We don’t know if you’re keeping track of this, but ADO have launched yet another version of their urban folding e-bike. The big change with the ADO Air 20 Ultra is an automatic three-speed motor that brings with it a refreshingly moderate increase in price
When I tested the original ADO Air 20 in 2023
but it had a belt drive and didn’t cost a lot
it’s apparently been set to keep the rider’s pedalling cadence at around 60 RPM
but they don’t actually state the thresholds at which it changes up and down
We’ve had no real issues with how the H700 functions
the Air 20 Ultra largely sticks to the brand’s established template
It has a belt drive and a torque sensor and while it’s a kilogram heavier than the Pro
it still comes in under 20kg at a claimed 19kg
without mudguards or fancy automatic gears
The website says it’s due to be available in mid-May
adoebike.co.uk
Alex has been editor of ebiketips since 2021, switching to a world with motors after seven years working on sister site road.cc
These days he combines his road riding with electric bike testing and a dash of ongoing cricket writing (his first book's due out in 2025)
Best Electric Bikes under £2000
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E-bikes have gained considerable recognition in recent years
yet many of their accessories and parts remain similar to those found on ordinary bikes
have set the stage to optimise the e-bike shifting experience
Bafang has specialised in developing and producing electric motor systems and components for e-bikes since 2003
this prominent Chinese company boasts an impressive product range including mid-drive and hub motors
It just launched a new 5-speed automatic gear hub called the G500A from their GVT Technology range
This automatic system shifts the focus for the rider
allowing them to concentrate on the road and their performance rather than having to lend their focus to manually shifting gears
automatic shifting ensures that the bike always rides in an optimal gear for its surroundings
providing a smoother and safer ride that is more enjoyable
Backed by meticulous research, Bafang’s Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) is a unique e-bike internal shift system designed to simplify and enhance the riding experience.Whereas traditional gear shift systems typically rely on traditional gear shifting systems with manual controls
the GVT technology offers an innovative alternative with its auto-shifting capabilities.Gary Xu
Director of the R&D department explains
“The design philosophy behind GVT is to reduce the frequency and cost of maintenance
There is no need for shifting levels or shifting cables
there is no need to replace them because they don’t exist in our GVT system
This means that our system is also wireless and grip-less
not to mention the fact that we’ve specifically chosen renewable
and biodegradable materials where possible to minimize using non-renewable resources
The auto-change element also reduces the negative impact on the transmission from incorrectly shifting gears
There are three key features of the GVT system
which automatically shifts gears according to the wheel speed so that it can provide the rider with a seamless riding experience; maintaining optimal cadence without having to shift manually
Models like the H700 integrate the gearbox into the hub motor
simpler e-bike design and it also means that the installation process is much easier
The third feature is that it is completely grip-less and wireless
the GVT removes the need for traditional gear shifting components such as gear levers
This not only makes the e-bike aesthetically smoother
but it also requires less maintenance by avoiding performance issues caused by harsh weather conditions
including 800 hours of continuous operation at a 100 nm load torque
and impact life tests involving at least 10,000 cycles per gear
This article is sponsored by Bafang
China - Bafang introduces its new 3-speed automatic gear hub
This intelligent-acting hub takes over the manual process of changing gears in accordance with the speed
this 80Nm hub can be supported by both chain- and belt-driven motors
known for its unique stepless shifting products has successfully completed the integration of its Automatiq control units into Bafang's drivetrain system and display unit
will be the first to launch e-bikes with the integrated technology
the mid-motor is geared towards the e-MTB market
Bafang states that the motor has a delivery time of 60-90 days
Bafang introduces new H700 rear drive system for eCity segment - clean
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so when browsing online, make sure the kit you select has one included
you might find yourself browsing through options and landing on something at an unbelievable price
double check it's got the battery included.
then it is possible to source the battery yourself
The battery voltage and output need to match the motor
It's really important to make sure that your charger is compatible too; charger incompatibility is cited as a cause of many fires caused by electric bikes
and that's why we've not quoted it for each kit listed above
we've included the battery size and motor power
to help you get a fair gauge of how one compares to the next.
To help you understand why that's relevant
a quick basic formula: A 100Wh (Watt-Hour) battery will last for one hour when the motor is putting out 100 watts of power.
Different products come with different battery sizes and various motor powers
if your e-bike conversion kit has a 250-watt motor
it will last for two hours at full power.
To then convert that into a distance (to be able to quote a range) is even more confusing
Riding uphill will use more power but be slower than riding downhill
so you'll cover different distances for the power output depending on where you live and the terrain you'll cover
so will drain more quickly in winter than in summer.
a 200Wh battery paired with a 250W motor will get you around 25-30km when used on mixed terrain with a mixed use of power outputs.
Some battery options will have much larger capacity than this though
Long-range electric bike conversion kits might give you around three times this range
although the battery will be larger and heavier and cost significantly more.
This is hard to answer specifically as electric bikes are
designed to assist pedalling rather than replace it
and it is the same with electric bike conversion kits
The measurement of the power of the motors is in wattage and
the faster speeds it will be capable of achieving.
However, the speed is often limited as a result of country-specific regulations. In the UK, the power an e-bike can legally provide for on-road use is 250W. Assistance is up to 25kph (15.5mph) and, after that point, the bike can go faster but without any assistance from the motor. Anything faster would not meet the UK's electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) criteria
and need to be licensed and taxed appropriately
The laws are different depending on the country, with the United States, for example, allowing more powerful motors for some e-bike classes – although individual states have their own legal frameworks
You should consider the condition and componentry of your old bike
With an electric motor dramatically increasing the torque
using a low-quality or worn drivetrain will result in poor performance
with shifting being affected and the chain skipping or even snapping.
Another important consideration is the brakes
Adding the extra weight of an electric bike conversion kit and increasing potential speeds will put more stress on the brakes as they try to curtail momentum
We recommend choosing to convert a bike that has disc brakes as they will provide far better braking performance
there are a lot of brands you may not have ever heard of
are playing catch-up to the trend of electric bikes
You will probably stumble across a lot of unfamiliar brand names.
Consumers have a tendency to look away when they encounter a new brand
It's not a bad strategy most of the time but in the electric bike world
If you aren't open to names you've never heard of you will find the options limited
A lot of the names you may come across will be unfamiliar to you but have a solid history behind them
That doesn't mean you should go forward blindly
Do your research and be careful with your money
The only thing that might be different is the need to be open to new companies
At the very least be willing to look a little deeper
and do some research. The brand you've never heard of might actually be a well-established brand from a different part of the world.
There are plenty of reasons to install an electric bike conversion kit to your current bike
but the question of whether it's worth doing is going to depend on your circumstances.
it will be an arduous task to remove it again
so one of the questions you'll need to ask yourself is whether or not you want to retain the ability to use the bike as a 'normal' bike
If you expect to be flitting between powered and non-powered then a kit that can simply be folded out of the way might be perfect
but you might instead prefer to simply buy a second bike for the convenience.
The second question is to assess the state of your current bike
buying an electric bike conversion kit and then fitting it
is probably not going to be worth the time
if you have a bike that is in reasonable repair
then the value for money – and effort – will be greater.
Beyond the financial and practical element
the question of 'is it worth it' will also depend on the amount of use you get out of it
E-bikes can be incredibly motivating and enjoyable and if converting your standard bike to electric helps you to ditch the car on a regular basis
If you want a monetary answer to this question
then there are ways to work out whether the investment is worth it
Take a moment to think about your current car usage and work out the cost per day/mile
days or miles you will use the bike for after it is converted
you should be able to work out the reduction in car running costs per mile/day and
you should be able to work out how many miles/days it will take for the electric bike conversion kit to pay for itself.
consideration of the end-use during design and build can have advantages
A quality electric bike conversion kit might end up being very close to the price of a complete electric bike
If a company starts with a clean slate and designs an electric bike
it's easier to keep costs low and integration high
Really consider why you are thinking about converting your bike and whether it makes sense compared to what's on the market
and fitting them to your bike is equally so
the question of legality arises in relation to where you then plan to use your newly powered electric bike
depending on where in the world you're based
there are different classes of e-bikes that vary by their power
speed limitations and whether or not they have a throttle
and each class is subject to different rules
with the UK and EU stating that anything with a speed limiter of over 25km/h is classified as a moped
while anything up to 25km/h (15.5mph) is classed as a bicycle.
Before you complete any purchase, make sure you have an understanding of the local laws that govern electric bikes, which is where our guide to e-bike classes comes in handy
The best legal electric bike conversion kit will vary by where you are based
a motor has to have a continuously rated power output of no more than 250 watts
whereas in the US a more powerful electric bike motor can be used
There are also higher speed limits for assistance in the US and an electric bike conversion kit can include throttle control
whereas elsewhere it needs to be pedal actuated
there is no single and simple answer to this question
Each electric bike conversion kit works in a different way and therefore fits onto your bike in a different way too
and thus the fastest electric bike conversion kits to install
more complex systems require the removal of drivetrain components and wheels
but they may require some tools and a bit of patience
a kit which includes a replacement wheel is likely to be faster to install than one that sits in your bottom bracket
as removing your old wheel and fitting a new one is relatively straightforward
It's then a question of bolting the battery to your frame and cabling the two up
along with any extra control units and sensors included in the kit
Prices will depend very much on the conversion kit in question
Some are available for as little as £250 ($350)
while the more high-spec and integrated kits can fetch as much as £1,000 ($1,200) or more.
