DIY Bike Build: A Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling a Dengfu E55

[Ksem07]

Hello everyone!

I am excited to share with you my project of building a Dengfu E55 from scratch. This is my first build, so I have done some research, but I still have some doubts and uncertainties. I don’t know what to expect, and I want to learn from your experience and advice.

My frame is on its way, and I want to make sure I have everything I need to start assembling it as soon as it arrives. I have a garage full of basic tools, but are there any specific tools I would need for this bike? How about grease/lubrication, which one should I use? What are some common mistakes or challenges that I should avoid or prepare for?

I have attached my build list below, and I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions. I am on a budget, so I tried to find the best parts for the best price. Also, if you have any general tips and tricks for building a bike, please share them with me. I want to be as prepared as possible.

Thank you for your help and support!

Edit: I’ve read TQFreak’s build thread on the E55, and it was extremely helpful. It guided me a lot during my research. As I’m building a E-bike for the first time, I want to create a guide that focuses on the challenges beginners might face. My intention is to prepare those who are new to this by sharing the issues I encounter. This way, I hope to make the journey easier for anyone who decides to make their own E-bike.​

 

[Ksem07]

I’m thrilled to share that my bike frame is on its way and should be with me in just two weeks! To kick things off, I’ve crafted some designs in Photoshop to envision the final look of the bike. Additionally, i will also try to capture the spray painting process step-by-step, so that others can try to learn from it.

I have all my current designs uploaded on Imgur.
Down below are my most preferred designs.

What do you guys think?

 

[Great]

So, how is this project going?
I would like to know if you have already completed it and if you have photos of the assembly and final product.
I imagine you're super happy.

 

[Ksem07]

Well, shipping had major delays, so i wasn't really happy until now of course!
I finally received it today, which is a major relieve, for a moment i thought i was going to get scammed lol.

I am now spray painting the frame as we speak. I will post pictures and updates. I am very stoked.

 

[Great]

It took 3 months to be delivered???
That's insane!

I also bought one at the beginning of May.
I can't believe I'm still going to have to wait another 2 months for it to arrive.

Please post some pictures of your progress so I can get more excited

Enjoy your new toy

 

[Ksem07]

Yep, it took 3 months. They promised it would take a month. Hope you will receive yours faster!

I definitely will update along the way with some nice pictures. Soon paint job is done! Everything will be nicely documented.

At the moment i am researching how to do the fitting of the rear shock, and where to buy all the parts. TQfreak apparently was not able to find the right parts and had to make some custom changes, which i don’t know if i can do them with my basic tools at home.

Will let you know.

 

[Great]

So, how's the project going?

Just to let you know that I'm going to start mine.
My frame arrived yesterday.

 

[Billy]

 

[Ksem07]

Time for a little update,

So i eventually just decided to add a clear coat to the frame, as i was not ready to pay €400 for a paint job. (I might wrap the frame later on, but im good for now.)

I used Spraymax 2K Clearcoat.

This is the frame before.

The painting setup, a little ghetto but hey, you got to do it with the things you've got. Spray painting wasn't easy with kids and cats running around lol. Also, if you can get a spray paint booth i would highly recommend so. I had trouble with dust and little hairs in between paint sessions. I added 3 layers.

I bought this rear shock on ebay for a really good price, it already came with bushings and apparently they fit perfectly on the E55 frame, so i decided to leave them on. Anyone have an idea if this is a good idea or not?

Here is the frame, with the finished paint job, and rear suspension installed. I think it looks really good compared to the UD matte black. I noticed the UD matte black can easily be scratched, so i highly recommend to do it since it will only cost you €20, and it adds an extra layer of protection. I very lightly wet sanded the frame with deionized water, but to be honest it is not really needed in this case.