Excellent video! Two years ago I converted my venerable old Trek Multitrak 700 bike to electric power, in this case by installing a 250 watt front drive wheel. This resulted in an excellent, easy-to-ride E-bike which fits me just fine, and has enough power assist to keep me riding almost daily. I'm 71 years old these days, so the electical assist is greatly appreciated by my knees and hips!

Johnny, much respect to you man..! 😉👍. You are like a breath of fresh air to all of us folks who are desperate to get back into cycling via less-stressful e-bikes, after having all of our own previous gut and lung busting old, pedal bikes, hung up on the rack in our garages for far too many years now..! I personally love cycling, but I just hate hills, like I’m sure they equally hate me. I live in Australia, so I can’t really afford to buy any stuff from you, because of the totally ridiculous freight costs charged by international shipping companies, but that aside, I send you much, much respect man, for your down to earth, tell it straight style of very helpful and informative YT videos, and I hope, that you get lots of support, for your own pro-build business, from all of the folks in America..! More power to you man..! All the best wishes from down under. Cheers. 😉😁😁👍👍👍

Have a BS02 750 five yerars now, Comuter nr 1, Saved the price in many times for bus rides, 13 minutes to work.. 45 minutes walk. 45 minutes train or bus.. love it. Summer snow ,rain. it works great.

I LOOOVE THIS (and your whole attitude/positive outlook offering to help people with your personal professional experiences thus far!) checking your website out now and thank YOU 🙏

You're right- I did this in 2004 because of a bad knee. I put a 36v front hub on my bicycle and a batt-pak of 36v Ni-Cads. That thing gave me smooth riding up hills and into headwinds. Side benefit is that the easier pedaling strengthened my knee rather than hurt it. These days, I've upgraded to a 48v assist [highly recommended]. I can ride 50 mi. easy- it's a real workout, but without the sweat.

Thanks for the generous information, I built my first ebike a few weeks ago and it bring bike riding to a new level. Until you go on a ride on an ebike you wont know what the next level of fun is on a bike. Keep up the great videos.

just whacked a BB02 750wattt Bafang on my 2012 Trek Slash 8, holy crap. 50kph easy. and just did a 30km run up the local trails . Thanks for all your info.

Two of my three ebikes are regular bikes I converted and I'm perfectly happy with both of them. The only reason I bought the third one as a factory built is because it was a folding fat tire full suspension bike (hard to find one that isn't already an ebike) and I got a really good price on it. Hub motors work perfectly fine for me, but I don't live in a mountainous area. One day, with the bike loaded with groceries, it threw the chain halfway home. The bike was too top heavy for the kickstand to hold it long enough for me to put the chain back on, so I just used the throttle and motor and got home no problem. Can't do that with a mid drive. My advice is, unless you have Real Hills to deal with, save money and get a hub motor kit.

What I like about new purpose-built ebikes is that the battery is built into the frame.

Glad to see this advice. When I decided to get an eBike I realized I didn't need a new bike. My Trek 700 is in great condition, so I ordered a 750 Watt mid drive kit. Can't wait to put it together.

Love your videos, you've convinced me that I want an e-bike, I have the ability to convert my nice current bike and I am looking forward to the process. Plan to watch many more of your videos to be sure I have all I need to do the conversion. Thanks for your work and honest recommendations!

Thanks! I took your advice and converted an almost new Diamond Back hybrid bike that has been sitting lonely in my garage for the last 5 years. The bike was fitted to my 6"4" frame, but a series of operations to my shoulder and knee kept me off of it. I'm 64 and did'nt think I would ever be able to enjoy biking agian. The Bafang BBS02 changed all the for me. I'm out and riding again. Albeit with not as much exercise involved, but I out doing it non the less. Your wisdom in suggesting a conversion was reinforced after riding with folks with purpose-built hub drive bikes (Lectric and Rad). The're heavy, noisy, clumsy and slow compared to my Bafang/Diamond Back.

A journey has to start somewhere. I've watched a couple of your videos and feel like I've taken the first two steps. Subbed.

You hooked me with this video. I’m now Subscribed. I think I have watched 1 or 2 other videos from this channel and now I’m in. Good job, I’m ready for more now please. Lol

Im on the other side of the world from you and your a bloody legend!! Honesty and sincerity go along way. You have both. G'day from Down under Australia.

