urban shredder, tops out at 38mph, corners like luxury sports car, stops on a dime and it looks beautiful, I get compliment after compliment when I'm not getting looks of confusion from people in cars. Johnny is the man! lol
I had my Trek 4500 converted to an EBike with a Bafang BBS02 and absolutely love it. Total cost excluding the bike I already owned was $1,100. I’ve got gear speed sensor, Luna 500C display, hydraulic brakes, and cargo rack with panniers.
Yes, good info. My mid-motor build was $1250. I installed a Bafang mid-motor W/Samsung batteries $800 on a used Trek Navigator $100. Fenders, mirror, bell, lights, panniers, snow stud tire added another $350. Battery fading after 3 years, LG replacement $280, so that is $0.33 a day. Summary: Good for low speed town roads, excellent for those pesky hill, I don't ride faster than I'm willing to fall, 20 miles a day is plenty enough, It is still a bike so fatter tires are a deteriment, weight and pedaling wise. Excellent way to tune into EV evolution challenges: charging, range, cost, parts availability, weight.
I’ve just put £1250 into Amazon and went direct to Bafang for the mid-drive kit. The kit was 800 itself plus things to correct chain alignment such as Lekkie Blingring etc and nicer accessories so it’s not bog standard. You’re gonna spend a bit more than what the kit states making sure the kit works and is aligned correctly.
Some of the small geared hub motors are only about 250W power with a controller perhaps at 7A continuous at 36V with a peak of maybe 10-11A. Such ebikes don't need the same batteries as powerful mid-drive motors or high speed direct drive hub motors. Some of the entry level ebikes are decent enough and safe but what they aren't is powerful with regard torque. I've seen such ebikes come with 36V 7Ah battery packs and I personally think that is ok for such low power controllers and hub motors. I think the battery pack should be scaled with the power of the motor and controller itself. If you have a mid-drive motor that has 18A continuous power requirements and perhaps peaks at 25A then you will need a battery pack 3x the capacity maybe compared to an entry level ebike.
I got my Engwe ep-2 pro, have upgraded crankset, pedals, brakes, handlebars , tires ..good quality parts . And I’m still only 1250 euro deep. It’s often best to find a good “ base bike” , good motor , frame that you like , quality battery. Then just upgrade as u wish
My first 500 watt ebike lasted 2 weeks, the motor made a noise climbing a hill then it would shudder at takeoff it was around $850.00. My second ebike 750 watt was around 1660.00 and it climbs that hill like its nothing but had some quality control issues. I plan on building my own 3rd ebike.
Yesterday I saw my neighbor has a nice Giant Mountain bike in the garage. They never ride it. I need to look closer at it and then make an offer. Then I’ll consult with you and convert it!
Just to do a simple Bafang 750watt mid drive motor conversion with some upgrades on one of my bikes will run me a tad over $1000.00. The one e-bike I really like and is full of utility with a lot of available accessories is over $4000.00
Full suspension modern MTB conversion (aluminum, maybe carbon frame). Would like to see a modern day (e.g post 2018 / not the 90's interesting looking ones) with battery mounted on the frame. I can see a large market for all those high spec full suspension acoustic to ebike conversions. As people want an ebike but have spent a lot of money on them, with high spec parts but worth a lot less sold second hand. This means a conversion really makes sense. Thinking maybe a Reention Dorado battery to enable it to still fit into a frame, and utilise the battery on various bikes.
Love your specialized, short and to the point videos but the longer ones that go into greater detail like converting to an E-bike are excellent also. Would like to see some videos on the specific displays. Thanks Johnny!
I've talked to a couple bike shop techs about converting my fitness bike to an e-bike. Both shops informed me it was absolutely better to buy a premade e-bike as opposed to an add on kit. Are they just saying that in hopes of potential future sales of their premade e-bikes?
Here’s a few videos you may find of interest: ua-cam.com/video/1Bst14ThxIM/v-deo.htmlsi=kYMhdV991Ml2Z2wq ua-cam.com/video/BLEhhKnefRY/v-deo.htmlsi=uGPDpKtot40ohboA
@JohnnyNerdOut Thank you so much! I figured making a custom e-bike would be better however, I needed another opinion. I love my bikes and can't see spending a few grand to add an extra bike to the collection. I'm glad I found your channel, I'll be checking out more of your vids.
ive got my bbshd on a decently built 26 i keep feeling im stuck in the past is it that big of a deal to go with a much cheaper 29er just to get a bigger bike?
