I think it is good that you do your videos just in a corner of a room in your house, while sitting on the floor. It dispels the myth that one needs a big shot full of tools and lots of skill to do one of these conversions.
I know that this video is some 18 months old, but having found it a few months ago, it became my inspiration to get off of my butt and sort my bike out! I have a Marin Palisades Trail SE 29ER, which has sat in the garage for the last 4 year, as I was unable to ride due to health issues, having found this channel and this video, I decided to have a go at turning it into an E-Bike, and by following this tutorial I have done just that, boy what a difference this has made for me, I can now go out riding every day and I'm really enjoying the outside world again. Thanks Johnny....
I live in Hawaii and appreciate your knowledge. E-Bikes are taking off here and are creating quite a stir! Hawaii has the highest cost of living anywhere on earth! Ever get tired of the rat race, we really could use a guy like you ! Mahalo for this VALUABLE info! Aloha!
I just recently converted two 2019 Trek Dual Sport 2's. The kit fit almost too perfectly. Very happy with our Bafang kits. Thanks for your vid. Have enjoyed watching this system installed on different brands and styles of bikes and how everybody does things a little differently.
Jonny - took your advice and converted my Cannondale, F3 Caffeine to Bafang BFHD (local dealer); your excellent guidance and visuals were most helpful, I added a heavy duty motor bracket and installed hot shrink tubing over the connections; other than that, your instruction expertise and effort made the difference - thank you!
Johnny; just so you know, I have kids senior to you so, when I say your teaching skills are highly developed, I mean you are superbly skilled at your trade and extremely succinct in your presentation. Being older, I needed someone who knows how to teach. I'm gonna need a quality power system this year for my fat tire mongoose. I like to hunt and in my home state of Alabama I must use state lands. Cant afford a hunting club. Some if these wildlife areas are rather vast. Terrain is usually flat or rolling hills. Some over the top steep. Autos are not allowed beyond certain limits but bikes are allowed. Well, it's kinda fun to take up bike riding in my late 60's but I'm gonna help. I'm gonna save your videos so that when I've saved up enough to get the conversion kit I'll have you to turn to. Thank you sir. Your a good man. Respectfully, Sergeant Frank Davis, Army retired.
I purchased my mid-drive kit from Johnny and followed his video...I had to watch it a few times but I got it done! I have a Schwinn Midtown bike which has a curved downtube...Johnny recommended getting a Triple Bob plate with rubber coated hose clamps ...which made it possible to attach my downtube battery...Learned a lot from the experience which includes NOT breaking the chain if not needed...Thanks Johnny!
Hi , just done an install on my own bike, using this video as my guide. It worked perfectly so thanks for the guidance. Just waiting on gear shift sensor and hydraulic brakes sensor to finish it off.
Thanks John, I've done 2 bikes now, a conventional Specialized and Rans recumbent. I love riding the recumbent, it is so fast now, up to 40mph and up to 70 miles but not both at the same time. Speed kills the battery but wow it's fun. I generally like riding at PAS 4 of 9 and hold about 22 mph. The e-kit removes the hills and reduces the effects of wind. I did have to make a special battery mount for the battery, hanging it under the bike. Thanks for promoting how easy this is to do.
Almost made a mistake and bought a hub drive ebike, so glad I saw Johnny nerdouts video on HUB Drive vs mid Drive. Now building my own! Johnny you da man!!!!!
Ahhh!! No music - what joy!!! Thank you! My brain can focus 100% on demo. I really appreciate this tutorial and all the little details like brake lever positioning for ease of use, what can get jammed, etc. Saves a lot of bother for newbies like me. I want to convert a Trek Aluminum road bike (smaller for females) into an electric bike. It has nice gearing components I want to keep. The idea is to have full road bike functionality to get exercise but also to have the ability to commute fast to work on electric power when needed, and to do long bike rides with my small doggies in a trailer in back, run errands for shopping, etc. I have another road bike for hard core workouts but the electric one will be the workhorse. I will not do off roading, stick to paved roads, capable of climbing hilly roads in town, street bike wheels - no fat tires, no mountain bike. I need long range, light weight, fast speed to 25-30 mph, and reasonable cost. I want to DIY the install. I am very analytical and handy but not a bike expert and never done an electric install. If you can recommend something sleek with good engineering, I will buy it from you. I think from what I have read, Mid Drive beats the front hub or rear hub type of motors. Please do advise. I trust you. Complete newbie here.
Just did a bbs02 on my hybrid bike, this was a most helpful tutorial! Because of you I had the necessary tools on hand and was able to enjoy my results quickly! My tip is that small diameter split-loom tubing is one's friend for cable management on these kits, makes it look a few percent less like a DIY project
@@mikesaull6094 Heat shrink will reduce serviceability. Convoluted tubing is the best bet to a clean finish while maintaining the ability to diagnose/pull it apart/put it back together when something inevitably breaks/needs adjustment. That's why the automotive OEMs use it. Put a couple wraps of friction tape at key points if you need to help it stay together.
