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Cogburn CB4 Fat Tire Conversion

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I feel fortunate to have found Johnny Nerd Out while researching for a two wheeled vehicle to use in my river adventures. Some of the two wheelers I've considered are the Yamaha TW200 (Dual Sport Motorcycle); QuietKat Apex; and UBCO 2x2. However after watching Johnny's videos, I think the best option was already in my garage- a Cogburn CB4 Fat Tire bike.

My plans for using the ebike are about the same as I have used the non-ebike version. Some trail riding; exploring sandbar islands; and picking up the mail from our neighborhood mailbox. It would be nice to have the electric assist so I can ride farther with less effort. The years are starting to catch up with me so I am not quite the rider I once was.

The bike has a 100MM Bottom Bracket and the frame geometry will make it hard to maximize the battery size. Attached please find a spec sheet and some pics of the bike. Hopefully, there will be a kit that can work for this bike. I am leaning towards a BaFang system that will have integrated lights, USB charger; brake levers; etc. I will likely switch to hydraulic brakes to get all the functions of a BeFang system.

I have booked a consultation with Johnny for later this month. He seems like a great guy from his videos and I look forward to talking with him. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for how to prepare for the consultation or ideas for this conversion.

6 comments

6 Comments

premieroutdoors

Jul 16

I am looking to convert the same bike. Did you go with 100 mm or 120 mm?

GoRiver Tom

Jul 16

Replying to

I went with the 100mm but I think I would try the 120mm if I was doing it again. It was a little tight getting all the rings to thread on the new setup. I also added a suspension seat post. Overall, I think the conversion turned out great! The bike is powerful and a lot of fun to ride. For my next one, I might like to have more suspension but that has more to do with me getting old than anything else. :)

premieroutdoors

Jul 16

Replying to

Thanks for the info! Did you upgrade brakes to hydraulic? I understand totally on the suspension! I may eventually change out my front fork to suspension but I'm definitely going suspension seat post.

GoRiver Tom

Jul 17

Replying to

I did upgrade to the hydraulic brakes that Johnny recommended. There are two main advantages to the hydraulic brakes- 1) they are integrated to the bafang system so they 'cut out' the motor when the brakes are applied. 2) they offer much more stopping power than the non-hydraulic disc brakes.

Once the electric conversion is done, you can accelerate much faster so the added stopping power is a good thing. I did my conversion after work on two consecutive evenings. I think I could do it faster now that I've done one. I am not a bike expert by any stretch but I think there are some things you just have to figure out with the conversion for yourself. Johnny's videos are an excellent resource but there are a few things that are not covered. Just take your time and have fun! Good luck!

1fitz

Oct 16, 2022

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honestly looks like a fine conversion. if you have issues finding proper battery clearance check out bicycle motor works dot com for custom slim packs. with 100mm BB you can run lower than 42T front chainrings if needed I believe since youll have wider chainstays. you should have ideal motor height with that frame. may seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you learn the machine, the components, how they work, its easy. id bbshd or bbs02 that bike, no prob. 52v 17.5 ah. the range needed will determine your battery capacity. ez pz good luck

GoRiver Tom

Oct 16, 2022

Replying to

Thank you 1Fitz! That’s great advice. I’ll keep you posted on the conversion. I hope to start the project next month.

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