Brand New Full Suspension Ebike for around £2500? Can it be done? I do like a DIY project. There are lots of folks who have bikes lying around in sheds that this may be a great option for. Also, the barrier to entry for ebike ownership for many is the cost. With most decent ebikes starting at £4k+ this could be a really viable option. Let's find out....
The Bike
I haven't purchased a regular pedal bike in the last 10 years. But I have one of these on the way. A Vitus Mythique. 140mm travel 29er, full suspension bike. The entry level bike from Vitus starts from £1349, but I went for this top model (really only because the others have all sold out), and this top spec cost £1799. Its actually looking pretty incredible value for money on its own, with Deore 12 speed drivetrain, Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork and pretty decent geo.
I have a few parts for the bike that I have around my workshop, I'll put on a Lyrik 150mm fork and also a Works Angleset to slacken out the HA from 66 degrees to around 64 degrees.
The Motor
From CYC, called the X1 Stealth. 1500w, 150Nm torque. Specs sound powerful! What I really like about it is there is an app to change the modes to suit regional laws, so I can easily make it UK legal with the 250w / 25Kmh mode.
I have this on the way and it should be here in the next couple of weeks. The current cost is $838 (£604) from the supplier direct from Hong Kong. VAT / Import will make the total price around £750.
Here it is installed on a Trek. It replaced the BB and this one slots in. It adds a bit of bulk under the BB, but doesn't seem ridiculously huge.
What about the battery?
CYC make their own batteries, or you can build your own. I'm not into building, so I'll opt for an off the shelf, direct from CYC. They make a few packs, all with 21700 cells. The capacities range from 300Wh ($350) to 625Wh ($600). On my XL framed bike it shouldn't be an issue attaching any size into the front triangle.
What Next?
I'll keep this build thread updated. The stuff should be here in the next couple of weeks, then I'll make a build video and see how it all goes. If I use the smaller sized or mid size battery the total build should weigh around 23-24KG. If someone wanted to build this and use the entry level Vitus Mythique the total cost would be around £2400 including import fees for motor and battery. Mine will be around £2800 including bike cost.
Update 9th Sept 2021 - The Build
The Bike
I haven't purchased a regular pedal bike in the last 10 years. But I have one of these on the way. A Vitus Mythique. 140mm travel 29er, full suspension bike. The entry level bike from Vitus starts from £1349, but I went for this top model (really only because the others have all sold out), and this top spec cost £1799. Its actually looking pretty incredible value for money on its own, with Deore 12 speed drivetrain, Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork and pretty decent geo.
I have a few parts for the bike that I have around my workshop, I'll put on a Lyrik 150mm fork and also a Works Angleset to slacken out the HA from 66 degrees to around 64 degrees.
The Motor
From CYC, called the X1 Stealth. 1500w, 150Nm torque. Specs sound powerful! What I really like about it is there is an app to change the modes to suit regional laws, so I can easily make it UK legal with the 250w / 25Kmh mode.
I have this on the way and it should be here in the next couple of weeks. The current cost is $838 (£604) from the supplier direct from Hong Kong. VAT / Import will make the total price around £750.
Here it is installed on a Trek. It replaced the BB and this one slots in. It adds a bit of bulk under the BB, but doesn't seem ridiculously huge.
What about the battery?
CYC make their own batteries, or you can build your own. I'm not into building, so I'll opt for an off the shelf, direct from CYC. They make a few packs, all with 21700 cells. The capacities range from 300Wh ($350) to 625Wh ($600). On my XL framed bike it shouldn't be an issue attaching any size into the front triangle.
What Next?
I'll keep this build thread updated. The stuff should be here in the next couple of weeks, then I'll make a build video and see how it all goes. If I use the smaller sized or mid size battery the total build should weigh around 23-24KG. If someone wanted to build this and use the entry level Vitus Mythique the total cost would be around £2400 including import fees for motor and battery. Mine will be around £2800 including bike cost.
Update 9th Sept 2021 - The Build
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The Trek looks like it must have heated grips, power adjustable brake levers, On board wifi, electric wash wipe for goggles, indicators, brake lights, massage saddle, charging for at least 5 devices.
