We Built an Affordable DIY Chinese eBike...

This Lightcarbon ebike with Bafang M820 75Nm motor is an affordable $799 frame that can also be purchased with the motor as a kit.
Check out the exact frame here: bit.ly/3AousyS
For a quote, more info and to buy, contact: [e-mail]
Check out a load more (38 pages!) of these builds and pricing info over here: www.emtbforums...

[@borysgo2]

Hi Rob. I am hammering lce930 frame for nearly a year. 1800km done over Enduro trails. Frame is premium quality, all bearings are Enduro brand, metal inserts in all bearing and motor mounting points. Frame is really solid. Motor with 43V software outputs about 580W. Highly recommended. Regards

[@Laube92]

Hi there, I also have the 43V version of the motor. But I think I only get 250W power. Did you change your firmware in order to achieve more power? Best regards Marcel

[@MrHamncheez]

what range are you getting? With a 700w/h battery, in S+ which averages a (reported) 400 watts output, I only get about 3500 feet of climbing. My friends on Bosch & Shimano full power ebikes that weigh 12 pounds more, with smaller batteries, still have a few bars when I'm limping along with a near dead battery.

[@Laube92]

@@MrHamncheez I get around 1200 meter of climbing with approx 50 km in the highest support level S+. My weight is about 90 kg with gear. I was wondering if you could improve the power output by changing firmwares because I thought the M820 was limited to 250W output coming from the factory? At least it says 250W on the bafang website... I also have a 26 kg Haibike with Yamaha PW ST motor which is also rated at 75 Nm. With this bike I am so much faster in the uphill even though it is pretty heavy

[@pibo8874]

Could you please tell me how the Power Output from the 43V M820 is compared to a Shimano EP8 or Bosch CX?

[@MrHamncheez]

@@Laube92 Yes, both @borysgo2 and I have the "unlocked" firmware, so my S+ is going to put out a lot more power than yours. I also can go up to 26 mph/ 41kph (instead of 19mph) before power cuts out.

[@jadeethan]

There is a huge following on building these cheap chinese bikes. Brand names like Markhor, light carbon, dengfu, 4leaf, Hybridizer are all paving the way for this new fun hobby! Nothing is “cheap” about these builds. I built 3 of these bike from the frames and they are like assembling legos and each one had its challenges but in the end they were so rewarding and they were a customizable to our own liking. The m560 and 820 bafang motors has been a game changer. We have choices. This is a great video and i appreciate this is becoming more mainstream!

[@mattweaver3632]

My problem with these bikes thus far is getting proper information. Most of these companies are hosted on alibaba or aliexpress and the generic information about the specs and sizing is usually horrendous. It's as if whoever wrote the copy had zero idea about the bikes whatsoever. What sort of fork and how big are the actual wheels as they had pictures of said bike but with completely different specs listed to the photos,and even a fatbike that said the wheels were 29!! So hard to forge ahead when the communication seems to be so poor off the bat and doesn't instill great confidence

[@bobjacksob]

no man. alibaba has some very knowledgeable sales people. ​@mattweaver3632

[@greensleeves8095]

@@mattweaver3632That doesn’t sound to far off from Trek Fuel Ex experience 😂😂😂. At least you’re not getting shafted for overpriced stuff.

[@BramBiesiekierski]

I've been running a dengfu for a few years now. And I will never buy another legacy brand MTB again. Atleast not unless they start offering frame only options and realistic pricing

[@EarlGr3yHot]

I'd like to see the final price of the build using MSRP pricing.

[@demo8mate]

We built an affordable ebike, but we won't tell you how much the build cost. What's the point?

[@sandnap]

Nice job on the build! I love my LCE930. Looks like I no longer have the best (aka only) LCE930 build video on KZbin. I can't wait to see it in action!

[@O000hShiny]

Cant wait for the full review, awesome job on the build. Hope it rides as nice as it looks!

[@garth62]

I love this sort of stuff. The ebike manufacturers have had it their own way for too long with closed systems and none user repairable motors - hopefully this will change.

[@Codeset08]

This channel just gets better and better you guys are smashing it loving the new content

[@vashon100]

It was better before the guy with the ugly tattoos.

[@grahamhodgson2014]

You guys are such an inspiration! I think lots of people will follow this build, and again perhaps creating another popular method to owning an Ebike. You should give the bike a name, Cheeb light?

