Building A Stealth Electric Fat Bike: The Ultimate Guide

Electric bikes are a fun and efficient way to get around, but their bulky rear battery packs and motors can be a dead giveaway to other riders, hikers, and skiers. To avoid confrontations and move around stealthily, you can build your own stealth electric fat bike. This involves hiding the battery and motor, keeping the weight off the bike, and making sure the bike is quiet. You can also use a black paint pen to cover up logos and use black zipties to hide cables.

Hiding the battery

Firstly, consider the type of battery you are using. The stealthiest battery chemistry is LiPo, as it is small, lightweight, and easy to hide. LiPo batteries are made up of lithium cobalt cells, which can be strung together and isolated. Alternatively, you could use large, safe, and long-lasting LiFePO4 battery packs, but these are bulkier and harder to conceal.

One option for hiding the battery is to place it inside a backpack. This keeps the weight off the bike, making it easier to ride, and allows for a more streamlined design. However, you will need to carefully run the wires from the backpack to the bike, and this can be a challenge to do discreetly.

Another option is to hide the battery inside the frame of the bike itself. This can be done by using large frame tubes that are big enough to hold D-sized cells. The cells can be accessed by removing the seat post and pulling out an end plate, allowing for easy removal and charging. This method creates a very stealthy look, as only the motor and throttle will give away the fact that it is an e-bike.

If you don't want to hide the battery inside the frame, you can also try to disguise it with a bag. A triangle bag or a Topeak bag at the rear of the bike can be used to conceal the battery, although this will affect the balance of the bike. You could also try to disguise the battery as a regular rack bag, but this will require disassembling the battery pack and creating a more discreet design.

Choosing the right colour

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your stealth electric fat bike, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, do you want your bike to stand out or blend in? A bright and vibrant colour will make you more visible, which can be a good thing if you want to be seen by motorists or other riders. On the other hand, a darker or more neutral colour can help you blend into your surroundings, which may be preferable if you're looking for a more stealthy approach.

Black is a popular choice for those who want their electric bike to go unnoticed. As one rider puts it, "Like the old model T, you can have any colour as long as it is black." Black has the advantage of making the cables and motor of a BBS02-equipped fat bike disappear from view, especially when paired with black zip ties or velcro straps. A black paint pen can also be handy for covering up any logos or markings that might give away the electric nature of your bike.

However, you are not limited to just black when it comes to stealth colour choices. The FUTR Alpha and FUTR Beta electric bike frames, for example, offer a choice of gun-metal grey or snow white. These colours can still provide a level of subtlety and elegance while giving you the option to move away from black.

Ultimately, the right colour for your stealth electric fat bike will depend on your personal preferences and the specific level of stealth you are trying to achieve. If you plan to ride in varied terrain, consider a colour that will help you blend in with the most common environments you'll be riding through. For example, a green or brown hue could be ideal for forest or woodland areas, while a sandy colour might be better suited for desert or beach landscapes.

Don't forget that you can also use accessories and add-ons to enhance the stealth aspect of your bike. Front and rear LED lights, for instance, can help you stay discreet when riding at night, while also improving visibility.

Keeping the weight down

Firstly, opt for a sleek and streamlined design. Choose a model with an integrated battery that is neatly tucked away inside the downtube, giving it the appearance of an ordinary bicycle. This not only makes the bike look stealthier but also helps in reducing weight.

Secondly, pay attention to the tires and wheelset. Tires can be a significant source of weight, so consider switching to lighter options like Schwalbe Jumbo Jims or Kenda Juggernaut Pros. Additionally, going tubeless can save you around 2 pounds, as fat bike tubes tend to be quite heavy. If you're hesitant about going tubeless, you can use smaller tubes like 26x2.5 tubes, which can reduce weight by 1-2 pounds.

