ElectricBike-Blog.com is located in Ithaca, NY. I collaborate very closely with Larry from Boxy Bikes and Eric from electricbike.com . I don’t accept any money for advertising and generally pay retail/street prices for products I review. There are no goods or services offered by me through this website. There is no plans to sell this site for money or to provide advertising in the future. ElectricBike-Blog.com exists for one purpose and one purpose only.
To promote the usage of electric bikes everywhere through education and high quality information.
Email is always the best way to reach us.
My companion blog is about Travel and Adventure but mostly about Love and can be found at www.awaken-spirit.org. I’ve also started a new blog about Hoverboards, Self balancing Unicycles and Electric skateboards called Electric-Boarding.com.
I receive many emails every day that I usually answer from builders like you that are trying to create their own electric bike. Please make an effort to educate yourself using this website, endless-sphere.com and electricbike.com before you send me an email. My responses will be short and to the point and I will expend NO EFFORT to try to sell you on a particular drive system or battery. When I work I charge $80-90/hr and my time is incredibly valuable. I’ve already spent about $100,000 of my own time building this site that you can access for FREE. Educate yourself before asking questions and do not question my answers. I’ve found that people frequently ignore free advice but listen very carefully to what I say when I’m billing them $90/hr. Pretend I am billing you $90/hr to answer your emails and act accordingly.
If you want to support ElectricBike-Blog.com but are too cheap to donate money (like I would be) then like us on facebook, invite your friends to like us on facebook or subscribe to our Youtube channel. We love people that link to us and help promote the site.
When you complete a build send me a quick email and a picture so I can get stoked off your builds. Here is a sample email from Peter in NM
For 3 days now I’ve been riding my 750W BBS02 fatbike, and I cannot stop giggling and laughing, out loud!I believe I have read most all of your posts, and with the provided insight and experience, I took your advice. And I quote:“Build your own electric fatbike. Beg, borrow and steal the parts. I promise to show you how to build a bike that doesn’t totally suck if you follow my instructions. You must believe in yourself, that you can do it.”You were right! I could do it, and have.
These kinds of emails are what keep me writing.
Write On.
Trying to mid drive a specialized fatboy. So far i see only hpc has done one. They will not sell it. What are my options. Also i dont see 32 hole hub motors
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I would do a BBS02 with a 100mm axle. https://electricfatbike.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/bbs02-fat-bike-conversion-kit/ for more info. 32H motors are few and far between. You won’t be happy with a hub motor unless you’re dumping 4000 watts into it.
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I want to build my own FB. I’m willing to modify a frame for the Bafang max ultra 1000w. Where did you obtain the weld in bracket you showed on one of your previous posts?
regards, Arthur
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Did you ever complete this project?
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I am considering doing the same. Have you found any info on builds?
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I am considering mounting a bbshd on a specialized fatboy or a trek Farley and I haven’t found
Any documented builds for either. Is this possible. Would love to know before buying anything
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If the BB is threaded on and doesn’t get narrow in the center you can do it. Matt did a great article on BB compatibility here
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RE: Dark Matter – Bullseye Monster Pro DIY Biktrix BBS02
I have noticed you had set it up with ‘battery in the backpack’. Would you happen to know if standard Samsung case would fit into the frame of a Medium (16″) bike? I am 5’10”. Assuming 16″ is good for me. The battery case I a referring to is: https://goo.gl/91XjZ4
Cheers,
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Most likely. You should measure the frame and guesstimate. Unless it is full suspension the answer is probably yes. Some people drill all the way through the their down-tube and put a bolt through it to hold the Samsung battery in place. I’d just throw it in my backpack…
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The latest (11/12/15) Bullseye Monsters have 100mm BBs not 68mm as in the specs……
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Correction: DEADEYE Monsters now come with 100mm BBs instead of 68mm ones. Repeat: the single speed fat bike from Bikes Direct, the Deadeye Monster has a 100mm BB. And the Bullseye does too….
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Also, you no longer need an offset crank arm on the L/H side AND the relief in the R/H chainstay is larger now so there is no contact anyone. No need for washers or spacers with the 100mm BB either. Really, this job is Plug and Play, it’s like the bike was built for a BBSHD!
