Okay i have finally decided to make an E Bike. I currently have a Giant Talon 27.5
Talon 27.5 1 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States

I only ride off road Bike Packing, and mostly long STEEP trails usually about 30-60 miles sometimes over a couple of days.
I have been doing a bit of research and decided to get a Mid Drive with a chain gear reduction unit by GNG
GNGELECTRIC---Electric bike conversion kitElectric trike kitHub motorGas bike kit - 60V650W (brushless)

and I have a couple of questions....

1: What kind of battery should I get for this style of riding? I ordered the 48v 450W unit but it can go up to 1000W
2: Is there a way to re-charge in the field? maybe solar or Re-Gen (adding a hub motor for the re-gen)
3: Is there a way to reduce the gearing even further on the GNG unit, and would that be a smart decision (speed is not a concern to me)

Any input is very much appreciated, thank you all in advance.

Hi King3705! I don't know how to answer your question, but I just wanted to poke my head in here to say "welcome to the community!" Now the experts will answer . . .

Tractorlegs I appreciate the welcoming thank you.

Not an expert, but I'll try to help based on my limited experience (Dillenger front hub kit that quit functioning after two weeks; I'm awaiting a replacement controller that I had to jump through hoops for). You can pretty easily reduce the gearing with a smaller front chainring (just need to locate one with the correct bolt pattern or if there is a way to fit one of the new 40 tooth rear cogs or Action-Tec sells titanium 39 tooth cogs that will work with your set up). I think that carrying an extra battery is a better solution for extra power than a regen or solar system (just my opinion). You can take your chances and order a battery, which should be Lithium based or will weigh a ton, from BMS Battery or EM3EV, but my preference would be something from my own country (It would help to know where you are located). Welcome and good luck. My problem with this forum was that I asked a couple of questions, but received few answers --- guess I asked the wrong questions.

2old I appreciate the input I will look into the different gears.
That's the feeling I get also, I know the general biking community doesn't think very highly of the Ebikes. That may be why we get so few responses on this forum.
Either way I appreciate your feedback.

Welcome to the forum.I try to figure out most of the problems I have on my own through research and that can be such a PITA at times. There is a gentlemen on YouTube who installed his 8 fun Middrive unit with a Nuvinci Hub.He was explaining gear ratios of sorts.In my opinion when your out having fun you forget all things and run your pack down.I believe in Murphy's law and if I could I'd get a backup. Now for solar panels......You just gave me food for thought.

Solar panels... One of these, is what I would get hands down... Parts and Accessories - Solar Power Systems - Hi-Power Cycles

1) Battery voltage is determined by whatever matches the motor
Battery amperage is determined by how far you want to go and how much $$$ you have. What guidelines does the motor vendor give you?
2)Recharge in the field? Yeah, if you have access to a power outlet. Solar or regen isn't going to do it.


just for estimating purposes a 48v15AH battery will take you about 25 miles.

Using re-gen can extend range, for me about 15%... Using solar panels can re-charge just like a plug in a wall, just takes big $... I have done both on tours that lasted 10 days 800KMs and never plugged into a wall socket the whole time and I used the E-Assist whenever I wanted as much as I needed...

I'm impressed!

Thanks, But it certainly wasn't on no $200 or even $600 solar panel... I agree, that most "affordable" solar panels that people would "think" would do the job, just don't have it in them, they would be totally not up to the task...

2old....me too/old2 ..still
E biking must have a promising future
If I knew how to do any of it cheaply..
Would jump in straight away...
Im here to look for info/pointers, too..
Certainly seems to be a stack of how-to vids on YouTube...
Im very much in the dark...but hope to find the best way to go ....with people in similar
Condition and with similar dream.
I have quite a steep hill to do on my bike...and cant...
With a trailer. Speed is to be carefully avoided..
Pulling power is everything...
Out there somewhere...is the perfect answer for each of us thinking about an e bike project.
Be good to pool information. For now..my best is google DIY e bike. Front or rear wheel.

https://www.electricbike.com/watt-hours/
Just riffling thru net for info...
Shocked to find ebike sellers claims for power/distance
wildly unrealistic... (OK can't believe all you read on www)
I suspect any diy project ...might benefit from very careful
Inspection/comparison of all claims made by parts sellers, also.

Mellow --- Steep hills require lots of hub power since you need to maintain a speed of 8 - 10 mph or you could burn up the motor. (if someone has done slower speeds successfully, please chime in). In the USA, we have YES who sells a 1000w kit for $250 which should suffice WITH AN APPROPRIATELY POWERFUL BATTERY (I don't use my ebike for hilly areas so I'm not an expert on them). The other option is mid drive which I eschew, but you will need if you're in a country with a 250w limit.Then it's GNG, Bafang or lots of money for dedicated systems. Good luck. By the way, my opinion is to avoid Dillenger.

You will see all kinds of wildly unrealistic claims by these people. Its very unfortunate. I even see what I consider unrealistic claims posted on here by members. It would be nice if folks were realistic.

Mellow,
How are the ebike laws enforced in Europe? Do they pull you over and check your motor out. What happens if your running a 300W motor? Do you go to jail? Do they take your bike? A 250W limit is a really stupid law. I would never survive as I currently ride a 24V 900W mid drive unit that I made. 250W is painfully slow and provides minimal hill climbing ability.

I know the feeling as well when you post and no one responds but I get a lot of views.lol. I just want to welcome you and say hi.Hope you are successful with your project so you will be able to share your thoughts and experience with us.Good luck.

You are kidding, right?

The problem is you need a "slow speed" motor that is efficient at 8-10mph for going up hill, but that motor will do nothing for you on the flats (at say 20mph). (google the hill topper ebike kit)

An innovative solution to this is the recent development of a two speed hub motor. Two motors in one - one for hill climbing one for flat cruising. Pretty innovative!

https://www.electricbike.com/2-speed-e-matic-xiongda/

how cool is that?

I was amàzed to get useful info so soon in reply..

Many thanks to those of you who thought about my posts..
Very kind indeed!!...
Must consider each one carefully as right now...Ive got quite a useful newish trailer...but an 25 year old Peugot heavy duty road bike to slog up the hill...
The info about hills...is grim
I can see that it will take more than a few nuts and bolts and the cheapest kit available to get me and the dawg to the top of the hill...
I dont care at all about style...
But yes...guess there may be probs with road laws here...if I get too creative with big lawn mower motors or scrap motor bikes...
There must be a cheap way to do this...
A three wheeler would be best I think...
Praps pillage parts of two other bikes and build an own design..
I have almost zero money...but that doesnt usually stop me trying to make things..
Yes...the laws....tho...could be a stumbling block....
There's a magnificent scrap yard not far away...with every kind of discarded metal thing ever invented...in mountains. Would it be possible to adapt an old motorbike motor? I imagine that has more power... Than most cheap bike kits.