[@Huwenduro]

Honestly, it's not an inernally routed headset unless you drop half the bits in the frame and the other half roles under the cabinet.

[@shreddersinc9317]

Yes, this is what i wanted to see

[@MichaelScollo-gj8fb]

I can see eMTB frame builders as being a solid side hustle for a lot of skilled bike mechanics in the coming years. Loving the DIY content too, not as scary to assemble as one would believe.

[@thealchemist794]

Such a cool build. At last using Adam’s key skills.

[@palindar3448]

Ok i clicked on the video.. waiting for the ads to finish. Something tells me you version of cheap will be expensive.

[@p199a]

Imagine the logic of bike manufacturers. First they try to SEAL headset bearings then they make a "port" that puts dirt directly into that bearing. 200 IQ play

[@x00m41]

how far does your dirt go up lmao

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

I will never buy a bike with headset routing

[@rfwillett2424]

@@ADVtheMISSIONARY More because it's such a pain in the arse when it comes to servicing.

[@user-yv3in2dk3y]

hi Rob, would be good if you can give us a heads up on the main costs for the build .Would be useful to see what we need to pay upfront. makes it easier to compare with shop bikes too! Cheers

[@didgineil]

Something quite therapeutic watching this come together, nice walk through. Would of liked to hear you guys talk about electrical safety, in regards to sourcing the frame to be comparable etc. assuming as made to fit for the bafang m820 etc. I know you’ve used quality parts. Can see a nice synergy carrying over one of you other awesome insightful pieces of great content from the perspective as a mechanic asked to service non-branded e-bikes/BSO’s etc. So much great education and knowledge shared across these vids, everyday a school day with you guys. Love it, so nice seeing Adam, the master at work ❤️ thank you for sharing, would love to know final market build estimate. Great content guys 🥰❤️

[@bobjacksob]

Great video with the right amount of talking and music balance.

[@sarcritchlow]

Super clean and more power than my 25kg bike with an e8000. Can't wait to here how it rides

[@dennisbalgobin461]

I especially like the handlebar you used. Nice Bike.

[@outbackwack368]

Looks great! Total cost?

[@TheLekkir]

Rob when is the review coming? I'm curious about Your opinion on the frame and especially the Bafang M820 engine

[@EMTBPodcast]

Excellent video. Great to see Adam in this context on the channel. Can't wait to see the ride video 👍

[@Adam_and_eeb]

Cheers dude! ❤

[@WHTFSayonara]

I have the LCE971 model and I love it!

[@matthewyaron5827]

Looks so good!! You wouldn't even know it's an E bike!!

[@tomcagle5324]

Now for a M820-75Nm motor review?😊

[@bobjacksob]

stronger than it is rated at

[@tomcagle5324]

@@bobjacksob I have it. I just like to have Rob's discerning take in it. Been using about it 14 months now for 1300 miles (on the CEF50 🤟). The torque feels accurate at about 75 Nm. It's not too far off from my gf's 85 Nm EP8. I really enjoy it and would label at 3/4 powered. I've got to work a little harder than on my full powered Bafang M600 motor rig, But that's ok, because the M820 is the lighter weight bike and is more fun and agile overall. Plus, it's better exercise.💪

[@fironwoo]

@@tomcagle5324 what's the max range for your CEF50?

[@tomcagle5324]

​​@@fironwoow/720Wh battery for me 20-40 miles (boost - trail) depending on terrain and elevation. Plus, I'm heavy and built a burly 45.5 lbs, enduro, big travel with weightier wide plus tires.

[@hein_mcleod]

Can you fit a larger battery in the frame? Would be awesome if it can take a +/- 600wh battery. Ideal bike!

[@alexanderblacker]

Bottle bat extension would be ideal

[@phattysnow]

Yes I have a 700wh battery in my frame. Came in around 19.5kg/42.8lbs.

[@fredrikerickson5579]

I have a 500Wh and a 720Wh battery, plus a 260Wh bottle extender.

[@fredy121000]

@@fredrikerickson5579for the same frame? Can you please share the info on where to get it?

[@LarryRichelli]

They also sell a frame that takes the Bafang M600 and Luna Cycles in the US makes and sells a ludicrous controller for it. Much more power.

