My first E-Bike conversion - Advice needed.

[TrebzUK]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum but not new to cycling. I'm wanting to build my fist e-bike conversion based on my current work bike which is a 1998 Kona Explosif with Reynolds 853 tubing. It's currently in a single speed format as per the below image. My basic plan so far is to buy the kit and battery shown in the links below from Ebay and for it all myself. I've been riding both on and predominantly off road since 1987 and I'm a member of the Retrobike community, I'm one of the Deputy Area Co-Ordinators, so I know a bit about bikes kind of hehe. What I want to know at this point is should I purchase the kit and battery shown in this link or should I be looking at something else. I just need your experience and guidance on this little project really. I'm wanting something with a fair bit of power that I can use for commuting and for the occasional jaunt off road , links and picture time now:

Rear wheel kit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1500W-48V-Electric-Bicycle-Conversion-Kit-E-Bike-Motor-Hub-Speed-26-Rear-Wheel/223507220688

Battery: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/48V-10Ah-1200W-Hailong-1-e-Bike-Battery-INR18650-Lithium-Cells-2-5A-UK-Charger/173899143845

My work bike:

 

[Woosh]

don't do that.
I would suggest something lightweight, like the XF07 front kit.
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits#xf07kit
or a crank drive like the Tongsheng TSDZ2
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?cdkit#tsdz2

 

[sjpt]

Those high power motors tend to be heavy, gearless and pretty inefficient. And also illegal for use on road without lots of paperwork, insurance, etc. Hence Woosh's comments for more suitable alternatives.

 

[Nealh]

Yes don't go down the D/D power bike road unless you live in the flat Fenland area.
They are ideally suited for high speed flat riding and not the start stop of commuting.
If you were to run out of battery then you will be pushing the bike and not riding it, a geared lighter hub is rideable in low gears to get going and quite capable once you get going but as with all e -drives hills without power is very hard work.

 

[Benjahmin]

Agreed, direct drive are heavy, give magnetic resistance when pedelling with no power, and are innefficient at low speeds. Also, at 1500w, illegal on or off road.
For commuting the geared hub is peerless. Practically bullet proof, much lighter, capable of developing high hill climbing torque. Freewheels when power is off and won't eat your battery (if you buy a decent one). The battery you link doesn't name the cells used, that would make me suspicious.
I would go rear hub with frame battery for good weight distribution. You'll need some gears 'cos off the extra weight. Also a back brake and think about a Magura HS11 for the front for extra stopping power against the extra weight. Buy a battery with named cells.
Don't be fooled into thinking that a geared hub rated at '250w' nominal will be weedy. At 36v, combine with a 20A controller it will give you a nominal 720w on highest setting - that's a couple of Chris Fromes!
Have a look at Woosh's offerings. Also Yosepower and BMSB battery. All well used on here.