Motobecane (now Surly) with BBS02

[pexio]

Here are a few pics of my recently completed Motobecane Fantom Team mtb with BBS02 48V 750W (20A) conversion kit. The goal of this conversion was, like any other bike upgrade, to hopefully allow me to cycle faster and/or further given my skills and abilities (or lack thereof!). After upgrading my girlfriend's townie a few months ago with an identical 48V 750W BBS02, I bought one for myself (again from conhismotor) because they're just so darned fun!

I've had this bike for about 3 years and like it a lot. It has a 68mm BB shell and "normal" down tube so installing the motor unit was easy. I wanted a frame-mounted battery pack but there was limited room in the triangle except for a fairly small triangle bag from Ibera. In order to maximize battery capacity, I elected to build a custom battery pack to fit this bag. It's a 14S6P arrangement of Samsung 29E cells (from EVVA) giving approximately 51V and 17.4AH. It's equipped with a 14S 40A BMS and 5A charger, both from EM3EV.

I wanted low gears for the short, but steep hills here in Western Massachusetts so I ordered a 42t replacement chainring from alcedoitalia.it. In addition to lowering the gearing, the new chainring gives a perfect 47.5mm chainline. I also replaced the 11-34 cassette with an 11-36 plus 42t cog from Wolf Tooth. With this gearing, the bike climbs like a mountain goat!

I've only had the bike out on the singletrack a couple of times so far but I'm very pleased with its performance!

 

[skeetab5780]

Nice build! I used to have that same exact frame I liked it a lot. Where about in western MA? we aren't far apart.

 

[pexio]

Nice build! I used to have that same exact frame I liked it a lot. Where about in western MA? we aren't far apart.

Thanks! I live in Longmeadow. I ride most often at Robinson, Earl's and Batchelor Street.

 

[skeetab5780]

ouch you weren't kidding its actually 49 miles from me. Still I think there quite a few of us in MA we should plan some weekend ride some time.

 

[pexio]

ouch you weren't kidding its actually 49 miles from me. Still I think there quite a few of us in MA we should plan some weekend ride some time.

Absolutely! Although after looking at your bikes, I'm pretty sure I couldn't keep up! :wink:

 

[1KW]

Awesome! Such a clean build.

What's range, top speed, ect

 

[Kepler]

Very well thought out build. I like the battery especially. Noticed you soldered directly to the tabs. I wouldn't mind doing a 13S 4P pack and see if I can squeeze it into a handle bag.

 

[pexio]

Thanks 1KW and Kepler!

1KW, It's a little too early to gauge the range - I don't have a CA or wattmeter (yet!). I built this bike exclusively for singletrack and wanted to be able to ride for a long time. Basically, I wanted me to be pooped before the bike! So far, I haven't been disappointed. Top speed is about 25 mph or so - it's geared pretty low.

Kepler, yes, I used a 230W soldering gun which ensured that I didn't spend more than 3 seconds on each joint. My girlfriend's bike has a 13s4p brick of 29E cells (in a 6x9 arrangement). It's pretty compact. Some vendors even sell this arrangement to fit in a fairly small seat bag: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/50am...electric-bike-lithium-battery/1834277756.html

 

[kfong]

Nice to see another Motobecane build. Looks like a fun midrive setup. I've been enjoying mine on the trails, can't get enough riding in. Hoping to hit some of the more challenging trails this weekend. 17ahr, in that triangle is impressive, I may have to look into that for my next packs. I'm running 12S lipos for a total of 15ahr, but use only 13 to keep the battery life at optimal.

 

[sanzo]

Here are a few pics of my recently completed Motobecane Fantom Team mtb with BBS02 48V 750W (20A) conversion kit. The goal of this conversion was, like any other bike upgrade, to hopefully allow me to cycle faster and/or further given my skills and abilities (or lack thereof!). After upgrading my girlfriend's townie a few months ago with an identical 48V 750W BBS02, I bought one for myself (again from conhismotor) because they're just so darned fun!