Hi, Just wanted to say thanks for posting all of these videos. Just getting into biking after a short hiatus(30 years LOL) Started looking at ebikes but most of the bikes don't look to hot or cost 5 plus K. I have a really nice bike in my garage begging for a mid-drive. Thanks for all of the awesome info, and guides as it's made my decision making so much easier and will really help with the transformation over the winter. I kinda bummed being Canadian and we are a couple weeks away from Snowmageddon for the next 6 months. Thanks!!!

Awesome advice & service. I've done 2 builds myself, over the last 5 years, using a BBSHD (e-mtb) & a BBS02 (e-city bike). I've always tried to do my own maintenance but converting my bikes taught me a lot & I can't recommend it enough. If someone can't or won't do it themselves I think the service you provide is awesome.

This is the reason why I subscribed, this man is a DIY EMTB'er.

Hey Johnny, just came across you KZfaq channel this morning and wow, I was looking to buy a prebuilt ebike but you have inspired me to build my own. Thanks very cool. Cheers

Ahhhhh! Thank you so much. I am legally blind, lost my license last year and have been stuck in my house, by myself, since. I just realized an E bike would help me out greatly. Thank you for saving me $3000 buying an E bike. I have three decent bikes in my barn that I believe I can convert one of them now with your videos and information. Life changing, really. Thank you for being so honest and forth with your information.

Great explainer about why to convert that bike in the garage. I look forward to a future video in which you talk about how to convert

... I did my first 30km today with my old Giant / Bafang 500 mid mount / 17.5 battery 48 V ! Surprisingly Strong on assistance 1, and strong also on big hills, with almost the same energy on battery after my ride ! I had a good time, and many other good rides ahead... ! Thanks again for your help !

It’s great knowing there’s guys like you that doesn’t want to see people get shafted! I like your videos!

I have to agree with you, bought a Trek a few years back, did exactly what you said! With the help a an awesome buddy. Put a 1000 watt Bafang midrive 52 V 20 amp battery… it’s a rocket… I bin looking for something else, watched your videos… what am I crazy? It’s in my living room ! Since it’s built just passed a 1000 miles and it’s has no sigh of slowing down… thank you you’re advice was great… Tom LINY😊

You are a great ambassador for DIY ebikes! Informative and interesting articles. Thanks for your effort.

Your video is so apt. I had that Giant XTC4.5 in my garage and wasn't using it because I hated steep hills. I did buy an ebike from a large outdoor store, but when it arrived it was evident it had been returned before. It was a 250W rear hub motor and cost £899. I sent it back and started looking at ebike kits. Almost bought the Yose 350W rear hub kit, but they stopped sending to the U.K. due to the pandemic. I then started watching videos on the Bafang mid drive kit and thought that's the kit for me. I did think it was expensive at £600 including the battery as the bike would only be worth around £150-£200 used. I also had to buy an adjustable stem to make the bars more upright as I was getting pain in my lower back. The bike now fits like that fitted suit and I'm now using it at least 3 times per week. 👍

You're golden. Not many people in the world who genuinely helps others selflessly and cares to help people avoid getting scalped.

Thanks for the video JohnnyNerdOut. The whole thing will be hard for me. I don't have a shop to work with. But the hardest thing to do is get a straight answer on what is legal and what is not. ( I love that hybrid of yours)

you are a good man. keep it up brother

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it.

Wish I'd seen this before I bought my $1200 bike! Thanks for what you do though. Love your channel and I'm enjoying learning as much as I can so I can build my next one!

Thank you for your genuinely valuable advice. Keep up the good work.

Very helpful. I like riding my bike but hate hills because of knee problem. If I fit a motor I could enjoy riding it again.

JohnnyNerd out speaks truth. Have built a couple of these with donor bikes I already had, and helped a couple friends do the same. The Bafang system is great. Plug and play build only takes an hour or two once you become familiar through KZfaq videos. Almost magical transformation. (I've built BBS-02's onto 26" MTB's. 26" donor bikes are plentiful, and both the donor bikes and parts are cheap.). Once you have the tools and experience from the build, you also have the tools to maintain the system.

Have been watching this ebike evaluation for a while. Have a beautiful old Cannondale. Like the day I bought it. At 77 I need the extra help. Thanks for positive information.

Wow Jonny, inspirational stuff!!... flipped my perspective on mid dives in one of the other videos. Like the others really happy i came across it.

Thank you so much Johnny!! I have a Specialized mountain bike, which I want to convert to ebike..it's in great shape. Gonna check out the video and more than likely use your skills. My Mom passed away from Covid, biking and my dog are my life savers. 🕊

Great philosophy. Love it.

this is only the 3rd of your videos that I've seen and I just subscribed. I will be looking for an off road E-bike in a few years and I love DIY & saving $. Your info is excellent.