@@runner3033 I'm going to use a little non-epoxy heat shrink at chafing points, such as where the motor loom runs under the bottom bracket, also to secure the lighting connection, which is not robust.
Excellent tutorial, thank you! Wish I had seen this one a few years ago when I assembled. Resolving unexpected Chain line issues was a bugger. At > 1000 of miles, BBS02 running strong, no issues.
Thanks for all the awesome and helpful videos! Your channel has been really educational for me and I just finished upgrading my old mountain bike to an ebike as a result! Having a blast with the bike now and if it wasn't for you it would still be sitting in my basement so thanks Johnny!
@@djVania08 bbs02b with a 52v Samsung battery from ali express. I actually just finished upgrading to a modern mountain bike fork rockshox Judy gold. Huge improvement over the old fork
Ok, I’m going to get started by pricing out this Barfang kit for my trusty 35 year old Bridgestone mountain bike as soon as I determined the bottom bracket size. It’s a project that I’m confident of tackling and you’ve shown me that it’s doable. Thanks👍👌😊
Thanks John, nice presentation. Added Tip: Rotate the cut zip-ties inward and against the frame because they can be sharp and pointy against your bare legs if you ride in shorts or hands when loading/off loading the bike.
Brilliant help with really clear presentation. Well done and thanks for the tutorial. One thing that would be nice is to see how hard it would be to resize those long cables. Cheers.
I love this video so much I swear lolll, super helpful with all sorts of problems and a bit humorous instead of the dead people you usually find. Thank you so much.
The top of the line specialized e-bike in Massachusetts is 12 grand. I just put a bbs02b on my 1998 aluminum trek Y. 500c computer is great. Get a comfy seat. So much better for going 40 miles in a day. No way that tiny specialized battery will go 40 miles.
This is awesome. You deserve a better space to do this work. Thank you for your service! In addition to the cost of the parts for conversion, I would also have to invest in some tools. The upside is that I am not sure I would stop at one conversion. Unfortunately, Mr. Murphy would also want to join me for the ride. The cable management looks like a huge job.
Great video. It was nice to finally see someone addressing the wiring and trying to neaten things up. I think I better order some more blue zip ties ;)
I watched a few tutorials, but only yours really went over the plug situation the best way. It was you video on converting a mongoose dolomite that introduced me to your channel and led me to buying a triangle battery and 1000w motor. My bike is so heavy now 😅 its a tank
Super stoked all the parts for my 750w mid drive befang finally arrived and installed flawlessly thanks to your help and information. next will be my pull behind trailer with dog box, solar charger, second battery and possibly a 3rd wheel generator since ill be pulling the weight mighht have it help out. Thanks again and some pictures may be comming.
I went to a clients house to do a bid on some tree care and he let my wife and I try his e-bike he built himself and holy smokes! that self assist pedaling is too much fun! I look forward to buying a conversion kit from you. Thank you so much for putting together this video.
Just some feedback, I ended up damaging my wire as I brought in under the motor as you mentioned. If not much space or anything sharp (if wires running inside and coming out from there) - avoid getting the cables from between motor and the the place it is instered intro the bike.
9:29 - Wires are absolutely not, "just metal." The problem here is not metal being bent. Copper wires like this are designed to be able to have a very tight bend. They have very fine strands which withstand lots of tight bending very well. The problem is the insulation. If you pinch these wires the metal is stronger than the insulation and will mash the insulation so that the various individual wires within the cable will short out. This can completely ruin a cable while leaving it looking almost fine on the outside. This is incredibly hard to troubleshoot later.
Damn I never though it would take me so much nerding out to make this work but damn.. I'm so clumsy... and unconfident.. and not patient... classical music is a must... and this video.
I saw a tip from another video where they used a silver sharpie or paint pen to mark the brakes, shifters, and bar. Ensures they're reinstalled in the exact same location every time you maintenance the bike. I don't care enough to do that on mine but I thought it was a good idea.
Maybe if the bikes already set up for you, it if was new I would just set the levers and shifters to myself after a few rides up and down the street. It’s no biggie not to have the levers and shifters where they were it’s more than likely you would be better fitting them to your riding style. The smallest adjustment can make a big difference.
Dear Jonny, I have ordered my kit following your recommendation. My bike is a ten speed mountain bike which has two gear shifters one on the left hand and one on the right. The left ends lets you choose between two options to go up steep terrain as well as normal cycling. The one on the right gives you 5 gear options. My bike also has a derailer which I assume I will need to remove? Can you advise. Thank you so much for your brilliant explanation which I have now watched a several times. Many thanks Andrew
You're going to need to lose the left gear shifter. The front derailleur that's controlled by the left shifter also needs to go. Your 10-speed bike just became 5-speed, with an electric power boost.
