Would this Ozark Trail make a good foundation for an ebike?
Posted by Content_Anybody3638@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 23 comments
Posted by Content_Anybody3638@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 23 comments
Funny_Tax_3952@reddit
Necro thread, but for anyone finding this thread like I did, Ozark Trail 19" frame worked for me. Threw the BBSHD on it, added a couple of spacers and got clearance for the rear chain stays. Messes with the chain alignment; lost bottom gear and top gear on stock cassette. Taking it to a competent bike shop would fix that, I just haven't done it. Got the ol' hose clamp method for holding the motor and keeping the motor from turning, but I hear it knock against frame when I really goose the throttle. Would recommend the threaded/solid strap hose clamps instead of the cheap hose clamps I used. I used some rubber sealing to try and protect the frame; is possible that adds enough slop in the fit to make the knock I hear.
I tripled up the frame clamps and doubled up the motor clamps to try and distribute load on the tubes better. The motor bottom bracket fitment isn't 100%. Had to add a shim to the motor using some aluminum flashing which made it perfect. About to swap the bafang out for the tong sheng 1k watt motor for torque sensing. The tong sheng has some screw holes on top of the motor for a better attachment setup. Maybe replaces hose clamps? Time will tell.
Learn from my mistakes, make cooler mistakes.
band-of-horses@reddit
The Ozark Trail bikes are reasonable good for their price, but you can also probably get a higher quality used bike for the same money.
Content_Anybody3638@reddit (OP)
Do you know any higher quality used bikes I could buy? Still kinda new to buying modern bikes.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
polygon xtrada
cannondale flash
giant talon
devinci blackbird
ozark trail ridge upgraded lol
there are tons of good bikes for similar price on pinkbike, just have narrow it down to your location and budget.
Content_Anybody3638@reddit (OP)
The ridge ungraded would literally be what I want but better. Unfortunately I can’t get any of these deals since I’m in New York.
BodSmith54321@reddit
Ozark Trail also makes an ebike. Fat tire though.
grazzyphase@reddit
The thing about converting an analog bike into an e-bike is that these frames are not stress tested for high torque motors and high speeds that e-bikes are capable of You're better off going with a reputable company like velotric that has done the research and work into making ISO safety frames and components that have waterproof ratings and UL listed batteries.
rrickitickitavi@reddit
This is baloney. You’re not putting a motorcycle motor on there. Premade bikes are hobbled by legal restrictions. Any mid-drive kit blows every premade bike out of the water. It’s not even close.
Content_Anybody3638@reddit (OP)
Hey so I checked out velotric, a lot of high quality ebikes but kind of out of my budget right now. Do you know if they sell frames that I can put my parts on or any other ebike companies?
Been riding with my ebike parts for about a year and the quality’s really good, my foundation is the main issue.
grazzyphase@reddit
The fold lite can go on sale. I managed to snag one for $599 during prime Day
Content_Anybody3638@reddit (OP)
The market’s looking pretty harsh now, the bike’s going for about $1,000 on Velotric. Should I try and wait it out? Not having a good bike to get around with is more of a hassle than I thought it would be. Thanks again for the replies.
grazzyphase@reddit
Do you live in South Florida by chance I happen to be selling a really nice commuter bike aventon Pace 500.2 with an extra battery for 800 bucks and it only has 75 mi on it and it's in brand new condition I can deliver it within reason
Content_Anybody3638@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately not. :( That’s a really beautiful bike but I’m in New York.
ancientstephanie@reddit
Doing a conversion properly, with safe and reliable parts, and most importantly, with a safe battery pack, is going to cost you at least $800-$1000, before even considering all the tools you need to have in order to do it properly.
You don't do a conversion to save money. You do a conversion because that's the particular bike you want.
Content_Anybody3638@reddit (OP)
I see what you’re saying, the batty safety is the most important thing to me especially when I put it together.
I didn’t cheap out on either the battery, the motor or the breaks. I spent about $610 for those three parts alone, but the bike I put it on wasn’t a good foundation.
I wanna move the expensive stuff from my first build to the next foundation but I’m not looking to cheap out on important stuff.
CoolButterfly1108@reddit
Also the gearing is too tiny based on the picture, so you’ll need to size up on the sprocket and lessen the to 11 tooth on the cassette gear block, if you want to assist the motor, even marginally.
CoolButterfly1108@reddit
It’ll work but you may be limited to battery size on the diagonal bar.
WalkinTarget@reddit
Berm Peak on YT did a few vids on the Ozark Trail bike, upgrading damn near every component on it to see how good a bike it could be. Worth a watch if you are interested in the bike.
Hungry_Orange666@reddit
Good foundation for lightweight ebike, don't use motor or battery that weights over 8 pounds, and change brakes for hydraulics.
Ohm_Slaw_@reddit
I would watch kevCentral on youtube. He rides and reviews every cheap walmart bike on the market. Lots of good information.
Mountain bikes are generally sturdier than other types and make a good platform for an ebike. Don't get too crazy, if you want a motorcycle, buy one -- but 750 watts 20 MPH should be fine with a sturdy bike.
Consider a used bike, they go pretty cheap.
redpillsrule@reddit
I think a bafang Bbso2 bolt's on and everything lines up .
cbs-anonmouse@reddit
I’ve seen videos saying that a Bafang motor WON’T fit based on the frame shape behind the crank being too wide.
Significant_Tie_3994@reddit
The problem with most Pacific Cyclery dime-store bikes is they pretty much definitively have a mod-hostile architecture, like one piece cranks, really narrow chainstays, and pretty nonideal brake placement, making mounting most motors a serious PITA if not completely unfeasible. You can do it, but you'll be questioning your decision a LOT while you're assembling it.