You’ve hooked me! I’m going to convert my Giant ATX with a mid motor. Your instructional videos are epic!

As a keen road rider I resisted the idea of any kind of assist for as long as possible, but having recently reached the age of ninety, decided that something had to be done about the way al the hills around where I live seemed to have mysteriously been increasing in length and severity. Not being in a position to afford one of the real e-road bikes (Ribble, Orbea and the like), and disliking the appearance, and weight, of most of the e-bikes out there, I did some research. Although not apparently well known, I discovered that a good way to economically convert the bike, while maintaining the road bike appearance and not adding much weight, was to go for a friction drive kit. The one I purchased was a simple kit which was easy to fit and provides it's drive through the rear wheel. The whole thing is very unobtrusive and the all up weight of the bike and kit is only 13.5 kg, which is about the same weight as something like the Ribble AGR SLe, at about a sixth of the price. Obviously it is not as refined as a hub motor system, but it has a 250 watt motor which does the same job pretty well - the hill assist is very good, in fact. Regarding range, I always find the battery range people quote a bit problematic, e.g. someone will claim, say, an 80 mile range on a battery, when actually they mean they did an 80 mile ride with the power off a lot of the time. I tested this kit with a ride on continuous power on mixed terrain, and found that the manufacturer's claim of 25m/40k was pretty well bang on - quite adequate for a decent ride with selective use of the power. For example, I recently did a 50k ride and had 50% battery left at the end. I haven't seen friction drive kits recommended much but I definitely think they are an option worth looking at.

"It was hard for me to accept too, when I first heard these words! I let them take away my pain! We all began as something else, get down on your knees and covert now!" - the purifier

Thank you .. I have a regular mountain bike which is high quality.. already.. I really need exercise to lose weight I'm 63 I've got a pacemaker.. so I can't kill myself going up the hills... This is the perfect solution without breaking the bank.. I was looking at HUB drive Wheels.. now because of you I know that mid drive is the best way to go! I'm pretty handy with a wrench.. so in the next month or so I'm going to consider converting my bicycle thank you again

This is perfect timing! You’re awesome!!!!

I'm really glad KZfaq stuck this video in my recommendations. You have another subscriber now. I have a hub-drive longtail e-bike that I bought about a year or so ago; won't say the name, but you'd recognize it. On one hand, it's the single smartest vehicle purchase I've ever made; on another hand, I _have_ been thinking about upgrading. I thought I'd have to spend 3 or 4 times the price to get a good mid-drive, but ... Hmmm. You've really got me thinking. Given the right selection of pieces, I'm fairly confident that I could pull off a DIY conversion. Don't know whether my existing hub-drive bike is a good candidate for it, but I've got a decent step-through city bike sitting around ... So yeah. Digging your channel, and now I'm checking out your web site. Thanks!

A few years back, prior to watching any of your great KZfaq videos, I concluded that I wanted to convert a regular "city commuter" bike into an ebike. I found the bike I wanted at a major retailer, then went to a local ebike shop and asked if they could convert it. They did so, adding a Bafang 500w mid-drive motor (my choice didn't need more power), a 14.5AH, 36v battery, and at my request, swapped out the rear 3-speed hub with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed. They left most of the rest of the bike stock...as bought from the retailer. The only disappointment was they couldn't get the Bafang motor lined up with the belt drive and ended up replacing the belt with a chain (bummer). But all of that said, the result is a lighter, fast (28 mph), less expensive ebike that I've ridden for a few years now. I commute (not daily, but frequently) about 9 miles each way. The bike is a dream. The only thing done to the bike in 4 years is normal maintenance. So I strongly agree with your advice to build instead of buy. Thanks for the great videos.

You are so right! Exactly how i did it, can't be happier with my tongsheng tsdz2 750w conversion.. this bike is a beast now

On my second ebike .. Electra Townie 7D Step Thru .. Installed a Magic Pie 1000 watt front hub motor . I can touch the ground from the seat now .. Love the "cruise control" I set it to assist me at cruising speed ..Magic Pie also has the controller in the hub so you don't have to find a place to mount it .. Bike works great ..ride most every day for fun and exercise ...

Thumbs to you my man. You got character and I know you will go places.I just hope you stay the same always ready to help out. Dont let success get into your head and im sure you'll make a name for yourself and be a "Legend"

Wish could post pictures. Turned my 15 year old gt idrive into a gt E idrive. 1000w 21ah battery. 37mph top speed 80 mile max range... love it more and more every day

Great video dude thank you for the information

Thanks for planting the idea in my head of doing it myself. I'm about to look at your web site for the parts needed to convert my 10 speed Raleigh Pantage.