Get yourself some expandable sleeving black braided, the braided sleeving is great to run cables through, when you cut it melt the ends with a lighter to stop it fraying. Also I like to use a stainless steel jubilee on the top of the battery bracket, clamp the bracket to the bike. You need to pinch the jubilee and push it through the fastening slot, then slide a nail through and tighten it to the frame so you don't just have the bottom two screws holding it on. You can use black electrical tape to stop it scratching the bike frame. And lock tight on most important stuff as my big heavy feet tend to loosen the pedals, lol.
I HIGHLY recommend taking off the controller and replacing the silicone gasket with a rubberized cork gasket. If you're going to have a problem with the BBSHD it's going to be a blown controller because it gets wet and shorts out. I used an old controller housing to trace out the gasket, then cut out the middle for the phase wires and around the capacitor so it sits flush. Punch some holes for the mounting bolts and torque it down. No more fried controllers, even at 50 or 60A.
Johnny that was awful...cable brakes..have you got suicidal tendencies..you didn't show how to fit the speed shifter cut off switch installation.. you didn't show the light switch and brake light installation ...the cable installation was diabolical and dangerous..no final testing of your fine mechanical technical prowess. Please Johnny make another video and do it properly... 🙏😫 and maybe a video on how to flash the motor settings and all the setting up procedures on the program screen...it was a bad title to choose...complete e bike conversion tutorial ....you can do alot better Johnny ..
Where is your link to a complete e bike conversion? I really think you should post it so we all can go to the grand wizard of everything and see how perfect you really are and please educate us on the speed shifter cut off switch because I have never heard of it? I know there is a speed sensor which Johnny did show and then said to go to the video of the shift sensor, but yeah he didn't mention anything about a speed shifter cut off switch probably because there is no such thing! Waiting for you link to teach us all!
The title of the video is I decided to call it complete e bike conversion tutorial .what's the difference??? So I left the word Bafang ..so what..what does it change!!!!! Word Nit picking won't change the narrative's and as for speed shifter cut off switch installation ....I will reword it correctly for you.. its a linear mechanical sensor cut off switch...you know the bit that goes on the cable for the derailleur to kill the juice to the motor to avoid chewing up the gears when your selecting them...personally it works great with my Archer DX1 trial...as for the grand wizard bit...keep your sarcastic comments to yourself...I watched this video with numerous pals and we all had a good laugh showing his builder bottom antics working on his knees instead of putting it on a bike stand. Nevertheless I like Johnny's approach no nonsense approach...but from a engineers point of view
@@patrickbonin137 Most of the people coming to these videos don't have fancy shops or equipment nor do the ones taking there time to post in an effort to help. I couldn't wait for the title throw though! You are an Engineer and that was the best laugh I had all week! Thanks! Here are some of your degrees finest moments in history... ruclips.net/user/results?search_query=engineering+disasters+full+episodes ENJOY!
I think your comment is unfair Patrick. Johnny has helped many of us with his videos and prompt replies. As he said he has converted 200 bikes. I take this video as a general guide if you have just bought a Bafang kit, he does have another video as he said and I have watched that shows the gear selector sensor install. This video would be too long if it was to show gear selector install, brake adjustment, gear indexing, etc. If you have ever filmed, edited and uploaded any videos which your channel has none, then you would appreciate the time taken to produce such content and it's free.
These videos will NEVER show every possible thing on can do. For that go to Lunacycles website and read the Forums. There are complete builds step by step. Also custom install/ build like mine on there. Give this guy a break. It was pretty well done IMO. Anyone wanting MORE info SHOULD have to do some research THEMSELF.
30:51 heeey I have a "crappy" pre-built bike! It looks better than that, especially its "cable management". And it's not actually crappy. I'm a noob tbh and I am planning to convert it to a more powerful mid-drive. Your video was very helpful and convinced me it's time to upgrade. No doubt I'll be rewatching this a few times.
The reason you should use lock tight is because of thermal expansion ! What that is when your useing steel bolts into aluminum frame parts is when you have two diffrent materials like steel and aluminum they expand and contract due to temperatures the bolts tend to come loose and the lock tight prevents that, and that is why it is ecenchel . That is the only reason you should allways use it when bolting into aluminum.
Hello Johnny...Great videos, love this one in particular. I'm in England and here in the UK we can only legally have a 250W motor, which must be pedal assist only with a top speed of 15.5 mph. How bad is that! Our Government regs are 10 years behind everyone else. I want a serious eBike, not a pathetic one that can't climb a hill. Love the vids, keep doing them .
Brand new Schwinn Axum DP. Nice bike. How easily it came apart isn't a great reflection on the Wally World assembler. Nice build. I personally would add the gear sensor with that much power & a throttle. Glad to see such a nice build get an upgraded chain ring. That's going to be one nice e-bike.
Settled my issue with the seller on the freewheel gear issue and was able to upgrade the gear set. NOW the motor is quite another issue. From the pictures and videos of the comparison between the BBS02 and the BBSHD. This one appears to be a BBS02. The stamped number has been obviously tampered with. The stickers in the box say 36V 250W. The Amazon vendor is Greenergia, so BUYER BEWARE!!!
