Bafang Max Drive bikes

[Ultrafunkula]

Max drive is lovely motor, silent , when u mod it to really see how it goes u will want one, battery easy to swap out for 17ah so massive range , which you will have to do as sag is massive once the restriction is removed and you use the power, , it's also not the G33.250 but is a G33.350 on the greenway, different controller with max 25amps whereas 250 has the sb06 20amp controller.
As above post Brighton swapped out the display last night for the lovely colour one with no problems and added features. Get some upgrades over time for a fealty nice bit of kit.
The Max Drive is coming , its in early stages of marketing but check out aliexpress/ alibaba, its mostly all the Chinese factories are pushing out.

 

[Utakos]

I like the look of the tour/city due to the extras, especially the frame lock, but would miss not having hydraulic brakes and I am not sure about the 18.5" frame, I usually ride a 20". Its annoying that there are so many frames using the Max Drive but not that many available to the UK.

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Well I've finally bitten after lurking and reading the Bafang max drive threads on here for a couple of days and have now joined the ranks of Greenway Cross buyers...
What's not to like ? Especially the price, and coming from 2 previous hub motors (currently an Oxygen Emate MTB) I'm looking forward to riding a crank drive bike as my daily commuter.
I tried several Bosch/Yamaha bikes before plumping for the Oxygen last time round (mainly down to price) so have limited experience of how crank powered bikes ride and hopefully, based on others comments, the Bafang compares favourably.
I had to buy from Greenways' fleabay site as checkout wasn't working on Greenways' website (some weird script errors..?) but not a lot of price difference considering how much bike you're getting for your money.
Delivery's showing as estimated next Tues/Weds but hopefully earlier as most here report quicker deliveries.
I'll be back sharing my thoughts and experiences once I have the wee beastie in my possession (hoping it's not too wee for me - 5'11" with 33" leg).

 

[Nealh]

I like the look of the tour/city due to the extras, especially the frame lock, but would miss not having hydraulic brakes and I am not sure about the 18.5" frame, I usually ride a 20". Its annoying that there are so many frames using the Max Drive but not that many available to the UK.

The Max is fairly new to the market relatively speaking probably not so many this year will be seen but 2018 on should see more max drive options and probably frames becoming available.

 

[Utakos]

"I'll be back sharing my thoughts and experiences once I have the wee beastie in my possession (hoping it's not too wee for me - 5'11" with 33" leg)."

Oh good I think I will wait until you have had a play as I am 5'10" with 33" leg.

 

[brightonebikes]

Well I've finally bitten after lurking and reading the Bafang max drive threads on here for a couple of days and have now joined the ranks of Greenway Cross buyers...
What's not to like ? Especially the price, and coming from 2 previous hub motors (currently an Oxygen Emate MTB) I'm looking forward to riding a crank drive bike as my daily commuter.
I tried several Bosch/Yamaha bikes before plumping for the Oxygen last time round (mainly down to price) so have limited experience of how crank powered bikes ride and hopefully, based on others comments, the Bafang compares favourably.
I had to buy from Greenways' fleabay site as checkout wasn't working on Greenways' website (some weird script errors..?) but not a lot of price difference considering how much bike you're getting for your money.
Delivery's showing as estimated next Tues/Weds but hopefully earlier as most here report quicker deliveries.
I'll be back sharing my thoughts and experiences once I have the wee beastie in my possession (hoping it's not too wee for me - 5'11" with 33" leg).

I'm pretty much identical measurements as you and it's a really good fit all round. I think you'll find it's just dandy


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[PhilYerBoots]

I'm pretty much identical measurements as you and it's a really good fit all round. I think you'll find it's just dandy


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That's reassuring thanks. Not long to wait to now as DPD delivering around lunchtime apparently...
As others have also said I'm impressed with the delivery time as I should have the bike within 24hrs of ordering.
Did I read that the crank arms should be tightened up as well when fitting the peddles..? Also any other tips when putting bike together..?

 

[brightonebikes]

That's reassuring thanks. Not long to wait to now as DPD delivering around lunchtime apparently...
As others have also said I'm impressed with the delivery time as I should have the bike within 24hrs of ordering.
Did I read that the crank arms should be tightened up as well when fitting the peddles..? Also any other tips when putting bike together..?