An e-bike conversion kit will add significantly to the value of your bike and, if it's easy to install, it's also easy to remove. It's worth considering insuring your e-bike conversion kit
It's understandable that you might not want to take on the arduous task of fitting your electric bike conversion kit yourself
almost all bike shops will be happy to fit it for you.
are only sold via physical stores and the fitting is sold as part of the overall package
with kits bought online such as the Bafang kit
the shop will charge you for the time it takes
which will add to the cost of the overall conversion
knowing that it's been done correctly and safely is worth spending extra.
Some bike shops or workshops may refuse to install a conversion kit to a bike they consider unfit for purpose or potentially unsafe
If you plan to have your local shop fit a kit it may be worth consulting with them on the job first to make sure they are happy to do it for you.
The Cytronex e-bike conversion kit attached to a lightweight Brompton folding bike
but the huge battery on the rear rack provides a huge range
you probably wouldn't notice this is an electric bike
The mid-drive kit mounts to the bottom bracket of your bike
The Pendix ebike conversion kit must be installed by a professional mechanic
offering the most comprehensive ride feel of the bunch
Upgrade your bike with our comprehensive guide to the best electric bike conversion kits and how to use them
Whatever your reason for wanting pedal assistance – whether it makes cycling more accessible to you and your family or you think you'll have more fun with that boost – the e-bike market is vast and often requires a large upfront cost
So if you're struggling to find an e-bike that suits you
and already have a bike at home that's suitable for conversion
then you might consider choosing one of the best electric bike conversion kit instead
not to mention the money saved when compared to soaring fuel or rail fare prices.
But what if you're not sure about which option to go for? If you're weighing up an e-bike vs an e-bike conversion kit
consider whether you already have a bike that you love riding
Converting it means you can continue enjoying the same ride quality while introducing you to a new world of electrically assisted fun.
To make all these decisions easier for you
we've outlined in our buyer's guide lower down this page the key things to consider when fitting an electric conversion kit to your own bike
including the various motor and battery options available
We've tested as many as possible in real-world riding conditions
and what kind of electric assistance they provide.
So here are our findings and our roundup of the best electric bike conversion kits you can buy right now
engineering and easy installation with a couple of Allen wrenches
app-based diagnostics and great UK-based customer support
Smooth ride quality and easy mode choice too
Read more below
Powerful motor and high-quality construction
Read more below
Effortless installation; it simply replaces your existing rear wheel
The battery is in the hub and the Zehus motor is controlled via an app and recharged via the axle
Read more below
Easy conversion by replacing the front wheel with a motorised one
Includes a convenient handlebar-mounted battery
which makes it easier to see your battery level and more.
Read more below
Comprehensive mid-drive conversion kit suitable for bikes with a bottom bracket size between 68 and 73mm
Customization options for front chainring size
Read more below
E-bike conversion kits can be complex to install
so Pendix works with a dealer network for sales
ensuring correct installation and peace of mind
Read more below
The first on our list is one which really impressed us
The Cytronex electric bike conversion kit is extremely well thought-out
with great specs and top-notch engineering
it comes with an accompanying app to offer up basic diagnostics
and once it's set up it's a breeze to operate
but in doing so it means the actual conversion is a straightforward one
We tested out the Cytronex on a Brompton T-Line and found it delivered smooth and intuitive power
our hands-on time with it leads us to believe it's strong and durable enough to use for commuting
While it's pricier than some of the options listed below
one thing to consider is that it comes from a UK-based company that offers comprehensive customer support
You can pay less for a Bafang kit on Amazon
but buying direct from a company that can support you if anything goes wrong
For an in-depth look, check out our Cytronex review
If you're on a tighter budget than the Cytronex or Swytch allow for
getting a kit from Chinese manufacturer Bafang may be a better option
if you like the idea of an electric bike conversion kit but just don't want to have to deal with the added complexity of a mid-drive setup
then the Bafang Front Hub kit makes things much easier.
the Bafang Front Hub Motor kit covers everything required and gives tons of spec choices
We started by choosing our wheel size and display preference
then added the battery size and shape we wanted.
given the installation process was more complex than the Cytronex
but this did allow us to achieve a powerful
To find out more about how we got on, read our Bafang Front Hub Motor review
so all you need to do is unbolt your current wheel and replace it with a motorised wheel.
there's decent range and at 3kg the motor-plus-battery weight is competitive
It's also a rare electric bike motor option that has regenerative braking
so you'll get a battery boost when riding downhill
Charging is via a port in the axle and control is via an app
although Zehus does sell a separate wireless handlebar controller
the Zehus system is sold by Quella Bikes built into its rear wheel
so it needs singlespeed-style rear-facing dropouts to tension the chain
although there's a wide range of colours available for the deep alloy rim
One of the easiest ways to convert a bike to electric is to swap out the front wheel for one with a front hub motor
but there's more to a good system than just a motor and battery
it's clear to us that the team behind Swytch has considered the whole system in its design.
The battery mounts to the handlebars and we found that a really useful detail
It is easy to disconnect and take it away for storage
so it doesn't get stolen when you are out and about
it needs to be carried up a flight of stairs.
makes use of a neat handlebar-mounted LCD display instead of the buttons on the battery it had before
There's also a cadence sensor that attaches to your bike
It's a well-thought-out system that looks and feels great.
As well as the Air handlebar-mounted battery that we tested
there's a higher capacity Go battery now available
This can be mounted either to the bars or to the frame and adds greater battery capacity and potential range
it can't be accepted on flights due to its charge capacity.
To read all about how it works, and find out why we gave it four stars, take a look at our Swytch review
Bafang is one of the largest and best-known electric bike motor companies in the world
and in 2014 Bafang established a US arm to better support the US market
There are many well-known electric bike companies sourcing its components
so if you want to get in the game and source your own electric bike components
This particular option covers everything you need for a mid-drive motor conversion kit
As long as the bike you are starting with has a bottom bracket sized between 68 and 73mm
From there you can choose the front chainring size
If you're not sure whether or not a mid-drive motor conversion is what you need (or what other drive options there are)
head down to our FAQs at the bottom of this article for an explanation of all the possibilities you can choose from
If you like the idea of a mid-drive system and you want it to have torque-sensing pedal assist then you've got a few choices
The challenge with a system like that is complexity
it's no big deal to take apart a bottom bracket
it's a slightly more intimidating prospect.
The Pendix system does the same thing as other kits but there is a dealer network that handles sales
but the benefit is that you can feel comfortable that the system is correctly installed and ready to ride
The most natural-feeling electric bike conversion kits are going to be those with a mid-mounted motor
If that works for you and you also like the idea of doing some pedalling
then the very best is a mid-mounted motor paired with a torque sensor.
Instead of the system knowing you are pedalling and adding power
a torque-based system adds a percentage of the power you are putting into your pedalling
The maximum torque available on this TongSheng system is 80Nm but depending on your chosen assist level
that 80Nm will add between 36 and 300 per cent to your pedalling power.
Gboost uses a friction drive system under the bottom bracket
with a compact motor that's clamped in place with a single bolt and turns your rear wheel via the tyre
The battery sits on your down tube and there's a thumb lever on the handlebars to engage or disengage the motor
Keep Gboost engaged when going downhill and it will recharge the battery
There's a range of three battery sizes available giving a range claimed at up to 90km
The disadvantages of a friction drive system
are likely to include higher tyre wear and the risk of slippage against the tyre in wet weather
although Gboost says that its patented pressure regulator avoids this even in the wet.
❌ You want a lightweight system: At around 5kg
Skarper adds quite a bit of weight to your bike
❌ You want quick availability: Skarper's production runs sell out fast
The Skarper motor/battery unit fits to the left chainstay of a disc brake bike and powers it through a beefed-up replacement disc rotor
It's designed to be easy to remove and take with you
Swapping your disc rotor is relatively quick
although you'll need specialist tools: either a Torx screwdriver for six bolt rotors or a Centerlock tool for Centerlock rotors
There's a retainer to bolt onto your chainstay and a pedal sensor to add
The motor and battery together weigh 4.5kg and there's another 600g added to your bike weight by the rotor
Skarper reckons you can get up to 50km from the drive if you select the Eco mode
with a full charge taking 2.5 hours and 30 minutes charging adding up to 15km of range
E-bike conversion kits fall into three main categories
The best electric bikes tend to be mid-drive because this delivers the most natural ride feel
The weight sits low in the frame and the power gets applied to the crank for a more natural power delivery sensation
The only downside is pricing and packaging
Different standards make it challenging to figure out exactly what you need
as well. The Bafang Mid Drive Motor Kit is an example of this
Swapping either a front or rear wheel for one with a hub-mounted motor is a good balance
Powering the wheel does change the way the power delivery feels
and making the front wheel heavy can affect the handling of the bike
this is an excellent option. Cytronex and Swytch are examples of this
A friction drive e-bike conversion means there is a roller that pushes against the wheel's tyre
There is very little involved with regard to making it work but
it doesn't work as well as other systems out there. Gboost uses a friction motor
Row 0 - Cell 0 Motor positionPowerBattery includedBattery capacityCytronexFront hub250WYes198WhBafangFront hub250W
750WYesUp to 840WhZehusRear hub250WYes173WhSwytchFront hub250WYes90Wh/180WhBafangMid-drive500WYesVariesPendix Drive 300Mid-drive250WYes330WhTongShengMid-drive500WYesVariesGboostMid-drive/friction250WYes251-441WhSkarperLeft chainstay250WYes240WhHow to choose the best electric bike conversion kit for you
If you're interested in fitting an electric bike conversion kit to one of your own bikes
you should consider your own personal requirements first and do plenty of research
as this guide will help you with a lot of that.
familiarise yourself with the laws regarding e-bikes in your region
throttle assist and maximum speed may be regulated by law
Then you may want to choose a conversion kit based on your range and journey needs
you may want something with a little more top-end power
check whether or not the system is compatible with the bike you plan to fit it onto
If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself
think about getting a quote for installation from a reputable bike shop
The laws are different depending on the country, with the United States, for example, allowing more powerful motors for some e-bike classes – although individual states have their own legal frameworks
Before you complete any purchase, make sure you have an understanding of the local laws that govern electric bikes, which is where our guide to e-bike classes comes in handy
An e-bike conversion kit will add significantly to the value of your bike and, if it's easy to install, it's also easy to remove. It's worth considering insuring your e-bike conversion kit
our advice is gained through countless hours of using products in the real world
often back to back against their peers to compare them
but ebike conversion kits have an additional need.
If a conversion kit is too tough to install
it will cost you more as you seek the help of a professional
we also spend time fitting the kit to the bike in the first place
judging how long it takes and how intuitive it is.
the ease of use and the durability of the product in question.
There's more detail of our testing methods in our guide to how we test
Individuals carrying out the instructions in this guide do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement. There is a risk to safety if the operation described in the instructions is not carried out with the appropriate equipment
skill and diligence and therefore you may wish to consult a bike mechanic
Future Publishing Limited provides the information for this project in good faith and makes no representations as to its completeness or accuracy
agents or subcontractors shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information
provided that nothing shall exclude or limit the liability of any party for personal injury or death caused by negligence or for anything else which cannot be excluded or limited by law.
Chinese e-mobility outfit ADO has co-developed a hub motor with Bafang that sports 3-speed auto-shifting gears
The first model to roll with this system is the Air 30 Ultra city ride
the hub motor will automatically adjust the gear ratio when the ebike reaches a certain speed – in this case moving from first to second at 13 km/h (8 mph)
the system ups the ante again and moves to the third gear
The 250-W motor provides this smooth pedal-assist over two power modes until the ebike reaches 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
The hub motor also provides 40 Nm (29.5 lb.ft) of torque
which should be enough to help you up slight inclines but is unlikely to help you conquer steep hills
You can look forward to responsive PAS thanks to the inclusion of a torque sensor at the bottom bracket
And the carbon belt drive makes for low-maintenance
The Air 30 Ultra comes with a 370-Wh removable downtube battery – which is said to be the slimmest in the industry at 448 x 51 x 52 mm (17.6 x 2 x 2.04 in)
ADO reckons it's good for up to 100 km (62 miles) of per-charge PAS riding
A 3.5-inch smart display with a USB-C port sits mid-handlebar for quick status checks on the move
the Air 30 Ultra is built around an aluminum-alloy frame that's available in two color options
Its wheels are wrapped in 700x40c puncture-resistant tires
and stopping power is provided by hydraulic disc brakes
The 70-lux front and rear lights with auto activation are IPX6 waterproof for "reliable performance in any weather." The braking tail-light also boasts turn signaling
A suspension seatpost is included for ride comfort
an integrated IoT module caters for real-time GPS tracking
allowing for easy bike location in busy parking spots or keeping tabs on any rides falling foul of light-fingered opportunists
Crowdfunding campaigns always carry a risk
but ADO is well established and has successfully delivered on previous crowdfunders
If all goes to plan with this already-funded campaign
Your guide to all the most popular mid-mounted e-bike motors on the market
Brose, Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, Panasonic, Giant e-bike systems, DJI… which has more power, which has more battery punch, which is more reliable? Our guide to e-bike motors has the answers. While the motor isn’t the be all and end all when it comes to the very best electric mountain bikes
the top motors are often found on the best overall bike models
The DJI Avinox motor is the hottest drive unit in mountain biking
and currently available in the Amflow PL Carbon
It’s safe to say that drone and action camera brand DJI has blown the doors off the e-bike motor market with its new Avinox drive unit
Packing some truly outrageous numbers – 105Nm and 850W with a 30 second boost mode that takes it to 120Nm and 1,000w – the DJI motor is also highly sophisticated
with numerous sensors and all the expertise that keeps a drone in the air
making mincemeat of climbs and accelerating like a Tesla Model S Plaid – it’ll put bike lengths into any rival motor even on a short ascent
and gets powered by two batteries with some of the best energy density numbers on the market
Currently only available in the Amflow PL Carbon bike
we have a suspicion that other bike brands will be queuing up to sprinkle a bit of DJI magic on their e-bikes
Read our first ride review of the Amflow PL Carbon Pro with DJI Avinox motor
the Bosch Performance Line CX gen 5 will be found on loads of bikes going forward
No more power for the latest gen 5 Bosch Performance CX motor
delivering the perfect amount of power at precisely the right moment
making it easier for bike companied to package their suspension designs
and the internals have been updates so there’s less whir
Extra sensors inside the motor provide information on gradient
so the Bosch CX motor delivers an incredibly natural and refined experience
and so much control that it let me unlock some mind-blowingly technical climbs
Updates on the battery side bring significant improvements in weight and range
as well as the ability to enhance capacity with the 250Wh range extender
Read our first ride review of the gen 5 Bosch Performance Line CX motor
The Bosch Performance Line CX is one of the most reliable units on the market
Bosch’s considerable experience in consumer electronics and motors is obvious in the highly polished Performance Line CX motor
but it’s easy to control and ultra responsive
with eMTB giving you copious grunt when you need it
then dialling back the power to maximise range
which lets you boost over uphill obstacles
Bosch control units were always its weak point
but the latest integrated top tube System Controller and wireless
Bluetooth Mini Remote are discreet and a joy to use and the smartphone app lets you tune the characteristics of the motor
the limited edition Race motor is something special
Read our full review of the Trek Rail 9 with Bosch Performance Line CX motor
SRAM AXS Powertrain combines the motor and the transmission giving the option to let the computer change gears for you
SRAM’s new Powertrain takes the smooth
silent Brose S-Mag motor found in the Specialized Turbo Levo and gives it a twist
adding wireless connectivity and Auto-Shift technology thanks to integration with the latest T-Type AXS transmission
and two battery sizes – a lighter 630Wh unit and a long-range 720Wh option
Auto Shift hands shifting duties over to the computer
and still benefit from the excellent shifting and clean
and there’s ample power even on the steepest ramps
Only available on certain models from Propain
Read our full review of the SRAM Powertrain motor/transmission
The belt-driven Brose is super quiet and the latest versions seem much more robust after early reliability issues
This is the motor found on Specialized’s Turbo Levo
and while it has suffered from a high failure rate in the past
updates to the latest version seem to have cured the reliability issues
there’s plenty of power and a nicely calibrated response that feels completely natural
Specialized’s Mission Control app lets you customise the performance
and the new integrated top tube Mastermind TCU gives you access to more data then you’ll know what to do with
and even lets you plot a route and let the motor adjust the power to make sure you have enough range to get round
Read our full review of the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp
The Shimano EP801 motor gets minor upgrades over the EP8
Shimano’s flagship EP801 motor gets more power than the old EP8
and the rattle when coasting can also be a problem on some examples
but there’s better sealing and a couple of new accessory connections
Recently Shimano has also updated the firmware on the motor
unleashing a lot more support and helping the EP801 keep up with rivals from Bosch and Brose
The latest firmware update on EP801 is a must-have for anyone rocking the Shimano top-tier motor
but the level of assistance has been upped to 400%
meaning it’s way easier to tap into the full 600W available
Better even than the punchy power delivery is the overrun feature – Shimano has increased this by up to 2m
meaning you can stop pedalling on a techie section and let EP801 carry you over an obstacle
If you’ve recently bought a bike with EP801
the update could even be free (some shops might charge a nominal labour fee)
EP801 is also compatible with Shimano’s Auto Shift drivetrain if you want to let an algorithm choose your gears
The control unit and display are neat and unobtrusive
so it’s not obvious how much juice you’ve got left
the range seems to be much better with third party battery options than Shimano’s own BT-8036 unit
Read our first ride review of the Shimano EP801 motor
the EP6 gets the same power and torque but packaged within a heavier casing
The Giant Syncdrive motor is made by Yamaha
Yamaha’s latest motor is found on various Haibike models as well as Giant’s range of e-bikes
badged as the Syncdrive Pro and Yamaha’s own range of e-bikes
We’ve had long term test bikes from both Giant and Haibike fitted with this motor
and in both instances it has proven trouble-free
Read our review of the Giant Trance X Advanced E+1 with Yamaha/Giant Syncdrive motor
The Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0 motor is innovative and packs a mighty punch
Rocky Mountain was making mincemeat of its rivals way back in 2017 with its innovative Dyname motor
the motor packs a hefty 108Nm of torque and 700w of peak power
And you can immediately feel those numbers when you ride it – it’s a beast
Another benefit of the design is that it uses a standard BB and crank interface
It also allows Rocky Mountain’s designers freedom to put suspension pivots exactly where they want
and keep the geometry identical to their non-assisted counterparts
a larger capacity battery and a neat display integrated into the top tube
Underneath the Whyte cover is the latest Bosch SX motor
Bosch has finally entered the ‘lightweight’ sector with the new Performance Line SX system
The new motor looks like a shrunken Performance CX unit with a magnesium casing and two-bolt mount
Weight is a reasonable 2kg – which is not the lightest on the market
but still competitive with the 1.95kg Fazua and Specialized SL 1.2.
