First e-bike build. Feedback, please.
 

Good morning. After being a commuter for several years, I want to build my first low budget, decent performance e-bike. This will be used on my 32 mi round trip to work and back, a couple days a week, when I don't have time to use my normal commuter bike (Spec Secteur).

For the bike, I have my eye on a CL hard tail mt bike, 26in tires, chrome-molly frame. Basic and sturdy, like this Dorado Sherpa. Dorado 'Sherpa' 18 speed bike

For a good balance between cost and decent power, I am looking at this front wheel hub, 1000 watts, 48v, 25ah motor on Amazon. See here => http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Motori...ct_top?ie=UTF8 . I've done a fair amount of reading here and on the other e-bike site and don't see any comments on this particular unit, although the reviews on Amazon appear quite good, and the price seems reasonable.

I know I have to spend some more $$ on decent batteries, but what do you all think of this basic setup? I'm pretty set on a front hub unit and think the 1000 w will give me some nice speed.

Thoughts?

I personally wouldn't go any higher than a 500 watt motor in the front... JMO

My research confirmed that even 250w was fine for normal riding/commuting (light hills). This also consumes less electricity so your battery can be smaller or just last longer.

Not just because of that, but I would be concerned about torque steer, and if it is an aluminium front fork the stress may/could be too much and having the front wheel falling off is not conductive to a safe ride... ;) If you really need/want that much power a rear hub or a mid drive is more suitable...

Totally agree with 350 on front wheel, especially with those tapered forks even though they're steel. Too much power and weight up front; those 1000w direct drive motors are very reliable, but also very heavy (as much as 20 pounds). If you want to try a front hub conversion, my recommendation is a 350w,
geared hub (less than half the weight of the DD motor). Even then, use at least one torque arm. As he said, the ramifications of a front failure aren't pretty.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like 1k watts is too much on the front end. Ill look at some smaller units.

Are there any kits you would recommend? Im looking for good performance on a budget. I need a 35 mi range, assuming I provide some peddle assist, and Im looking for sustained speeds of 18-20 mph.

Thanks again for your thoughtful advice...

Q100 36v 20ah battery on the front wheel.
200rpm = 16 mph
260rpm = ~20mph

Get a Q100H 260rpm front motor from BMSBattery for example.

Personally I'm getting a new small battery that I can charge at work. 1/2 the cost and weight. Food for thought.

I wouldn't go over 350watts on the front.

Cost me $500 shipped with 36v10ah battery
(with BMS battery, you roughly have to double the advertised price to include shipping - still is a heck of a bargain).