Best bikes for E-bike conversion
Posted by DippAPEX@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 17 comments
Hey so I'm just curious on what type of regular bike is best for E-bike conversion kits, I saw something on google that mountain bikes are the best but I just wanted to get more advice and suggestions. Thank you!
FreedomX01@reddit
I am actually now considering doing this as well and would say I am 5'6
Drowsy-Nectarine21@reddit
Depends on your riding.
90s rigid mountain bikes work really well, I commute daily on 93 shogun trailbreaker with BBSHD. My wife is on the same year shogun trailbreaker step through with 500w bbs02.
My dad has a low range 2007 trek hard tail with 500w bbs02. works perfectly.
Watch out for bottom bracket size. The trek has a 73mm bb shell which almost doesn’t fit the bbs02.
I’ve converted 4 bikes now. All of the water bottle nut inserts sit too low to install a hailong battery the right way up. I’ve been using the wolf tooth bottle mounting base to shift the holes to properly install the battery.
Just order your kit, best investment I’ve made for years.
Quiet-Act-2658@reddit
steel or aluminum frame?
Drowsy-Nectarine21@reddit
Dad’s is Aluminium, rest are steel
Comfortable_Box_4102@reddit
i heard aluminium isnt good for ebikes they break
DyingLight2002@reddit
I stuck a 1500w hub motor on the back of a full suspension mountain bike. Works great, goes very fast and is nice and comfy especially with the horrendous condition of the roads here in the UK.
Bread_master_pro@reddit
Where did you put the battery?
bbshdbbs02@reddit
I am the guy you replied to but on a different account.
I literally shoved it into a backpack that had a wire running out of it 😂. Controller sat around the water bottle mount area just fine. That was a cool set up, I gave it to my brother for commuting to collage on now lol. He literally rides around with a 52v 17.5ah battery in his backpack.
Bread_master_pro@reddit
Ok nice. Not sure I'd like to have a backpack battery because it seems inconvenient but the dual suspension would probably be a worth it trade off. Thanks for replying!
bbshdbbs02@reddit
It also kept the weight balance nice. And with 52v and 35amp controller it would go above 40mph easily lol.
Substantial_Mall3551@reddit
Know this is old. But a Kent Shogun trailblazer is a good ebike ?
fastenerpuller@reddit
The best bike is the one you have so in that case, yes. It will be fine. But, it's not the nicest bike out there- these cheaper Walmart type bikes will be made with lower quality steel and have less nice components.
(My first bike was a Kent "Ambush" BMX and I loved it)
rectrix-io@reddit
Yes, mountain bikes are the best - the aluminum ones. I also would go for these brands: Mongoose, Redline or Giant
Please don't forget to factor your warranty. Conversion kits can void the warranty. :)
Disclaimer: We are ebike enthusiasts promoting eco-friendly commuting with no brand affiliations. Our aim is to help fellow commuters. Hopefully this clarifies for the benefit of those who may be wary of brand engagement.
DexaNexa@reddit
I thought steel was better than aluminum for ebike conversions?
fastenerpuller@reddit
I actually don't know that much about ebikes, but as a long term cyclist I would say if you're carrying 20+ extra pounds of weight (and you have extra power to make up for that), steel would be a must for me. More durable than aluminum but more importantly, smoother ride.
3FLOCKAAA@reddit
could someone please tell me the best MTB for a 72 v 29 ah battery and a 5000w conversion kit?
fastenerpuller@reddit
The reason no one has answered this question is because it's hard to answer! There are lots of different bikes that could suit your needs. For a huge battery and super powerful motor, you need a very sturdy bike. Definitely steel, definitely disc brakes. Besides that, you are only limited by your budget and your preferences. Do you want the bike light and nimble, or sturdy and smooth? What kind of riding position do you prefer? Are you buying a new bike or used? All of these are considerations. You don't need to limit yourself to MTBs either- you can look at touring and cargo bikes as well.