Hi, I'm Duncan from Staffordshire.

[duncanlowe]

I used to ride a lot in my youth, but hadn't for around 30 years. Recently I got myself a bike to try to get out more, but found that the hills on the roads round me are just too much for my legs these days. So I started looking at the options for a bit of electric assistance. Only assistance, mind so I still put some effort in, just not crawling up a hill in 1st gear (of 30) and still feeling worn out at the top, so I get demotivated and can't go far enough to make it interesting.

Anyway it looks like there are a few here that use something similar for the same reasons.

Looking at a mid drive kit for my existing bike as it's not a bad one: specialized crosstrail expert. No idea how old it is, I've had it about 18 months but suspect it's more like 10 years. If I really get on with it, I might look at a proper e-bike later on. I'll probably go for the TDSZ2 as it doesn't need brake sensors which would be tricky on the hydraulic brakes.

 

[sjpt]

It's easy to fit brake sensors on hydraulic brakes.
eg https://wooshbikes.co.uk/cart/#/product/uid-196-hdbs-red/hydraulic-brake-sensor-option-for-hub-kits
or I think you can get them cheaper elsewhere, check ebay etc.

We have them on our cable brakes because the tandem had combined brake/gear levers; very easy to fit.

 

[duncanlowe]

It's easy to fit brake sensors on hydraulic brakes.
eg https://wooshbikes.co.uk/cart/#/product/uid-196-hdbs-red/hydraulic-brake-sensor-option-for-hub-kits
or I think you can get them cheaper elsewhere, check ebay etc.

We have them on our cable brakes because the tandem had combined brake/gear levers; very easy to fit.

Thanks, and good to know, if I need to go that way, but as far as I can work out the TDSZ2 works OK without.

Maybe I should start a thread discussing the way to go, but there have been a few, and it seems the TDSZ2 is the better fit for my personal requirements, but I'm open to being persuaded otherwise. I understand for other people the Bafang may suit better, or even a hub option. That may be true for me too of course....

 

[duncanlowe]

Well, finally almost finished the job of fitting my TDSZ2. It's all on, and works nicely. Only rode a few 100 yds but up a hill that wore me out previously. It's just what I needed.

The battery installation still needs work though. I used the existing cage mounting points and they are too low down on the tube so the battery doesn't quite slide on properly (hence my first test ride being so short. Just not sure that putting a steel insert into an alloy froma is a good idea!

I'm also very much not a fan of the bullet connectors on the battery, and now I know everything works will be replacing with a decent automotive spec sealed 2 pin connector.

 

[Benjahmin]

Anderson connectors are used by some, in conjunction with heatshrink tubing.

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I hope you'll find that your conversion is, in fact, a 'proper e-bike'. i've been riding my front hub conversion since 2014 and done some 12k miles. It's all repairable by me, all parts available to buy. You wouldn't get that with a 'proper e-bike'.
Sorry. Not having a go, it's just that I'm passionate about garden shed engineering.

 

[duncanlowe]

I'm going to use a Delphi Metripack connector as it's sealed as it comes and is capable of 30A. But thanks for the suggestion. I believe all the parts are available for the TDSZ2.