I've had this bike for about 3 years and like it a lot. It has a 68mm BB shell and "normal" down tube so installing the motor unit was easy. I wanted a frame-mounted battery pack but there was limited room in the triangle except for a fairly small triangle bag from Ibera. In order to maximize battery capacity, I elected to build a custom battery pack to fit this bag. It's a 14S6P arrangement of Samsung 29E cells (from EVVA) giving approximately 51V and 17.4AH. It's equipped with a 14S 40A BMS and 5A charger, both from EM3EV.

I wanted low gears for the short, but steep hills here in Western Massachusetts so I ordered a 42t replacement chainring from alcedoitalia.it. In addition to lowering the gearing, the new chainring gives a perfect 47.5mm chainline. I also replaced the 11-34 cassette with an 11-36 plus 42t cog from Wolf Tooth. With this gearing, the bike climbs like a mountain goat!

I've only had the bike out on the singletrack a couple of times so far but I'm very pleased with its performance!

Hi,
Nice bike.
Thankgs for ur information.

Could you tell me the chain alignment??

I can't see the corona 42T chainring.
I think It's flat. Is it a 2level of the chainring. (Tooth is in the inside??)

The alignment of the 42T chainring from 42T cog is No problem??
Can I see the picture of the alignment??

 

[mclark999]

How much did you spend altogether on the battery pack?

 

[pexio]

Hi,
Nice bike.
Thankgs for ur information.

Could you tell me the chain alignment??

I can't see the corona 42T chainring.
I think It's flat. Is it a 2level of the chainring. (Tooth is in the inside??)

The alignment of the 42T chainring from 42T cog is No problem??
Can I see the picture of the alignment??

Thanks, sanzo. Yes, the 42t chainring is "2 level" - it is NOT flat. The teeth are offset more inward than the stock Bafang chainring. With the SRAM X7 Type 2 rear derailleur, it shifts perfectly through the 11-42 range. Here are some pics:



View attachment 1

 

[pexio]

How much did you spend altogether on the battery pack?

I probably saved a couple hundred over the US$705 that EM3EV sells their 29E triangle pack for currently. Truth be told, I'd buy the pack ready-made from Paul if I had to do it over again. Building the pack was a real PITA!

 

[pexio]

Nice to see another Motobecane build. Looks like a fun midrive setup. I've been enjoying mine on the trails, can't get enough riding in. Hoping to hit some of the more challenging trails this weekend. 17ahr, in that triangle is impressive, I may have to look into that for my next packs. I'm running 12S lipos for a total of 15ahr, but use only 13 to keep the battery life at optimal.

Thanks, kfong. Your Moto is sweet! Yeah, the battery is working out well so far. Next purchase is a wattmeter to monitor its performance.

 

[pexio]

After several weeks with the Motobecane e-mountain bike, I've decided to pull the Bafang kit off and put it on a different bike. My decision had nothing to do with the Bafang, per se, but with the overall handling performance with the added 20 lbs. of battery pack and electric motor. The weight of the Motobecane increased from 28 to 48lbs and that really affected the handling on the tight, twisty singletrack that I usually ride. Uphill and downhill performance was great, though.

Also, I find that I'm riding my townie/grocery-getter a lot more and it made more sense to install the Bafang on that bike since it gets more use these days. So, the BBS02 was removed from the Motobecane and installed on my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I'm keeping the alcedoitalia 42t chainring since with the 11-34 cassette, it will still hit 32 mph. Also, key programming changes, most notably Keep Current 100%, makes the PAS much more useful and enjoyable. Thank you folks on the Programming thread for uncovering this!

 

[tahustvedt]

Very nice bike. Cool to see another surly.

 

[pexio]

Very nice bike. Cool to see another surly.

Thanks tahustvedt. Actually, pics of your Cross-Check were the motivation for me to move my kit to the LHT!

 

[skyungjae]

http://50.116.60.235/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=161

I would think there would be enough space to fit one of these.

 

[pexio]

http://50.116.60.235/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=161

I would think there would be enough space to fit one of these.

Hi,
Yes, that battery case will fit the Surly frame but not my Motobecane. Problem for me is that case only holds 52 cells and my pack has 84 (14S6P).

