New Project-Guidance needed

[Silver surfer]

Hi,

I have been looking at ebikes for a while, and find that a ebike will definitely help my mobility having had to give up my license due to health reasons.

I personally would prefer a DIY ebike, firstly because of cost, secondly i just like the idea!.

I currently ride a Voodoo Bantu bought from Halfords in 2017. I struggle on uphill roads when I use it even if I use lower gears on hills, and some electric power would really help. So what I did was go through the different types of mountain bikes and I feel the Giant trance 2, from 2014-2015 is perfect for me, I like its look too. Standing at 5ft 11 and slim build would suit my geometry. Does anyone know/help me of a really good example of a good Giant trance 2 2015ish? I seen a few online but i don't know what is good or a bargain. The question I have is, is this bike suitable for a Ebike conversion kit? secondly I am looking at getting a Bafang mid drive motor to be installed ( Bafang BBS02B Bicycle Motor 48V 500W). Would it work? Then the big question is, does anybody know a ebike mechanic that help me install the motor ? configure it all well? I live in Leicester. There are ebike stores . but they said they don't fix on ebike kits like the Bafang I mentioned. Any help get this project going would be great.

 

[karjalanpiirakka]

Just a couple of pointers which I hope maybe useful: I looked at the frame and it seems like it has 68/73mm bottom bracket. So a Bafang kit could definitely go in there (except you might need to remove the existing BB if I remember correctly). There is the matter of clearance at the BB to the swingarm which will be good to check as well. Since the frame is AL, you might get away with a bit of dremel use. The wiring and other stuff will be kind of straightforward. Since the frame triangle looks kind of small, you might need to look at possible mounting choices which could restrict battery sizes (which, in turn affects capacity) and hence, it will most definitely help to look at available battery packs and take measurements. You could actually do it yourself as the tools needed are basically BB wrenches, allen keys and maybe a small blade to remove the retainer at the non drive crank arm. For the installation, you will need a few other things of course.

 

[Silver surfer]

Just a couple of pointers which I hope maybe useful: I looked at the frame and it seems like it has 68/73mm bottom bracket. So a Bafang kit could definitely go in there (except you might need to remove the existing BB if I remember correctly). There is the matter of clearance at the BB to the swingarm which will be good to check as well. Since the frame is AL, you might get away with a bit of dremel use. The wiring and other stuff will be kind of straightforward. Since the frame triangle looks kind of small, you might need to look at possible mounting choices which could restrict battery sizes (which, in turn affects capacity) and hence, it will most definitely help to look at available battery packs and take measurements. You could actually do it yourself as the tools needed are basically BB wrenches, allen keys and maybe a small blade to remove the retainer at the non drive crank arm. For the installation, you will need a few other things of course.

Hey, Thank you for getting back to me, so useful.
By the way just to introduce myself, my name is Sandeep. I know I should go to newbie section so sorry admin! Going back to the bike, I do like the Giant trance 2, but I decided if i'm going to try attempt making my own DIY eMTB I will do it on my current bike the Voodoo Bantu (2014). The bike is in 18 inches and its decent for what it is. What I wanted to ask is firstly can that bike be converted to a emtb? using the Bafang BBS02B mid drive motor , 500V with a 36v battery ? I feel that will be perfect for my short/medium bike rides. If so how would I go about it?

Thanks
Sandeep

 

[karjalanpiirakka]

Hey, Thank you for getting back to me, so useful.
I know I should go to newbie section so sorry admin! Going back to the bike, I do like the Giant trance 2, but I decided if i'm going to try attempt making my own DIY eMTB I will do it on my current bike the Voodoo Bantu (2014). The bike is in 18 inches .... If so how would I go about it?
Thanks
Sandeep

Hey Sandeep. Most bikes following standard dimensions can easily fit the BBS02. Here is a similar bike (the Hoodoo) converted by someone. VooDoo Hoodoo Electric Ebike Conversion - Bafang BBSHD - YouTube . Seems doable. Certain things I mentioned earlier are particular to the Giant Trance 2 frame. Anyways, the general guideline is to know the axle diameter and spacing. This will tell you which kind of kit will come with the motor. Since the frame triangle is quite comfortable in terms of size (at 18"), even a decent sized battery can fit.