It pumps out an impressive 600w peak power
making it on par with most full fat options and way ahead of its lightweight rivals
peak torque is more in line with expectations
meaning it won’t be able to crawl up near vertical pitches like a full fat
To extract maximum power you need to keep the cranks spinning really fast – over 100rpm – so it’s not a motor for riders who like to grind out a low cadence
Providing power is a new 400Wh internal battery backed up by an optional 250Wh range extender
This gives it the biggest potential capacity of all the lightweight units
you’re looking at a 4kg system – 3kg lighter than Performance CX – and complete bike weights in the sub-20kg range
Read our first ride review of the Bosch Performance SX motor
The Pivot Shuttle SL fitted with the Fazua Ride 60 motor
Next year will see the arrival of a new larger 480Wh battery that’s actually 100g lighter than the 430Wh unit
as well as a more robust Mode Control remote
Read our review of the Pivot Shuttle SL with Fazua Ride 60 motor
The new Turbo SL 1.2 motor is found on the latest Specialized Turbo Levo SL II and Kenevo SL
Specialized’s lightweight motor option has just been upgraded and is now called the SL 1.2
Headline updates are that max power has risen from 240w to 320w and torque has increased from 35Nm to 50Nm
Specialized also claims a reduction in noise thanks to different internal gearing
boosted by a 160Wh external range extender
so don’t expect to go as far on a single charge with the updated motor as the old one
Read our first ride review of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL with SL 1.2 motor
TQ’s HPR50 is exceptionally small and light
TQ’s HPR50 is the most compact motor on the market thanks to its harmonic design
where the motor runs concentric to the bottom bracket axle
The control unit is also compact and the top tube mounted display gives just enough info in an easy-to-read package
We got 800m of climbing out of the 360Wh battery in High power mode
so you’ll need the range extender or the new larger 580Wh battery to get a decent range
The only downside of the small footprint is that it can get very hot
Read our full review of the Trek Fuel EXe with TQ HPR50 motor
Forestal’s has developed the Bafang EonDrive
Read our review of the Forestal Cyon with Forestal/Bafang Eondrive motor
For this range comparison we used the same test circuit
The rider was the same and conditions very similar
We used the maximum power mode on all four bikes
Pivot Shuttle SL V Levo SL V Forestal V Trek Fuel EXe real world range comparison
the Fazua motor gave the best range by a long way
delivering over 1,000m of elevation in the top Rocket mode before running out of juice
In second place was the old Specialized SL 1.1 motor (with 35Nm torque)
Third was the Trek Fuel EXe with the TQ motor
while the Forestal lagged a long way behind in fourth with 691m
Since that range test, we’ve also benchmarked the latest Bosch SX motor, and updated Specialized SL1.2, found in the latest Levo SL and Kenevo SL models, along with the TQ and Fazua Ride 60
The Specialized motor delivered just under 10% less range at 850m elevation
while the Bosch SX fitted to the latest Whyte E-Lyte achieved 842m in Turbo mode
it’s easy to get caught up in the stats and worry about getting left behind in a drag race to the trailhead
but never lose sight of the fact that a motor is only one aspect of what makes a good e-bike
and components all play a huge part in creating the overall ride quality and handling performance of an e-mtb
a great motor won’t make up for poor suspension or geometry
E-bike motor repair shops will get you back up and running
Up until recently, bike manufacturers and importers selling Bafang powered e-bikes were reliant on the brand's support from Europe when it came to repairs. However, trade publication Bikebiz reports that the brand has now entered a service agreement with Hampshire-based eMCB
expert UK after-sales backup is hugely important in our view
so we got in touch with eMCB directly to see exactly what they offer
We were delighted to get a reply directly from the founder
He told us: "Bafang are treating this as a 'soft start' because initially, eMCB will only be looking after Halfords and Vitus dealers. Over the next year we will expand the warranty support with eMCB and begin building the knowledge to support the public with repairs and parts through our parent company eBike Motor Centre."
But there is much more on offer here that will be of interest to a wide range of e-bikers
"eBike Motor Centre is our repair company," explained Collard
"eBike motor Centre currently supports the following motor makes: Bosch
with Bafang after warranty support coming online soon
It also officially supports Specialized as one of the first bike manufacturers to officially nominate us as a 'trusted service partner'."
eBike Motor Centre's sister company eMCB (based next door) is a B2B business supporting Brose and Bafang with a full warranty service capacity for their OEM customers in the UK
This services warranty claims put through by the dealers and bike shops and covers all products associated with Brose and Bafang
It also provides dealer training and technical support
Richard Peace took to full-time outdoor writing/photojournalism after stints in an office and as an English teacher abroad. His cycling route guide books include the best-selling Ultimate C2C Guide and the Ultimate UK Cycle Route Planner plus Electric Bicycles. He has written for various media about many aspects of cycling and can also be found at richardpeacecycling.com
T&D presented two electric motorcycles and six components in collaboration with sister company Bafang
The showcased lineup included FE01 and FE02 all-terrain powertrains installed in prototype motorcycle designs from Cheerdmoto and SWM brands
The showcased motorcycle features a variety of components engineered by T&D
working together to form an integrated and effective electric motorbike powertrain
Each combination of these components forms a complete drive system that can be tailored for different usage situations
providing riders with optimal performance and simplifying the development process for electric motorcycle manufacturers
FE01 off-road systemThe powertrain is designed to be lightweight
making it capable of meeting the rigorous demands of track riding with impressive power and responsiveness
It can go from 0 to 50 km/h in just 1.26 seconds
is their first electric motorcycle equipped with a custom-designed
lightweight powertrain and a coaxial motor
Its handling is easy to manage and includes limitation functions to ensure a perfect balance of performance
It can go from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.5 seconds
T&D partners with brands to create customized drive systems that meet their exact needs
The key to this process is T&D’s revolutionary algorithm
which allows engineers and product designers to input crucial parameters for their motorcycle projects and easily identify the best components
By utilizing this powerful tool and collaborating closely with T&D’s team of engineers
both Cheerdmoto and SWM were able to successfully bring their products to the market in a seamless and efficient manner
a registered brand of Bafang Electric headquartered in Suzhou
has over 20 years of professional experience in the development
production and service of electric drive systems
With a global network and efficient supply chain
T&D is well-equipped to provide complete powertrain solutions for electric motorbikes
The brand offers 5 unique systems designed to deliver exceptional performance tailored to different riding needs: Off-Road (Storm/FE series)
and High-Performance (Lightning/LE series)
See more at https://e-tiandi.com/
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Adventure 2 and the rest of the range is that this model uses a rear hub motor rather than a mid-drive option
It also uses a 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and has a 360Wh battery
The bike is aimed at both commuters and those who want an e-bike for leisurely adventure rides at the weekend
the bike has been developed “in partnership” with their “network of dealers” and responds to the feedback of their customers
“This bike isn't just another model in our lineup; it's a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction
The Adventure 2 embodies the spirit of exploration and freedom that defines our brand
We are excited to offer this new bike to our customers and look forward to seeing the adventures it inspires."
and comes in a choice of two frame designs - step-through or step-over
All sizes come with 27.5in wheels and 2.35in tyres for the bumpy stuff
The bike is available to buy now
Rebecca has been writing about e-bikes for four years
after a typically ill-timed career change pre-pandemic
She's been riding bikes since she can remember
and fell back in love with them after realising it was faster
from road to eMTB and is training her border collie pup to become a trail dog.