I started out with exactly this in mind, but up here in Canada it was going to cost me $1000 or more to electrify my 10 year old hybrid, which I had doubts would last long with all the extra weight and torque. I ended up buying a premade ebike that had all the components I believe would hold up to the punishment (in fact it's overbuilt for my needs) and only cost a few hundred more after I sold my old bike. It's not exactly what I would want, because that would be prohibitively expensive, but has warranty and tangible value.

I ride a 2015 haiBike, but I think it's time to convert my Gary Fisher, Joshua into my "other" e bike! Thanks new subscriber!

I watched a show on BBC about commuting by bike vs car. The traffic was so bad, that a 4 mile drive took 30 minutes, and these small towns in England have trails for bicycles. So the people who were willing to take the challenge made it to work in less time, and lost weight in the process. That was just using a standard bicycle! Imagine how much more efficient it would be with a motor attached.

I’m in the early stages of checking into converting my bike into an ebike, so I’m very interested in the information you are providing, thank you.

We need to encourage more people with money to buy more e bikes so that the second hand market is flooded.

I am totally hiring this guy. I live in West Jordan I actually pick up recycling every week all through Sandy Utah I'm going to be calling him very soon. Thanks for being there

Loved this video. Very informative. Following

Hi Johnny, Subscriber @ 63(my age) from the Philippines. Converting my MTB to E-MTB will be my next project. Thank you so much.

one issue though is that converting cheap bikes has alot of headaches, i had to bend my frame to fit the hub, constant brake work, and a single piece bottom bracket that just wont fit the pas sensor, also battery mounting is iffy

I think you have the best idea, and would love to convert my bike.

Thanks man, love your videos. Just ordered a CYC photon for my stumpjumper.

As always Johnny great video ,both entertaining and informative, numero uno go to guy for all things ebike👍

You need to put automatic links on your description like the others do You should also have a quick link to your website in the description So people can buy from you instead of the easier ones with links in the description box. Click and buy...

Thanks for your video. I have pondered this conversion for a few years now. I am getting up there in age 57, and I have a Giant Roam 0, in great shape. Do you think this would be a good choice for a ebike conversion? Any advise would be a help, thanks.

Now you made me feel like I need a taylored suit with a motor! Thanks Johnny!

Johnny, just wanted to say how much I appreciate your channel. Some channels out there are just there to promote a product or people who want to get the most followers so they can make a living off their subscribers. Nothing wrong with making a living if you have something to offer though! Anyways, I've learned a lot from your channel. Thank you.

I miss riding so much due to copd. This is going to put me back out there. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I'll be on your website soon to get the wind back in my hair. Oh wait. Probably just blew my discount. Lol. Just kidding. Mine too.

I wish I could hire you to build mine! I have a 1200w front wheel hub kit from Ebikling, and am planning someday to put it on a Rad Mission to make an affordable 2 wheel drive! I will try to find a local yokal to hire!!!! Your videos are terrific!!!

We have two good bikes in the garage. I’m hoping your videos help me accomplish this goal. Right now it’s overwhelming. I do want to do it myself. I might have to holler at you.

Great job. Very interesting and informative.

Could you do a Alibaba one or manufacturers one like where to buy?

Wow i just spent $11k on my Stealth B52 made in Australia and it's awesome.

I'm building an ebike. 1500w rear hub motor. 52 Volt x 20ah unit pack power battery. Using a bike I already own. Rear facing camera with a 4" screen. Front three blade mag wheel. Ultra bright front light. Tail, turn and stop lights on rear. New sealed bottom bracket. Alloy cranks and pedals, 40t chain wheel with a single 18t freewheel. Alot of other small items like ape hanger bars. I spent $1400.00 and two years figuring out how I wanted it to be. Later I'm going to update the disc calipers to cable pull hydraulic. Estimated top speed 30 to 40mph. Today I'm reassembling the bike everything except I'm waiting for the sealed bottom bracket. Wish me luck. Oh by the way I'm 70yrs old. I ride a pedal bike everyday. Raymond Mack

Super! I have the bike, plus a retired Assembly Machinist. Subscribed and smashed the bell.

converted Walmart bikes with hub motors are best way to get a budget ebike that can hit 30mph

Ok I'm sold. I will convert my old Raleigh mountain bike from the 90's that I rarely ride. Thanks!

