SZZS specific CEF50-main thread (initial builds and troubleshooting related only)

[TommyR]

Some random thoughts from my first week riding my CEF 50...

I had a nice ride on of my favorite trails this week (North Shore near the Dallas area for those familiar). I was quite pleased with the bike. The geo felt really comfortable and natural (I'm 6' tall on a size Large). Suspension felt capable and reasonably supple, but I still have tuning to do. The cables rattled more than I'd like on chunky descents. I plan to tear it down completely to fully sleeve all of the cables with foam from Jagwire. I can't stand a noisy bike!

I did almost 11.4 miles with about 800' of elevation, so not a particularly "big" ride. I was happy to still have 78% battery left, given my weight of about 235 lbs. I rode in Sport mode (3/5) pretty much the whole time and tried to maintain the same cadence as when I ride my Amish bike. It felt very natural overall. It actually made riding fun for me again! Instead of constant frustration from my lack of fitness, I had enough energy to do little jumps and drops that I otherwise might've avoided due to exhaustion. That alone makes an e-bike totally worth it!

Thank you all for the suggestions on the speed senor. I didn't realize it could be rotated! I also installed the Magura magnet to the rotors and it's such a nice and clean install! Pic of the magnet attached.

I also installed some eThirteen 155mm cranks that are designed for Bosch motors. They fit fine, but the aesthetic cover doesn't mate up well (I'll share a picture when I get back home). I opted for the wider Q factor because the stock cranks felt too narrow to me. And eThirteen has a 30% sale on right now! I also tried one of their splined chainrings, but sadly the spline diameter was too small and wouldn't fit.

I am running a 200mm Fox dropper post, but it's at the very max limit of fitting. Internally, it can easily hit the charge port and pop it loose if it's too low. The dropper needs to be raised about 3/4" from fully inserted in order to fit properly.

I'm running SRAM Transmission (GX) and it worked like a dream! Never missed a shift, even under some power. The Lewis LH4 brakes with 203mm Magura rotors (2.3mm THK) gave ample power with great modulation and I was really happy with the combo. I also replaced the original chainring with one from SRAM to ensure it would work with the flattop chain. I kept the 32t size and I think it's the right size for how I like to ride.

Current tires are 29" Maxxis with a 2.5" Assegai and 2.4" Dissector, but I really want to try the new Schwalbe radials once I find what I want in stock. I also have a set of 27.5x2.8 tires (DHF/Rekon) on some wide 45mm rims I'd like to try for a new experience! That'll also be my winter setup if/when it snows here in Texas.

I've loved riding the bike this week. It honestly had me wondering if I will have a need to keep my Yeti SB140. Time will tell...

 

[mike_kelly]

I keep my old "analog" bikes to ride the trails where emtb's are not allowed. I don't ride trails where they are not allowed in hopes that they will come around and open them up to emtb. I don't want to screw that up for anyone by riding illegally.

 

[TommyR]

I wholeheartedly agree, Mike! The last thing I'd want is to contribute to any bad impressions folks may have regarding e-bikes.....or any bikes in general, really!

 

[mike_kelly]

The good news is that more and more admins are coming around and opening trails to a least class1's.

 

[lkdoido]

Colegas,

Depois de muito tempo de negociação com Jean SZZS e muito tempo de transporte, minha bike chegou. Acredito que seja a primeira CEF50 aqui no Brasil e já estou brincando com a montagem. Durante o primeiro teste de conexão, recebi um alerta de erro 30. Jean me aconselhou a desconectar e reconectar os cabos e funcionou.
Ainda não tenho todos os componentes para montá-la. Ainda preciso de algumas coisas. Vou começar o ano testando a bike. Pensei em envolvê-la com PPF. Aqui estão algumas fotos e atualizo vocês mais tarde.

 

[souftosouf]

Hello guys,
Besides voigtkampff, has anyone cracked his frame ?
Where and how ? i cracked mine and even after 2 repairs (3mm of carbon each time), it's cracking at the same exact spot (lower seat tube). I'm starting to thing the frame itself has been poorly designed / manufactured and i have a hard time trusting it.

