Mid-Drive Electric Bike Kit: My Buying Experience

Mid-drive electric bikes are some of the most refined on the market, offering high torque and high efficiency. However, until recently, those wanting to buy a mid-drive electric bike were limited to under-powered and expensive 250-watt Euro electric bikes or $10,000+ USA bikes. Now, there are several mid-drive kits available that allow someone on a budget to build a mid-drive electric conversion that's even more powerful than the factory mid drives. This article will explore the options available to those looking to buy a mid-drive electric bike kit.

Mid-drive kits for DIY electric bikes

Mid-drive kits are a great way to convert your bike into a powerful mid-drive e-bike without breaking the bank. Until recently, your options were limited to under-powered and expensive 250-watt Euro electric bikes or $10,000+ USA bikes. Now, there are several notable mid-drive kits on the market that offer a more affordable and powerful alternative.

One popular option is the Bafang BBS02 750W mid-drive kit. Introduced at Interbike 2015, the Bafang BBS02 is a larger version of their popular mid-drive, designed for "Heavy Duty" use. The bottom bracket on the standard HD drive is 100mm wide, making it compatible with many fatbikes and off-road bicycle frames. You can purchase the BBS02 with an upgraded controller and firmware for $540 at Lunacycle.com.

Another option to consider is the TSDZ2 mid-drive kit. However, be aware that the motor assistance fades at high gears and low cadence, so it may not be suitable for hills.

When choosing a mid-drive kit, it's important to consider your budget, the type of bike you have, and the terrain you'll be riding on. With the right kit, you can transform your regular bike into a powerful and efficient e-bike, giving you a boost when you need it most.

The benefits of mid-drive electric bikes

Mid-drive electric bikes are some of the most refined electric bikes on the market. They offer high torque and high efficiency, and there are now a range of mid-drive kits available that allow someone on a budget to build a mid-drive electric conversion that’s even more powerful than the factory mid drives.

Until recently, if you wanted a mid-drive electric bike, you were limited to buying an under-powered and overpriced 250-watt Euro electric bike. Or, if you wanted a powerful bike, your only choices were a $10,000 plus USA bike (like the Optibike or the Hanebrink). Now, there are several notable mid-drive kits on the market, such as the Bafang BBS02 750W mid-drive, which was introduced at Interbike 2015.

The Bafang BBS02 750W mid-drive is a larger version of the company's popular mid-drive, and the “HD” stands for “Heavy Duty“. The bottom bracket on the standard HD drive is 100mm wide, so it drops right into the 100mm wide BB of the increasingly popular fatbikes and off-road bicycle frames.

Another option is the TSDZ2, which is recommended for use on hills, although one reviewer noted that if you get much above C90 the motor assistance fades.

The Bafang BBS02 750W mid-drive kit

I recently bought the Bafang BBS02 750W mid-drive kit. I chose this kit because it's a larger version of the popular mid-drive, with a 100mm wide bottom bracket that fits the increasingly popular fatbikes and off-road bicycle frames. The kit is also quite affordable, with an upgraded controller and firmware available for $540 at Lunacycle.com.

When it comes to choosing between a hub motor E-bike and a mid-drive, there are a few things to consider. Mid-drives offer high torque and high efficiency, making them a popular choice for those seeking a refined electric bike experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that the TSDZ2 mid-drive kit, for example, has a word of warning for hills. As one reviewer of e-bike motors said, "electric motors are designed to spin, if you use high gears, and low cadence the energy fades". So, if you're planning on tackling some steep inclines, be sure to take that into account when making your decision.

The Haibike EQ Trekking, powered by Bosch

The Haibike EQ Trekking is a good choice for those on a budget, as it is more affordable than some other mid-drive electric bikes on the market. It is also a good option for those who want a powerful bike but don't want to spend $10,000 on a USA bike.

The Haibike EQ Trekking is a good choice for those who want a high-quality, powerful mid-drive electric bike without breaking the bank. It is a good option for those who want to avoid the limitations of under-powered and overly-priced 250-watt Euro electric bikes, as well as the high cost of $10,000+ USA bikes.

The Haibike EQ Trekking is a good choice for those who want a powerful and efficient mid-drive electric bike. It is a good option for those who want to avoid the limitations of under-powered and overly-priced bikes, as well as the high cost of some of the more powerful options on the market.

The TSDZ2 mid-drive kit

One thing to keep in mind with the TSDZ2 kit is that the motor assistance fades at higher cadences. So, if you're planning on riding at a high cadence, you may want to consider a different kit or make some modifications to the TSDZ2.

The TSDZ2 is a popular choice for e-bike builders, and for good reason. It's a powerful and efficient kit that offers a lot of bang for your buck. If you're looking for a mid-drive kit that will give you a smooth and powerful ride, the TSDZ2 is definitely worth considering.

The Bafang BBS02 750W mid-drive kit is another great option on the market. Introduced in 2015, this kit offers a larger, heavy-duty bottom bracket that is perfect for fatbikes and off-road bicycle frames. With its upgraded controller and firmware, the BBS02 is a reliable and powerful choice for e-bike enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions