Converting Rockhopper MTB to ebike for flat commute

[powgoff]

Looking for some guidance. I have a 4 mile commute each way on a flat bridleway with only a very short section on the public road. I am thinking of converting an old MTB to ebike so I can commute without the need for a shower/change of clothes

I have an offer of a 48v/12ah battery so could go down the 250/1000w rear hub route which would be fun but perhaps overkill

Is there a more cost-effective 250w route

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I have an offer of a 48v/12ah battery so could go down the 250/1000w rear hub route which would be fun but perhaps overkill

I doubt that it will. you'd probably get much better performance from a normal 250w geared hub-motor. You'll get more torque and better efficiency.

For bumpy off- road riding, I wouldn't recommend a front motor. Rockhoppers normally have 9-speed cassette gears, which would limit your choice to a cassette motor unless you want to change your shifter and derailleur to a cheapo 7 speed Shimano Tourney set. You can buy cheap 36v motor kits on Ebay for less than £110, but the controllers won't run at 48v, so you chuck the controller and get one of these with the LCD for about £60 delivered:

http://www.pswpower.com/peng/iview.asp?KeyID=dtpic-2016-3F-33C0.50CGS

This is a complete kit with a cassette motor with the 36v controller and LCD. You could ask the guy if the controller is dual voltage 36v/48v or ask if he would sell you just the motor wheel, then get the PSWPower controller/LCD kit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retrofit-Kit-36V350W-26-Rear-Motor-Cassette-E-Bike-Hub-Conversion-LCD-Display-/302237557385?epid=591719932&hash=item465ec32289:g:f50AAOSwC9VZhBAQ

 

[powgoff]

That's great info - feels like the route to a cost effective ebike that I was looking for

 

[powgoff]

So what would people advise between the option of the pannier mounted 48v/12a battery plus the revised controller/display or a bottle type 36v/10.4a battery (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/36v10-4ah-e-bike-Pedelec-li-ion-battery-downtube-bottle-lithium-battery-new-BMS-/221879437466)

 

[anotherkiwi]

http://www.pswpower.com/peng/iview.asp?KeyID=dtpic-2017-AD-MK0E.2VFRC

 

[fatwomble]

So what would people advise between the option of the pannier mounted 48v/12a battery plus the revised controller/display or a bottle type 36v/10.4a battery (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/36v10-4ah-e-bike-Pedelec-li-ion-battery-downtube-bottle-lithium-battery-new-BMS-/221879437466)

How much luggage will you be carrying to and from work? I found that my heavy bag really made my back sweaty, so I have it on my rear rack. I wouldn't want the battery weight there as well, as that would make it very rear heavy.

Obviously that won't be an issue if you don't load the rear up with luggage.

 

[powgoff]

I’ll have almost no luggage - just a laptop bag sometimes

So a pannier would be a nice to have only

I assume the bike will handle better with the central battery

 

[Anthonyexmouth]

ive only just done my 2004 rockhopper. used a bpm 350w rear and fitted a 9 speed freewheel to avoid and gear issues, best thing i ever done. always on it now. few times a week i make the 22/24 mile round trip to local city and its quicker than driving in rush hour

 

[powgoff]

Thanks - do you have a link to where you bought the bpm 350

What type of battery are you using

 

[Benjahmin]

Thanks - do you have a link to where you bought the bpm 350

Woosh

 

[Anthonyexmouth]

yeah, just got the whole kit from woosh with the 17ah hl battery. my mate has just "upgraded" to a cube cross pro and says hes very upset that mine kicks the crap out of his shiny new bike

 

[Anthonyexmouth]

I’ll have almost no luggage - just a laptop bag sometimes

So a pannier would be a nice to have only

I assume the bike will handle better with the central battery

i got myself the topeak rear basket and tourist rack. sad end for a rockhopper thats been all over the alps but im amazed how much i use it now for bits of shopping. questioning my need for a car