Looking for advice for my first build

[CatfishMan]

Been lurking these forums for a while now so figured it was time to post. I'm looking to do a mid-drive build (leaning toward the TSDZ2 for the torque sensing). It would just be for recreation. I have a regular cross bike that I use for riding and I will NOT be converting that. I live in an extremely hilly area and there are parts of the area I just won't go near because of that. I would like to put together an e-bike so I can expand my region of where I ride. One thing that is very important to me is to be able to pedal with no assistance and not experience any kind of drag or "off" feeling when pedaling. Is this possible with a mid-drive?

I'm thinking I will probably install a throttle and brake sensors just to have it. I plan on getting a used bike from Craigslist or FB Marketplace. Already been looking at that. Any advice on what to look for? I've seen a lot of people suggest getting suspension. How necessary is that? And is just front suspension enough? And I've noticed that it seems most pre-built e-bikes are 26" wheels. Is that what I should be looking for? Or are 29's okay? Mountain bike? Hybrid? I would be doing probably 50%/50% road/gravel path riding. I saw a pretty good deal on a Diamondback Haanjo Metro commuter bike. Doesn't have suspension, but has disc brakes and I like that it already only has just the one chainwheel so no front derailleur (which I would be getting rid of anyway).

To be honest I don't even think I have a need to ever go more than 20 MPH or so. I just want something that will assist me on hills when needed and will give me good battery life. I anticipate going on 50-60 mile rides, but maybe 25% or less using the motor (but obviously going up hills).

 

[bakaneko]

- comes with 44t and might not have aftermarket sprockets yet according to luna. gotta look into that unless you have a really large cassette.
- you will want to go 20mph or more; 50-60 with assisted still means a 500-700wH battery
- since u want to do some off-roading dual suspension is probably better but you can get a seat suspension and just front fork. not sure how well that seat suspension works. i went from single fork to cruiser and i feel every bump on the cruiser on the road

 

[flat tire]

Seat suspension is better than nothing on smooth roads when you aren't trying to go fast.

If you want to go fast on rough offroad F/R suspension is a must have. Older bike with originally more expensive suspension and $20 service kit will be several times better than new cheap bike. You've probably never serviced suspension before so you may be thinking it's something you can't do but it will probably take you less time than installing that mid drive. You may or may not be able to service the rear shock yourself.

nothing good on ebikes is easy or cheap.