Any ebike conversion shops

[Andy88]

Instead of buying a pre-made electric bike are there any companies or individuals in the UK that specialize in converting a standard pedal bike into an electric bike using a conversion kit?

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[Steve UKLSRA]

I have converted many FS MTBs over the last year or so using Bafang BBSxx motors and Insat Intl sourced batteries and have just finished another four (an Orange 5, Norco DH, Whyte 46 and Specialized Enduro). The conversion is not hard to do yourself if you are spanner-literate and you end up with a one-off bike that you can repair/service at home...I've been charging £200 to fit and test, you're too far away for that to be a reality but should give you an idea of what to pay someone to build one for you.

 

[Andy88]

I just want a city bike Steve, why do you say distance may be an issue?

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[Steve UKLSRA]

I meant that you are too far away for me to help you

 

[Andy88]

Im in the Philippines right now but will be back in the UK very early in the new year.

Im a nomad Steve, can't the bike go on a train when its finished?

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[Steve UKLSRA]

I suppose it could go on a train or even the back of a car, it'd certainly be easier than trying to ride it back over the border

If I can help, I will...give me a shout when you're back in the UK and we'll see what happens...meanwhile, enjoy the Philippines *jealous smillie*

 

[Andy88]

Will do, thanks

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[JohnnyBBadd]

I have converted many FS MTBs over the last year or so using Bafang BBSxx motors and Insat Intl sourced batteries and have just finished another four (an Orange 5, Norco DH, Whyte 46 and Specialized Enduro). The conversion is not hard to do yourself if you are spanner-literate and you end up with a one-off bike that you can repair/service at home...I've been charging £200 to fit and test, you're too far away for that to be a reality but should give you an idea of what to pay someone to build one for you.

Could I call upon your experience to give me some help please Steve?

My BB is exactly 73mm in length. There are conflicting reports and claims regarding whether an 8fun/Bafang will fit - any advice?

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

It's been mentioned on here a few times...the "normal" BBSxx is designed to fit a 68-73mm BB...I've read on a few threads that people can only get the first lock ring on and have to leave the black outer one out, but I've not had that problem so far (Cannondale Trail SL1 and Orange 5 spring to mind). The chainline is also affected with the larger BB as it throws the chainwheel an extra 5mm off centre, but a cheapo chain guide or original front derailleur can help keep the chain on when in the lowest gears (all my builds use a RaceFace narrow-wide chainring and clutched derailleur, so I don't encounter this problem and have never thrown a chain).

Just seen you're new to the site...spend some time reading up on here, there's a wealth of knowledge from some very clever people and they've probably posted an answer in the past to any question you can think of...Oh and welcome

 

[JohnnyBBadd]

Thanks for your help (and your welcome)! I'm looking forward to exploring this site too...

I have done quite a bit of research elsewhere, so I've read about the chain wheel issue which, I understand, can apparently be negated with an after-market, more offset chain ring, .

Having had a good look at the BB, I could machine off about a mm either side, which would help with the installation and not effect the existing crank set being re-installed, should I wish to sell the bike on at a later date. Out of interest, which has been you most popular conversion kit?

Thanks again.

J

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

I'd be wary about machining the BB Johnny unless it's just to remove ISG mounts, too much and the chainwheel could foul on the chainstay, or suspension pivot if it's an FS bike...I've had to put a Mavic alloy cassette spacer on some 68mm BBs to clear suspension pivots, effectively making it a 71mm BB

Popularity-wise, all the blokes want 48V 750W BBS02 motors (no surprise there lol), but the last batch I've built have all used 36V 250W BBS01B motors to keep them legal and appeal to a wider audience...chassis-wise, the most popular has been the 2004 S-Works Enduro (over ten of them to date), with both me and the missus currently riding one, they are still one of the best handling bikes out there if spec'd/setup right and come in at 18/19Kg with battery, which is no heavyweight even by modern standards...here's a pic of mine as it stands today, both our motors are on the bench for a strip/clean/lube before they go through the mud/snow/ice of a Pennine winter but you get the idea...(and yes...I know I have to shorten my seatpost again lol)

 

[JohnnyBBadd]

I wish I could borrow one just to see if it flippin' fits!!

Ace bike, BTW!

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

Just noticed your sig...is the Rockhopper going to be the donor bike? If so, what year is it? I've recently finished a 2007 S-Works Stumpjumper for a mate and it was a very easy conversion with no real problems to overcome...you can see what I mean about chainwheel/stay interference on the pic below

 

[soundwave]

http://avs-racing.com/index.php/en/

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

You never cease to amaze me with what you find on the www SW...I've tried to fit the plastic handguards off my old CR and alloy brake protector off the roundy-roundy bike with no success...saved in favourites as a future purchase before I break my knuckles at Farmer Johns, thanks

 

[soundwave]

its all i can find just expensive for what it is a bit of metal and a bit of plastic.

pro riders do use them tho

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

Yeah, 55Euro isn't cheap for a bit of cast alloy and abs plastic, but neither's micro-surgery on your hands...they do look like the Apico, Polisport, etc MX handguards though and I'll do a bit of research before making the plunge...thanks again and if you're ever up this way I'll let you chuck yourself down Jacobs Ladder on her

 

[JohnnyBBadd]

Just noticed your sig...is the Rockhopper going to be the donor bike? If so, what year is it? I've recently finished a 2007 S-Works Stumpjumper for a mate and it was a very easy conversion with no real problems to overcome...you can see what I mean about chainwheel/stay interference on the pic below

View attachment 16373

That's a beaut!

The Rockhopper is the latest 2017 model and yes, it s going to be the donor bike. I'm going to trawl ebay for a 'spares only' 8-fun, if such a thing exists, just so that I can do a trial fit before blowing £600 - £700!

 

[Steve UKLSRA]

If you can manage the 250 miles or so round trip, I have spare motors that I can test-fit for you (take me about 30 mins to remove the BB and dry-fit a motor) and as an incentive you can have a proper ride on a working 250, 500 or 750 bike up int'thills (our regular run is 30 miles, 2000+ft gain on every surface you're likely to encounter) to see if it's the way you want to go with your bike...and we'll be bidding against each other on damaged motors as I'm always interested in enlarging my spares bin

As a by-line, I'm not a dealer in any sense of the word (I have a European-wide transport company that keeps me more than busy)...I just want people to get what they want, at the price they want and am a great believer in Karma...and I've found building one-off ebikes is the best therapy ever

 

[Nealh]

To far south for Andy however for any one else interested Darren @brightonebikes does a nice BBS conversion and on any bike that is suitable plus some programming of the software. I saw 3 very different bbs bikes today, a titanium mtb, a step thru and a bent. And next week a customer from Bristol plus bike for a conversion.