[@WHTFSayonara]

Yeah. I got the LCE971 frame with m560 750w. Love the bike!

[@PaulCoull]

Nice build, but the headset looks like a Duracell battery 😳🤣👍

[@rantingwrench]

Congrats, you found the only shop mech in the world who doesn't think headset cable routing is a terrible thing. That, or he's very good at holding his tongue!

[@Adam_and_eeb]

I’m used to it unfortunately. I deal with a lot of high end road bikes that have headset/handlebar routed hoses and cables. It’s becoming so normal, it’s a case of getting with the times or being pissed off most of the time.

[@phattysnow]

@@Adam_and_eebI have it on two bikes now and it sucks. I’m pissed off all the time.

[@rantingwrench]

@@Adam_and_eeb It's definitely more common now, but I disagree that we should roll over and accept it as the "new normal" - if we're not vocal about how shit it is, then designers and brand managers will keep speccing it. Mechanics need to feed it back to bike companies, and customers need to vote with their wallets. We *can* win - just look at the resurgence of BSA BBs on MTBs!

[@rantingwrench]

@@Adam_and_eeb Also, doesn't being pissed off most of the time come with the territory of being shop mech? :)

[@2dcutout]

@@Adam_and_eeb as another mechanic - internal routing in road bikes - fine, in MTB's, it's really unnecessary. I'd simply not buy one, but I'm still interested in how this rides/how the motor feels vs something like a Bosch.

[@francoinvisser4058]

I've seen that frame in the flesh a few times, and really like it. The one thing that grinds my gears, is the little rubber flap attachment. It would have taken 1 hour to make a better plan, and that's actually the only thing that detracts from the look and quality feel.

[@lbe1ger777]

No hate, but since when is sram xx transmission and fox factory considered budget or am I missing something? I know prices have been dropping but so much?😂 Beautiful build though.

[@SuperDodoe]

After its all said and done you'd wind up paying a comparable price for a similar spec'd Canyon without the security of having the warranty and liability assurances from a western company.

[@MarioGoatse]

The only reason why you’d do this, is if you want a Bafang motor as it’s much more open in comparison. You can customise the firmware, unlock the speed, and play with the settings without tamper software getting in the way.

[@artificialgrassspain30]

Great build guys looking forward to see it getting a hammering on the trails.

[@heiderider1382]

Very cool looking bike and you have so much fun in building it. Great!

[@marktottle14]

I definitely want to see how it rides. See it hit some big jumps

[@trillbill9378]

Pretty darn cool to see options like this becoming available to the general public. Appreciate this video!! Im still completely against headset cable routing though LOL The mention of "acros" headsets for through the headset cable routing is unfortunately not very comforting IMO. Acros headsets seem to have a ton of issues.

[@mac16a]

Kashima and wireless drivetrain doesn't really scream affordable :D

[@steve9502]

Beautiful build!! How about a contest to win the bike 😊

[@_rhapsodist]

Yes please!

[@Jqteadventures1659]

Peatys Monarch grips 🤤

[@anthonynazzal1958]

In terms of expected maintenance, how difficult is it to source things like new bearings? Most main brands today will provide a “blue paper” assembly guide with their bikes so you know bolt sizes, torque specs, order of assembly for various components etc. I’d venture to guess a frame up like this wouldn’t have anything like that? I think these types of behind the scenes details also may hold a buyer back from thinking of something like this. Also, perhaps in a future video you could go into the other motor and battery options that one could go with? Lastly, this harks back to a video Rob did about industry standards for emtb motors and battery fitment. I’d love a frame option like this that could work with whatever motor I wanted to buy and use and then give me options on battery sizes etc I like this one, now thrash it and let’s see how it holds up :)

[@pdava3180]

This frame is built specifically for the Bafang M820, no other motors are compatible with it. Some of the other Bafang motors do have common mounting patters, (Like the M510/M600/M560), but the M820 is a unique one to itself.

[@MarioGoatse]

You’d have no problems with bearings, as they’d all be off the shelf bearings. Also, as you have to put it together yourself, you’d know exactly what you put on it.

[@krtong]

Cant wait for a review of the m820. Also, as cool as this frame is, the battery is tiny. Maybe try a second extral battery, or a custom internal battery to see what you can really fit in there and how that process goes.

