Hello! I've been watching Johnny's YouTubes for a long time and am ready to move forward with 2 e-bike conversions, one for my wife and one for me. I've very good at mechanical work and am not worried about that. My concerns include getting the right items for the conversion, and confirming that our existing bikes are good enough quality. To that point, I'm pretty sure the bikes we have are good to use.
The bikes are both 2018 Specialized 'Roll' models, no suspension except for the seat posts but the tires are fairly wide and soft. We paid $600 each for the bikes back in 2018 so they are at least a good step above what I'd call an 'economy' grade bike.
We do not commute with these bikes, although we might take them into town once converted.
We are both retired but in great shape.
We've been riding bikes all our lives and are avid, experienced riders.
We're luck enough to have many miles of groomed, dirt/gravel trails here in Ohio that we ride on, plus we want to take the e-bikes with us when we go on vacations.
As for range for battery, I'd say it could be on the lower side. I honestly don't see either of us taking a 50 mile ride in one day. I think I'd be happy with a 48 volt 13.5 battery. I've heard Johnny say to make sure and get a battery from a quality company like Samsung.
We are not interested in top speed/ high speed riding. I suspect our speed with the e-bikes will be similar to our current pedaling speeds mostly on trails.
I've watched the installation videos for mid drive Bafang, and I'll buy the specialized tools needed.
So I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has used the Specialized Roll for a conversion, and if there's any issues to look for. Also, any recommendation on kit parts would be appreciated. I'm planning on doing a conference call with Johnny but thought I'd get some info here first to prepare me.
Thanks!
few things. personally i dont suggest no suspension bikes for conversion. but there are exceptions where it can be ok - for smooth, easy trails, smooth pavement, no rocky bumpy terrain - if you plan on riding safe and taking it easy. id recommend a lower power motor, a bbs02 750w or a tongsheng 500w. you likely wont want or need anything heavier or more powerful for a bike on that budget. id suggest a 52v battery, 10-15 Ah ish, for more juice - maybe 15-20 miles of range, but you also dont want a super heavy battery. its the battery cells that are important, not necessarily the battery manufacturer who use various types of cells, often the big brands use cheap cells which take up a lot of space and weight compared to custom battery makers. you need a compatible bottom bracket (68-73 mm BSA threaded, if 73mm, youll need a lekkie onenut) and enough space to mount a battery. I prefer the 500c display. id recommend a gear shift sensor, four 2.5mm motor spacers, and one lekkie spacer in case you have chainline issues. youll want a front chainring at least 40 or 42T, no less. the stock one is usually a 46T, and not a narrow wide ring like lekkie, so it might slip off easier. if you are on very flat terrain, no hills, you can use the stock or maybe jump to a 52T if you want max top speed, though your low end torque may suffer slightly - only suitable for flat ground. DIY with the proper bike tools is easy and fun. good luck