Defo give the arms a tighten, and check again periodically for first 100 miles ish as they can bed in gradually.
Depending how handy you are, the hubs really benefit for being opened and replace grease with decent quality and amount, they'll love you for it longer into the future. Headset to if you can be bothered. Get some good stuff in.

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[redcup1999]

Did I read that the crank arms should be tightened up as well when fitting the peddles..? Also any other tips when putting bike together..?

Also recheck the torque of the pedals as well as the crank arms after a few rides - that is what did for mine - the pedal end, not the crank end!

Check front brake disc is true - mine was out.

Other than that - just enjoy it. I'm hoping to get out on mine again this weekend

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Thanks for the tips Brighton and Red, much appreciated.
I'm not that handy with bikes tbh, and have never opened hubs or headsets before but I'll get some grease and have a go.
I'll be looking at fitting some mudguards asap for the commute as I dont like the muddy skunk look, and a rack for my panniers.
Does the battery have a charge out of the box ? and is it best to fully charge before first use then fully discharge or is that not necessary ?
I'm looking forward to first ride out now and as you say red just enjoying that new bike feeling..

 

[nemesis]

Lets have some photos from you guys of the bikes,the max drive looks very interesting.

 

[Ultrafunkula]

Where do you guys recommend to get a quality battery
36v 17ah 25a continuous discharge. Downtube fitting same as the one on the bike.

 

[brightonebikes]

Where do you guys recommend to get a quality battery
36v 17ah 25a continuous discharge. Downtube fitting same as the one on the bike.

Give these guys a shout. Never used myself but hope to in the future.
Great reviews all round as far as I can see.
http://www.bga-reworking.co.uk/insat-li-nmc-ebike-battery-10ah-24v-36v-48v.html

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[anotherkiwi]

Where do you guys recommend to get a quality battery
36v 17ah 25a continuous discharge. Downtube fitting same as the one on the bike.

Why don't you get another battery of the same capacity as the one you have and connect in parallel?

 

[Ultrafunkula]

Thanks for the tips Brighton and Red, much appreciated.
I'm not that handy with bikes tbh, and have never opened hubs or headsets before but I'll get some grease and have a go.
I'll be looking at fitting some mudguards asap for the commute as I dont like the muddy skunk look, and a rack for my panniers.
Does the battery have a charge out of the box ? and is it best to fully charge before first use then fully discharge or is that not necessary ?
I'm looking forward to first ride out now and as you say red just enjoying that new bike feeling..

Speed restriction is removed by entering passcode 0512 and going into sub menu,
You may want to get programming cable and software, to up the keep current settings from 30% to around 60% , my controller is 25a set at 20a way more than battery is capable of supplying,that's why my above post is after a more suitable one.
Doing this will make the bike come alive but along with the top speed removal makes it illegal, in the max assist level it will empty the battery rather quickly and shorten its life.
I've done a few short trips and I'm seeing 30mph on the flat ,only done short bursts of the high speeds and motor hasn't got hot ,I have 48t and 38t chain rings fitted,

Why don't you get another battery of the same capacity as the one you have and connect in parallel?

size and weight

 

[redcup1999]

Why don't you get another battery of the same capacity as the one you have and connect in parallel?

If anybody wants to do this, please let me know as I will probably put my standard battery up for sale when the new one arrives.

 

[brightonebikes]

If anybody wants to do this, please let me know as I will probably put my standard battery up for sale when the new one arrives.

Depends what you're after £s wise for it. I would use as spare 2nd batt.

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Hmm..talking of batteries, bike's just arrived and the battery was lying loose in bottom of box and is in pretty poor condition, cosmetically at least..see photos.
Also no battery lock keys included from what I can see. How does this compare with others and do you think I should ask for battery to be replaced..?
If I put the battery onto the holder can I remove it without a key..?
Not the most positive first impression but rest of bike looks ok, without fully unpacking and assembling yet.

 

[tommie]

"do you think I should ask for battery to be replaced..?"

Absolutely!

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Ok so found the keys tied up under handlebar but what do you guys reckon on state of battery.?.It's got gouges out of the plastic casing and is pretty scratched up.