[@andrewvickers5565]

Great job, the Cheeb SL looks awesome especially achieving a sub 20KG without really trying!! It'll be good to know how it stacks up against the SLs from the main brands using the usual metrics!!

[@josephlarsen]

we define affordable differently :). You start with an $800 frame and i'm like - you're already at max cost of "affordable"

[@tau3457]

These are dudes in their 40s who have been working for decades.

[@tau3457]

Very cool build

[@ludwig4895]

Would be really interesting if you would spec this bike with even more chineses parts like the the wireless gearing from wheeltop and brakes from Lewis. Anyway: nice build and really good looking bike. Greetings from an Orbea rise owner… 😊

[@euanholmes3839]

Any ride impressions yet @Rob? Bike looks really great!

[@spencerwvcmoon]

Absolutely love it! Great job guys.

[@brianbathgate4944]

Awesome. Would love to see a long term review - hear your thoughts after a few hundred miles use

[@user-uu7jm5dt9z]

great work this is super interesting, can wait to see the test ride

[@fredy121000]

When is review of the build coming out? Been waiting to see the breakdown cost and how it rides (speak for all of us lol).

[@juhavuorinen7711]

Nice video. This is my back up plan if I break my Cube's frame. It has already almost 10k kilometers behind.

[@wgnwheels333]

Love the paint job

[@LiuRoger-y5q]

Hi Rob, this display is better mounted on the left side of the handlebar. It might be not that comfortable to use on the right side.

[@yali1408]

Hey Rob. Nice build. With all the components though this is around a £5000 bike right? Surely going for a mainstream branded bike you’ll be better off and have the peace of mind with warranty too.

[@ShreddySteve]

So, what is the total cost of the frame, motor and battery? The T type transmission and full factory suspension is pretty expensive...

[@dado304]

Hello Rob. Get DPC245 colour display instead. They inspired by Shimano. :)

[@helicopter12345678]

This could be better than the Mondraker Dune you tested 🤔🤔🤔

[@soy_leche]

YESSSSSSS, I needed this.

[@tuomaspeltonen090]

Hi, you must do the Sann Hybridizer build 😊

[@_rhapsodist]

Yes please!!

[@JoelBergmark]

17:56 Amazing bike, looking to build something similar but was planning a kit on enduro bike but this looks WAAAAY better but would like a 1kw motor :)

[@fironwoo]

More options are there now

[@melch1]

This looks amazing

[@zonoskar]

That looks decent, even for an eMTB. If only it didn't have headset cable routing. Would cutting some holes in the side be bad :)

[@_rhapsodist]

Looks proper legit 😍 What's the reach and effective seat tube angle ended up being for this build?

[@aston108]

Another great show.. What a build

[@JorgeDiazfernandez]

Nice and beautiful machine,I saw the link for the frame but they do not make frames compatible with Bosch motors 😪😪😭

[@paulhughes1700]

What was the total cost of the build loverly bike

[@taol8258]

Wow nice frame, nice paint job, 7:43 oh hell no i'm out.

[@darkness789]

Couple things. Who’s taking bets on what will explode first the frame or battery. This guy is up in the night if he thinks headset routing is the future.

[@MarioGoatse]

It looks great, but it’s no Rockan!

[@willgreenfield]

😂😂😂

[@MarioGoatse]

@@willgreenfield Lmao. You tried to tell him! Bob just doesn’t listen

[@paulknapp2223]

looks mint mate

[@wayslow]

So... where do I get the Bafang M820 motor and battery? I only see offers on Aliexpress, but they endup more expensive than getting a Bosch motor from Germany. Not to mention the small problem of having access to the diagnostic software if some update breaks things.

[@WHTFSayonara]

I bought my m560 750w from Greenbikekit. Very good customer service!

[@fironwoo]

CEF50 frames, size S, M, L and XL are there

[@pasha_houston]

I would order custom decals and call it chinelized :)

[@dirtycurty6113]

I built a CEF50 with the m820 motor. The m820 is a beast.

[@fironwoo]

which battery did you choose for your CEF50?

[@dirtycurty6113]

@@fironwoo 700w

[@fironwoo]

@@dirtycurty6113 720wh

[@maurococco6309]

Hey, I'm interested on buying the CEF50 from 4Leaf. I would love to know about your experience with it

[@curtismiedzinski9040]

Im happy with it!

