New bike+Kit verses off-the-shelf

[morphix]

Whilst continuing my search for the ideal e-bike, I've started coming around to the idea of exploring a custom build by buying a new bike and adding a kit..

Aside from the potential cost saving over a branded e-bike, there seems to be a number of obvious benefits to going down the kit route:

- Ability to choose a lighter, higher quality bike to exacting requirements.
- Flexibility to choose a higher power motor and battery combo.
- Not tied to one brand/supplier for expensive batteries and parts.

Obviously the main draw back with kits is you need the know-how to do it,
else you have to pay a specialised shop which could be expensive? Can anyone see any other potential draw-backs to consider?

 

[Mussels]

You'll need help if the kit doesn't work, it would be good to get a kit from a supplier that will answer questions.

 

[NRG]

You'll need help if the kit doesn't work, it would be good to get a kit from a supplier that will answer questions.

Yep, and offer a warranty. The battery is the biggest headache although buying from Ping does take away some of the pain and uncertainty.

 

[weirdfish]

I've enjoyed personalising my Alien Aurora so much I kinda wish I'd gone down the custom build myself.

Although it is a valid point about aftersales support.

 

[jbond]

We could do with a FAQ of suppliers. And not just for the big bits but all the small bits as well like switches, connectors, throttles, battery health indicators. And perhaps a list of combinations that somebody has made work.

A key one is the motors. "Where can I buy a Bafang, Tongxin/Nano, Cute, 9C for delivery in the UK?" seems to be a FAQ with no good answer at the moment.

First task, which is not at all easy, is to work out what it is you're trying to build. Tourer, commuter, folding/portable, off road enduro/downhill beast, moped with pedals or bicycle with assist, etc etc

 

[morphix]

We could do with a FAQ of suppliers. And not just for the big bits but all the small bits as well like switches, connectors, throttles, battery health indicators. And perhaps a list of combinations that somebody has made work.

A key one is the motors. "Where can I buy a Bafang, Tongxin/Nano, Cute, 9C for delivery in the UK?" seems to be a FAQ with no good answer at the moment.

First task, which is not at all easy, is to work out what it is you're trying to build. Tourer, commuter, folding/portable, off road enduro/downhill beast, moped with pedals or bicycle with assist, etc etc

Good idea jbond, for a newcomer like myself it's rather daunting deciding on what to look for, and where, particularly for kits.

 

[Cyclezee]

Whilst continuing my search for the ideal e-bike, I've started coming around to the idea of exploring a custom build by buying a new bike and adding a kit..

Aside from the potential cost saving over a branded e-bike, there seems to be a number of obvious benefits to going down the kit route:

- Ability to choose a lighter, higher quality bike to exacting requirements.
- Flexibility to choose a higher power motor and battery combo.
- Not tied to one brand/supplier for expensive batteries and parts.

Obviously the main draw back with kits is you need the know-how to do it,
else you have to pay a specialised shop which could be expensive? Can anyone see any other potential draw-backs to consider?

You won't go far wrong with an Ezee kit Morphix, they are tried, tested, powerful and reliable. eZee Electric Bike kit . Onbike are quite close to where you live and offer good support.

J hn

 

[ronipozn]

I think that another potential drawback could be that the high quality e-bikes are made by people who probably know a lot about bicycles and electronics.

You can't underestimate the building process of an e-bikes.

It's not just putting a kit on a bike. It is with the regular, medium quality one but there are considerations that "simple" peoples don't know/take into account.

On the other hand, as you said, you have more freedom in choosing the motor/battery combination, amount of power, etc.

Just plan well in advance.

 

[morphix]

Xipi

Thanks for the replies guys, certainly some things to consider with a kit build. I'm not sure I'd be able to do this myself, as I'm not very mechanical, so I'd either have to get my brother to do it or pay a shop.

While searching earlier I did find a smaller dealer (Xipi) who specialises in kit builds and they are advertising on their website kit installs to bikes for £50 which seems very reasonable indeed. It might be possible to have a new bike from somewhere like Halford's delivered free to their premises, kitted up and then delivered in it's box by courier.

Does anyone have any experience of Xipi? They have some higher power 500W kits for around £500-£650 with batteries and also advertise on eBay, their site has some very positive reviews from customers.

 

[jbond]

I've enjoyed personalising my Alien Aurora so much I kinda wish I'd gone down the custom build myself.

You will, you will!

 

[jbond]

Thanks for the replies guys, certainly some things to consider with a kit build. I'm not sure I'd be able to do this myself, as I'm not very mechanical, so I'd either have to get my brother to do it or pay a shop

If that's the case, then I think the advice is "don't". Seriously, if you can maintain a bicycle yourself, then fitting a kit from Alien or Ezee is really not that hard. Custom building a kit from scratch is perhaps too much of an adventure. But if any of that feels too daunting, you'd be better off going for a fully built bike like a Whisper.

Personally I try and avoid dealers and do all my own motorcycle servicing so bicycles feel like child's play. From that perspective, it's easy to criticise people who can't look after their bikes and fix simple problems. It's easy also to criticise people who won't try and teach themselves. But realistically, it's not for everyone. Pay the money and get somebody else to do the work.