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Old 07-27-18 | 10:08 PM
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sumbikerguy123
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Conversion or buy a new E-bike?

I am new to the E-Bike thing and am getting older and my back wants me to consider some kind of e-bike to conserve my energy levels.

I have a 2004 Specialized Crossroads Hybrid with a 7 speed, 11/28 cassette, 700cc X 32 tires. My bottom bracket is listed as having a square taper 68mm shell, 113mm spindle, sealed cartridge. I use this bike for around town stuff, shopping, etc. I am considering either a conversion kit or buying a E-bike.

I am looking at a Juiced Rip Current (750 Watts) with 52V/21Ah + 8A charger for $2400.00. I like the features of the bike considering what you get for the money. Link: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/10...g?v=1519592884. There is a full spec sheet download in the same link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B5T...cfaetbZiw/view

The majority of the reviews have been good/positive. This is a rear hub driven fat bike. Some say the rear hub motors aren't that great for climbing hills? But I've seen YouTube videos showing otherwise, so? I like the style and options on this bike and its ready to roll! I like the idea of the fat tires for comfort dampening the bumps and unexpected jolts from road imperfections, sidewalk curbs, bridge abutments, etc.

I live in Florida, so I ride on mostly flat land/hard paved roads for around town shopping and a few Interstate bridges to go over. No off road stuff as my bikes are not suited for that. If I have no hills to climb, so I presume the rear hub bike choice shouldn't be a problem for me in my area.

I have been looking at front/rear hub and mid-mount conversion kits as an option. The available online info is a bit confusing, but the reading I have done so far seems to lean in favor of mid-drive kits.

I've looked on e-bay for kits, they have many front/rear and mid-drive kits available. One I looked at: A rear hub kit for a 700cc tire from Calibike.com: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3000W-5000w...53.m1438.l2649 .... includes 72v18r triangle battery. Not sure how this would work on my bike or if its overkill? But seems like a good value for the money, $1,550.00.

I've looked at the Bafang mid-drive kits available from Luna.com. Bafang BBSHD 1000W Mid Drive Kitfor $679.00.

If I add the required options to the Bafang motor kit, electronic gadgets, tools, battery, charger, etc., the total comes to approximately $1932.95 or close to $2000. The bike I linked above is all assembled and ready to go is $2400, a $467.05 difference. A difference I don't mind paying if I can't get needed support if and when I need it.
I've been pumping the Specialized bike for 14 years now, so a new e-ride would be refreshing.

I don't see much of a problem getting the Bafang motor in the bike, knock on wood? But placing the battery pack might pose some problems as I have a small sized bike frame triangle and not sure of the battery pack size measurements? I could get these measurements from Luna and make a cardboard template. But I'm sure I am going to run into situations where I need answers I don't have? But if I can't get answers, then I might just as well purchase an assembled bike. I've asked similar questions on another board, but got no answers?

Same with Luna, got no answers? I don't want to start a first time conversion if I can't get any support to finish the conversion, so why begin? This has led me to think just buying a new bike would be the better move.

I don't have a shop loaded with tools, I live in an efficiency apartment and have basic bike maintenance tools and bike stand. So any suggestions or ideas on any of the above would be appreciated.
Thanks, sumbikerguy!

Last edited by sumbikerguy123; 07-27-18 at 10:23 PM.
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