How is it going for the enduro riders ?

 

[TCFlowClyde]

Hello guys,
Besides voigtkampff, has anyone cracked his frame ?
Where and how ? i cracked mine and even after 2 repairs (3mm of carbon each time), it's cracking at the same exact spot (lower seat tube). I'm starting to thing the frame itself has been poorly designed / manufactured and i have a hard time trusting it.

How is it going for the enduro riders ?

Got pics? I'm a very heavy rider doing light Enduro...baby jumps/drops. No problems for me 1.5 yrs.

 

[TommyR]

Happy New Year, y'all!

I decided to get a wheelset with hubs designed for the abuse of an ebike. I usually run Onyx hubs, which I love for the silence, but they're not designed for ebike torque. So while I wait for my new 29" wheeset to show up, I put on my 27.5 wheelset. Tires are 27.5x2.8 Maxxis on Light Bicycle 45mm internal rims. It's a great setup, but even with the 155mm cranks, I was pedal striking the other day. And that wasn't even on a rocky trail. It's not awful and certainly tolerable, but I look forward to my 29er set arriving in a week or two.

Speaking of cranks, I've attached pictures showing how they fit on the Bafang motor. They fit fine, but leave an awkward aesthetic gap. I plan to 3D print a spacer to fill the gap to keep out crud and for a cleaner look. Otherwise, I'm plenty happy with them.

Like many of you, I picked up a mud flap to keep rocks from getting lodged between the swing arm and the frame. I would highly recommend this or something like it to preserve your frame.

Lastly, I'm in the process of tearing the bike down to fully sleeve all the internal housings with Jagwire foam to get this thing as quiet as I can. Looking forward to riding again, but it's well below freezing here in north Texas so it may be awhile.

 

[Ger@anio63]

Hi, I would like to buy the Besst tool for the Bafang M820 engine, how much does it cost, including shipping costs in Italy, post code 57126, thanks, I'm looking forward to hearing from you

 

[Ger@anio63]

found this object for the M820 aluminum engine on Slibaba I asked for a quote including shipping costs

 

[Ger@anio63]

Alibaba

 

[Ger@anio63]

 

[Ger@anio63]

with a small modification it could be adapted to our frame

 

[Ger@anio63]

 

[patdam]

with a small modification it could be adapted to our frame

To do what ? You want to build your frame ? It's dedicated to weeld on aluminium tubes to build an frame and fix the motor.

About BESST tool, take care that your supplier provide the account to log on

 

[mike_kelly]

The BESST tool is comprised of two items. The hardware and the software. The BESST is made for dealers not end users. It requires a dealer password to use it which end users can not get. Unless you use a work around. Get the password from a dealer or use a by-pass script found on the internet.

 

[Ger@anio63]

The BESST tool is comprised of two items. The hardware and the software. The BESST is made for dealers not end users. It requires a dealer password to use it which end users can not get. Unless you use a work around. Get the password from a dealer or use a by-pass script found on the internet.

HI
I spoke to Jean from SZST about my problem and she told me that as soon as I have the Besst pro she will provide me with the access credentials

 

[TCFlowClyde]

The BESST tool is comprised of two items. The hardware and the software. The BESST is made for dealers not end users. It requires a dealer password to use it which end users can not get. Unless you use a work around. Get the password from a dealer or use a by-pass script found on the internet.

Related: any good bluetooth updates for the DPC245 v. 5.0?

What can it do to tune the M820 motor again?

 

[TommyR]

Related: any good bluetooth updates for the DPC245 v. 5.0?

What can it do to tune the M820 motor again?
View attachment 153010

Are you talking about Bluetooth connection from the bar-mounted controller to the DPC245?

For what it’s worth, I got the Besst tool and GO+ app. I think I got the access code from Jean. Was disappointed the Besst tool is the only way to change tire diameter, though. Fortunately, I won’t be changing that very often!

 

[TCFlowClyde]

Are you talking about Bluetooth connection from the bar-mounted controller to the DPC245?

