BBSHD Future proof/worth it 2020?

[rhysgittoes]

Hi there,

I'm about to splash the cash on a BBSHD from aliexpress for 500 pounds, and make my own Li-ion battery using the Vruzend kit.

Before I do spend all this cash is there enough headroom performance wise for the future? - The BBSHD has been out for a few years, less than its brother the BBS02b of course.

I've never owned an ebike but own a 50cc 2 stroke goped scooter an love the power that thing has. Really for this kind of money I'd like to see that sort of power on my bike, I've heard of people running the phase runner and would consider upgrading in the future, is that a reliable setup for regular use?

I've been recommended to go with a simpler hub motor, considering I dont need to go off road, but my MTB doesn't have dropouts, only a quick release at the front and a thru axle at the back. I've heard of GRIN thru motors, is getting one of those more bang for buck considering my application?

I'll be using this very rarely off road but live in a semi-hilly area and do deliveroo's on my days off.


Cheers for the help, I'll be sharing my first ebike experience in detail.

Rhys Gittoes

 

[Tommm]

Don't think the HD is worth it. Bbs02 is lighter and smaller, cheaper. You are taking 52v 25a vs 52v 28/30a depending on seller.

500+tax (pounds) vs 470 (dollars) from within EU on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EU-NO-taxes-48V-750W-8fun-bafang-motor-BBS02B-crank-Motor-electric-ebike-kits/253794681242?hash=item3b1757819a:g:LXUAAOSwKWVeYxuw

 

[MadRhino]

No BB drive can come close to a well built 2 stroke 50cc. If this is the performance that you seek, you need to reconsider your choice of motorization, and building budget.

 

[markz]

Vruzend kit

have you read up on some of the reviews here on ES about the Vruzend kit?

Take a look at the www.ebikes.ca website, as they have a sale on their batteries which is stated in Canadian Dollars, so to convert to USD its 0.74 plus the shipping will be quick.

 

[rhysgittoes]

Don't think the HD is worth it. Bbs02 is lighter and smaller, cheaper. You are taking 52v 25a vs 52v 28/30a depending on seller.

500+tax (pounds) vs 470 (dollars) from within EU on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EU-NO-taxes-48V-750W-8fun-bafang-motor-BBS02B-crank-Motor-electric-ebike-kits/253794681242?hash=item3b1757819a:g:LXUAAOSwKWVeYxuw

Okay so you reckon the BBS02 will be enough for my needs. Can you bump up the S02 to 1500 - 2000W?
Just a bit stuck on whether that extra 150 pounds is worth spending for the HD

Cheers for the reply.

 

[rhysgittoes]

Vruzend kit

have you read up on some of the reviews here on ES about the Vruzend kit?

Take a look at the www.ebikes.ca website, as they have a sale on their batteries which is stated in Canadian Dollars, so to convert to USD its 0.74 plus the shipping will be quick.

Ahh okay, had no clue its in Candian Dollars!

No I haven't but i'll have a look. I have experience with RC electronics, is it the Kit thats sub standard, or is it just hard to work with?

Cheers for the replies

 

[dogman dan]

Well, as I often say, if you want a motorcycle and don't have a huge budget, buy a motorcycle. Like a 125 scooter if you want more power and speed. Those are still pretty dang affordable, buying used. A real motorcycle power e bike gets quite expensive.

The other thing I've said here on this forum about a million times, is don't ruin your favorite bike with a motor.

You can fairly cheaply improve the performance of a cheap 1000w kit dd motor by putting it on 72v. Get a bike with regular rear dropouts, and slap one on it. Not a piece of shit though, just a well worn decent bike.

Or, you can just come to your senses about motorcycle power, and just put a BB kit on your favorite bike. Chances are it will make you very happy. The main problem with big power, is carrying the big battery it needs. Moderate power is till a LOT, compared to pedaling.

 

[rhysgittoes]

Well, as I often say, if you want a motorcycle and don't have a huge budget, buy a motorcycle. Like a 125 scooter if you want more power and speed. Those are still pretty dang affordable, buying used. A real motorcycle power e bike gets quite expensive.

The other thing I've said here on this forum about a million times, is don't ruin your favorite bike with a motor.

You can fairly cheaply improve the performance of a cheap 1000w kit dd motor by putting it on 72v. Get a bike with regular rear dropouts, and slap one on it. Not a piece of shit though, just a well worn decent bike.

