Awesome DIY E-Bikes!
More info comining soon!
Until then, drool over these pics, these things are awesome. Built in March 2022 when I was still in CA.
2022 Specialized Rockhopper 29 Sport
Ridin' on the Fault Line
Carrizo Plain National Monument Wildflower Bloom - April 2023
This bike is fully customized on the front end with a riser stem and wide riser bars for a shorter reach and far more comfortable upright riding position on a medium size frame, good for someone up to 6' tall. Other than that, it's a stock Rockhopper 29 that you can buy now for under $700. I paid $1100 in CA in March of 22.
Both of these bikes use the Bafang BBS02 48v 750w Mid-Motor kit, readily available on the big A for under $500 (seller Acolmile). Cost has come down since my project.
2005 Trek 7200 Multi-Track
Installation is not for the faint of heart. The most difficult job may be removing the old crank arms and bottom bracket. I had a bike shop do that for me on both bikes.
And then beware, you can never go back. No shop will work on your bike after you do this.
The other difficulty is getting the motor to stay tight in position. I pushed mine tight up against the down tube with a thick rubber pad between the motor and tube to reduce vibrations (very important).
Also important is the chain ring size you put on the motor. Go small (36-42t max) or it may not fit.
Another difficulty will be getting a battery that fits the space between the three tubes, with holes or slots on its bracket that line up good with the bottle cage holes that are use to mount the thing. I got lucky and found a “Tiger Shark” sized battery on Ebay with brackets that worked on both bikes. These are short stocky batteries, only 13ah but you don’t really need anything more. I took the mountain bike out for a 50 miler with lots of big hills and had plenty of juice left for the cruise home. See the pic below
Most important for any bike are side mounted rear view mirrors on the left and a simple thumb bell on the right.
Thanks for checking this out and let me know if you have any questions!