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by Wes Davis
FacebookThreadsIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
I abandoned my nerdy predilections and picked up a new hobby
During what I now think of as my time in the wilderness, I sold my giant game console collection (I have regrets)
and quit my data aggregation job to become a pedicab driver — a gig job before gig jobs were cool — and eventually a guide at a small bike tour and rental company
One of my duties between tours was bike maintenance
and our mechanic taught me some neat tricks like wheel truing and how to build a bike up
but it did make me comfortable wrenching on the basics
One day, a retiree who liked showing off his toys brought in a Copenhagen Wheel — a self-contained e-bike kit that puts the batteries and motor all in the rear hub of the wheel
the little bit of extra acceleration in each pedal stroke flipped a switch in my skeptical brain
They’re just so fun and convenient and may even fully or partially replace a car for some
you’re still riding a (heavy) bicycle
An electric cargo bike is an even better car replacement
but the good ones are so pricey that I never considered it
until an uncommon opportunity fell in my lap
a friend of mine who works for a nonprofit bike company in Chicago called Working Bikes offered me a 1,000W Bafang motor in exchange for my partner’s rarely used e-bike
I’d be able to convert the cargo bike she prefers to ride
and the shop would get something it could sell much easier
I thought this would be a two-hour job — boy
my partner bought a 2015 Xtracycle Edge Runner 24D cargo bike
the only brand anyone cared about in my hipster circle in the late aughts and early teens
It’s nice but not geared to be very fast
and the basic components that came with the bike needed replacing
Generally, there are two kinds of e-bike motors: mid-drive and rear-drive. Front-drive exists, with VanMoof (RIP) being one of the most high-profile proponents
but the vast majority of e-bikes use the former options
The Bafang motor I traded for is a mid-drive motor
the conversion went about as well as can be hoped for
The biggest part of the conversion for most will be mounting the motor
I just needed to pull off the crank arms that hold the pedals
and pull out the bottom bracket (the hollow part where the crank arms attach)
I used a couple of specialized tools to make this easy — a crank puller and a bottom bracket tool — along with an assortment of hexagonal wrenches
They have two sections — an outer bit that threads into the outside of the crank where it attaches to the bike and an inner shaft
that pushes in toward the bike as you spin the handle
pushing against the bike and pulling the crank off
which is the part of the frame the bracket slots into
I could grease up and slide the motor’s bottom bracket shaft into the shell from the drive side of the bike
Securing the Bafang motor involves a small bracket
a locknut that requires a special wrench to tighten (the wrench usually comes with the conversion kit
I didn’t tighten the inner locknut enough
which made the motor all floppy when I first test-rode the bike
so I had to go back and crank that down further
which uses a magnet attached to a spoke and a sensor fixed to the frame to give the motor’s controller the information it needs to determine speed (and the motor won’t stay engaged without it)
This part was tricky since the elongated cargo framing is farther from the wheel than the seatstay of a normal bike
After getting the speed sensor in place, I ran into my first hitch of this project. The cable connecting the sensor to the handlebar-mounted display wasn’t long enough! I had to order an extension cable — this 60cm one did the trick
but that meant I had to wait for delivery to finish that part of the job
that’s fine; I could still do some of the other work
such as swapping out the grips for the new ones (which included a twisting throttle) and putting on the display
This was easy enough — removing the old grips just required using a teeny tiny hexagonal wrench to loosen the minuscule bolts
and the display simply clamps onto the handlebars and is secured with small bolts
Then I hit another snag: the cargo bike’s existing shifter and brake were integrated
That meant I couldn’t reuse the shifter with the new brake lever included with my Bafang motor
why does it matter if you can’t replace the brake levers
my e-bike motor uses the brake lever as a kill switch that stops the motor from driving the bike forward
Swapping the brake lever then meant I had to replace the shifter
and that’s a lot easier if I match it with a new rear derailleur and cassette
which needed to be changed anyway (more on that later)
I decided to simply move on to the next step and get the drivetrain back together so I could at least test-ride it
Or it would’ve been if the large tripod bike repair stand hadn’t tipped over
comically knocking everything near it to the floor
including the table on which I’d put the master link for my chain
and after something close to an hour and a half of trying to find the second piece
I gave up and went to my local bike shop to buy a replacement
I didn’t need to break the chain at all.) By then
I decided to come back to the project the next morning
Was the motor still not tight enough and smacking the frame
installed the cranks and a small chainring that came with the motor (more on that later) and took the bike for a spin
But there was a new problem — every time I goosed the bike hard
I couldn’t figure out what was causing it
I discovered that the derailleur’s idler pulley — the tiny set of cogs that hangs down from the rest of the assembly — was being yanked forward and popping back
There are a few things that could cause this
but since I needed to replace the shifter anyway
the best thing to do was replace the rest of the drivetrain
which I later paid a mechanic friend to do
The battery ended up being another problem
I have no idea who makes it because the sticker on the side doesn’t list a manufacturer
or if it’s been certified by a reputable safety lab
It’s a smallish black box that’s about three-quarters the width of a Nintendo GameCube and roughly the same height and depth
The bag it came with has velcro straps for attaching it to the frame
but they aren’t long enough to work on the Xtracycle
so I’ll be replacing the battery soon
The final item is the 30-tooth chainring I received with the motor; it’s a bit too small
and I want to swap it for something bigger soon
the rear cassette I had installed ranges from 11 teeth to 34 teeth — a nice spread
but combining it with the small chainring makes it feel very similar to the heavy-hauling gearing I had on my pedicab so long ago
That makes it less than ideal for transporting light loads quickly
Adding a larger chainring to the bike will make pedaling at a higher top speed more comfortable
which is important now that it has the motor’s pedal assist pushing it along
The 1,000W motor has no trouble getting up to its roughly 30mph max in a hurry on throttle alone
That’s a bit much for biking a kid around
though (not to mention technically illegal where I live)
so I dropped the top speed down to 20mph in the controller’s settings
at least at the lowest setting — any higher
and it takes over a little too much for my liking
I don’t find myself using the throttle when I ride unless I want to get across a street quickly
The weak point in the system is definitely the battery
though — besides being unbranded and potentially unsafe
it’s small and drains relatively quickly
and wider handlebars with space for extra gizmos and storage galore so that we’ll be that much closer to never
Given that we’ve spent thousands of dollars keeping our two aging cars viable
Converting and upgrading a regular cargo bike into an e-bike left me with newfound respect for all the other DIYers upgrading their own bikes
and that’s the point of sharing — any regular Verge reader can do this and benefit from my successes and failures
it has to be because you really want to and you know what you’re getting into
it might not — but the experience alone will be valuable
the unexpected need for a new drivetrain and the labor to install it (my partner really wanted her bike back
or tools to do it in a timely manner) added more to the cost of conversion than I had hoped
And I still have to replace the battery and chain ring
long-running bike brand means I didn’t have to worry quite as much about the need for proprietary and costly parts (though cargo bikes certainly have their share of those)
I recommend doing the same if you undertake your own conversion
There’s also the E-BIKE Act to consider. If it passes, it would offer a 30 percent tax credit (up to $1,500) for e-bike purchases, making this kind of build for the dedicated few who just love a DIY project. Otherwise, a conversion might not be worth the effort if saving money is your primary motivator.
For me, the roughly 10 hours and about $350 (plus the value of the old e-bike we traded for the motor) I’ve committed so far to the conversion and component upgrades have been a worthwhile investment in the cargo bike and, importantly, myself. Now, when stuff breaks — and, inevitably, it will — I’ll likely be able to identify the failure and fix it, and there’s immense satisfaction in that.
A weekly newsletter by David Pierce designed to tell you everything you need to download, watch, read, listen to, and explore that fits in The Verge’s universe.
Shark E-bikes of East Yorkshire have a good range of e-bikes, many hovering around the attractive £1,000 price point. However, I'm taking a look at their top of the range, £2,600 model, the Mako
but it's certainly not outrageously expensive when you consider it has a powerfully specced mid-drive motor with a decent size battery
plus a Gates Carbon belt drive and hub gears
There aren't too many options at this spec either
Other than the 'top tier' brands like Bosch
more reasonably priced mid-motors have previously been thin on the ground
we are seeing more and more options from the likes Chinese firms like Bafang (previously hub motor specialists) which Shark has opted for here
as this technology is ideal for a town style bike
where the belt drive's practicality is more important than the small decrease in efficiency it also brings
At first glance it looks a comfy bike to ride
Look closer and the adjustable handlebar stem and suspension seatpost should mean levels of comfort approaching luxury
I would point out one of the wires to the rear light had come loose
but the push-fit blade connection was easy enough to reattach and squeeze tight with pliers
The adjustable bar stem was also a little loose but again it was an easy job to tighten it up
You might also consider the Mako's 29.7kg weight overly hefty and it is - but probably only a little when you consider this looks to be a very well built
sturdy step-through frame with a biggish battery and full equipment including hub gears
lacking the triangulated strength of a diamond frame
so this is clearly a risk the Mako Shark is keen to avoid
It's actually more beautiful than brutal in appearance
with smooth welds throughout apart from on the rear chainstays
The Bafang M420 mid-drive is a very solid hill-climber
It might not have the liveliness in response to your pedal effort that pricier high-spec Bosch motors have
but just keep the pedals twiddling and the power keeps on coming
I also took it on a Sunday afternoon ride up the steeper western side of the Yorkshire Wolds and it never missed a beat as I made steady and effortless progress to a sweeping viewpoint
A nice low first gear also helped it make it easily up my ultra-steep hill climbing test without undue effort
It's smoothly and quietly delivered power in most conditions too
the motor only troubling itself with a gentle hum up the most demanding of climbs
If it just has to be Bosch - with all the long term backup and reliability that implies - then Cube's Supreme Hybrid range has belt drive options that certainly give the Mako a run for its money - though they will likely cost a few hundred pounds more. Raleigh's Motus Grand Tour
but is chain driven and features the less powerful Bosch Active Line Plus motor
If you are happy with the extra weight of a 35kg e-bike and want full suspension and a bigger battery, the Himiway A7 Pro is well worth a look. And if you are happy with derailleur gears the Romet E-Modeco URB 3.0 has plenty of power in the form of the well-regarded Shimano EP8 mid-drive
Other step-thru/powerful mid-drive combos tend to be a fair bit pricier - the Moustache Lundi 27.5 being a recent example
this is a highly functional e-bike that's comfortable to ride
has more than enough motor power and is just so easy to get along in just about every daily e-bike use circumstance
sharkebikes.com
The front wheel is an easy place to fit a motor
With a square taper bottom bracket I had tons of room to install the PAS sensor on the non-drive side
Mount the controller box in a way that works for you and whatever cable management system you have in mind
The P850C display is a gorgeous full colour option
The kit comes with replacement brake levers that will stop the motor when squeezed
so the system is limited to cable-actuated brakes
A high-quality kit that's fun to build and has a ton of options
As long as you have a decent bike to convert
the assembly isn't difficult and the end result is great
Control for every component is in your hands
There's a lot of demand for electric bikes right now. Along for the ride with that is a lot of interest in the best electric bike conversion kits
it's a way to stick with a bike they already love
it's simply the chance to spend time instead of money and get the same result
Another way that some people look at it is as a way to be a part of the process; a way to build and customise the vehicle that they then get to enjoy
a Bafang Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion kit fits the bill perfectly.
Just because you want to be a part of the process
that doesn't mean you aren't still looking for a good price on a quality system
We wanted to make sure that's what the Bafang Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion kit represented so we took the plunge and bought one
After having spent the time to put it together and enjoy the ride
we are ready to report back on what the process is like from beginning to end.
a throttle and a maximum speed limiter of around 25mph
This puts it well beyond what constitutes permissible by law as an electric bicycle in many countries
e-bikes must operate as a pedelec - in that the motor only engages in line with the rider's pedalling input - and provide assistance up to a maximum of 25km/h
would be considered a moped and would need to be ridden on the road and insured as a motor vehicle.
In the United States, things are a little more complex. You can read the details in our guide to the three e-bike classes
once converted with the following BAFANG e-bike conversion kit
your bike will become a 'class three' e-bike -the highest class available - and you should check your State laws surrounding where you can ride it
as well as insurance and helmet regulations.
if you are thinking about converting your bike to an electric bike
keep reading to see what we think of this system.
and display and the other had the wheel with the integrated motor
This is because during order there are a ton of options for different configurations
There are six different battery options or no battery
then you can choose between three different wheel sizes or only the battery
The only confusion was from Amazon who marked the kit delivered after the first box arrived. The components box shipped from the US while the wheel came from China and they didn't arrive at the same time
I contacted Amazon who contacted the seller
and they assured me another box was on the way and would be there soon.
I opened up the boxes and got started with the instruction manuals
There are two instruction manuals with one covering the battery and one covering everything else
My kit has the 48V17.5Ah rear battery (840Wh) and a rear rack to house it and I started there
There's a rear section that the battery connects to and locks with a key
The rear section needs to be securely mounted to the rack along with a bottom tray that guides the battery in
first make sure that your bike has attachment points for a rack
The battery is heavy and you'll need a solid attachment.
With that done, the first step for the rest of the kit was swapping over the front wheel. After my experience with the Swytch e-bike conversion kit
I remembered to check the tyre for a directional arrow and save some time
The wheel has a design that accommodates both disc brakes and rim brakes but for disc brakes
you'll need to figure out the correct washers for your application and it's just a matter of bolting on the wheel
The kit includes two options depending on your needs
the PAS fits in and the crank goes back on.
it's time to make a decision about the controller box
There's a plastic mounting box that the controller fits inside of and brackets that hold everything to the downtube or the top tube
It's all very simple but you'll need to decide how you want to route all the wiring
I allowed the relatively short wiring to the battery to guide my decision
The kit includes leads for extending the battery cable but I decided I'd rather leave things as they were
My kit included the P850C display and I mounted it over the stem
None of the pieces were difficult to mount
just take your time and work through everything one task at a time.
I've never been much good at finishing details on any project and I actually found this to be one of the most challenging tasks
There's a wiring harness that connects to each of the items at the controls
and takes them to the controller and it's long
There's also a generous length of wire that connects the motor to the controller and in both cases I didn't come up with a good solution for making it look great
I was able to use zip ties to route it safely and out of the way but it's definitely visible
The assembly process took me about six hours
A lot of that time was doing things and re-doing things because I'm not a fantastic bike mechanic
I had to stop part way because I didn't have the crank puller for the crank and I had to order new torx bolts for the disc brake rotors after stripping one of them
None of it was hard but I worked slowly until I plugged in the last wire
and hit the throttle to see that everything was working.
The assembled bike is heavy because the battery is big
Ebike range ratings are tricky to start with and in this case there's no mention of what you can reasonably expect
There are other bikes available that have a similar battery and motor though
Quoted range tends to be 60-100km (30-60 miles) so if that's more than you need
it's easy to remove the battery to tackle a flight of stairs
I only have a few stairs to get to the street and found it manageable even with the battery installed.
Standing on the street it was time to see how it worked
I turned on the display with a long press and the big display greeted me with a yellow "hello" screen
A double click on the remote for the controller enters the settings and I swapped things to imperial units before setting my assistance level and heading off.
No matter if you are pedalling or using the throttle
I was able to get up to a little above 25mph at the max assistance level but I find that speed somewhat unpleasant to cruise at
allowing your speed to go up and down as you feel comfortable
or just drop down to the second or third assistance level
If you hit the brakes the motor will shut off rather than attempt to fight the brakes.
One of the advantages I found about this system was the base bike I was using
It's an inexpensive city bike and the gearing is a 3x7 system
That's a lot of gearing and much more than most inexpensive electric bikes
Finding a gear that lets you pedal without working much is a lot easier even when a hill slows things down a bit.
The P850C is a gorgeous colour display that's easy to see even in bright light
It also shares a ton of info but if you decide to try out a kit
The price difference isn't much but there are simple black and white displays that have all the info you need and it's even easier to read.
The only problem I experienced with the BAFANG Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion Kit was my own fault
The battery pushes into its storage spot and feels secure
Given that on my first ride I wasn't planning on stopping
I never locked the battery and after a few miles the bike shut off
Even though everything is waterproof I suspected that the rain was an issue
I pushed it back in and continued on my way
With the battery locked to the bike I never experienced another issue.
Low end electric bikes have really dropped in price
and you can actually find bikes priced relatively close to this kit
but that doesn't mean the BAFANG isn't worth considering
since those bikes represent the low end of the electric bike options and they are still more expensive than the most expensive version of the kit
The bike you bring to the equation might also have advantages
the extended gearing isn't something you'd find on those low-end e-bikes.
Along with the savings comes a project and that's the part you will want to consider
especially if you want to build something unique
It would make a great option for a cargo bike as an example
It can also save you money by trading your time for money paid
it is a process that will require a fairly significant time investment
As long as you are on-board with the process
you'll end up with a high-quality electric bike
You can take pride in having built it and it's going to cost less than off the shelf.
Dumpling and potsticker prices will rise by NT$0.4 to NT$0.5
7101TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Bafang Yunji International Co.
