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.
I am writing to share an update on my Cogburn e-bike conversion. It has been over a year since I contacted Johnny for a consultation about the conversion. He recommended a Befang motor and hydraulic brake upgrade.
The bike has performed very well. I use it mostly for getting around a rural, forested property where I am building a cabin. The property is about 200 acres so it can be a hike when I need to move equipment from one end of the property to the other. I can ride the e-bike to my skidsteer then move the skid and my bike to the next work site and ride the bike back for the tractor and repeat the process. The bike is on the heavy side but I can still lift it anytime I have to load it, which I could not do with an ATV, minibike, etc.
There are a lot of hills and hollows but the e-bike handles it with ease. I am 6’2 and 240 lbs but the bike has plenty of power to get me up the hills. As a middle aged guy, I hate to admit I don’t think I could pedal up them anymore. It also helps me focus on the challenging work of clearing trails. I would be too worn out pedaling for much else if I did not have the e-bike conversion.
The only thing I wish was different about my e-bike is the lack of a suspension. There are a lot of rocks, stumps and logs which makes for a bumpy ride. I really enjoyed building this e-bike and my next one will use a bike with a better suspension.
I am looking to convert the same bike. Did you go with 100 mm or 120 mm?
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