I'm boning up for my install. I got a BBS02 from Johnny and it fits my old Cannondale F1000 hardtail with a millimeter or less gap by the drive side chainstay. I'm picking up some spacers in case I decide that's to little room. I'm going to use a California e-Bikes stabilizer bar since the frame is aluminum and a lot of folks have the mid-drive's lockring teeth loosen up with aluminum bottom bracket shells. I assume that ideal chain line is with the chain in the middle of the rear cluster. I've ordered up some Lekkie crank arms since I don't like the idea of Bafang's asymmetry with their cranks. I really don't like the idea of the wad-o-wires up behind the motor. To compact it some, I'll probably use a length of large diameter shrink tubing.
All very good if you have a box frame. I have a triangular section frame. The two water bottle mounts aren't strong enough and you'll end up ripping the bolts from the frame.
I definitely wanna try this. I got the radrover step thru 2020 version and I've been looking at getting my girl and ebike for trail riding with me. Problem is were both only 5'4 and she just thinks it's too much bike for her. I'll pry just buy her a decent priced solid frame she likes and build one now. Thanks man
My BBS02 headlight wires came with 2 small spade connectors, both had black wires. A 6V DC LED light is polarized. There was nothing for it but to just try one polarity and see if it worked and hope it didn't fry somethign if it wasn't. I come here today to tell you if you headlight doesn't work try swapping the wires over. Apparently wiring it up in the reverse didn't seem to cause any damage.
@5:25 - totally agree about having a DECENT crank puller. Had this happen to me (partially due to me handling the tool for the first time, but anyway). No serious damage was done, because I was removing an old el cheapo riveted together crankset (worn chainrings; only replaceable as a whole unit) only to throw it away (-!
I think it is good that you do your videos just in a corner of a room in your house, while sitting on the floor. It dispels the myth that one needs a big shot full of tools and lots of skill to do one of these conversions.
I know that this video is some 18 months old, but having found it a few months ago, it became my inspiration to get off of my butt and sort my bike out!
I have a Marin Palisades Trail SE 29ER, which has sat in the garage for the last 4 year, as I was unable to ride due to health issues, having found this channel and this video, I decided to have a go at turning it into an E-Bike, and by following this tutorial I have done just that, boy what a difference this has made for me, I can now go out riding every day and I'm really enjoying the outside world again.
Thanks Johnny....
Johnny has helped so many get back into the outdoor life, he is a legend, glad you are back at it, peace from Australia
I live in Hawaii and appreciate your knowledge. E-Bikes are taking off here and are creating quite a stir! Hawaii has the highest cost of living anywhere on earth! Ever get tired of the rat race, we really could use a guy like you ! Mahalo for this VALUABLE info! Aloha!
How do you ship lithium batteries to Hawaii? I had a client that we tried to help but ups, FedEx, etc all said no.
Puerto Rico had same problem rules for shipping vary by methods of shipping example air freight vs on a ship also if it's charged or not charged
I just recently converted two 2019 Trek Dual Sport 2's. The kit fit almost too perfectly. Very happy with our Bafang kits. Thanks for your vid. Have enjoyed watching this system installed on different brands and styles of bikes and how everybody does things a little differently.
Jonny - took your advice and converted my Cannondale, F3 Caffeine to Bafang BFHD (local dealer); your excellent guidance and visuals were most helpful, I added a heavy duty motor bracket and installed hot shrink tubing over the connections; other than that, your instruction expertise and effort made the difference - thank you!
heat shrink tubing over connections, YES, WOW, i think that's ME TOO! thank you!
Johnny; just so you know, I have kids senior to you so, when I say your teaching skills are highly developed, I mean you are superbly skilled at your trade and extremely succinct in your presentation. Being older, I needed someone who knows how to teach. I'm gonna need a quality power system this year for my fat tire mongoose. I like to hunt and in my home state of Alabama I must use state lands. Cant afford a hunting club. Some if these wildlife areas are rather vast. Terrain is usually flat or rolling hills. Some over the top steep. Autos are not allowed beyond certain limits but bikes are allowed. Well, it's kinda fun to take up bike riding in my late 60's but I'm gonna help. I'm gonna save your videos so that when I've saved up enough to get the conversion kit I'll have you to turn to. Thank you sir. Your a good man. Respectfully, Sergeant Frank Davis, Army retired.
Wow, thanks! Just made my day 😀
I purchased my mid-drive kit from Johnny and followed his video...I had to watch it a few times but I got it done! I have a Schwinn Midtown bike which has a curved downtube...Johnny recommended getting a Triple Bob plate with rubber coated hose clamps ...which made it possible to attach my downtube battery...Learned a lot from the experience which includes NOT breaking the chain if not needed...Thanks Johnny!
@@ryanrecordss a strong motorcycle chain is very cheap insurance that it won't bust apart and slap yo ass!
Hi , just done an install on my own bike, using this video as my guide. It worked perfectly so thanks for the guidance. Just waiting on gear shift sensor and hydraulic brakes sensor to finish it off.