For what it’s worth, I got the Besst tool and GO+ app. I think I got the access code from Jean. Was disappointed the Besst tool is the only way to change tire diameter, though. Fortunately, I won’t be changing that very often!

Yep. Go+ on DPC 245 version to tune the motor's power modes. I believe it's still limited to that feature. I know BESST (I have one) is firmware update tool primarily. Plus, I'm fine with factory power settings. Was just curious.

Also, I'm still waiting for the 85Nm superboost mode for 30-60 sec. That and a more powerful walk mode. Would be nice to use the Go+ app for all that!

C'mon Bafang get on it! It's been more than 2 years since your flagship launch of the M820. Let's get firmware upgrades that can "compete" against the DJI Anivox drive system!

 

[TommyR]

Hey folks,

We had an uncharacteristically heavy amount of snow here in Texas and I had to take advantage of the opportunity and ride in snow for the first time. It was a fun experience, but was much tougher than I thought. Most of my 13 mile ride was on slush-covered pavement. It was super slow and boggy so I had it on boost (level 5) the whole time.

There were several times where I was down into my slowest gears trudging through the snow. FYI, I'm currently running a 32t chainring and 10-52 cassette with 27.5x2.8 tires. What concerned me is that while I was slowly grinding through the slush, the motor was only outputting about 40-50 watts. I opened the GO+ app and made the boost settings as aggressive as I could, but didn't feel a difference. I downshifted as much as I could to see if increased cadence would help. It didn't. I was exhausted by this point, but tried putting in more power, but that didn't seem to help, either.

Is there anything I could've done to have more assistance from the motor? I don't know what else I could've done. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Tommy

 

[Ger@anio63]

Hey folks,

We had an uncharacteristically heavy amount of snow here in Texas and I had to take advantage of the opportunity and ride in snow for the first time. It was a fun experience, but was much tougher than I thought. Most of my 13 mile ride was on slush-covered pavement. It was super slow and boggy so I had it on boost (level 5) the whole time.

There were several times where I was down into my slowest gears trudging through the snow. FYI, I'm currently running a 32t chainring and 10-52 cassette with 27.5x2.8 tires. What concerned me is that while I was slowly grinding through the slush, the motor was only outputting about 40-50 watts. I opened the GO+ app and made the boost settings as aggressive as I could, but didn't feel a difference. I downshifted as much as I could to see if increased cadence would help. It didn't. I was exhausted by this point, but tried putting in more power, but that didn't seem to help, either.

Is there anything I could've done to have more assistance from the motor? I don't know what else I could've done. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Tommy

View attachment 153121

Hi Tommy
what version do you have bafang go+ 3.1. it doesn't work it doesn't change the settings I used version 2.2.0 and it changes the settings I tried them just today

 

[TCFlowClyde]

Hey folks,

We had an uncharacteristically heavy amount of snow here in Texas and I had to take advantage of the opportunity and ride in snow for the first time. It was a fun experience, but was much tougher than I thought. Most of my 13 mile ride was on slush-covered pavement. It was super slow and boggy so I had it on boost (level 5) the whole time.

There were several times where I was down into my slowest gears trudging through the snow. FYI, I'm currently running a 32t chainring and 10-52 cassette with 27.5x2.8 tires. What concerned me is that while I was slowly grinding through the slush, the motor was only outputting about 40-50 watts. I opened the GO+ app and made the boost settings as aggressive as I could, but didn't feel a difference. I downshifted as much as I could to see if increased cadence would help. It didn't. I was exhausted by this point, but tried putting in more power, but that didn't seem to help, either.

Is there anything I could've done to have more assistance from the motor? I don't know what else I could've done. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Tommy

View attachment 153121

More tire float? I had to lower my 3.0" tires' PSI from 20/22 to 13/14 PSI in ungroomed singletrack. I was using my full-powered M600 trail rig at higher power modes. On my fattie emtb similar from 12/10 PSI to 4/6 PSI (4.0/4.5" tires) and was easier as a heavy rider. But when I went lower tire pressure, I needed less power in general.