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Karl…. I Freaking love your articles. I have built three e-bikes in the last 6 months, two with the BBS02 and number three is a FatBike with the BBSHD. Your info has been super help full and entertaining!!! I ride in the Mountains here in Utah….and Fat-e-Bike is the only way to go!!!
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Thanks Ken, send me pictures.
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I’m thinking about a Sturgis Bullet with the BBSHD motor. I will be using it on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. Any suggestions?
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Do it. Pf frame pack.
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Just hit the donate button! Thanks for putting such great info in here! Cheers from Quebec City, Canada!
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Canadians are so nice, and generous. Thanks Mr Sausage…Great name, bet it drives the ladies wild.
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Hi Karl,
Do you know if installing a BBSHD on a Boris X7 would be “plug and play” affair or would require extensive work?
Thanks a lot for your great site!
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The X7 is the same frame as the X9 which I built up in my Reaper build as an AWD fatbike. It should be easy cheesy. Get the 100mm kit and a frame pack, I recommend the pf cells.
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check for me one thing
http://www.banggood.com/2024mm-Spanner-Wrench-Clutch-Tool-Lock-Nut-For-Honda-ACT-70-90-C-70-CL-CT-70-SL-p-1043499.html
is it this one for bottom bracket?
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Doubtful
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For my Boris X7, this was the tool: Park Tool BBT-9 Bottom Bracket Tool to remove and install Shimano Hollowtech II bottom brackets. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C12BMW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_SaF8wbVGBG71N
I had one with fewer teeth that fit, but ended up chewing the aluminum nut instead of turning it.
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I’m just starting my Deadeye conversion to a SHD. Want to swap out the 1sp for a 3sp IGH. Sturmey Archer S-RK3 3sp looks compatible (both deadeye hub and SA RK3 hubs are 135MM). You have recommended 170mm hubs on other conversions; that’s too wide for a Deadeye 135mm rear insert. Any recommendations?
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Nexus 3
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Hi,
My bike is: MTB Giant Talon 3 – 2016 model that comes with Hydraulic brakes and has 27.5 inch tires.
I really like your website and all the nice details. Good job.
I am confused about two e bike kits: Bafang mid drive motor 750W 48v, or the new Leed 500W series front wheel hub motor?
With the Leed hub motor, I will not loose my front derailleur as well as the Hydraulic brakes! I know the mid drive is more powerful and 80% of my cycling is onroad, but I want to overcome the uphills in my neighbourhood.
Any recommendations on my options to choose, I would be more than thankful.
Thanks again.
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I cannot recommend hub motors, mid drive is the only way to fly in my opinion. There are a lot of people who disagree with me, but there you go. Get a BBSHD.
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Hi please see clip link of the problem I’m having wit bike I was going up a
step drive and it cut out and when i pressed the throttle it just keep
clicking, and when I stopped and tried to carry on it just keeps clicking
no movement?
Please see goggle drive link and also YouTube link of bike
*https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxttWSX5fV-sWGVuVERMaUhEVE0/view*
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTkfKtAEthA*
Thanks in advance
Regards
Andy
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Sounds like the nylon gear failed.
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Love all the info on this blog. Just about to get my first BBS02 for an urban commuter made by these knowledgeable fellows http://www.electricbikesandstuff.com.au/ebikes/urbanx2. Have had a great 250w hub starter E bike for the past 2 years and excited to be moving along a little quicker soon.
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You will love it.
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I’m about to pull the trigger on a bikes direct fattie. Thinking of the Night Train or Sturgis bullet and combining that with a BBSHD and a smaller front chain ring. I need power/torque not top speed. I will be using the bike for accessing duck hunting spots in mud and snow on flat ground possibly towing up to 30-50 lbs. What do you think would be the best set up? Thanks for this great blog!!
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HD and 30t Luna ring. Either bd bikes will be fine.
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thanks. I’ll send a picture when I finish the bike!
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Hello I want to build a fast commuter, but it has BB86, is it impossible to buy from Luna? Is lectric cycles the only one that sells with a conversion kit?
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I’m not sure what kind of conversion kit is going to work with the BB86, according to Matt that BB gets narrow in the middle and needs to be machined away to fit the BBSHD or BBS02. Check out this article. I would just get another bike to convert.
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Any plans to review the bikee bike 1500 watt kit?
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You’re a good man Karl. I am so happy I found this site when researching and installing my BBSHD. I have learned a great deal from here.
