Going to live at the bottom of an Alp and plan on converting a bike

[jadedbob]

Hello

I’m off to live just at the beginning of the Alps in Italy. Planning on getting 2 electric bikes for riding up and around the Alps, tarmac and trials not heavy off roading. Also use it as my main means of transport on the flats. I already ride a road bike quite a bit and hope to get a nice road bike in the future (non powered).

My wife has a Specialised tricross from about 2010-2012 i was thinking going with a Bafang 8Fun BBS02 Mid Drive 48V 500W Motor Kit. Does this seem a good option for climbing?

After I’d installed my wife's bike I plan on getting the same Motor kit for myself, what bike do you think i get for it for it?

I’m not particular good with mechanics, it’s not too hard is it? I plan on getting the correct tools.

Thanks for any help

cheers
joe

 

[Deleted member 4366]

You might as well get the 750w version, which is the same - just different software settings.

 

[jadedbob]

Thanks for that.

I’ve thought for my bike something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Radial-Cycles-Revere-X-2-1-Aluminium-Cross-Gravel-commute-Bike-50-52-54-56-58cm-/322018614149?var=&hash=item4af9ce1b85:m:mtoA9eQN3uNvZ8xdyuw2DAg

It’s bottom bracket isn’t too big (I checked)

 

[davidg]

Bare in mind that anything above > 250 watts will require specific insurance in Europe if you use it on the road.

 

[anotherkiwi]

You can't insure an illegal bike in France but he is moving to Italy

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Thanks for that.

I’ve thought for my bike something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Radial-Cycles-Revere-X-2-1-Aluminium-Cross-Gravel-commute-Bike-50-52-54-56-58cm-/322018614149?var=&hash=item4af9ce1b85:m:mtoA9eQN3uNvZ8xdyuw2DAg

It’s bottom bracket isn’t too big (I checked)

That bike looks OK, though I have one minor comment. The disc brakes are a good point, but cable-operatted ones can be a bit poor.

I have a similar setup on my Whyte Kings Cross, but no matter how carefully I adjust the brakes, they lack power. That's just the normal bike without the additional weight of electrics.

On all my other bikes, I upgraded at least the front one to hydraulic, which makes a massive difference.

Hydraulic brakes for drop-bars on a road bike are pretty expensive, so when I get round to electrifying my Whyte, it'll be converted to straight bars for normal hydraulic brakes.