My limited experience. Free riding in crusty snow is just tougher in general...fresh powder easier. But groomed, flowy singletrack I hear from emtbers/fatties that the snowy, flatter regions are awesome with a machined trail. Maybe some more veteran snow riders can expand with much greater experience?

Not much in my area of the desert southwest, so free (non-groomed) riding on alpine mountain trails is a slog, better with an emtb, but still a lot of work. I found once ridden a few times for novelty, alpine skiing is a lot more fun.

Just my take.

 

[TommyR]

Hi Tommy
what version do you have bafang go+ 3.1. it doesn't work it doesn't change the settings I used version 2.2.0 and it changes the settings I tried them just today

Mine is 3.1, but how can I "downgrade" to 2.2.0? Delete and attempt a reinstall? I onlt see one version of GO+ on the app store.

 

[mike_kelly]

Ungroomed snow trails are pretty rough without 26x5 tires. Bottom line is the word "assist". My experience with the m820 is that pedals got be moving and with some torque. I find it is a balance. If I am climbing a wall at the crux move at the top I better have some power rather than spinning like crazy but if I can't keep turning the pedals the motor is not going to help.

 

[Ger@anio63]

Mine is 3.1, but how can I "downgrade" to 2.2.0? Delete and attempt a reinstall? I onlt see one version of GO+ on the app store.

delete 3.1, download 2.2.0 on Google and install, you don't have to do anything else, always enter with the credentials you have

 

[Ger@anio63]

Mine is 3.1, but how can I "downgrade" to 2.2.0? Delete and attempt a reinstall? I onlt see one version of GO+ on the app store.

Scarica BAFANG GO+ 2.2.0 APK per Android - Scaricamento Gratuito e Sicuro

Scarica l'ultima versione di BAFANG GO+ (2.2.0) APK per Android. Gestione intelligente di veicoli elettrici/ciclomotori elettrici

apkpure.net

 

[Ger@anio63]

Scarica BAFANG GO+ 2.2.0 APK per Android - Scaricamento Gratuito e Sicuro

Scarica l'ultima versione di BAFANG GO+ (2.2.0) APK per Android. Gestione intelligente di veicoli elettrici/ciclomotori elettrici

apkpure.net

Once installed, do not update the App. Otherwise it will not work

 

[TommyR]

Ungroomed snow trails are pretty rough without 26x5 tires. Bottom line is the word "assist". My experience with the m820 is that pedals got be moving and with some torque. I find it is a balance. If I am climbing a wall at the crux move at the top I better have some power rather than spinning like crazy but if I can't keep turning the pedals the motor is not going to help.

Totally agree! That's what perplexed me. I was spinning and I was applying pretty solid torque. I couldn't figure out why it was only giving me 40-50 watts in return. Admittedly, my cadence was pretty low and I was whooped by the time I noticed how little assist I was getting. So if it was trying to double my input torque (for example), it wouldn't have given me 250+ watts! But I was surely hoping for more than what I was getting.

Mike, you and TCFC are right about tires and flotation. I was aired down, but I actually think a skinnier tire would've been better in my case. I was on a paved path covered in snow. I saw some skinny tires left tracks all the way through to the pavement. Mine, however, were just crushing the slush (sounds like an energy drink slogan!). It's all good, though! I enjoyed the experience. I will say that when I was in a field, I was MUCH better off with the bigger tires and flotation! It was easier pedaling than in the slushy pavement. LOL

 

[Ger@anio63]

Ciao ragazzi
Ho apportato delle modifiche alla bici, ho montato un ammortizzatore 216x63 con riduttore da 7mm internamente ottenendo una corsa di 56,6x 3=169,8. Ho percorso 150 km facendo vari giri su terreno Enduro con vari piccoli salti non esagerati e non ho avuto problemi ovviamente ho provato con un ammortizzatore compresso e sono rimasti circa 2mm di spazio libero nel bilanciere buona sensazione in discesa mi piace come lavora tutto il carro posteriore questo in formato 29 anteriore altezza posteriore BB 36,5 angolo HT 64,5 ZEB 170 peso totale 20,68 vedi foto allegate