The time and effort you have put into this blog is astounding and very much appreciated.
Please keep up the amazing work.
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Hi Karl, any chance to try / test the new Bafang Ultra drive motor any soon?
see http://www.szbaf.com/en/components/component/motor/mm-g33250cb.html
I am very curious about the max. power and potential.
Thanks !
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I’ve seen it but never ridden it. It is heavy, the website says 5.5kg but it felt heavier than that to me.
It’s a very exciting drive unit for sure.
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Hi, thanks for really enjoyable articles. I have a bit of a headache I’m trying to get rid of. It involves a bbs02 and a chain line, and possibly a bbshd. Bike is an 11 speed SRAM, 27.5 wheels and I tried using a 32T chainring for the bbs02 500w, but of course it got chewed up in 2 days from the skewed chain line. Then I tried removing 3 cogs in the back using spacers, which solved the chain line problem, but then destroyed the freehub. I’m not sure if it was too weak for the power or from me not knowing what I was doing. Probably the freehub didn’t enjoy my cassette modifications. The hub is an el guapo rattlesnake, should be pretty strong. The reason I haven’t purchased an offset chainring is because they’re all too big, because I climb 20% + hills every day. I put the bbs02 500w back on the folding bike, with 34t front and 34t granny, and now I’m pondering a bbshd for the 11 speed MTB. Do you think I could get away with a 42t lekkie and still be able to keep the drive gears healthy for these hills? I saw they’d made a 36t but the offset was only 5.2 millimeters. I should add that my cassette is an 11-42. Unfortunately my BB shell is 73 and not 68 and also I’d like to not grind it down. Not the smartest choice I did when I bought this bike but what’s done is done! Any advice is appreciated!
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Luna or Lekkie is the easiest way to clean up a bad chainline. You should be fine as long as your granny is a 36T. There is a 42T 11 speed cassette although it doesn’t work with all deraillers (clearance issues).
If the BBS02 chainline is bad, the BBSHD is going to be worse.
Karl
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Hi, I’m looking for a light/foldable e-bike. I’m petite, 47kg, and 155cm, and looking for a bike which I can take my daughter to school (she weighs under 20kg – either towed or on bike rack behind my seat) – then fold it up to take on a trail to work. Am I dreaming or is this possible? I would love an option which is simple – either sold completed or via a kit). TIA
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Sounds like the perfect application for the Luna Banana. https://lunacycle.com/luna-banana-bbshd-ebike/
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Hi Karl – Great site, really appreciate the information. Hoping you won’t mind helping out with a couple questions: My Super 73 is on the way and I’m looking to upgrade to hydraulic brakes (any suggestions?) as well as an IGH. The Nexus won’t fit at 135mm as my dimensions are 170mm. (This will be a street cruiser for me and my daughter.) Have you had a chance to beat up the Sturmey yet? Thinking the three speed makes the most sense. Looking at a 30T or 32T front ring – I live in Seattle and we have a good amount of hills here. I’ll also be looking into the gasket situation of the BBSHD to see if it is still cardboard – we have a fair amount of rain here. I’m not well versed at taking apart that motor and would like to avoid that issue… And lastly, and perhaps you can send me someplace for this information: does the size of the rear cog change the tooth equivalent of the IGH? I don’t need a ton of speed on this bike, max 25 is just fine. Just hit donate – appreciate you sharing your experience with us all.
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If the super 73 has a shifter and gears on it I would stick with that. If not the Sturmey archer is a solid hub and should not fail.
The gasket on the last BBSHD I had is still cardboard, I would leave it. I think my first one failed because I took the drive apart and it ripped. You should not have problems with moisture inside. I would do a 42T front ring and then get a bigger rear cog if you want lower speeds and higher power. There are some really big 3 speed IGH cogs on ebay custom made in Europe. I think I even have a 24T kicking around somewhere. The 30T front chainring will be too small (wheels on the Super 73 are tiny).
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Thanks Karl. The Super 73 is a single speed, so I’ll look into the Sturmey. I’ll let you know once I get this up and running! Looking forward to more great posts.
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Do you know if the new 500C display is compatible with an older BBS01 motor? [pre-2016] thanks.
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I really enjoy reading your site. Thanks for your time and efforts!
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