Thanks John, I've done 2 bikes now, a conventional Specialized and Rans recumbent. I love riding the recumbent, it is so fast now, up to 40mph and up to 70 miles but not both at the same time. Speed kills the battery but wow it's fun. I generally like riding at PAS 4 of 9 and hold about 22 mph. The e-kit removes the hills and reduces the effects of wind.
I did have to make a special battery mount for the battery, hanging it under the bike. Thanks for promoting how easy this is to do.
What motor you use? What ampere battery?
Thanks
How far do you think you could go WFO?
Almost made a mistake and bought a hub drive ebike, so glad I saw Johnny nerdouts video on HUB Drive vs mid Drive. Now building my own! Johnny you da man!!!!!
You sir are the Bob Ross of e bikes, thank you for your guidance. 😊
Ahhh!! No music - what joy!!! Thank you! My brain can focus 100% on demo.
I really appreciate this tutorial and all the little details like brake lever positioning for ease of use, what can get jammed, etc. Saves a lot of bother for newbies like me.
I want to convert a Trek Aluminum road bike (smaller for females) into an electric bike. It has nice gearing components I want to keep. The idea is to have full road bike functionality to get exercise but also to have the ability to commute fast to work on electric power when needed, and to do long bike rides with my small doggies in a trailer in back, run errands for shopping, etc. I have another road bike for hard core workouts but the electric one will be the workhorse. I will not do off roading, stick to paved roads, capable of climbing hilly roads in town, street bike wheels - no fat tires, no mountain bike.
I need long range, light weight, fast speed to 25-30 mph, and reasonable cost. I want to DIY the install. I am very analytical and handy but not a bike expert and never done an electric install. If you can recommend something sleek with good engineering, I will buy it from you. I think from what I have read, Mid Drive beats the front hub or rear hub type of motors. Please do advise. I trust you. Complete newbie here.
My kit arrived today and I can’t wait to get it all installed
Let us know how it goes!
how did it go?
Let me know if you love it!!!
Oh dear.... No news is bad news
For the people in the future, please buy his tools. It doesn’t have to be from him, but get the exact ones he recommends.
Pedros' Crank Puller
Just did a bbs02 on my hybrid bike, this was a most helpful tutorial! Because of you I had the necessary tools on hand and was able to enjoy my results quickly! My tip is that small diameter split-loom tubing is one's friend for cable management on these kits, makes it look a few percent less like a DIY project
Heat shrink tubing with a heat gun. Yea buddy
@@mikesaull6094 Heat shrink will reduce serviceability. Convoluted tubing is the best bet to a clean finish while maintaining the ability to diagnose/pull it apart/put it back together when something inevitably breaks/needs adjustment. That's why the automotive OEMs use it.
Put a couple wraps of friction tape at key points if you need to help it stay together.
@@runner3033 I'm going to use a little non-epoxy heat shrink at chafing points, such as where the motor loom runs under the bottom bracket, also to secure the lighting connection, which is not robust.
Excellent tutorial, thank you! Wish I had seen this one a few years ago when I assembled. Resolving unexpected Chain line issues was a bugger. At > 1000 of miles, BBS02 running strong, no issues.
Dude you’re a beast! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Your humor is great. Keep it up. You’re blowing up!
Thanks for all the awesome and helpful videos! Your channel has been really educational for me and I just finished upgrading my old mountain bike to an ebike as a result! Having a blast with the bike now and if it wasn't for you it would still be sitting in my basement so thanks Johnny!
What kind of kit did you use? :)
@@djVania08 bbs02b with a 52v Samsung battery from ali express. I actually just finished upgrading to a modern mountain bike fork rockshox Judy gold. Huge improvement over the old fork
Ok, I’m going to get started by pricing out this Barfang kit for my trusty 35 year old Bridgestone mountain bike as soon as I determined the bottom bracket size. It’s a project that I’m confident of tackling and you’ve shown me that it’s doable. Thanks👍👌😊
Appreciate the video. It gives this old geezer knowledge of what to expect during a build and the tools needed.
This is freaking brilliant. Thanks man! Hoping to turn my beloved 90s bike into an e bike.
Thanks John, nice presentation.
Added Tip: Rotate the cut zip-ties inward and against the frame because they can be sharp and pointy against your bare legs if you ride in shorts or hands when loading/off loading the bike.
Good tip.
I cut zip ties flush with a micro cutter like the harbor freight PITTSBURGH 5 In. Micro Flush Cutter.
Can cut flush with side cutters if you know how ;-)
@@hopsriderV yeah, still unsightly and potentially a skin cutter... So, turn em in.
Nail clippers for the win!
Brilliant help with really clear presentation. Well done and thanks for the tutorial. One thing that would be nice is to see how hard it would be to resize those long cables. Cheers.
Just finished Bafang 750W install. Couldn’t be happier thanks for the great instructions.
Never use torque wrench for undoing bolts! Other than that - great video. Expecting my motor/parts this week.
very educational while being enjoyable to watch. gives me encouragement to do a diy project
Its 3am, do you where the bike nerds are? Yep, you guessed it, watching your channel, lol. Johnny, great mid-drive install video. Thanx!
