First build (BBSHD) - any advice?

[semo]

Hi,

My name is Finn and I live in Belgium. I’m been researching e-bikes for the past couple of weeks and I think it’s time to take the plunge!

The bike will be used for (relatively light) trail riding, but I’ll also want to use it for commuting (once in a while – I work in different locations, some of which aren’t in e-biking distance). Top speed 40-50 km/h (25-30 mph) would be sufficient for me. There area where I live has some moderate hills, and I’m a fairly big guy (110kg/240lbs – 1m90/6’2”) so I think I need a motor and battery with enough juice.
My preference is a mid-drive (ease of install, feeling when riding, weight distribution, easy to replace wheels,…).

I will probably order from Em3ev, since Paul seems to have a good reputation (most important), fair pricing, and has EU compatible chargers (and also, I’ve had a little more luck with taxes on products from China than from the US).
I’ve found some dealers in Belgium/The Netherlands/France, but their kits are almost twice as expensive and I can hardly find any reviews on them.

I’m looking at the following setup and I was hoping for your feedback? Anything I overlooked?

Bike:
http://www.btwin.com/en/mountain-bi...rockrider-580-mountain-bike-white-orange.html
Frame: Frame : 100.0% Aluminium 6061 - would that be an issue, or do I really need to look for a steel frame?
Wheels: 27.5"
Disk brakes

I haven’t bought the bike yet. What should I measure exactly in order to be sure a BBSHD will fit, other than the width of the bottom bracket?


BBSHD kit:
Motor: BBSHD, 1000W, 30A – low voltage cut 43V
Chain wheel: 42T bling ring HD
Left thumb throttle
2 pc sensor for hydraulic brakes
(no gear sensor)
Display: DPC14

Battery:
50V, 18.9Ah (14S9P-22P) Triangle+Bag
58.8V 5A charger

Tools:
BBS02/HD INSTALLATION & SERVICING TOOL, FROM CALIFORNIA EBIKE (http://em3ev.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=250)
(Any other ‘special’ tools I would need? I’ve got all the standard wrenches, screwdrivers,… but not any bicycle-specific tools).

Extra:
Would I need any kind of shims/spacers?
I can’t seem to find a programming cable on the EM3ev site – or is it included in the kit?


Total cost about 2000 EUR / 2200 USD (incl shipping and taxes).


I still need to double check the BB width on the bike, as well as dimensions of the triangle of the frame (check if the battery will fit).
Is there anything else I need to take into account?

I’ve read mixed messages on the gear sensor… a lot of people seem to do without so I’m not sure if it would be worth it.

So… still some open questions, but I would really appreciate your input!




[edit: added some details about the bike]

 

[Belgium]

Hi,

I am from Belgium myself and have installed a BBSHD and BBS02 this year.
Both from EM3V.
Send me a PM so I can help you.

 

[semo]

Thanks! I've sent you an email with some Belgium-specific questions

 

[mrMikasa]

I have also installed a BBSHD and BBS02 this year.

Both with gear sensor and hydralic e-brake sensor. It's a must.

Color TFT-LCD is nice. Clock and WATT measure. But startup password is useless due to power to motor still functional.

 

[bigun]

I would agree about the gearsensor being essential. I also read mixed reviews, and was on the fence about it. I rode for a week or two without the gearsensor (before I got around to installing it).

I still haven't installed my brake cutoffs, so I had to stop pedaling, wait for the motor to cut off (there's maybe a 3/4s lag), then shift, then pedal again. It is really unnatural and slow, and terrible on steep inclines. I would wind up having shifts under power quite often, which is really hard on the chain.

I've read that some people use the brake as a cutoff before shifting, I haven't had a chance to try that yet, but it sounds unnatural. And if somebody else rides your bike, they will not remember to do this.

Since I installed the gearsensor, i can ride the bike and shift like normal. The motor cutoff is quick and not disruptive at all. IMO getting the gearsensor is a no-brainer.