My cluster goes up to 46 teeth in back and with 36 up front, I should go with 750 watts. A session with you would probably help my shopping. I tend to be believe it would at least pay for itself, and perhaps even more. Still some time to go, but I have a lot in the mix already for it, so in due time, I will drive it down the pike. I may change my philosophy between now and then, and do the 1000 watt, but maybe not. I just subscribed so I got your connection.

For anyone listening to this. I totally support this guy. He is for real. I had him convert my Fezzari mt bike. He was fast and right on. More importantly he is there for you long after the sale. 5/5 rating on satisfaction. Now call him for your best ride.

Such great advice, saving my pennies for my first mid conversion for my Fuji....

So much truth here. I've a tadpole recumbent trike which I loved riding, except for uphill....you have to 'winch' your way up, and we've a LOT of steep hills! I'm installing a 2Kw hub rear as mid drive isn't practical, screw the 250watt legal limit!

Great video and advice Johnny!

Great Video and very Honest...To me the most headache with a hub motor is getting a FLAT, especially if you have a tube..I recently converted to Tubeless and I have been thinking about converting my rear hub drive motor to a mid drive. I think I will visit your website and see what is offered....Thanx for your time..Stay Safe

Thank you for this information.

so true! I am planning on converting my Santa Cruz Blur this fall. Planning now!

Thank you for the great advice. I’ve recently started riding my bicycle again. I use my bike for as many errands I can accomplish in a five mile radius (with bike trails). If I add a battery and motor to my bike, I can increase that radius to 10 miles.

excellent video, thanks for the info

I am new to the ebike community. When I jumped in I went deep converting five in a week for the family. For the price of one or two production bikes I built five from our squad of dust collectors. One thing not mentioned is with home builds if you want to try another style of bike find a used platform and move the kit over. If on a mountain bike and you want a cruiser or vintage or step through etc find a used bike and go for it. With the kits we have a diverse range of bikes including a vintage steel frame, a step through, a hybrid and mountain bikes. I am looking for a cruiser to move my kit to. If I find another step through I will set it up for my daughter.

I'm going to get a bike that fits my 300 lb a$$. I will probably put a mid/crank motor and will begin watching your videos to learn the best config for my needs. I just subscribed.

What a great video!! It's all so very true!! I converted a 1018 Diamond back Overdrive 27.5 with a 72 volt 2000 watt hub drive. Next conversion will definitely be a mid drive. I decided that I'm going to start from scratch and convert a full suspension mtb this time. Keep rockin all my ebike bro and sisters! Aaron

Learning lots from your videos Johnny, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'm probably going to attempt an ebike conversion on my old GT Hybrid since it's still in decent shape. I was just going to buy an Ecotrix fatbike as they are pretty cheap, but I'm thinking I might get a little more bang for my buck building my own. Only part that kind of sucks is that the kits and parts are so expensive in Canada.

Glad I found this video! I recently bought an eBike from Amazon and its just a bit too small and doesn't feel right. I have a pretty "ok" bike in my garage that fits me just right that I'm gonna try to convert to an eBike with my son. Never done it before but between the both of us I'm hopeful will get it right! Liked and subscribed! 🙂

I paid $10.00 for my English Royal 3speed in 1979 , I love this bike , I'm going to try this conversion deal at 72 years old !

Hey Johnny, your the bomb dude,,,,thank you for the service you provide,,, very informative and it's real ,not fake like mainstream BS!!

So dope Johnny, I had no idea you are the e bike guru. I’m buying my first mid drive myself. This is Tammer’s bro by the way. Super dope video, so true

Cheers man! nice vid. totally what i did and i am happy with the outcome. bcos i am bigger than usual lets say i bought a big strong bike. i wanted 29" bcos of speed and taking the bumps easier. than i started to customize to lift a handle, extra bar on handle etc.. then a bafang set. all done by myself and i enjoy it. :)

Thank you bro I love this video I agree 110%. Can you recommend some books where I can learn how to build my own e-bike because I've been looking into mid-drive buffeting motors and hub buffing motors for almost 3 years now... Thanks so much

After researching e-bikes, conversion made most sense to me! I need very compact, lightweight (30# total with electric) folder to convert. I've considered BikeFriday, which has a great battery system, but wonder if there's a good folder for my needs (petite-under 120# and 5'4" rider who wishes to go off-road, but not full Mountain Biking) which would lend itself to conversion? Thanks for the video and encouragement to go this route.

I agree 100%. I have a small bike/recumbent trike shop and have installed a lot of BBS02’s on recumbent trikes. I personally am on the lookout for a donor bike for my own use though I do typically ride a trike. Love your videos!