My kit arrives on Monday!! can't wait. I have a wife and 3 kids but this will be lifes pinnacle !!!
Nice going! I’ll be watching this one a few times.
I love this video so much I swear lolll, super helpful with all sorts of problems and a bit humorous instead of the dead people you usually find. Thank you so much.
The top of the line specialized e-bike in Massachusetts is 12 grand.
I just put a bbs02b on my 1998 aluminum trek Y. 500c computer is great.
Get a comfy seat. So much better for going 40 miles in a day.
No way that tiny specialized battery will go 40 miles.
Same I got a bbso2 on a little carbon folder. Pulls me up a steep hill no prob.
This is awesome. You deserve a better space to do this work. Thank you for your service! In addition to the cost of the parts for conversion, I would also have to invest in some tools. The upside is that I am not sure I would stop at one conversion. Unfortunately, Mr. Murphy would also want to join me for the ride.
The cable management looks like a huge job.
Great video. It was nice to finally see someone addressing the wiring and trying to neaten things up.
I think I better order some more blue zip ties ;)
I watched a few tutorials, but only yours really went over the plug situation the best way. It was you video on converting a mongoose dolomite that introduced me to your channel and led me to buying a triangle battery and 1000w motor. My bike is so heavy now 😅 its a tank
Must be the steel mongoose then! Svelt is not it’s strong suit but it will survive a hurricane
@@JohnnyNerdOut its held up well so far. Rode it to and from work all winter long. Through snow storms and all. Still going strong
dude! I bet this took so long to do! Thanks so much!
Any time!
Super stoked all the parts for my 750w mid drive befang finally arrived and installed flawlessly thanks to your help and information. next will be my pull behind trailer with dog box, solar charger, second battery and possibly a 3rd wheel generator since ill be pulling the weight mighht have it help out. Thanks again and some pictures may be comming.
I went to a clients house to do a bid on some tree care and he let my wife and I try his e-bike he built himself and holy smokes! that self assist pedaling is too much fun! I look forward to buying a conversion kit from you. Thank you so much for putting together this video.
Just some feedback, I ended up damaging my wire as I brought in under the motor as you mentioned. If not much space or anything sharp (if wires running inside and coming out from there) - avoid getting the cables from between motor and the the place it is instered intro the bike.
It's official. I'm going to be watching this video for the next week.
You're a legend and I owe you a beer. Thank you
HAHA, I'll take one!
We need more people on RUclips like that thank you😅
Just finished installing a 500w on a 2006 Specialized Rockhopper. Thank you very much 🙏
9:29 - Wires are absolutely not, "just metal." The problem here is not metal being bent. Copper wires like this are designed to be able to have a very tight bend. They have very fine strands which withstand lots of tight bending very well. The problem is the insulation. If you pinch these wires the metal is stronger than the insulation and will mash the insulation so that the various individual wires within the cable will short out. This can completely ruin a cable while leaving it looking almost fine on the outside. This is incredibly hard to troubleshoot later.
Damn I never though it would take me so much nerding out to make this work but damn.. I'm so clumsy... and unconfident.. and not patient... classical music is a must... and this video.
Great video, I'm buying a bafang very soon and this video helps a lot with installation.Thanks from the UK.
I'm finding that , like origami, cable management is an art/science.
As a lifelong master mechanic I can say yes to quality tools.
Great stuff!
thanks Johnny. building my own cargo bike. now its Gunna be an electric cargo bike👌
I saw a tip from another video where they used a silver sharpie or paint pen to mark the brakes, shifters, and bar. Ensures they're reinstalled in the exact same location every time you maintenance the bike. I don't care enough to do that on mine but I thought it was a good idea.
Maybe if the bikes already set up for you, it if was new I would just set the levers and shifters to myself after a few rides up and down the street. It’s no biggie not to have the levers and shifters where they were it’s more than likely you would be better fitting them to your riding style. The smallest adjustment can make a big difference.
Just fitting a bafang mid drive, lots of advice on this video, thanks from n Wales UK
You remind me of a younger Harley kid so I'll follow...
Excellent guide. Had install done quicker than expected by referring to this video,
Great to hear!
talkin through is the trick slick
Dear Jonny, I have ordered my kit following your recommendation. My bike is a ten speed mountain bike which has two gear shifters one on the left hand and one on the right. The left ends lets you choose between two options to go up steep terrain as well as normal cycling. The one on the right gives you 5 gear options. My bike also has a derailer which I assume I will need to remove? Can you advise. Thank you so much for your brilliant explanation which I have now watched a several times. Many thanks Andrew
You're going to need to lose the left gear shifter. The front derailleur that's controlled by the left shifter also needs to go. Your 10-speed bike just became 5-speed, with an electric power boost.
Get yourself some expandable sleeving black braided, the braided sleeving is great to run cables through, when you cut it melt the ends with a lighter to stop it fraying.
