Bafang BBSHD 1000w Mid Drive Kit Installation Ebike DIY Build Conversion on Recumbent Trike

[@pedalpowercycling]

Video for the Bafang BBSHD Motor Kit Unboxing is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYHNfKpvgJeSabs

[@stevieatkinson3898]

Brilliant video,I would have really liked to see the motor running or even better the trike out on the road 😍

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thank you for the kind comment. You're completely right. I was going to take it on the road for a follow up video but have been busy putting together my gravel bike. It has been working flawlessly so far!

[@JpnathanWood]

@@pedalpowercycling well? its been 6 months =)

[@NoInfoFound]

Thanks for taking the time to create this video! It will be a big help to those adding a bafang to a recumbent. There are other chainrings from Lekkie, Luna Cycles and others with fewer teeth. For example a 36T ring will provide a noticeable power upgrade (with some speed reduction). Many of these rings are designed with "narrow, wide" teeth that will "grip" the chain better thus reducing the chances that the chain falls off.

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thanks Tim, I do want a large chainring so I can "cruise" at optimal 20mph. The smaller 36t I think I'll have to spin a lot more than I want to. I haven't tried the narrow wide but I didn't want to replace the 3 chains with a narrow wide specific one. The chain keeper was only $20-30 and 3 new chains would be much more.

[@MacBailey]

@@pedalpowercycling I am installing the same Bafang HD motor on a terratrike rover. Standard chains are 'narrow wide' if you look at them as the links are two inner bars and then two outer bars and so forth. My kit came with a 42 tooth Aluminum narrow wide front chain ring and it works with the standard chain. I could probably use an even smaller ring a on a stand it will go 15mph in first gear and over 40 in eighth. I will be programming it to be a slower. From what I have read, the motors actually do better spinning faster with lower torque on the windings, so a smaller chain ring my yet be in my future. I am in Ohio so have not done any riding due to weather so far.

[@pedalpowercycling]

@@MacBailey Thanks for the comment. Stay warm if you go out. The weather forecast has some cold days ahead. Could you put a larger cassette in the rear, maybe an 11-46?

[@jonk8337]

I just purchased a 2nd hand Catrike Villager setup with a Bafang BBSHD 52V and a 26” rear wheel with a shimano 8 speed internal hub. I wasn’t looking to buy another one, but couldn’t turn it down because it was a great deal and had everything I wanted. I couldn’t build one for the price I paid. It came with a Lekkie 36t chainring, which I am changing out. I ordered a 48t from Luna Cycles. The 36t chainring does not have enough resistance for me which negates my use of the rear wheel internal hub. I also just finished building my original Catrike Villager with a 20” 1000w 48v rear hub. We also have a Sunseeker full suspension FatTad with a Bafang 750w 48v BBS02. I’m suppose to get rid of one, but I like them all. The BBSHD 52v is a rocket.

[@dogbreath6974]

I have the bbs02 48v 17.5ah and its been fantastic, I get around 45 miles of range on mostly hills useing peddle assist 1 or 2, I have done over a thousand miles in about 15 months. It would have been nice to see the trike in operation, good video.

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thank you for the kind comment. The video was already a bit too long so my ride and additional thoughts regarding this set up may have to come on another video. What bike is your BBS02 installed on?

[@TomJordans]

What a fun build and a great video - thank you! I have the BBSHD on two bikes now - really love them.

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thanks for the kind comment! I was thinking of getting another BBSHD for my mountain bike but maybe a BBS 02, 750 watt version instead.

[@stevieatkinson3898]

Nick,it's okay my friend I found the chain guide on Amazon 😁 Many thanks Stevie.

[@induran8932]

Thanks for sharing a great instructional video, Nick! I used to live in Orinda, right across the bay, now in Switzerland. I just bought a used Catrike Expedition and am nearly done building an aerodynamic body for it. I need style and more space for my commutes than a traditional Velomobile. I will soon add this Bafang motor for 45 kph capability, which will be great. I've never installed one, so your video will be very helpful!

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! It's great hearing from a past neighbor. I'm not sure how long it has been since you left but the county updated San Pablo Dam Road a few years ago and it now has Delineator Posts between oncoming traffic. So cars often drive in the shoulder where cyclists often ride. It's a lot easier riding the Catrike with the motor than the velomobile! Good luck!

[@pauldent3059]

Very informative, I'm thinking of building my own trike and putting one of these kits on so this video was most helpful

[@chrisridethatbloodything2044]

Very informative. Especially your experiences after using the converted trike. On a normal bike frame it is not possible to use two chainrings at the front with the bafang middrive because of the chain line. But on a recumbant with its longer chain it is quite easy. I mounted a 36T and a 42T chainring in the front. Only the small idler under the seat had to be modified a little. In combination with the Rohloff hub I got a huge range :-)

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Why didn't you go with a larger spread like a 34 - 50 up front. If I were to go 2x that's what I might choose. I'm also looking into the new linkglide 11-48 cassette as an option.

[@chrisridethatbloodything2044]

@@pedalpowercycling just because I already had the 42T chainring ... In combination with the Rohloff hub in the 26' wheel the nervous little trike is fast enough for me :-)

[@chrisridethatbloodything2044]

For me it was more important to be able to drive really slow. Now I can go up steep hills with 5 kph / 3,5 mph.

[@pedalpowercycling]

@@chrisridethatbloodything2044 That's a great thing to have, slow speed gearing. I find myself going slower than that in my velomobile at 15% grades.

[@derrickboatman1560]

That was a very thorough video thank you it was great.

[@Walt1119]

Great really informative video! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!

[@pedalpowercycling]

You're welcome, happy to help!

[@Allorn2015]

Thanks for your video. It was very informative.

[@eukaryon]

Nice work. Classic trike stand.

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thanks for the excellent observation. That classic stand has served me well.

[@rs2klee]

Would be nice to have some links to the items you installed, trying to find the chain crank keeper gadget but only find a chain keeper when rear wheel is off to just hold the chain!

[@pedalpowercycling]

Not an affiliate link here: a.co/d/j68msTW

[@TheSouthernTriker]

So what can you do with the programming cable, is that to bypass the 20mph speed limit ?

[@pedalpowercycling]

You can modify the speed limit and program how much amps each power assist level provides. The programming also allows you to set the maximum amount of current sent to the motor from the battery (within a limit unless it's flashed which I don't recommend). I reduced the maximum amount to around 1,000 watts.

[@TheSouthernTriker]

@@pedalpowercycling thanks for the information, also can you post the link to where you bought the chain keeper from .

[@Bushranger4]

Great video thanks. I am wondering whether the Bafang mid drive motor provides any pedallng resistance if the battery is not connected to the bike. I would like to ride with no electrical assist sometimes but I do not want to suffer pedal resistance.

[@pedalpowercycling]

Hi Graeme, yes there is pedal resistance with no battery installed (a little, I'm guessing 10 watts spinning at 60rpm with the rear wheel lifted off the ground). Also, the motor attached to the crankset adds additional weight too so climbing would be slower. I always recommend leaving a battery attached so you at least have headlights and power when needed.

[@Bushranger4]

@@pedalpowercycling Thank you for your great information

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Solid information.

[@stevieatkinson3898]

Hi,at 40.16 mins what's the make and model of the front derailleur you fitted ? Thanks man ✌️

[@pedalpowercycling]

Hi Stevie, for those who are wondering, here's a non-affiliate link: a.co/d/5jZ6iF0 I've had it over a year now and the chain hasn't fallen off while riding.

[@leesylvester8713]

Thank you, I did notice that the dropout width on my 700 is actually 133mm, I do think the 135mm hub motor would have fit without and real problems. Just a thought…

[@pedalpowercycling]

Oh cool, my 700 is a 2012 I think so it may be a bit older. Some hun motors are 138mm.

[@jeffreylines1535]

Could you flip the battery mount and have the battery hang upside down? Then the key would be on the outside and you would retain the space for your bag.

[@pedalpowercycling]

I wouldn't put it upside down. The battery is bolted with only 2 bolts and they're both on one side of the battery. However t-cycle makes another mount that you could use.

[@metallicknight2]

What front chain guide did you use to keep the chain from popping off the front sprocket? Link?

[@pedalpowercycling]

Non-affiliate link: a.co/d/6CV6kAO

[@ksaoverland]

Can please share the link for ordering the motor torque arm

[@pedalpowercycling]

www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11621165.html

[@arturosufoanalysis2304]

Is there a kit available for my Catrike 700? I like the 1,000 watt mid drive motor. Will i I lose my 3 geared chainring? Will I lose my high upper end speed by having to install a single front chainring that comes with the kit? thanks, Art

[@pedalpowercycling]

Yes, Utah Trikes sells a kit I believe with nearly everything needed for the conversion. Yes, with mid-motors you'll lose the 3 chainring and switch to a 1x up front. You can put a 46t up front, and in 46x11 at 100rpm you're at about 33mph. Is that fast enough?

[@kaituub]

Great vid, thanks! It's coming in handy as I rebuild and reinstall the BBSHD on a used project trike. I've a question: my motor came installed pointing upward, pressed against the derailleur post. It seems the torque arm is designed to keep the motor pointing downward, but is there a benefit to that? Wouldn't the motor pointing upward also prevent the motor from twisting, or am I missing something?

[@pedalpowercycling]

In my opinion the boom is stronger than the derailleur post so I'd rather have the torque arm on the boom than having the motor pressed up against the post. Also, there may be a slight better visibility with the motor lower along with a slightly lower center of mass/gravity. The motor doesn't move around too.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

You got to love a bike where your feet are as high as your head... I think a back pantry rack for the battery would i have done...

[@pedalpowercycling]

Some people put the battery above the rear wheel on a rack. I've considered it. But, from what I've heard, it changes the handling as the bike and is more top heavy.

[@johnwood7964]

Excellent work! Great wire placement! Do you have a video showing the ride ability?

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thank you for the encouragement. I recently built up a mountain bike with a Bafang BBS02 and am testing that out. I should get back to the trike and make a video explaining how everything works out with this conversion. So far, I'm very pleased with the BBSHD on the Catrike 700. Climbing hills (10% or greater) isn't a chore anymore. 😀

[@johnwood7964]

@@pedalpowercycling anytime! I’m coming over to trike conversions from drone building. You did a great tutorial on this build! It helps me to lower my nerves and get started on one myself. I love my cat 700 and I think it would be a lot better to ride if I could have the speed to get out of the way when necessary, and the uphill assistance living in Oregon would be dreamy.

[@srijankumar6753]

Which one to choose from bbhd or bbs02?

[@pedalpowercycling]

I now have both. There's a lot of factors to consider. I unboxed the bbs02 and am still testing it.

[@dennisyoung4631]

Oh - those special wrenches for mounting the drive to the bottom bracket - ugh! I *had* to get the pair of special sockets to properly torque bike #2. Yes, they were $$$$. I’ve also only had to retorque things *once,* too. Using The wrench meant Retorquing a *bunch* on bike #1, which was stolen March 2021…

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the lockring and sorry to hear about the stolen bike. Blue loctite could help with keeping the drive unit on securely.

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@pedalpowercycling I use Vibra-Tite, the two special sockets, and a torque wrench so as to tighten to published specs - which is near-impossible with the wrench, if you are like me (for disabling from-birth clumsiness and carelessness, among many other things. This means I cannot take many of the shortcuts most people can, if I want to get *comparable results* in most areas of life.)

[@craigcampbell3085]

What tires are you running now? What is your recommendation for size of front chainring?

[@pedalpowercycling]

Hi Craig! I've actually fit Continental Contact Urban 20" or 406-50. The rear is WTB Horizon 650b x 47. Pictured is the trainer tire. Could you elaborate on what you ride and how hilly your rides are? With a 46T front and an 11-36 rear cassette I can tackle up to 16% grade hills and have speeds to go around 25mph on the flats. The stock 46 works okay with a chain keeper.

[@craigcampbell3085]

@@pedalpowercycling I am rehabbing a Catrike Speed with a 20 inch rear. I’m in Texas with not many hills. When motorized I want the chainring to be sized for decently high speeds.

[@pedalpowercycling]

@@craigcampbell3085 Hi Craig, did you ever get your Catrike Speed motorized? With flats and a small 20" rear tire, for an equivalent of 46T for a 700c, you can use a 62T chainring. They don't make them that big so you'd have to get an adapter to a 130mm bcd standard chainring.

[@rdkuless]

my friend. the 700 king pins are the weakest part of the catrikes.. recumentPDX had one with a 250w mid drive, the owner when around a corner and both king pins sheered off at the steer tubes.. and the entire bottom of the trike was ground down by the pavement.. (a scary ride moving quickly without steering..). I owned a catrike expedition.. it was scary to ride down hill on corners.. (the inside wheel lifting off the ground and all the shimmying at high speed). a 700 etrto wheel is meant for light weight speed, i think it will be a huge, dangerous mistake to put a high wattage motor on this model.. in fact i wouldn't put a motor on any catrike with direct steer. Lean back Pedal forward..

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thanks for the heads up my friend. Do you know how heavy the rider was that broke the king pins? I'm about 160lbs and the motor kit adds maybe 25lbs so together it's under the 250lb weight limit. However, I also don't ride full power ever... Much much less and never rode a trike on 2 wheels.

[@rdkuless]

@@pedalpowercycling I don't know.. it sounded as if they were really traveling fast on the corner.. Catrike in Florida said, that the 700 is not built for motor assist.. they were made for fast light human power..(Speed). I would suggest approaching the corners slowly. He said the trike shimmied right before the wheels left the trike...take that for what it was.. lean back pedal forward my friend.. and be well.

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍(stroke)

[@KeithAVass]

Do you Yanks ever do something without GOING AHEAD first? You must have used this useless phrase a hundred times and it adds NOTHING to the commentary!

[@JpnathanWood]

Great job!! It’s a year later. Any thoughts on the build?

[@pedalpowercycling]

Thank you! Excellent motor, no significant problems, with the 960 watt hour battery I'm getting well over 50 miles of range! It does add weight though so putting it on the car rack I ask for help lifting it (55-60 lbs total or 45-50lbs without battery). The battery sits in the car and the trike on the rack while I travel. A full review is on my list of videos to get out so stay tuned. 😀

[@JpnathanWood]

@ I understand that! I think the 700 is a perfect choice for the build too! I’ll be here waiting as always 😊.