Another way to keep the weight down is by choosing the right pedals. Platform pedals come in various weights, so selecting a lighter option can make a difference. Additionally, consider the terrain you'll be riding on and opt for tires that offer a balance between weight and traction. For example, 26" x 4.5" oversized fat tires are ideal for off-road experiences, while 27.5" x 3" mountain bike-style tires provide a longer range and a more traditional feel.

Lastly, while aesthetics play a role in stealth, be cautious about adding extra weight with paint. A black paint pen, for example, can be used to cover logos and blend the bike into its shadow, but be mindful of adding too much paint weight.

Remember, keeping the weight down on an electric fat bike often involves making informed choices about components and being mindful of the overall weight distribution.

Motor placement

Firstly, the type of motor you choose will influence its placement. Hub motors, typically placed in the rear wheel, are a popular choice for fat bikes as they are powerful and relatively inexpensive. Middle or mid-drive motors, on the other hand, offer higher torque and are ideal for riders who need more power, such as those riding on challenging terrain or weighing over 100 kg. Middle motors are usually placed near the bike's center, making them less noticeable.

Secondly, motor placement can affect the bike's handling and performance. A well-placed motor should lower the bike's center of gravity, improving stability and handling. This is especially important for fat bikes, which are heavier due to their larger tires and electric components. A lower center of gravity makes the bike more responsive and easier to control, enhancing the riding experience.

Additionally, consider the overall design and aesthetics of your stealth electric fat bike. A sleek and streamlined design is often preferred, with the motor and battery discreetly integrated into the frame. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the "stealth" aspect of the bike, making it less obvious that it is electric. Discreet motor placement can help you avoid unwanted attention or confrontations with other riders or hikers.

When placing the motor, ensure easy access for maintenance and repairs. Motors require occasional servicing, so placement should facilitate convenient removal and installation. This is especially important for hub motors, as a flat tire may require you to disconnect the motor to change the wheel. Practicing this process at home is recommended so that you are prepared for any on-road incidents.

Finally, consider the legal requirements and restrictions for motor placement. Different regions may have specific regulations regarding motor placement and power output. Ensure that your motor placement complies with local laws to avoid fines or other legal consequences.

Noise reduction

When building a stealth electric fat bike, noise reduction is an important consideration to enhance your riding experience. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to minimise noise:

Firstly, the electric motor is typically the primary source of noise in electric bikes. To reduce motor noise, consider choosing a quieter motor system such as the 750W nominal 1200W peak BBS02, which has been recognised as one of the quietest options available. Additionally, motors tend to operate more quietly when subjected to lighter loads. If possible, avoid carrying heavy luggage or equipment that can increase the load on the motor, resulting in increased noise.

Another way to minimise noise is to opt for a belt drive instead of a chain drive. Belt drives, such as the Gates Carbon belt drive, are significantly quieter than chains and require zero maintenance. However, installing a belt drive may require cutting and modifying your bike frame, so it may be more convenient to purchase an electric bike that already comes with a belt drive.

If you're experiencing noise from the gears, a liberal greasing can help reduce the sound. Just be sure to use a grease that is suitable for the material of your gears, especially if they are made of plastic or nylon. For example, Mobilegrease-28 is recommended for nylon-geared mid-drives. Upgrading to newer generation motors like the RN02, M03, M11, and M12 can also help as they are known for their quieter operation due to advanced materials and manufacturing processes.

In addition to the motor and gears, the battery can also contribute to noise. Electric bikes usually offer two types of batteries: integrated and rack-mounted. Integrated batteries produce less noise because they are fully embedded within the frame, reducing vibrations and collisions. On the other hand, rack-mounted batteries tend to create more noise as they are externally attached and can collide with the frame. If you're concerned about noise, opt for an integrated battery and ensure that the battery screws are securely tightened to minimise any rattling or loose parts that could create additional noise.

Finally, some general tips for noise reduction include choosing a stealthy design with a sleek, streamlined frame that hides cables and components. This can help your electric bike blend in and appear more like an ordinary bicycle, reducing the chances of confrontations with other riders or hikers due to the use of a motor.

Frequently asked questions