Also I like to use a stainless steel jubilee on the top of the battery bracket, clamp the bracket to the bike.
You need to pinch the jubilee and push it through the fastening slot, then slide a nail through and tighten it to the frame so you don't just have the bottom two screws holding it on.
You can use black electrical tape to stop it scratching the bike frame.
And lock tight on most important stuff as my big heavy feet tend to loosen the pedals, lol.
Excellent video, thanks so much. I'm in the process of converting Schwinn Axum right now and it has been very helpful.
Totaly agree with the pc bit iv been a pc builder for over 30 years now and went the same way with building cycles and ebikes in UK
Never use a torque wrench as a breaker bar... I know you’re just working on a bike, but it makes the wrench less accurate when tightening to spec.
Good tip
His torque wrench is so crappy doubt it really is calibrated anymore.
Dude! You just gave me the confidence to tackle this! Thanks
I HIGHLY recommend taking off the controller and replacing the silicone gasket with a rubberized cork gasket. If you're going to have a problem with the BBSHD it's going to be a blown controller because it gets wet and shorts out. I used an old controller housing to trace out the gasket, then cut out the middle for the phase wires and around the capacitor so it sits flush. Punch some holes for the mounting bolts and torque it down. No more fried controllers, even at 50 or 60A.
Good tip!
I like nice clean aesthetics, that bundle of wires is going to drive me bonkers!
Fantastic build, thank you! I’m taking it a step further with the Luna BSBF-1 Stabilizer Bar so the motor ain’t going nowhere!
Dude, you are seriously the freaking man.
😎😀
@@JohnnyNerdOut I've been bingeing on your vids. Did I hear you say you live in portland?
@@al-du6lb used to. Probably one day again
@@JohnnyNerdOut What state are you in now?
@@al-du6lb Utah
I like my throttle on the right side LCD on the left what I did great video I purchased my kit from Johnny great guy!
Thanks for the video.
I see this in my future!
JNO. Great information!
Great guy,, down to earth, simple,, easy.. thanks
Johnny that was awful...cable brakes..have you got suicidal tendencies..you didn't show how to fit the speed shifter cut off switch installation.. you didn't show the light switch and brake light installation ...the cable installation was diabolical and dangerous..no final testing of your fine mechanical technical prowess. Please Johnny make another video and do it properly... 🙏😫 and maybe a video on how to flash the motor settings and all the setting up procedures on the program screen...it was a bad title to choose...complete e bike conversion tutorial ....you can do alot better Johnny ..
Where is your link to a complete e bike conversion? I really think you should post it so we all can go to the grand wizard of everything and see how perfect you really are and please educate us on the speed shifter cut off switch because I have never heard of it? I know there is a speed sensor which Johnny did show and then said to go to the video of the shift sensor, but yeah he didn't mention anything about a speed shifter cut off switch probably because there is no such thing! Waiting for you link to teach us all!
The title of the video is I decided to call it complete e bike conversion tutorial .what's the difference??? So I left the word Bafang ..so what..what does it change!!!!! Word Nit picking won't change the narrative's and as for speed shifter cut off switch installation ....I will reword it correctly for you.. its a linear mechanical sensor cut off switch...you know the bit that goes on the cable for the derailleur to kill the juice to the motor to avoid chewing up the gears when your selecting them...personally it works great with my Archer DX1 trial...as for the grand wizard bit...keep your sarcastic comments to yourself...I watched this video with numerous pals and we all had a good laugh
showing his builder bottom antics working on his knees instead of putting it on a bike stand.
Nevertheless I like Johnny's approach no nonsense approach...but from a engineers point of view
@@patrickbonin137 Most of the people coming to these videos don't have fancy shops or equipment nor do the ones taking there time to post in an effort to help. I couldn't wait for the title throw though! You are an Engineer and that was the best laugh I had all week! Thanks! Here are some of your degrees finest moments in history... ruclips.net/user/results?search_query=engineering+disasters+full+episodes ENJOY!
I think your comment is unfair Patrick.
Johnny has helped many of us with his videos and prompt replies. As he said he has converted 200 bikes.
I take this video as a general guide if you have just bought a Bafang kit, he does have another video as he said and I have watched that shows the gear selector sensor install.
This video would be too long if it was to show gear selector install, brake adjustment, gear indexing, etc.
If you have ever filmed, edited and uploaded any videos which your channel has none, then you would appreciate the time taken to produce such content and it's free.
These videos will NEVER show every possible thing on can do. For that go to Lunacycles website and read the Forums. There are complete builds step by step. Also custom install/ build like mine on there. Give this guy a break. It was pretty well done IMO. Anyone wanting MORE info SHOULD have to do some research THEMSELF.
Ur explanation is quite awsome, keep it up.
Thank you, I will :)
Hey Johnny thanks for the help. My bike is now much more zoomy. Now I am doing finishing touches.
Well done video! Excellent detail for a one man band!
