Frame Only bike build?

[rb.]

Hi all,
I have a spare EP8 motor and 630h battery, and I would be interested in building up an ebike if possible. It doesn’t need to be a great frame, as I would be building it just for the fun in building a bike, and then selling it assuming I could profit a little. Are there any options out there people have heard of?

Also, if you have built up an ebike from the frame, I’d love to see pictures and experiences. Selecting the exact parts and building up a bike is a ton of fun for me. (Though I’ve never done so with ebikes yet). Now if only I had an unlimited bank account. Lol.

 

[2WheelsNot4]

Its not really a thing yet, though some companies will sell a bare frame the majority dont.
You can get the chinese stuff, but would you really want to.

I do think in a few years bare frames will be the norm.

 

[Waynemarlow]

Plenty of Shimano engine based frames available on AliExpress both carbon and Ali. A more known manufacturer such as Dengfu produce a couple of Shimano engined frames. More than a few readers here actually own and have done a lot of mileage on these frames.

E04 SHIMANO_dengfubikes 11

TRAIL FULL SUSPENSION E-BIKE FRAME E04 FOR SHIMANO MOTOR Use for: 29er Suspension E-Bike Frame: E04 SHIMANO Feature:Thru Axle (148mm) Material: full Toray carbon Finish: UD Matt/Clear coating Headset: Tapered (1-1/8 to 1-1/2) Rear shock: 185*50mm Frame travel: 120mm Available sizes: 16/18/20...

www.dengfubikes.com

 

[Waynemarlow]

You can get the chinese stuff, but would you really want to.

 

[rb.]

Plenty of Shimano engine based frames available on AliExpress both carbon and Ali. A more known manufacturer such as Dengfu produce a couple of Shimano engined frames. More than a few readers here actually own and have done a lot of mileage on these frames.

E04 SHIMANO_dengfubikes 11

TRAIL FULL SUSPENSION E-BIKE FRAME E04 FOR SHIMANO MOTOR Use for: 29er Suspension E-Bike Frame: E04 SHIMANO Feature:Thru Axle (148mm) Material: full Toray carbon Finish: UD Matt/Clear coating Headset: Tapered (1-1/8 to 1-1/2) Rear shock: 185*50mm Frame travel: 120mm Available sizes: 16/18/20...

www.dengfubikes.com

Maybe you can help me, because I saw zero mountain bike frames designed specifically around the EP8 motor on AliExpress or Dengfu websites. But thanks for the recommendation.

 

[rb.]

You can get the chinese stuff, but would you really want to.

I do think in a few years bare frames will be the norm.

That’s actually what I was hoping for. But I’m having a hard time finding a mountain bike frame that is built around the EP8 motor.

 

[rb.]

That’s exactly what I want to do if I can just find a frame that will fit my motor I currently have.

 

[2WheelsNot4]

Yes i've seen the vid, thanks for posting.
And ?.

And I've also seen a YT vid on a busted Chinese sus.

 

[2WheelsNot4]

That’s actually what I was hoping for. But I’m having a hard time finding a mountain bike frame that is built around the EP8 motor.

The only ones I've seen by actual proper manufacturers was by Trek for Bosch, but they are about £2k(About $2700)
Possibly a route is to contact a manufacturer direct. Claim something about you having a well out of warranty frame of theirs that's busted and are looking for a replacement, could they accommodate ?
All they can say is no. Maybe worth a go at least.

 

[Jaspy]

You might be better off selling just the motor if it’s in excellent condition. It would be less time consuming and less hassles especially since you planned on selling the completed bike. Just a thought.

 

[rb.]

You might be better off selling just the motor if it’s in excellent condition. It would be less time consuming and less hassles especially since you planned on selling the completed bike. Just a thought.

For me the process of building a bike is enjoyable. And I am constantly buying and selling bike parts to begin with, so no extra hassle.

Also, the motor is brand new still in shimano packaging, so yes, if I am not able to build up a bike I will sell it to someone that needs it since my current bike is no longer EP8 motor.

 

[rb.]

Yes i've seen the vid, thanks for posting.
And ?.
View attachment 81456

And I've also seen a YT vid on a busted Chinese sus.

The image you shared is not even remotely comparable to the ebike Rob built up.

 

[2WheelsNot4]

The image you shared is not even remotely comparable to the ebike Rob built up.

If its a Chinese made frame then these others i could list ,including full suspension. But would you accept those, or would it have to be the exact same frame for you to consider cheap Chinese frames are cheap for a reason.
Consider whats at stake. You arent pottling along the road. you are putting the frame into highly stressful conditions. People can end up in wheelchairs or even dead. Why consider that a fair exchange to save some money.
So how much testing in the real world do you think these cheapo frames undergo before they flog them on via alibaba. Do they have a kitemark ? or US equivalent to show theey are safe to use. No they do not.

 

[Waynemarlow]

So how much of your bike that you are currently riding is made by companies in China or that region ?

 

[Waynemarlow]

Good old USA built

 

[2WheelsNot4]

So how much of your bike that you are currently riding is made by companies in China or that region ?

And I'll answer that with- Can you compare a major manufacturing of those bikes against those released to alibaba ?. Clearly the testings not there, nor attention to detail. One will be built to specific spec as the major company's requirements, the other with the emphasis of saving money
Honestly, you cannot compare one against the other.


Putting up the broken trek pretty much confirms my point.

