I've learned a whole lot trying to keep my RadCity 5+ high step and my wife's RadCity 5+ step through running. I use mine as a 31 mile per day (round trip) commuter and I burnt out the hub motor. It was at that point I discovered that the motor is proprietary to Rad and is not serviceable - the big problem being that the "access" to the motor is on the side opposite the cable and the planetary ring has to be removed from the hub. Awful job just to get to the Hall effect sensors. Had to unlace the wheel, heat the hub, etc. All to replace a $3 crap electronic component. So, Johnny's advice strikes home with me, and I intend to work with him to build a replacement. Love the guy's videos and I hope he keeps them coming.
Wow 31 mile round trip !!! That's a long commute on an ebike. But I've noticed riding 15 miles through town. Feels like it goes much faster than riding 15 miles at 25mph down a flat straight hwy into town & back.... Even on my motorcycle going 60mph. Sometimes that 15 mile drive/ride into town. Feels like forever, it's only 15min when going 60mph but for some reason Feels like an hour.... I did between 25-35mph on my motorized bicycle & it felt like an all day journey. I really wish I had a stealthy 5000w ebike I could safely ride at 55mph. Then go the 28mph once in town. But that would be an expensive ebike. If I spend $220 for a new 2 stroke engine. I could easily cruise at 45mph (55 mph top speed) but bicycle hubs & tires aren't meant for those speeds.
An important video for those considering buying an ebike. For me, building an ebike is the only option...plus I like a a lot of power. Johhny is very knowledgeable and the man to listen to. If questions, you can contact Johnny. Money well spent.
I bought a premade e-bike from Amazon a few years ago. 250w rear hub, small battery, short range, crap components, overpriced. Then started researching and found Johnny. I bought a decent Specialized MTB with very good components and shipped it to Johnny during the Thanksgiving holiday. Got it back in just under 2 weeks and I have been turning heads ever since. Mid drive 1000W with spare battery, getting 30 miles easy on a single charge (pedal assist mode, about 20 miles or less on pure throttle). People throw compliments my way, bike is fast, nimble and corners like a dream. Johnny is the man, I need to order a third battery so i can hit ridiculously long ranges. I'll talk to you soon, Johnny.
If you want an eBike this is the guy. He helped me convert my Cannondale into a great eBike that blows the doors off factory bikes for a fraction of the cost. Did the work myself in an afternoon.
One guy in my local shop had no idea the diff between hub and mid frame motors. He didn't argue, but he had a hard time understanding the effect of shifting on a mid frame motor's load. Hub motors are great for flat bike trails, but my local shop is in a town with surrounding hills. And the customer he was selling to was easily 350 lbs. We need to clone Johnny folks. LOL
I worked for a manufacturer of e-bikes and my first day on the job I was asked by the OWNER of The company what the difference between the two was. Not as a quiz. He was just curious as all he imported was hub motor bikes.
Johnny Would like to see you build a Toseven DM02 and point out the differences in building it vs a BBS02. Like the built in gear sensor. Then point out the programming capabilities on the monitor. I know I would find this interesting and I think others would also.
The Trek bike shop near me won't touch an ebike that isn't theirs nor one of theirs that has been modified. Can't say I blame them. The amount of training involved in handling all the different systems of ebikes is daunting.
Ive been watching you for years now... great videos. I was thinking to covert my mountain bike but like it as is. I went with a Alibaba CS20 ebike, with a 41ah battery, 150a Fardriver esc, and 15k hub motor. Waiting for it in the mail lol. I hope it is quality 😨🤞
@@JohnnyNerdOut Right on man... hopefully its quality and doesnt snap when i jump it or things wear out quickly. And technically its not a motorcycle but a very powerful pedal bike :) , wonder the trouble i get. Thanks again for the vids.
I have a Troxus Explorer with the ubiquitous Bafang 750w hub motor. I doubt if finding a replacement motor or controller will be much of an issue. However, I do wonder about replacing the battery pack should I own the bike long enough for it to wear out. The battery pack snaps into the frame and I wonder if I'd be able to find another battery pack that would fit into the frame should Troxus go out of business. Other than that worry the bike itself uses ordinary standard bike parts and is of no concern.
I know, people think because it’s a big brand, or because they paid a lot, they should be safe. Crazy thing is that even current big successful brands often give horrendous support/ replacement parts availability, even if they are still in business.
@@JohnnyNerdOut That's why what you do is so so important and special. I'm glad I did research before diving into e-bikes. I just wish I knew about you for my first builds.
@@JohnnyNerdOut My friend just bought a specialized como from a local shop. This is his first e bike. I told him I've been following you for sometime. He opted for a specialized 2500.00 decent deal. I've known the owners of the shop for years and know they'll take care of him in any issues arise. Fortunate for a good LBS
John what is your recommendation for a Front Chain ring and single rear cog that works with a Nexus 8-speed IGH and planning on installing a 750watt Bafang Mid Drive Motor with a Gear Sensor in reference to All terrain long distance Bike Touring?
@@JohnnyNerdOut Would a 40t be good? I will be hauling a total payload capacity of about 315 pounds of cargo weight (including my own weight) onto the bike and pulling a medium sized pet trailer that will have a dog at 34.25 lbs in it. (20" wheels). With just me on an e-bike my overall average speed is around 17.5 mph.