30:51 heeey I have a "crappy" pre-built bike! It looks better than that, especially its "cable management". And it's not actually crappy. I'm a noob tbh and I am planning to convert it to a more powerful mid-drive. Your video was very helpful and convinced me it's time to upgrade. No doubt I'll be rewatching this a few times.
All the videos are great but this one is the best. Thanks!!
Thanks! Camera work isn’t my best but it was a cramped bedroom 😀
The reason you should use lock tight is because of thermal expansion !
What that is when your useing steel bolts into aluminum frame parts is when you have two diffrent materials like steel and aluminum they expand and contract due to temperatures the bolts tend to come loose and the lock tight prevents that, and that is why it is ecenchel . That is the only reason you should allways use it when bolting into aluminum.
I've had aluminium seat post get welder in to aluminium aluminium frames, so maybe some barrier loke yhst would help?
Hello Johnny...Great videos, love this one in particular.
I'm in England and here in the UK we can only legally have a 250W motor, which must be pedal assist only with a top speed of 15.5 mph. How bad is that! Our Government regs are 10 years behind everyone else.
I want a serious eBike, not a pathetic one that can't climb a hill.
Love the vids, keep doing them .
Get the larger motor and chance it, I am in US and damn the torpedoes full speed ahead! Good luck,!
Bafang supply 250w stickers with their 750and1000 watt motors…… no one needs know what wattage you are really running
Thank you for that information , much appreciated.
I’m so friggin excited!!!! I’ve been stressing out about e bikes $$$$
Brand new Schwinn Axum DP. Nice bike. How easily it came apart isn't a great reflection on the Wally World assembler.
Nice build. I personally would add the gear sensor with that much power & a throttle.
Glad to see such a nice build get an upgraded chain ring.
That's going to be one nice e-bike.
🤣
Settled my issue with the seller on the freewheel gear issue and was able to upgrade the gear set.
NOW the motor is quite another issue. From the pictures and videos of the comparison between the BBS02 and the BBSHD. This one appears to be a BBS02. The stamped number has been obviously tampered with. The stickers in the box say 36V 250W. The Amazon vendor is Greenergia, so BUYER BEWARE!!!
tip, dielectric grease on all the connections help them slip together and keep corrosion away
I'm boning up for my install. I got a BBS02 from Johnny and it fits my old Cannondale F1000 hardtail with a millimeter or less gap by the drive side chainstay. I'm picking up some spacers in case I decide that's to little room. I'm going to use a California e-Bikes stabilizer bar since the frame is aluminum and a lot of folks have the mid-drive's lockring teeth loosen up with aluminum bottom bracket shells. I assume that ideal chain line is with the chain in the middle of the rear cluster. I've ordered up some Lekkie crank arms since I don't like the idea of Bafang's asymmetry with their cranks. I really don't like the idea of the wad-o-wires up behind the motor. To compact it some, I'll probably use a length of large diameter shrink tubing.
All very good if you have a box frame. I have a triangular section frame. The two water bottle mounts aren't strong enough and you'll end up ripping the bolts from the frame.
If you are working with a sketchy frame, you can use a product called “bottle bobs” that do a great job reinforcing those mounts
Love it, the new chapter in your life xD
Writing this, i have everything just fitting it now.
Sabfo
Nice camerawork!
Very helpful video. Good work Johnny
Thinking about doing this to my Orbea Alma.
Thanks for the great vid. I can't get past the downgrading cranks to the old square tapered shaft. Most modern bikes do not use that crap.
Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it.
Thank you, well done very helpful. Play through.
I definitely wanna try this. I got the radrover step thru 2020 version and I've been looking at getting my girl and ebike for trail riding with me. Problem is were both only 5'4 and she just thinks it's too much bike for her. I'll pry just buy her a decent priced solid frame she likes and build one now. Thanks man
Great comparison Pc - Bike. Yeah like it
Cable management is imperative. ;)
My BBS02 headlight wires came with 2 small spade connectors, both had black wires. A 6V DC LED light is polarized. There was nothing for it but to just try one polarity and see if it worked and hope it didn't fry somethign if it wasn't. I come here today to tell you if you headlight doesn't work try swapping the wires over. Apparently wiring it up in the reverse didn't seem to cause any damage.
@5:25 - totally agree about having a DECENT crank puller. Had this happen to me (partially due to me handling the tool for the first time, but anyway). No serious damage was done, because I was removing an old el cheapo riveted together crankset (worn chainrings; only replaceable as a whole unit) only to throw it away (-!
Awesome and informative video, thanks!
Drinking game idea - a shot every time you say "zip tie"
I managed to hide the slack in the cabling up higher on the bike and under my phone/bike bag. Give it a try it's a lot cleaner looking.
Nice! Ya it’s an art form, not a science when trying to do cable management
I like how u give good eye contact!
It’s what separates me from the Monkeys 🦍🦧🐵
You are inspiring. Really liking your videos. Was considering buying a new made one, but now thinking I might be better off making my own.
Thanks Daniel 😀It’s the way to go if you want the best performance and best value. Is it the easiest though …..