on Tuesday (July 9) announced it will be increasing dumpling and potsticker prices on Wednesday (July 10)
Bafang Yunji said that faced with operational challenges such as fluctuations in ingredient prices, electricity rate hikes, and labor shortages, they will adjust the prices of some items, per CNA
The prices of dumplings and potstickers will increase by NT$0.4 (US$0.012) to NT$0.5 per piece
with an average adjustment rate of 6% to 7%
The company said its hot and sour soup and corn chowder prices will remain at NT$35
Its beef noodles and beverages prices will also stay the same
Due to the increase in ingredient costs, Bafang Yunji raised the prices of potstickers and dumplings by NT$0.3 to NT$0.5 in February 2023
That February adjustment was the first since late 2021
Taiwan's Din Tai Fung opens first branch in New York
Taiwan’s Chimei Foods Poland dumpling factory to open in August
4 ill after eating at Bafang Dumpling in Taipei
Taipei MRT reminds passengers of drinking water ban
Taiwan dollar hits NT$29 per US dollar triggering currency exchange rush
Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes off east Taiwan
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Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of testing Eovolt’s Afternoon Vintage, which proved a well-rounded folding e-bike. While the Eovolt Afternoon Pro bears a resemblance
boasting innovative features such as patented auto-locking hinges
and even a hidden AirTag compartment for GPS tracking
But does it justify its hefty £2,995 price tag
Unpacking and setting up the bike was a breeze
It arrived unfolded and almost ready to ride
with only the saddle height needing adjustment
I took it for its first ride—a 10-mile hilly loop through my local lanes
but in practice the higher gear can sometimes engage at an inconvenient moment
you need to briefly stop pedalling to trigger the shift
While this setup is ideal for flat terrain
it can be a bit of hindrance on Cornwall’s rolling hills
the higher gear is excellent for downhill sections
allowing you to comfortably pedal at speeds of up to 25mph
the Pro has a comfortable riding position and doesn’t feel like a folder
Subtle differences include a gently swept-back handlebar design
and an adjustable handlebar height via spacers
The handling has the same confidence-inspiring feel as the Vintage and is excellent for a folding e-bike
The Pro version uses the same Schwalbe Pick-Up tyres which offer a balance of low(ish) rolling resistance
Despite carrying extra weight and navigating Plymouth’s bumpy backstreets
Even when carrying a heavy backpack filled with groceries
I covered just over 20 miles (32km) and climbed 2,000 feet (600m)
The battery still showed two bars when I got home — pretty good considering its 360Wh capacity
There is a small strap on the handlebar stem and a centre folding mechanism
Unfolding the bike is the opposite and all of the catches give a satisfying click when locked in place
you can fold the Eovolt in a matter of seconds and it folds down into a compact and manageable package
The Afternoon Pro’s frame is beautifully finished
with smooth welds and a deep gloss paint finish
it strikes a good balance between portability and sturdiness
Its maximum load capacity of 130kg is impressive for a bike of this size
I weigh 105kg and frequently carried an additional 20kg during deliveries without any issues
Bafang’s H700 dual-speed hub motor is a solid performer
although the shifting takes some getting used to
The torque sensor is smooth and responsive and the Gates Belt drive is smooth
The screen acts as the up/down key and there are two buttons on the side for additional features
There are five power levels to choose from and a five-bar battery indicator plus current speed
Power comes from a 360Wh seatpost battery that uses LG cells
The power lead from the controller to the battery uses a proprietary magnetic connector
The claimed range of up to 50 miles may be possible
I would say a real-world range of 30 miles is nearer the mark
The patented ABUS battery lock provides extra peace of mind when leaving the bike unattended
The wheels are handbuilt in-house by Eovolt and have proven to be durable
Despite being subjected to Cornish back lanes and poorly surfaced city streets
they remained true throughout the testing period
The 20” x 2.15” Schwalbe Pick-Up tyres were grippy
puncture-resistant and soaked up bumps well
The front wheel uses the modern thru-axle format
Other accessories include a 70-lux front light and an integrated rear light
a sturdy pannier rack and an asymmetric centre stand
There’s also an SP Connect phone mount on the centre of the handlebars
The Afternoon Pro offers an exceptionally smooth and well-mannered ride
It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into its design
This proves you don’t need four-inch wide tyres and suspension for a comfy ride
The MiRiDER One GB3 comes in at £2,495 and features an innovative three-speed system with a belt drive
Unlike the Eovolt where the gears are integral to the motor
which is housed within the chainwheel body
This system isn't automatic and is controlled via a twist-shift
Although the battery has a smaller energy capacity of 252Wh
our reviewer Richard still managed a respectable 35 mile range on varying terrain
The Gocyle G4 was £3,395 when reviewed in 2021
the Gocycle looks futuristic and features a mixture of carbon fibre and aluminium construction with a fully enclosed drivetrain in a magnesium case
The latest G4i model comes in at £3,999 and features Shimano Nexus 3-speed with electronic predictive shifting
The Tern Vektron Q9 is priced at £2,995
and uses the Bosch Active Line mid-drive motor with a 400Wh battery and traditional derailleur gear system
the Tern would be a more suitable alternative
The Brompton P-Line Electric impressed our reviewer Richard when tested in 2023
It offers the classic Brompton fold with an increased gear range thanks to its four-speed derailleur
The Eovolt Afternoon Pro is an impressive folding e-bike that excels in build quality
While the dual-speed Bafang hub motor’s shifting system takes a little getting used to
the bike remains a solid performer with responsive torque sensing and a very refined ride
and practical features make it ideal for urban commuting and recreational use
but its build quality alone makes it worthy of consideration
eovolt.com
Tony's journey into the world of e-bikes began in 2016
sparked by a doctor's advice to overhaul his lifestyle and lose weight
he transitioned to a regular bike and has since covered nearly 40,000 miles on his road bike
His passion for e-bikes led him to start writing about them in 2018.
Where's the last place you'd expect a sideways nod to Luis Buñuel
Print Can you believe it’s November already
Hope you’ve all fallen back successfully and aren’t too depressed by the fact it’s pitch dark by 5 p.m
a great little French place called Maison Matho
here to bring you this week’s Tasting Notes newsletter
but do you have a minute to talk about dumplings
I’d like to talk about a wonderful trend that’s been happening over the past couple of years: a proliferation of casual dumpling spots in and around Los Angeles
which has just the one location in the U.S
Pan-fried dumplings at Jiou Chu feature a crispy lace of starch around the bottom
(Lucas Kwan Peterson) They scratch different itches
Jiou Chu is more of a full-service hybrid restaurant — there is abbreviated table service
but you order on your phone through a QR code
Bafang is purely fast-casual with counter service
where you order and pick up food yourself at the front (there’s also no expectation to tip when you pay
if that kind of thing is important to you)
comforting dish that should perfectly balance savory and sweet
flavored with star anise and brimming with chewy noodles
but the bowl at Bafang was a bit more generous and had more spice
as well as a couple of fat chunks of tender radish
I liked the broth better at Jiou Chu, however: It was deeper and had legs to it. I also liked the fact that it came with a small dish of pickled mustard greens on the side. The noodles in Jiou Chu’s soup had more of the springy, bouncy “QQ” texture that we prize in certain starchy foods
Jiou Chu offers a xiao long bao (soup dumpling)
But I found the XLB slightly puzzling — the wrapper was on the thick side
but they almost resembled more of a chewy dim sum har gow than what you’d typically expect: pyramid-shaped and swelling near the bottom
with liquid nearly bursting from the sides
which were juicier and very well constructed
you can get an order of six for just $5.25
An order of eight dumplings at Jiou Chu will run you close to $11
My feelings about the dumplings mirror my overall feelings about both restaurants: Jiou Chu has the edge on flavor
but Bafang is easier and provides great value
but sometimes you want your options streamlined
Sorry about the pun. Our indefatigable Deputy Food Editor Betty Hallock has a great feature this week on Jing Gao
the condiment company known for its Sichuan chili crisp
who once lived in the corporate world as a product manager at Procter & Gamble
with over 2 million jars of her chili crisp sold
Fun fact: The name Fly by Jing is a reference to her native Chengdu
and small restaurants that were so delicious that people would swarm to them like flies
and don’t overlook all the recipes at the bottom of the page
Incidentally, have you tried the L.A. Times Food section’s dry chili crisp, made in collaboration with Burlap & Barrel? You can buy a jar of that here
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Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Become a subscriber.
Are you ready? It’s time, once again, for the annual 101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles list! The event takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 5, and will almost certainly be an exciting time. Featured restaurants, in no particular order, include Tsubaki, Damian, Alta Adams, Morihoro and the inimitable Jitlada. Dress to impress and bring a date, or your appetite. Preferably both. Get your tickets here
Email us.
Lucas Kwan Peterson is a former columnist and video producer for the Food section of the Los Angeles Times.
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TAIPEI (TVBS News)—Taiwanese restaurant chain Bafang Yunji (八方雲集) announced on Tuesday (July 9) a strategic expansion into the U.S
including a significant capital increase for its subsidiary
and plans to establish a new subsidiary in Texas.Bafang Yunji has invested over NT$200 million in Dallas to acquire real estate spanning 66,000 square feet of land and 30,000 square feet of building space for production and operations
The company already operates nine stores in the U.S.