Do you think a shd or S02 would fit on the newer style full suspension bike like the specialized, Diamondback or equivalent, or go with a different style of midrive.
I can't find any mid-drive conversions as a kit for under $1000. Add the price of the bicycle and it is twice what I paid for a Lectric. I understood when I bought the Lectric that I was investing in the company, they go out of business, and my purchase becomes worthless. So, I only spent $1000 and living with the risk. Problem two: safety. Ebike fires from non-UL standard and badly wired and low-quality components of the electrical systems is a constant worry. There is nowhere to get it serviced, if I take on the electrical job, I may get electrocuted or cause a fire. Money, lots of money can always solve the problem, just go down the street 2 miles and buy a Specialized Ebike for monstrous amounts of money, what a Honda motorcycle would cost. I need a Ebike cargo hauler for around town, otherwise I ride my bicycles for everything else. A convectional cargo bicycle (no motor) cost about $5000. INsanity!
Your logic is sound and the Lectric brand is strong, I paid $1241 for my Troxus Explorer last winter. I also built a BBSHD mid drive which cost way more and I'm not liking it as much as the Troxus. The Troxus uses the ubiquitous Bafang 750w hub motor and the battery uses Samsung cells.
Johnny, I'd like to convert a Devinci Remix SL4 to ebike. If it's possible with components from your website, I'd be happy to book a consultation with you. Would it be possible?
I have been thinking about getting a fat tire bike from bikes direct. And doing your mid drive setup from you Jonnie . Yes or no. Fat bikes are pigs but could be fun with some power ?
I changed the tires on my fat tire ebike from 26x4" knobbies to 26x3" slicks, Duro Beach Bum. The rims are 3" wide. What a difference it made. It's faster and laughs at bad pavement. The only issue with converting a fat bike is chainring clearance. If it can't accommodate a larger chainring it will be undergeared and you'll be ghost pedaling. My bike, Troxus Explorer has unlimited chainring clearance. I replaced the 46t with a 52t but there is plenty of clearance for a 60t. I can still pedal meaningly at 30mph.
Dear Johny, I own Haibike that made my almost cry 😭, it has TQ HRP120 motor, that so happens was quickly removed from US market, but they screwed the EU customers big. First their internal planetary oscilating belt, then I have an issue with tensometer - this is 6000$ eBike - allTrail 6.0 and I really do not know what to do with it? I probably throw it away. Battery is fine, but all stuff is prorpietary with car-like CAN bus communicating - insane! I was injured, therefore guess how much I've rode? Well 880km! And thats it.
Wow, I really feel for you! No support from Haibike? Your best bet, may try to sell on marketplace as a mechanic special. Might be able to get at least a little bit for it 🥲
@@JohnnyNerdOut It may end up that I've send it, pay for package, but not get the repair - as I understood from forums - the design is inherently aat fault, especially for the larger motor.
@@JohnnyNerdOut The electric only mode will be used in areas that I can't use the gas engine. Also it'll be for quicker acceleration & a boost up steep hills. I can build a small single gear stroke engine that'll cruise at 45mph. So I'm hoping to find some cheap 19in moped or motorcycle rims & use moped or motorcycle tires on a steel reinforced bicycle frame with rear suspension added in. The combination of stronger steel frame, hubs, wheels & tires will allow me to safely cruise at 45mph & hit 55mph for short bursts to keep up with traffic if stuck on narrow roads. I have welder & tools but no garage or 240V outlet right now. Which is slowing me down. I wish I lived close to a large motorcycle scrapyard. So I could scrounge up cheap parts. I seen a guy in Vegas building diy recumbent small engine motorcycles buy welding frames together. The recumbent seating position with an aerodynamic front windscreen/fairing gets better mpgs. I miss having my 3 car garage with plasma cutter, powder coating kit/oven, welders, chop saws, cutting torch & lots of other tools. Just when things were finally starting to well. I get sick, lose both fixer upper homes & have to sell lots of stuff to get money.
Great tips 👍. I recently bought a kickstand which I really like 👍 as well as that miracle mirror very well-made products. Thank you for being here Johnny, we love you. I mean we really like you,😅 I mean you’re like really cool guy with great products you and that Shane guy 🥸😂yeah OK cool bye.❤
What disastrous problem. As if throw away products weren’t enough already.I bought a second hand e-bike, with a mid drive Bafang m400 mid drive, which has good parts availability.
I hope that’s not the takeaway from this video. People always ask what business I have giving my opinion, so I try to preemptively state my credentials.
One thing I can say for sure is that you should avoid Riese & Muller like the plague, insanely expensive and zero support from the company which just points you to your dealer. Seriously regret mine.
Anything with Bosch, Shimano, or Yamaha motors is going to have strong dealer support, and every possible barrier to service and support outside of their dealer network. The components have a nearly spotless safety and regulatory reputation, especially among the insurance companies that heavily influence what ebikes bike shops can work on. You can count on being able to get them serviced by a dealer or other authorized servicer almost anywhere, but you pay a premium and give up the ability to do anything other than basic non-electric bike maintenance for yourself.
@@JohnnyNerdOut There are so many older bikes you buy next to nothing and fix them up and add some upgrades making it electric saving a ton of money! Good paint job they look brand new!
