Suppliers for Bafang Mid drive

[Electro-Fox]

Hey all...
Any of you know who the best supplier is for the BaFang mid drive? I know they just came out with the 1000 watt and figure that there must be some deals on the 750 watt models. Another question is do you think the 1000 watt is worth the extra money?

Thanks
EF

 

[RageNR]

The BBSHD (1000w) is the better one for sure. It is larger and better built. The larger mass also helps it dissipate heat much better. Not many reports of overheating with that one.
On the flip side, it is more power hungry. Meaning, less efficient. So you have to make up your mind. You want more power + speed, or range? The BBS02 can be fast as well, but not as capable as the BBSHD.

As for who to order from, I think Luna Cycles is the best bet. They are stateside and can offer product/warranty support should you run into an issue. This is who I was thinking of buying from before deciding to go with the Cyclone 3000w kit instead. That is another option, if you have not considered it already.

 

[Electro-Fox]

The BBSHD (1000w) is the better one for sure. It is larger and better built. The larger mass also helps it dissipate heat much better. Not many reports of overheating with that one.
On the flip side, it is more power hungry. Meaning, less efficient. So you have to make up your mind. You want more power + speed, or range? The BBS02 can be fast as well, but not as capable as the BBSHD.

As for who to order from, I think Luna Cycles is the best bet. They are stateside and can offer product/warranty support should you run into an issue. This is who I was thinking of buying from before deciding to go with the Cyclone 3000w kit instead. That is another option, if you have not considered it already.

Thanks RageNR... I have checked out Luna Cycles. I am thinking of EM3ev as he seems to have a better deal.. Why did you go with the Cyclone?

 

[RageNR]

Thanks RageNR... I have checked out Luna Cycles. I am thinking of EM3ev as he seems to have a better deal.. Why did you go with the Cyclone?

No problem. Just passing along what I know. EM3ev was the original supplier of these kits I believe, but he is based in China. There are some issues he no longer covers due to people abusing the generous warranty. And if you do have a warranty claim, you will be dealing with the shipping back and forth. To me, Luna was a better option despite costing a bit more. USA seller and supporter.

For my build, I am still hashing out the details. But, I will be going with the Cyclone for sure. Keep in mind it requires more work on your part to setup. Not as plug-and-play as the Bafang kits.
So if you decide on the Cyclone, be prepared to do lots of research so you know what you are getting yourself into.
Here is my build thread if you would like to follow along: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=81052&p=1193735#p1193735
This was the previous build thread that I put on hold for various reasons. Still lots of good info to read through (read the entire thread for all the discussed considerations) : https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=80665

There several other members that have been around much longer than I, and also have Cyclone builds. I would check many of them out to get an idea of the playing field.

Just real quick, I will list some of my considerations for choosing the Cyclone over the Bafang:
- Cyclone is much more powerful. Almost 2x
- Cyclone is cheaper. Gives you more room to spend money elsewhere. Like a bigger/better battery for example.
- Cyclone kit is adaptable. Your imagination is the limit. Bafang only has one position to mount it to the bike.
- Bafang BBSHD is more effiecent. The BBS02 is even more so.
- Bafang likes to chew up chains and gear teeth more than the Cyclone.
- Cyclone gives you the option to have 2 gears up front on the crank (w/a 3 piece chainring), vs only one gear on the crank for the Bafang. More gears = more range of rpm/speed/power
- Cyclone is more durable
- Bafang is a relatively easy install. Much simpler and clean setup. Like Lego of ebikes.
- Bafang motor is quieter.
- Bafang motor controller is proprietary, and "built-in" to the motor itself. You can only replace it with the exact same controller and it will cost more.
- Cyclone uses an external controller. You can use the one in the kit, or replace it with something better. Replacements are MUCH cheaper.
- Bafang comes with a display unit that controls the entire setup.
- Cyclone does not include a display. Everyone ends up buying a Cycle Analyst which a universal, and much better control unit. Has lots of functions.
- Just a few wires to deal with on the Bafang. Cyclone has a bunch of wires to play with. There is plenty help here. Just follow along.
- The Bafang kit is limited to certain limits pre-programmed into the controller. You can hack it, but that voids the warranty. Cyclone is limited by how you choose to set it up.
- Cyclone is more fun, bottom line. Not for the faint of heart though.

That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell. You have lots to think about. Read around and ask questions if you can't find an answer.
I had lots of questions too, and have been beating the path on finding out all I can before I dive in. I tried to lay most of that info out in my build threads as possible for the average reader to understand. Goal of my build threads is to answer as many questions as possible in an easy to read format. Hope it can help you out on your decisions.

 

[cell_man]

We (EM3ev) have local support in the UK, USA, Ireland and Australia. As state on our site, we rarely ask customers to return anything to us (never from the USA) and if we do, we would cover all the expenses. We also cover the shipping cost to return any items, to our support locations. We have a 1 year warranty on all our products and we stand behind that promise.
It might be true of some China based companies that they will ask that parts are returned to China, but it is absolutely untrue to state that for EM3ev. We've been in this business for several years, supporting customers from the other side of the world. Yet, search for reports on here or do a google search, we also have many reviews on our site, stretching back over several years. Look for yourself, and you will be hard pressed to find customers that were unhappy with how we at EM3ev dealt with warranty issues or after sales support. There are companies that have been around a lot less time than EM3ev, that like to talk the talk, yet when you do a similar search, there seems to be more than the occasional problem.
thanks
Paul from EM3ev

 

[cal3thousand]

I will vouch for Paul's words about his site, EM3EV.com. I have purchased more from his site than any other single ebike vendor and he has always taken care of me. You're in good hands with Paul.

Now, having said that, I know of a local shop in Los Angeles if you are on the West Coast of the USA that has them in stock as well. And although they are a fairly new site that is 'talking the talk', I am vouching for their name as I am personally involved with them. Still building and gearing up to serve you better, but PM me for more information and to be included in possible discounts as they arise.