Newbie with questions. Great to have friends to offer advice.

[Reino14]

I’ve pretty much decided to put a kit on my bike. I’m 75+, in pretty good health, a former runner, weigh 175 lbs. I have a Jamis 26” bike I bought used 5 years ago … aluminum frame, steel fork, 32.5 lbs. My plan is to install a mid drive TSDZ2B kit, with a good quality but modest capacity battery.
I hope to have a lighter weight cruiser, smooth, seldom to travel over 15 mph. Few hills, mostly good pavement here in this senior community. I’ve been a technical person, have read all I can, but need to hear from those with hands on experience. Main question now is there any point in buying a 36 volt system as 90% current offerings are 48 volt. Also, is this bike a good candidate for a kit? Comments much appreciated. Thank you. Reino

 

[Reino14]

What I am saying with the 36-volt comment: does the mid-drive 250/350 watt motor have essentially the same battery consumption as the 48- volt battery/500 watt motor combo ... if operated the same way. In other words why not buy the popular 48-volt system over the 36-volt/250-350 watt system if it has no real world advantage. The US market seems to be mostly 48-volt. Thanks. Reino

 

[Smaug]

I have two 48 V systems now. Just old another one. Got rid of the 36 V system; it was very weak by comparison.

Go for 52 V if you can; 48 V minimum.

Mid-drive has the advantage that the motor system can take advantage of the mechanical gears, but the disadvantage that the chain and sprockets are going to wear a lot faster with that extra torque from the motor.

 

[Dmacarthur]

I have a Bafang midmount 48V 750W on an old Specialized that I have necked down to 80% total output at full throttle, and further tweaked the assist levels so that the lower ones, one 2 3 4, are only ten to 25% of the available so I can ride with my grandkids. It is possible to adjust the Bafang controller but I had to go to a local bike shop which had the software to do it. I have essentially never used assist above the 50% level (of the total of 80% tops) so really only 40%. Don't be afraid to buy the more common unit- it will have more battery capacity as well I imagine- and get some help to set your assist levels where you want them.

 

[Dmacarthur]

I have a Bafang midmount 48V 750W on an old Specialized that I have necked down to 80% total output at full throttle, and further tweaked the assist levels so that the lower ones, one 2 3 4, are only ten to 25% of the available so I can ride with my grandkids. It is possible to adjust the Bafang controller but I had to go to a local bike shop which had the software to do it. I have essentially never used assist above the 50% level (of the total of 80% tops) so really only 40%. Don't be afraid to buy the more common unit- it will have more battery capacity as well I imagine- and get some help to set your assist levels where you want them.

 

[Reino14]

Thanks DMac ... I am going with the Bafang 48v. I now have a 2017 Raleigh step through with failed mid-drive. I'm double checking the fit for Bafang, I believe it will fit. I wish I could do motor output changes myself. I'm somewhat surprised that a dealer has to make changes.
Thanks again, Jim

 

[Reino14]

I have two 48 V systems now. Just old another one. Got rid of the 36 V system; it was very weak by comparison.

Go for 52 V if you can; 48 V minimum.

Mid-drive has the advantage that the motor system can take advantage of the mechanical gears, but the disadvantage that the chain and sprockets are going to wear a lot faster with that extra torque from the motor.

Thanks Smaug. I'm taking your advice.