I live in Nova Scotia ( Canada) and was at my small bike shop (( small town)) the other day and was told the starting price was $2300!!!!!! STARTING PRICE.. The bottom of the line. The others were in the 4 / 5 and 6 K price!! Where do I go from here? Willing to go $2000. That would be my limit.. Any help would be appreciated.. Canada that is.. everything is more here!! Fu$%&* sucks!!
As I stated before I'm in Nova Scotia Canada. I guess the shipping and duty would be a fair amount if I was to get you to build me one? Looking for a comfy bike with the fat tires . Wanted mostly for a 7 mile trip to do grocery shopping... something that looks like this ua-cam.com/video/AsqrPItwWIM/v-deo.html @@JohnnyNerdOut
So what roughly would it cost for me to have you build me one and have it shipped to Nova Scotia Canada? A bit for shipping and duty I suppose? @@JohnnyNerdOut
Ya the more I think about it, it would be costly. Just don't know of anyone where Im at that builds them.. Just wanted to say thanks for your input just the same cheers Tim@@JohnnyNerdOut
You can get a Soeedrid now or $800, listed as 500w, but much more powerful than that. Mine peaks at 1040w, tops at 26mph and climbs better than my 1,000w Bafang Hub.
I bought my Specialized Mountain bike a year ago, very pleased with my purchased. I sent it to Johnny to convert, 1000W mid-drive, 48AH slim shark with a spare back up battery and NOW I'M ON CLOUD NINE. Man, this bike is my urban shredder, tops out at 38mph, corners like luxury sports car, stops on a dime and it looks beautiful, I get compliment after compliment when I'm not getting looks of confusion from people in cars. Johnny is the man! lol
Love it!!! 🙌🙌🙌
@@JohnnyNerdOut❤
I had my Trek 4500 converted to an EBike with a Bafang BBS02 and absolutely love it. Total cost excluding the bike I already owned was $1,100. I’ve got gear speed sensor, Luna 500C display, hydraulic brakes, and cargo rack with panniers.
Yes, good info. My mid-motor build was $1250. I installed a Bafang mid-motor W/Samsung batteries $800 on a used Trek Navigator $100. Fenders, mirror, bell, lights, panniers, snow stud tire added another $350. Battery fading after 3 years, LG replacement $280, so that is $0.33 a day.
Summary: Good for low speed town roads, excellent for those pesky hill, I don't ride faster than I'm willing to fall, 20 miles a day is plenty enough, It is still a bike so fatter tires are a deteriment, weight and pedaling wise. Excellent way to tune into EV evolution challenges: charging, range, cost, parts availability, weight.
I’ve just put £1250 into Amazon and went direct to Bafang for the mid-drive kit. The kit was 800 itself plus things to correct chain alignment such as Lekkie Blingring etc and nicer accessories so it’s not bog standard. You’re gonna spend a bit more than what the kit states making sure the kit works and is aligned correctly.
What brand e bike would you recommend for a fitness/commuter bike?
A friend of mine just bought a specialized como from a local independent shop. He paid 2500.00 for his first e bike.
Pretty good price for a Como.
Some of the small geared hub motors are only about 250W power with a controller perhaps at 7A continuous at 36V with a peak of maybe 10-11A. Such ebikes don't need the same batteries as powerful mid-drive motors or high speed direct drive hub motors. Some of the entry level ebikes are decent enough and safe but what they aren't is powerful with regard torque. I've seen such ebikes come with 36V 7Ah battery packs and I personally think that is ok for such low power controllers and hub motors. I think the battery pack should be scaled with the power of the motor and controller itself. If you have a mid-drive motor that has 18A continuous power requirements and perhaps peaks at 25A then you will need a battery pack 3x the capacity maybe compared to an entry level ebike.
I got my Engwe ep-2 pro, have upgraded crankset, pedals, brakes, handlebars , tires ..good quality parts . And I’m still only 1250 euro deep. It’s often best to find a good “ base bike” , good motor , frame that you like , quality battery. Then just upgrade as u wish
I bought a decathlon riverside 500 for 199 Euro, after 1 year then bought BBS01 kit including 36V 17Ah battery, kit costs
Great info Johnny.
Thanks so much. I am slowly building the courage to convert my bike! Soon!
I just keep getting lost in having to learn all the options and pitfalls before even starting!
Just want to build it already and ride!
My first 500 watt ebike lasted 2 weeks, the motor made a noise climbing a hill then it would shudder at takeoff it was around $850.00. My second ebike 750 watt was around 1660.00 and it climbs that hill like its nothing but had some quality control issues. I plan on building my own 3rd ebike.