Or, you can just come to your senses about motorcycle power, and just put a BB kit on your favorite bike. Chances are it will make you very happy. The main problem with big power, is carrying the big battery it needs. Moderate power is till a LOT, compared to pedaling.

Cheers -

My bike is a Santa Cruz Bronson, which I mainly use on the road.
I've never ridden a powerful ebike before, so maybe I'll be fine with a BBS02b.

Main reason to electrify it is for deliveroo and getting to and from uni - But at the same time I was thinking I'd spend a little more to enjoy the ride.

My concern is would putting that extra 170 quid in the pot to get the HD not the S02b worth it in terms of future power/reliability. I only have one considerable hill on my route, which I'll be cautions on.

Sorry for all the questions, not having ridden any of these makes it hard to decide!

Cheers

 

[Tommm]

Don't think the HD is worth it. Bbs02 is lighter and smaller, cheaper. You are taking 52v 25a vs 52v 28/30a depending on seller.

500+tax (pounds) vs 470 (dollars) from within EU on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EU-NO-taxes-48V-750W-8fun-bafang-motor-BBS02B-crank-Motor-electric-ebike-kits/253794681242?hash=item3b1757819a:g:LXUAAOSwKWVeYxuw

Okay so you reckon the BBS02 will be enough for my needs. Can you bump up the S02 to 1500 - 2000W?
Just a bit stuck on whether that extra 150 pounds is worth spending for the HD

Cheers for the reply.

I wouldn't want 2000w from a mid motor that has only 130rpm cadence to begin with. Bike parts aren't designed for humongous torque like that. The more powerful it is, the more time you will spend wrenching.

 

[MadRhino]

For delivery, you want reliability. I would use a DD hub. And, if you want more power and speed, it will be easy to feed it more watts and volts. Keep it moderate for delivery, so it will last a long time with minimal maintenance.

If you really want power, a big hub does beat your 50cc two strokes easily, and you will need only a single freewheel. But, your bike won’t feel like a bicycle anymore. It will be an ultra light motorcycle, sub 100 lbs if you spend to build it well.

BB drives are made to retain the bicycle feel: Light weight, light wheels, effective suspension. But they can’t take much power, for the simple reason that they are using a bicycle drive train. The more power you pull off them, the less reliable they are.

 

[rhysgittoes]

For delivery, you want reliability. I would use a DD hub. And, if you want more power and speed, it will be easy to feed it more watts and volts. Keep it moderate for delivery, so it will last a long time with minimal maintenance.

If you really want power, a big hub does beat your 50cc two strokes easily, and you will need only a single freewheel. But, your bike won’t feel like a bicycle anymore. It will be an ultra light motorcycle, sub 100 lbs if you spend to build it well.

BB drives are made to retain the bicycle feel: Light weight, light wheels, effective suspension. But they can’t take much power, for the simple reason that they are using a bicycle drive train. The more power you pull off them, the less reliable they are.

Okay thank you! You may have convinced me to look further for a hub motor - Do you know of any thru axle / Quick release hub motors other than Grin?

Thanks

Rhys

 

[MadRhino]

I don’t know any other. When building for power and reliability, we make steel dropouts to fit on the bike actual dropouts. Then we can use any motor, as fast and powerful as we like.

 

[markz]

Grin www.ebikes.ca are innovators when it comes to the ebike industry. Theirs is "probably" the only thru-axle, to a fairly high degree they would be the only ones, but hey I dont keep tabs on thru-axle, new fangled, smangle thru-axle, tapered headset, stuff.

 

[Yermommy]

I ride an sv650 and I have a BBSHD with the grin phaserunner v3 on a 72v battery. It's set up with the 30t front sprocket and I'm installing a steel gear in it this weekend. The BBSHD with 50 battery amps and 96 phase amps is incredibly torquey and gives you the feeling of dropping the clutch and wringing the throttle in first gear. Its a very capable motor but if you're used to 50cc gas, I'd recommend something like the QS 1000w or 2000w. Their watt ratings mean absolutely nothing in terms of how much power can be pushed for a few seconds. The 1000w can probably handle 5000w peak and the 2000w can probably handle close to 10,000w peak. It all depends on what you want to build and ride. I don't really peddle unless I'm trying to get exercise, I mostly just use throttle only.

 

[docw009]

It's just me, but I wouldn't use the Vruzend kit either unless it was for a little battery. I never owned one, but have seen a few people struggling with them on these forums, mostly not being able to maintain contact on big batteries.