[@paulmaag6958]

Well done!!

[@EMTBonsai]

I wish ebike motor manufacturers would just stick to a standardised size and shape of body for motors so we can install any brand we wanted to a frame when the original starts failing!

[@rohaizatulanuar1579]

Awesome build Rob. I ended up ordering one becaus of this vid! Can i ask What cranks would fit on that Bafang motor? Is that the RF Era Crank for ebikes?

[@pavel_zak]

Good point with major bike brands not selling e-frames only. I ended up buying the lowest build possible and replacing most of the parts with what I'd already had. Wasteful. Why cannot I buy just what I need?

[@dominichart9523]

Give us some numbers on the whole build and a full list of parts guys

[@Ghostinsickness]

Affordable ebike slaps T type and carbon cranks🫣

[@richarddevey2449]

i’ve just built the same bike, was that the supplied headset ? mine is not like yours

[@TC-hl1ws]

Does Lightcarbon have a non-lightweight, full power, big battery version? I'd be more interested in the full power build but I love the DIY approach.

[@ZhengZL69]

They do

[@WHTFSayonara]

They do. LCE971. Built mine few months ago. So freaking awesome. I went with m560 750w motor

[@TC-hl1ws]

@@WHTFSayonara Nice, I'll check it out. What fork and rear shock did you go with?

[@WHTFSayonara]

@@TC-hl1ws fox 36 performance elite 160mm and rockshox super deluxe ultimate rct2 with HBO. The HBO is awesome!

[@TC-hl1ws]

@@WHTFSayonara What does HBO stand for? I'm coming XC racing and never heard of HBO.

[@BSE75]

21:11

[@Mtb9r]

Really nice work gentlemen. What brand are the handlebars ? Ty. Happy Trails

[@mikeate5312]

Nice Bike !!!

[@HyprX_Ultra]

How much did this whole build cost?

[@mahathyr]

Hi, what type of Crank and Chainring does the M820 uses? Saw on website that its 53mm chainline but does not mention both crank and chainring type.

[@CrotZari]

Beutiful bike!

[@EMTBonsai]

Never goes as smooth in the edits 😂, depending which factory it was crafted from in china it could be stong and other don't really understand the carbon layout it will be interesting to see how it holds up! The bafang is powerful but not reliable imo

[@scottpurdue8946]

Total price ? (Bearing in mind you used some parts you had to hand) to actually build it yourself to the spec with all parts...an estimate ?

[@phattysnow]

Where is the ride review on this?

[@claudiomannoni5557]

I can trust a Taiwanese frame/bike ... not a Chinese one ...

[@richarddevey2449]

laughable comment

[@claudiomannoni5557]

@@richarddevey2449 I laugh at Chinese bikes

[@1st2nd24]

I got nothing against light carbon or dcb carbon but i do have lots against companies like sherpa and karbon bikes that use the same frames from light carbon and dcb carbon but they also their logo on it and charge thousands of more dollars for the same thing, if you’re on a budget i totally get why you’d consider buying from any of the Chinese or taiwanese carbon frame sellers but what sherpa and karbon bikes are doing is ridiculous

[@jbutland]

Yeap I was thinking this same thing. Karbon is hoping you don’t see this video. All these e-bikes are heavily overpriced.

[@coryadams8390]

Is there a link to buy the kit with the frame, battery and motor in US$$??

[@marklouieadame]

Frame 799, battery 350 and motor m820 complet kit 750 (cranks, wiring, controls and cranks) =1899 then add othe components you may end up with 3200 with high end components. Comparable to 10k Yeti

[@pierredeslandes9896]

Nice build ! What is the overall price for this premium build ?

[@richarddevey2449]

Hey all light 930 riders, are you having your rear shock tuned for ebike spec?

[@Chazillor]

I'd love someone to make a decent aluminium frame for an M510. Sad vitus went out of business.

[@rorymurphy27]

I thought my custom aluminum ebike was heavy but I guess it's not really at 49lbs. heavy bafamg mid drive with 15 mah battery

[@mtbsteve]

This what I like total of spec to top brands my next is from markhor kunlun

[@Flyingaceful]

Wow! I want to build me one.