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Thousands flock to City of Industry for Bafang Dumpling’s budget-friendly menu
Prolific Taiwanese chain Bafang Dumpling opened its first U.S
location in City of Industry in late March
bringing griddle-crisped potstickers and spicy sesame noodles to a mini-retail cluster at the western entrance of the Puente Hills Mall
With nearly 1,300 outlets in Taiwan and China
the well-established brand is betting that its winning formula of affordably priced Taiwanese comfort food served in a fast-casual setting will attract a steady stream of diners
even in a crowded dumpling market like the San Gabriel Valley
a business-heavy area 18 miles east of Downtown
was chosen as the first stateside location due to its proximity to communities in both Los Angeles and Orange counties
The city’s demographic diversity and well-trafficked businesses further added to its appeal
expansion coincides with its entry onto the Taiwan stock market last September
Bafang’s menu of potstickers, ingot-shaped dumplings, bouncy “QQ” noodles
and soy milk-based drinks — all offered at wallet-friendly prices — have attracted thousands of diners since opening on March 25
with lines often winding outside the restaurant’s door
A combination meal that includes a deep-fried pork chop
a serving of “Old Fashioned” soy sauce and shallot noodles
while a dozen of the restaurant’s best-selling pork potstickers are priced at a reasonable $8.75
Peng says that the company “challenged” itself to offer the same value in the U.S
and achieves its lower price point through a combination of sales volume
operational efficiencies like having a central kitchen in Irvine that makes the restaurant’s noodles
and wrappers for dumplings and potstickers
and “support” from Bafang’s operations in Asia
to compete with national chains like Chipotle and In-N-Out
and to better serve cash-strapped diners facing increased inflation and the still-lingering effects of the pandemic
While the brand’s economical pricing is in-line with its restaurants in Asia
the stateside food menu is abbreviated with recipes adapted to suit American palates; its market research determined that American diners wanted sweeter
and spicier notes than their Asian counterparts
“We added a little bit more of everything,” Peng says
“Our fillings for the dumplings and the potstickers have more flavor
so we made our noodles with an extra kick.” Bafang also found that American appetites are larger than Asian diners’
so the restaurant is offering eight combination meals that can include a dozen potstickers with various sides for $10.50; these combination meals are exclusive to the U.S
Jiayu Lin founded the original Bafang Dumpling in 1998 in the Tianmu neighborhood of Taipei
A popular franchising program allowed the restaurant to rapidly increase its presence across Taiwan and China – Bafang arrived in Hong Kong in 2008 and mainland China in 2014
“The founder always valued giving people the opportunity to be a small business owner,” says Peng
and people in the community that really love this product
We hope to bring that here and give people the opportunity to be business owners,” Peng says
Almost 85 percent of Bafang’s 1,300 locations are currently operated by franchisees
Anticipating further expansion in Southern California in the coming years
Bafang established its North American headquarters in Irvine
Growing the number of restaurants in the region is a priority for Bafang
particularly in Los Angeles and Orange counties
Though Peng wouldn’t reveal how many additional restaurants are in the works or where they’ll be located exactly
she says that franchise opportunities will be available starting in 2023
(BRAIN) — Bafang announced the development of its Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology platform and the G500A internal five-speed automatic shift hub that utilizes it for fat-tire e-bikes
GVT "elevates" e-bike shifting with "precise" automatic shifting mechanisms and "advanced transmission control." GVT products are belt-drive friendly and offer ease of integration
Bafang also says GVT reduces common maintenance issues and durability concerns found in existing shift systems and represents another step toward extending the overall lifespan of e-bikes
The G500A can withstand torque ratings of up to 200Nm and is available with 175mm and 190mm dropout options
Bafang said each of the G500A's gears undergoes at least 10,000 impact tests
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Bafang Dumpling should open in Mira Mesa before the end of the year
A famous Taiwanese dumpling chain is slated to debut its first San Diego outpost after Christmas. Bafang Dumpling, the largest dumpling maker in Taiwan, is putting down roots near the newly opened Sunmerry Bakery, another Taiwanese behemoth
and Crumbl Cookies at the Village at Mira Mesa
Bafang founder Jiayu Lin was a struggling mechanic
and his wife was a math teacher who tutored students out of their home
making potstickers as an afternoon snack for the kids before they’d buckle down to study
The first Bafang Dumpling restaurant opened in 1998
the company went public on the Taiwanese stock market
where it has nearly 1,300 locations in Taiwan
and China and sells 1.2 billion dumplings each year
Bafang is setting its sights on growing its U.S
market with ambitions to make it bigger than its Hong Kong presence
The Taiwanese restaurant opened its first North American restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley in March 2022
The 3,000-square-foot Mira Mesa restaurant is “bigger than our City of Industry restaurant with more seating since we’ll have more space,” Stephanie Peng
Known for its wallet-friendly comfort dishes served in a fast-casual setting
the chain’s popular items include griddled fried potstickers
and old-fashioned noodles which are bouncy QQ noodles dressed with soy sauce and shallot oil
which include wonton soup or iced lemon black tea
and a variety of soy-based boba drinks including soy wild mango and Soy Awesome with pudding
“We aim to deliver high-quality food that’s easy and convenient at affordable pricing,” said Peng
A post shared by Bafang Dumpling (@bafangdumplingusa)
focusing on Southern California because of its diversity,” added Peng
who told Eater that they plan on opening more restaurants in Brea Mall
and Irvine where their central kitchen is located
Other locations for the San Diego area may also be in the works
While 85 percent of its Asian stores are franchised
there will be opportunities for franchisees to expand the brand across the country as Bafang establishes firm footing on this side of the Pacific
Bafang Dumpling Menu
Bafang Dumpling will serve its signature dumplings
The largest Taiwanese dumpling maker, Bafang Dumpling, has confirmed to Eater that it will be opening its first San Diego restaurant at the Village at Mira Mesa before the end of the year
Its corner storefront will be part of the retail center’s new expansion area (where Crumbl Cookies is already located) near the intersection of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Reagan Road
Bafang founder Jiayu Lin was a struggling mechanic while his wife was a math teacher who had students coming to their home for tutoring where they made potstickers for the kids
It’s such a great area and great community
We’re happy that Mira Mesa will be home to our first store in San Diego,” said Peng
The menu will be the same as the Los Angeles area outposts
featuring specialties like its signature boiled dumplings filled with pork and cabbage
Other favorites include griddle-fried potstickers
which are bouncy QQ noodles dressed with soy sauce and shallot oil
Drinks range from boba tea to mango soy milk
which include iced lemon black tea or a cup of hot and sour soup
“The combinations are easy for the customers to sample what our specialties are,” said Peng
“We want to be able to offer authentic Taiwanese comfort food
Our aim is to deliver high-quality food that’s easy and convenient at affordable pricing,” said Peng
“We hope to go in offering a different style of food than burgers
While its North American headquarters and central kitchen will remain based in Irvine
Bafang has set a goal of opening 10 more U.S
While 85 percent of their stores in Asia are franchised
There will be opportunities for franchisees to expand across the country as Bafang establishes firm footing on this side of the Pacific
Bafang introduces new H700 rear drive system for eCity segment - clean
As one of the world's leading manufacturers of e-bike drive system
Bafang is committed to providing the best motor and system solutions for a wide range of categories - whether for front-drive
Bafang will launch the brand-new built-in H700 automatic dual speed rear drive system - a clean
compact and dynamic rear-motor as the core part that aids urban commuting for eCity segment
Bafang’s development team has been making constant innovations and improvements in the field of electric drive
and has successfully integrated the transmission into the motor through independent research and development – achieving a highly-integrated built-in automatic dual speed motor
The H700 rear motor is not only equipped with the deceleration system that Bafang is known for
but is also integrated with the automatic dual speed system subject to years of research and development
The motor automatically adjusts the gearbox ratio by detecting the speed of the vehicle during cycling
so the rider can get a better cadence without manually shifting and experience greatly improved riding comfort without affecting the power of the motor
the compact structure does not affect the overall size and shape of the motor
a maximum outer diameter of 136mm and standard OLD of 135mm
H700 rear motor can be adapted to the standard eBike sizes for both belt and chain transmissions
the motor wiring is on the left side of the outlet structure to enable a concealed harness inside the frame to avoid unnecessary scratches
While the H700’s 250W rated power that meets legal requirements
it can easily ensure a strong performance for riders in daily commuting and leisure use
Bafang designed the system with a smooth and non-marking outer tube
The slender 10Ah intube battery and controller are integrated into the downtube to enable a more stable structure; the simple single-button display is embedded on the tube to result in easy operation and full release of the handlebar space
with its Bluetooth function as an option to enable cyclists with diverse application experiences; and finally
lets cyclists enjoy a more relaxed and pleasurable trip during the workday commuting or on outings with friends on weekends
healthy travel has become a common aspiration for the public
The brand-new H700 rear drive system launched by Bafang is built to focus on the concept of clean bike to let you enjoy a free
relaxed and flexible travel experience even while cycling in crowded cities
The H700 drive system will be presented at the 2021 Eurobike
This article is sponsord by Bafang.
E-bikes have gained considerable recognition in recent years
It's been two years since Forestal promised a range extender
and the Andorran brand finally claims this new power-pack is in 'the final phase of development'
Forestal’s range extender has finally been spotted
the Andorra-based e-bike brand known for the sleek Siryon and Cyon models with their Bafang motors and integrated colour touchscreens
is getting close to launching its long-awaited and much needed range extender
The new unit is ‘in the final phase of development’
and boasts a 250Wh capacity which should add as much as 69% to the range of the internal battery
The prototype weighs 1.32kg and is now ready for final production testing before being offered to customers
The Forestal Cyon was ahead of the game in 2022
but a number of setbacks have left it playing catch up
Forestal is claiming some significant range improvements through its latest firmware updates
Although Forestal is not explicit about whether these gains are through efficiency improvements
Forestal also reveals that more updates are on the way
rather than having to be installed via a dealer
There’s no lack of power from the Bafang motor used by Forestal – maybe too much judging by the underwhelming range
but it’s a going to be a challenging task
Bafang is a long-established maker of e-bike components
Turn your bike into an e-bike with a conversion kit from Bafang
Here are the best deals we've found right now
Bafang has been making electric motor conversion kits for bikes since 2003
so it's got one of the longest track records in the market
Its motor units are also used by a number of bike brands in their electric bikes
you can also buy front or rear hub motors from Bafang
Conversion is relatively simple if you're a reasonably competent mechanic
while Bafang makes kits that are compatible with a wide range of bottom bracket standards
with a variety of outputs for different uses
Kits come with installation instructions and Bafang has support centres in the US
Japan and Taiwan if you do need assistance
We've looked out for the best deals on the internet for Bafang mid-drive e-bike conversion kits
so you can be sure that you're getting the kit you want at the best price
You'll often find quite deep discounts on Bafang e-bike conversion kits online
but Bafang kits are sold by a number of other sites and there are vendors who specialise in conversion kits
Make sure you're getting everything you need in a kit though
Often the battery is sold separately and you need to be careful that the kit is compatible with your bike
so check things like bottom bracket width and frame compatibility