 

[skyungjae]

Frame estate looks similar to this bike. I was thinking about getting one of those Fantom frames for my next e-bike build if that battery fit.

 

[wineboyrider]

Nice thread and bike build(s)! I actually admire the battery soldering . But, you said on your Motebacane you got 25mph, but on the Surly you get 32mph tops.

Also, I find that I'm riding my townie/grocery-getter a lot more and it made more sense to install the Bafang on that bike since it gets more use these days. So, the BBS02 was removed from the Motobecane and installed on my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I'm keeping the alcedoitalia 42t chainring since with the 11-34 cassette, it will still hit 32 mph. Also, key programming changes, most notably Keep Current 100%, makes the PAS much more useful and enjoyable. Thank you folks on the Programming thread for uncovering this!

Is this speed a gearing only change or is weight of the bike etc....?
Cheers!

 

[pexio]

Frame estate looks similar to this bike. I was thinking about getting one of those Fantom frames for my next e-bike build if that battery fit.

skyungjae, I measured my bike several times because I was going to use one of those battery boxes initially. It looked to be a very close fit (if at all) and I wasn't prepared to buy the box unless I was sure. If you're handy enough, anything will fit!

 

[pexio]

Nice thread and bike build(s)! I actually admire the battery soldering . But, you said on your Motebacane you got 25mph, but on the Surly you get 32mph tops. Is this speed a gearing only change or is weight of the bike etc....?
Cheers!

Thanks Wineboyrider! I'd say the main difference in speed (on pavement) is due to the slower knobby tires of the Motobecane. If anything, I think the Surly is heavier! Also, building a cable and programming the controller probably helped as well.

In the month since moving the kit to the Surly, I can confirm that it was the right decision for me. I ride the Surly everyday, running up to the store and toodling around town. The Motobecane is primarily a weekend warrior.

 

[maxwell92036]

Nice thread and bike build(s)! I actually admire the battery soldering . But, you said on your Motebacane you got 25mph, but on the Surly you get 32mph tops. Is this speed a gearing only change or is weight of the bike etc....?
Cheers!

Thanks Wineboyrider! I'd say the main difference in speed (on pavement) is due to the slower knobby tires of the Motobecane. If anything, I think the Surly is heavier! Also, building a cable and programming the controller probably helped as well.

In the month since moving the kit to the Surly, I can confirm that it was the right decision for me. I ride the Surly everyday, running up to the store and toodling around town. The Motobecane is primarily a weekend warrior.

I am an avid mountain biker too and for me using an electric mountain bike feels "wrong". I love my electric bike but I use it for commuting and errands and saving wear and tear on the car. I hope that my trails don't become littered with electric bikes. Sometimes you need a break from motors!

 

[skyungjae]

Nice thread and bike build(s)! I actually admire the battery soldering . But, you said on your Motebacane you got 25mph, but on the Surly you get 32mph tops. Is this speed a gearing only change or is weight of the bike etc....?
Cheers!

Thanks Wineboyrider! I'd say the main difference in speed (on pavement) is due to the slower knobby tires of the Motobecane. If anything, I think the Surly is heavier! Also, building a cable and programming the controller probably helped as well.

In the month since moving the kit to the Surly, I can confirm that it was the right decision for me. I ride the Surly everyday, running up to the store and toodling around town. The Motobecane is primarily a weekend warrior.

I am an avid mountain biker too and for me using an electric mountain bike feels "wrong". I love my electric bike but I use it for commuting and errands and saving wear and tear on the car. I hope that my trails don't become littered with electric bikes. Sometimes you need a break from motors!

I don't think you need to worry maxwell. I think most people who have the skill level necessary to ride the trails you do aren't interested in e-bikes, and those people who are interested in e-mtb just don't have the skill to really ride off road. I've let plenty of people try my e-mtb. The initial thought is that it should be easier, but it's actually a lot more complicated. By the end of the ride, I usually end up riding the e-mtb and they my regular bike.

I have to say though, it is funny seeing them do an accidental wheelie trying to go up a moderate grade and then see them do it again on a regular mountain bike. :lol: