Has anyone ever converted the Ghost Grappler to electric? I might be starting a new job tha is about 19 miles from home. I would much rather bike than drive but 19 miles would take too long. So I'm considering an ebike.
I was inspired by this build: https://theradavist.com/surly-ogre-ebike-conversion-review/
I thought I would do a middrive bafang paired with an alfine 8 IGH. And probably swap the bars for a something like the Jones H or the surly corners. Is there anything I'm missing that would make this a really bad idea? I'm also debating whether it would be worth buying a complete bike and replacing parts or just buying the frame and building up from parts.
Hey btraq,
Typically building from the frame up will run you a bit more cost-wise, as you don't have the economy of scale like bike companies would buying parts in bulk. That said, it's what I prefer to do myself, having two builds both Surlys; a Disc Trucker and a Troll. I'm getting ready to build a Bridge Club as well.
I would be cautious about the internal geared hubs, they are delicate. I have a couple of posts which I describe the delicate nature of these hubs on this forum. Not mentioned in those posts-- **The slotted anti-turn washers (10mm) that come with the Nexus / Alfine IGH were 2mm smaller than the horizontal dropout space (12mm) on the Troll**. There aren't any sized up available either. I never got that dialed in just right it was less than perfect. I'm not sure what the gap in the Ghost Grappler rear dropout is, but Surlys are funny with their specs. That's why we love them.
I had a nexus e-bike 8 on my Troll that I had fine-tuned and loved // till a local bike shop working on the bike's brakes must've shifted under load stripping the planetary gears.The Troll now has a sram 7 speed derailleur on an old 26 inch wheel till I get a new 10 speed wheel. That trip to the LBS cost me too much money... Next time I Do the Repair!
You might need a charger at both ends of your commute, you might not. It really depends on battery size and riding conditions to and from your destination. Hills, wind, cold, weight of the rig + rider all play a factor in range. (I do a 16 mile daily commute round-trip, and I could double that easily on a good day.)
Keep us posted if you can!