Egon

I went and had a brief trial of a Kudos Cobra. It was ok, but underpowered for what I'm after.

This looks similar to what I'm considering as a build. Can I ask where you bought the kit?

Ha. I guess I meant, within reason and price. It is my first build. I don't want to build a full on mini motorbike, I'd still want it to pass for a bike. I don't think it's a great idea to go overly powerful for my first bike. And probably the more technical side of things would be wasted on me at first as well. But I would like the right kind of power to climb steep hills and hopefully not too slowly.

I live on a farm in the middle of nowhere, so road legal is not a concern. I'm not particularly interested in speed, but I do want as much power as possible as there are some pretty hefty hills surrounding me.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. To answer some questions: I think I weigh around 12 1/2 stone. It's been a while since I checked. My budget can probably stretch to around 2 grand, for a bike and kit. To add a question. Is there a list of kit / parts retailers, hopefully ones that forum members had good experiences with? And, when it comes to batteries is it best to order from the UK to avoid and postage issues?

Road legal is not an concern no. I have seen footage of a 1500w DD hub power it's way up a hill, so I know it's capable. But will they not suffer from other issues like overheating or struggle with the strain of constant hill climbs.

Hmm. Well that's given me more to think on. Are there any good articles on BPM & CST drives so I can get a little more clued in about them? Or a comparison of the speed / torque ratings of various systems. I know people on here rate the Bafang mid drives as good hill climbers, the 02 especially. What do I need to be looking for if I want to compare the possible performance of that to the BPM / CST? BBS02 500w Voltage: DC 48V Power: 500 Watts Current Limit: 18A (controller is 25A version, reprogrammed to 18A) Motor Weight: 4.22KG Controller: 9 Mosfet, Sine Wave, Intergrated With Motor BB Length: 68mm Max torque: ≥120N Max Efficience: ≥78% Waterproof Grade: IP65 BBS02 750w Voltage: DC 48V Power: 750 Watts Current Limit: 25A Motor Weight: 4.22KG Controller: 9 Mosfet, Sine Wave, Intergrated With Motor PAS Sensor BB Length: 68mm Max torque: ≥120N Max Efficience: ≥78% Waterproof Grade: IP65 http://www.eclipsebikes.com/motor-kits-bafang-8fun-drive-motor-c-73_130.html?osCsid=71c0922582598b2d3fc769428e393247 BPM 500w Rated Voltage (V) 36/48 Rated Power (W) 500 Max Diameter (mm) ￠180 Max Speed (rpm) 36V(280) 48V(230) Rated Efficiency (％) ≥78％ 2P 16 Reduction Ratio 1:5 Weight (kg) ≤4.5 Open size (mm) 138 Drive and freewheel type 7s Spoke Specification 12G Cable location Shaft center, righ Hall sensor sensor Integrate speed sensor Connector Brake type V/Disc (>￠160) Surface Silver/Glossy black painted Noise (dB) <55 Salt fog test (h) 24/96 Water proof Grade IP54 Certification CE ROHS http://www.elifebike.com/peng/iview.asp?KeyID=dtpic-2012-59-Q25J.1A2QG

Primerily leasure. I live west of you, in the middle of the countryside in Cornwall. So I guess my primary prerequisite is that it can handle some pretty steep hills and muddy fields. But I'd also like it to have enough power to be able to take most of the strain if necessary.

Thanks for all the advice Alan. There's some much choice it can seem somewhat overwhelming. Just been reading this guide to mid drives - https://www.electricbike.com/mid-drive-kits/ The GNG drive on there looked interesting, checking out their website it seems they're now selling a 2000w capable dive.

From what I've read online about the various options it seems like a suitable choice. Are you not a fan? Do you favour mid drives instead? I guess the mid drive would make a better hill climber. On a related note. How important is the 'host bike's gearing system? Is 10 enough? Or is it a case or more is more? With mid drive motors I can see it making a difference, but is the same true of a DD rear hub?

A bare motor is something I've considered, the fact it's another hurdle and another expense is putting me off a little. Care to share??

Thanks Alan. I'm considering a 1000w rear hub, so maybe steel would be advisable then. I'm not limited to just secondhand, but I want to get the best value for what I do spend. I've also been looking at some 2015/14 models and ex display stock. Most of the newer steel frame MTBs seem 29ers or 27.5. But I don't think anywhere is selling 27.5 hub motor/wheels. Which is a shame as it looks a nice size for a converted ebike as they they come in slightly wider sized wheels as well.

Just wanted to put together a checklist for a donor bike. Is a steel frame best? Especially for higher powered motors? Is there any preference between 26” or 29” wheels? I guess disc brakes are also best. Anything else important to consider? Also, any recomendations for older steel framed bikes to look out for secondhand.

I'd love to see some photos of your converted bikes; before and afters, details, specs etc. Apologies if this thread already exists, but I couldn't find it.

Thanks for the recomendations, hookups and knowledge guys. I think as suggested trying out a bike or two would be a good next step.