Ebike Initial Thoughts - buy new or buy a kit to convert an old bike?

[Madmarcus]

That looks like another interesting commercial bike. Slightly less nominal power and smaller battery than the Soltera 2 but similar price. Very stealthy too even if that isn't all that important to me. It's beginning to look like there a number of these from about $1000 - $1500 although from vendors that are mostly direct to consumers so hard to get a test ride.

It also shows why I started the thread as Google searching really doesn't show these bikes unless you already know the brand or model because the results are dominated by the big brands or generic "Best ebike that fits X single constaint" which aren't great for comparison. Now back to at least sketching out the mid drive build for roughly similar specs (probably a slightly bigger battery).

 

[ZeroEm]

That looks like another interesting commercial bike. Slightly less nominal power and smaller battery than the Soltera 2 but similar price. Very stealthy too even if that isn't all that important to me. It's beginning to look like there a number of these from about $1000 - $1500 although from vendors that are mostly direct to consumers so hard to get a test ride.

It also shows why I started the thread as Google searching really doesn't show these bikes unless you already know the brand or model because the results are dominated by the big brands or generic "Best ebike that fits X single constaint" which aren't great for comparison. Now back to at least sketching out the mid drive build for roughly similar specs (probably a slightly bigger battery).

Just want to point one thing out Direct Drive Hubs (DD) not powered will produce a drag. Unlike the mid drives or geared hubs.
light Ebike to carry into the house is not a Ebike to pull steep hills. Chose one.
I could not ride very far without assist. Can not push hard on the peddles for long. An adjustable assist is important. makes the ride more enjoyable. Most of my ebike riding is around 15mph. Mostly start out at 75w and normally end up at 150w when I get tired.
Would like to try a torque sensor. the harder you push the more the motor helps. I set up my pas backwards from most. the faster I peddle the less it helps me and the slower the more. This is my idea of it: when you hit a hill you slow down, don't want less power want more.

 

[stancecoke]

Now back to at least sketching out the mid drive build for roughly similar specs

There are some options for a DIY middrive:
- Most popular: Bafang BBSxx with no torquesensor
- TSDZ2/TSDZ8 with torquesensor
- ToSeven DM01/ 02 with torquesensor
- CYC for high power

I don't like middrives, as they are noisy and my BionX IGH3 DD pushed me up any slope so far. Of course, on very steep and long ascents, the middrive has it's advantage, but only there....