cyber.snow

I am wanting to convert a bike to use in the mountains, especially for climbing up those long steep hills that seem to kick my 70 year old butt worse each month. I currently have 2 bikes that I am not riding much and would like to convert one of those.

Bike 1 is a Felt V85 gravel bike. It has drop bars and the cost to convert the bike to an e bike (other than the motor and battery) is in the $350 range to replace the drop bars with MTB bars brake levers and shifters. It has 700c wheels, is lighter and geared more for the road.

Bike 2 is a Surly Disc Trucker. I already converted it to flat bar, I stole the Deore XT running gear and put it on my hybrid, but it still has ok running gear and is geared more for climbing. The bike has 26" wheels, better for climbing? The bike is steel, heavier tires and rides a little like a pick up truck.

I won't be racing or single tracking the converted bike. Maybe some riding up paved and gravel roads to my favorite fishing spot.

I am leaning towards the Surly because of cost, but really am looking for any suggestions from folks that have actually converted one.

Thanks

350htrr

I would go for more of a mountain bike/duel sport/cross/multipurpose bike for all round use... JMO

2old

+1 with 350; if I were you, I'd definitely consider a BBSxx (02 or HD) for climbing. However, I was amazed at the climbing prowess of a BionX 500d, but it was a relatively short, very steep hill. The BB system will be $1000 - $1500 less expensive than the BionX.

cyber.snow

I have purchased a Bafang mid drive 1kw system with a 48v 20Ah battery. I don't have a decent MTB that has a large enough triangle in the frame for the battery. Certainly no room for a full suspension bike. Any suggestions on a bike other than what I have?

ColonelSanders

There is no reason whatsoever that your Surly wouldn't be an excellent candidate for conversion to an e-bike.

2old

+1 with the Surly; you could use cyclocross tires for off road capability; if you must have an MTB, look at Bikes Direct.

InTheRain

I converted a touring bike to an e-bike. I still have the drop bars (flat bars would make a much easier/nicer conversion.) I used the bionx 350 watt kit. I didn't have disc brakes so I couldn't use the 500 watt system. I later converted to disc brakes, but I'm not going to spend the $$$$'s to upgrade. Surly Disc Trucker would be an excellent bike to convert.

Bicycle365

Agreed 100%, just finished a BikesDirect 29'er with a BBSHD and its great, the Surly LHT in the background just may get one too in the not too distant future..

ajshine

I converted my Surly LHT to Bionx assist about 4 years ago. Love it in all configurations. Drop bars, straightish Jitensha bars, now albatross bars. It felt a little too heavy in the rear, so I added a front rack and clip the panniers up there. I am very satisfied.
Jon