Originally Posted by
Outsidewave
Hi I am looking to change my old mtn bike A GT lts full suspension frame to a electric bike.
Which LTS do you have? Some of them will fit a battery in the frame.
Triangle is the best place to put the weight for handling. Esp an off road bike.
Originally Posted by
Outsidewave
My purpose is to tow my standup up board to the beach and get some exercise instead of just driving, riding light trails, or cruising around town. I am 62 weigh 250 so I wan a beefy motor, and decent battery. I really want to stay below $500
250lbs + board + f/s Emtb = 300lbs. You can get a complete kit w/battery that is assembled in the US for your $500 target. Leeds or Hilltopper at 24 volts but it won't do much pushing 300 lbs esp if you have hills.
At 300lbs you really need 48 volts=$1000 entry level good quality. Maybe a 36v system at $750 if you can pedal hard sometimes. Quality, low price, good power, pick 2.
Originally Posted by
Outsidewave
I see online leaf kits which are chap and chinese which I generally don't like to buy. to things like the BIonx conversion at $2400. which is nice but way beyond my price. so what are some good conversion kits?
I have this kit on my LTS, works great for my 220 lbs. $500 shipped
36V - 52V High-End 900-1300 Watt-peak Geared Motor Kit (no Battery) - 2 Year Motor Warranty - Electric Bike Solutions, LLC
It uses a cassette so you can use your current drivetrain. He is up by Sacramento and sells complete converted mtb's in the $1500 range. There are also a lot of other california vendors maybe you could visit in person and try out their bikes/equipment.
I got a good battery shipped with charger for $400 fits in my LTS frame.
https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-battery...r-battery.html
Then you might need a triangle bag, digital volt meter, twist throttle, etc. If your rear drops are aluminum go for 2 torque arms. $1000 decent entry level all in.
All electronic parts come from china. Good cells come from other Asian countries but they are mostly assembled in chinese factories, now some US vendors are doing that.
Luna Cycle, Electric rider, a few more in california. Also Em3ev in china has good kits but shipping is high. Plus his hub kits are freewheel so you'd need to convert to that.
Originally Posted by
Outsidewave
I am some what mechanically inclined but a complete novice to electrical issues. I have to by new rims and brakes,
For the electronics all you really need is a digital volt meter, $20 at the hardware store.
As for the bike you don't need disc brakes at 48v if you ride safe. My 1998 is original down to the v-brakes and 18-year old tires and it it does fine. also the original chain and cassette.
Originally Posted by
Outsidewave
should I consider a mid drive? or is this just folly and should I just buy an electric full suspension mtn bike ? Thanks
Personally i would stick with an "upgraded" rear gear hub. I would avoid a direct drive or "DD" hub motor as they have drag and if the battery dies you have to pedal against that. Plus they are as big as a pizza without the torque that a smaller gear motor has.
As for mid drive they are more expensive. Also newer, always upgraded for problems with chainline, some people tear up chains and cassettes. IMO a good geared rear hub with 18650 NCA battery is the best value at 48v. Stay away from front hub motors at 48v on aluminum suspension forks, also front hub won't climb much off-road, good luck