 

[rb.]

If its a Chinese made frame then these others i could list ,including full suspension. But would you accept those, or would it have to be the exact same frame for you to consider cheap Chinese frames are cheap for a reason.
Consider whats at stake. You arent pottling along the road. you are putting the frame into highly stressful conditions. People can end up in wheelchairs or even dead. Why consider that a fair exchange to save some money.
So how much testing in the real world do you think these cheapo frames undergo before they flog them on via alibaba. Do they have a kitemark ? or US equivalent to show theey are safe to use. No they do not.

Sir, you are derailing my thread with stuff I’m not even concerned about. I’m looking for a pedal assist mountain bike frame that’s compatible with an EP8 drive unit.

 

[2WheelsNot4]

Fair enough, ill leave you to it.

 

[Waynemarlow]

?. Clearly the testings not there, nor attention to detail. One will be built to specific spec as the major company's requirements, the other with the emphasis of saving money

Possibly 20 years ago, but today China and Asia leads the west in mass produced quality engineering. If Chinese manufacture was crap they would have not gotten themselves to the point where the West is totally dependent on them manufacturing goods to be rebadged as for example VW or Audi, just look at the German economies downturn this last year, all because there is a shortage of Asian manufactured components.

The carbon frame companies will make for not only themselves but for a multitude of other companies. The standards will be the same across the board as will the research and testing.

Back to the question, is the EP8 motor not the same mounting bolt pattern as all Shimano motors ?

 

[Norange]

I think you're correct Wayne, EP8 should fit an E8000 frame.


I am broadly in agreement, long gone are the days when China was about cheap low quality stuff. They can, of course still do that. Internal standards for China may be different than those needed for export - so I'd expect bigger companies like Dengfu who I think are making OEM for export to build frames to a good standard. Taiwan (let's not go there!) has obviously been a mecca for bike manufacturing for a long time.

 

[rb.]

Possibly 20 years ago, but today China and Asia leads the west in mass produced quality engineering. If Chinese manufacture was crap they would have not gotten themselves to the point where the West is totally dependent on them manufacturing goods to be rebadged as for example VW or Audi, just look at the German economies downturn this last year, all because there is a shortage of Asian manufactured components.

The carbon frame companies will make for not only themselves but for a multitude of other companies. The standards will be the same across the board as will the research and testing.

Back to the question, is the EP8 motor not the same mounting bolt pattern as all Shimano motors ?

Correct, but they are different shapes and I am hesitant to buy a 1 size fits all frame, since it was probably designed around the e8000 so not sure how well the fit would be.

 

[livninctry]

I have a frame from lightcarbon on order and have seen lots of good reviews on their frames.

Custom Full Carbon E-Bike Frames,MTB E-Bike Manufacturers - Lightcarbon.com

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www.lightcarbon.com

 

[Binhill1]

Hi all,
I have a spare EP8 motor and 630h battery, and I would be interested in building up an ebike if possible. It doesn’t need to be a great frame, as I would be building it just for the fun in building a bike, and then selling it assuming I could profit a little. Are there any options out there people have heard of?

Also, if you have built up an ebike from the frame, I’d love to see pictures and experiences. Selecting the exact parts and building up a bike is a ton of fun for me. (Though I’ve never done so with ebikes yet). Now if only I had an unlimited bank account. Lol.

You can get a specialized frame cant remember which one though

 

[rb.]

You can get a specialized frame cant remember which one though

Really? Never seen a specialized mtb frame compatible with a Shimano motor.

 

[Norange]

Vitus E-Sommet 297 VRS Mountain Bike (2021) - LARGE - BLUE | eBay

SEATCLAMP Vitus bolt, 36.4mm. SHOCK RockShox Super Deluxe Select. Alloy 7050, 9° back sweep, 780mm wide 12mm rise S/M, 800mm wide 25mm rise L/XL. SPLINE BLACK 27.5", Shimano microspline driver, Boost – 148mm x 12mm thru axle.

www.ebay.co.uk

Have a look into this one?

 

[Doomanic]

Nukeproof Megawatt 297 FRAME LARGE GREY ( | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Nukeproof Megawatt 297 FRAME LARGE GREY ( at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Vsoria]

see if this bike frame is worth it
The problem I had was that I couldn't find the ep8 and the e8000 for sale almost nothing and one on e-bay but only the motor

Light Frame, Bicycle Frame, Carbon Frame, Bike Frame, Bicycle, China Carbon Bike Frame, China Carbon Frame, Frame Wholesale

Here is WORKSWELL which produces Light Frame, Bicycle Frame, Carbon Frame, Bike Frame, Bicycle, China Carbon Bike Frame, China Carbon Frame, Frame.

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Battery:Shimano BT-8036/DAFANG
Engine:Shimano DU-EP8
Rear shock size:205*65mm
Front travel:170mm
Rear travel:160mm

 

[rb.]

Thanks @Norange and @Doomanic, those are great finds. But I’m in the US so shipping isn’t an realistic option. Appreciate you looking out though.

 

[JimLee-Lightcarbon]

LCES879, fit for:

Motor System	Shimano steps E8000 and EP800 drive unit
Battery	Shimano E8036 630wh(integrated inside the down tube)

 

[luna87824]

LCES879, fit for:

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Motor System	Shimano steps E8000 and EP800 drive unit
Battery	Shimano E8036 630wh(integrated inside the down tube)

How much?