Yesterday I saw my neighbor has a nice Giant Mountain bike in the garage. They never ride it. I need to look closer at it and then make an offer. Then I’ll consult with you and convert it!
Just to do a simple Bafang 750watt mid drive motor conversion with some upgrades on one of my bikes will run me a tad over $1000.00. The one e-bike I really like and is full of utility with a lot of available accessories is over $4000.00
Full suspension modern MTB conversion (aluminum, maybe carbon frame). Would like to see a modern day (e.g post 2018 / not the 90's interesting looking ones) with battery mounted on the frame. I can see a large market for all those high spec full suspension acoustic to ebike conversions. As people want an ebike but have spent a lot of money on them, with high spec parts but worth a lot less sold second hand. This means a conversion really makes sense.
Thinking maybe a Reention Dorado battery to enable it to still fit into a frame, and utilise the battery on various bikes.
These packs are also super universla to mount on almost any bike: www.johnnynerdout.com/product-page/52v-8ah-40t-high-performance-pack
@@JohnnyNerdOut , thanks for your post. Thinking build with something 17+ah , and has a seat dropper post.
Love your specialized, short and to the point videos but the longer ones that go into greater detail like converting to an E-bike are excellent also. Would like to see some videos on the specific displays. Thanks Johnny!
ua-cam.com/video/iegTiuAQFcE/v-deo.htmlsi=00vzJlLCtjPxaRRX
Another thing to consider in the broader spectrum riding a powered bike is that Honda's new XT150 retails for just under three grand. 🤔
That bike is Sweet!
I've talked to a couple bike shop techs about converting my fitness bike to an e-bike. Both shops informed me it was absolutely better to buy a premade e-bike as opposed to an add on kit. Are they just saying that in hopes of potential future sales of their premade e-bikes?
Here’s a few videos you may find of interest:
ua-cam.com/video/1Bst14ThxIM/v-deo.htmlsi=kYMhdV991Ml2Z2wq
ua-cam.com/video/BLEhhKnefRY/v-deo.htmlsi=uGPDpKtot40ohboA
@JohnnyNerdOut Thank you so much! I figured making a custom e-bike would be better however, I needed another opinion. I love my bikes and can't see spending a few grand to add an extra bike to the collection. I'm glad I found your channel, I'll be checking out more of your vids.
Whats your opinion on rambo?
Expensive for what it is
Would a Giant Revel be a decent conversion bike anyone?
ive got my bbshd on a decently built 26 i keep feeling im stuck in the past is it that big of a deal to go with a much cheaper 29er just to get a bigger bike?
Personal Preference IMO. I dont like 29ers as much as I do 27.5". For trail raiding I'd go 26" over 29" but for commuting a 29" is sweet.
Will you have a bafang m635 review coming soon?
yes
@@JohnnyNerdOut A lot of us are patiently waiting to hear about the torque sensor
I live in Nova Scotia ( Canada) and was at my small bike shop (( small town)) the other day and was told the starting price was $2300!!!!!! STARTING PRICE.. The bottom of the line. The others were in the 4 / 5 and 6 K price!! Where do I go from here? Willing to go $2000. That would be my limit.. Any help would be appreciated.. Canada that is.. everything is more here!! Fu$%&* sucks!!
I mean, there are plenty of specialty shops (myself included) that will ship you a custom made ebike
As I stated before I'm in Nova Scotia Canada. I guess the shipping and duty would be a fair amount if I was to get you to build me one? Looking for a comfy bike with the fat tires . Wanted mostly for a 7 mile trip to do grocery shopping... something that looks like this ua-cam.com/video/AsqrPItwWIM/v-deo.html @@JohnnyNerdOut
So what roughly would it cost for me to have you build me one and have it shipped to Nova Scotia Canada? A bit for shipping and duty I suppose? @@JohnnyNerdOut
@@mr.timjohnston546 yes, it would be expensive. You can email or text the shop and we can get you a shipping quote
Ya the more I think about it, it would be costly. Just don't know of anyone where Im at that builds them.. Just wanted to say thanks for your input just the same cheers Tim@@JohnnyNerdOut
"Click and ship" oh.... I heard something different lol
We often disagree, but this is exactly what my customers need to know, but of course won't listen to me because I don't have a UA-cam channel.
I feel, on the big picture we are similar though which is all that counts :)
I have a Giant Yukon 2005, would this gear suit that bike?
Yes
I want a polynomial ebike. With real and imaginary roots!
You can get a Soeedrid now or $800, listed as 500w, but much more powerful than that. Mine peaks at 1040w, tops at 26mph and climbs better than my 1,000w Bafang Hub.