jokes34
New Member
I just finished my Dengfu E10 build! It took just over three months to complete. What a journey! I went a slightly different route than most of the other Dengfu builds that have been posted. I wanted to see if a Dengfu frame could not only be as good as the “mainstream brands”, but surpass them in all categories if properly equipped. Rather than going as economical as possible, I went with the most high end components that I could afford. This build made me make the choice between weight or durability. I chose durability. I decided that I was going to try and make this e-bike an ultra enduro and everything I assembled on it was fashioned with this mindset. Once I accepted that this ebike was not going to be the lightest bike on the trail, it became liberating to be able to select parts and components that I felt would hold up long term under the stress of an e-mountain bike. I wanted to look for components that were engineered and designed for e-mountain bike use.
I selected the shimano xt linkglide component grouping for the drivetrain. Partly because I prefer shimano over sram, but also because the linkglide was advertised as more durable for ebike use. Linkglide’s ability to shift under stress was far greater than any weight concerns. DT Swiss makes some of the best hubs and rims on the market and was an easy choice. Maxxis are the gold standard in tires. I went with a mullet (29 front/ 27.5 rear) configuration. This is uncharted territory for me in that I have never had this type of setup. I had the Dengfu factory paint the frame so that I did not have to worry about that step.
I am absolutely ecstatic about the overall finish of this project. There were some unexpected problems and issues that I had to overcome, but nothing that wasn’t manageable. I’m not a master bike mechanic, and was in over my head on the wiring. I found some really awesome local bike shops that were willing to help me, and were essential to the completion of this project. I must give my appreciation and gratitude to Fat Tire Farm bike shop in Portland Oregon. They installed both the front and rear suspension, and routed the cables. What made them so great to work with, was that there was no ego or judgement passed by them because I wasn’t purchasing a frame from them. They treated me great, and were enthusiastic about the job. They pointed out small details that I missed, and ordered parts I forgot about. I could not have done this build without them. Nomad cycles another bike shop in Portland did the motor installation assembly. They specialize in bikes with Bafang motors and were great for technical support.
The goal of this build was not to prove that I could build a budget wise e mountain bike under a dollar value. It was to prove that a Dengfu frame, if equipped with higher end parts and components could outperform “mainstream brands”.
Stay tuned for
I selected the shimano xt linkglide component grouping for the drivetrain. Partly because I prefer shimano over sram, but also because the linkglide was advertised as more durable for ebike use. Linkglide’s ability to shift under stress was far greater than any weight concerns. DT Swiss makes some of the best hubs and rims on the market and was an easy choice. Maxxis are the gold standard in tires. I went with a mullet (29 front/ 27.5 rear) configuration. This is uncharted territory for me in that I have never had this type of setup. I had the Dengfu factory paint the frame so that I did not have to worry about that step.
I am absolutely ecstatic about the overall finish of this project. There were some unexpected problems and issues that I had to overcome, but nothing that wasn’t manageable. I’m not a master bike mechanic, and was in over my head on the wiring. I found some really awesome local bike shops that were willing to help me, and were essential to the completion of this project. I must give my appreciation and gratitude to Fat Tire Farm bike shop in Portland Oregon. They installed both the front and rear suspension, and routed the cables. What made them so great to work with, was that there was no ego or judgement passed by them because I wasn’t purchasing a frame from them. They treated me great, and were enthusiastic about the job. They pointed out small details that I missed, and ordered parts I forgot about. I could not have done this build without them. Nomad cycles another bike shop in Portland did the motor installation assembly. They specialize in bikes with Bafang motors and were great for technical support.
The goal of this build was not to prove that I could build a budget wise e mountain bike under a dollar value. It was to prove that a Dengfu frame, if equipped with higher end parts and components could outperform “mainstream brands”.
Stay tuned for
