EGravel build

Joined
Apr 25, 2023
Messages
59
Location
North America
Nothing special. I used a Bafang Sutto 36v 250w rear hub. I wanted a stealth build so I used my bikepacking bags to hide a lot of the cabling and battery. The only problem I found was that surprised me was to find that square taper bottom bracket axles don't all have the same shaft diameter. I had to buy a number of bottom brackets until I found one that would properly fit the left side PAS sensor. All works well and I am very satisfied.
Only problem with the rear hub motor, vs a mid-drive motor, is the hassle changing a rear flat. Since the motor cable is tie-wrapped to the stays I need to carry cable ties to clean up after cutting everything off to repair a flat. Now I am trying Muc-off sealant for tubes.
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Nice build am sure you will have tons of fun..

consider fixing any rear punctures with the wheel on the bike It takes a tad more dexterity and patience but not that much ;) ripped tyres will be a pita but cest la vie.. you might want to check out cheap velcro wraps too no chance of overtightening and slicing into important cables like with cable ties, and a doddle to pull n replace..
 
I double wrapped my rim with a 20" tube cutting to keep the rim from piercing the tube, I believe the rim can cause a flat in conjunction with the rock or potholes.
 
Only problem with the rear hub motor, vs a mid-drive motor, is the hassle changing a rear flat.

It looks like you have room for bigger tires. That's the first, best line of defense against flat tires, especially when coupled with armored tires. I recommend a Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x38 or (if it fits), a Kenda Kwick Drumlin 700x50 tire in the rear.
 
It looks like you have room for bigger tires. That's the first, best line of defense against flat tires, especially when coupled with armored tires. I recommend a Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x38 or (if it fits), a Kenda Kwick Drumlin 700x50 tire in the rear.
The current tires could be 45mm wide:

I like tires with larger knobs along the outer edges when riding on loose surfaces. Provides a little more confidence when turning/leaning, at least for me. Flats suck, but losing traction and falling off a cliff would suck more. Armored tires are a nice to have, as long as the tire has sufficient tread/traction for the surface.

I use FlatOut for flat protection now. Like everyone, I've tried a few approaches, but that's where I'm at now.
Don't get the tuffy style inserts. After a lot of flat free miles, the edges sliced my heavy duty tube and caused a flat.

I've found these velcro chainstay protectors work great for cable routing and eliminating zip ties on my motor cable. I hate changing flats, but this makes it slightly more convenient, and no need to carry extra zip ties.
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I am going to take advantage of velcro, good idea. The tires are as big as will fit that frame. I have decided I am going to do a mid-drive conversion on another frame with wider spacing.
 
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