We Convert Cheap Bikes To Ebikes… What Could Go Wrong?

It's challenge time and this time we're dropping Conor, Manon and Hank in a lay-by in Somerset with nothing but their cheap bikes, some basic tools and the innovative Swytch Bike kits to get home. Can they figure out a decent way back to HQ across the hilly and windy terrain south of Bath on their e-bikes?
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[@gcn]

Would you consider an e-bike conversion kit such as those offered by Swytch Bike? Let us know in the comments 👇

[@Chest-k3n]

Hell yeah!

[@matt_acton-varian]

The Swytch kits are great concepts and will be a great purchase for those who would benefit from using an ebike but cannot afford to upgrade their entire machine. It's worth pointing out their limitations as not every single wheel size is available, and the battery packs are a compromise between size and capacity. The system also has a short delay to activate and deactivate as it is not directly connected to the drivetrain.

[@MarvinWestmaas]

Hell no, Tongshen TSDZB2(B) with a reasonable =>600WH battery is *THE* budget e-bike conversion option, all others are sh1te -> torque sensor, max 18A and lively open source firmware community *AND* you don't need no stinking propitiatory battery but can use *anything you want*. Downside is increased drive train wear, but that's to be expected with any mid drive.

[@pneumonoultramicroscopicsi7908]

If only I have the money my rb still uses thumb shifters because in our country even the cheapest briefters is considered expensive

[@Alfadrottning86]

If i did not have an e-bike already, i would probably consider a conversion kit. It looked simple enough to convert the bikes and they did not look completely aweful afterwards. The Air variant looked good to me because the battery is small enough to have 1 on the bike and another spare one in your bag maybe - since they seemed only slightly larger than a chunky powerbank; well, a lot larger .. but seems to be small enough to fit into my bag. I did not care too much for the Go variant with this ugly battery pack.

[@pengc6538]

Are we doing Top Gear with bikes? Because I’d be down for that.

[@madyogi6164]

Hmmmm. STIG will be?

[@sbjf]

That's what GCN has always been

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

bread and circuses....

[@tarajones-legros3661]

Oh my gosh, YES!!!👏🏻

[@user-slnuphw]

Top Sprocket more like 😅

[@davidebrandi4244]

Tonight on fixed gear… asking for directions, buying a train ticket and using some cheap bike… loved it guys

[@gcn]

We had some great fun filming this one 🙌

[@ltrtg13]

Things I've learnt watching this video. Hank wasn't a homing pigeon in a previous life. Conor is tall enough to see Bath. Manon, sometimes it's faster to cycle to your destination than use the train.

[@oumtaha3834]

I used for it

[@randomviewer3494]

faster on a normal bike I guess, not on that small thing.

[@randomfaktor]

Who made that trophy?! It’s a thing of beauty. They deserve a trophy for that.

[@gcn]

It's from our GCN film Junk bike battle 🙌 Coming soon to GCN membership 👌

[@billinhouston3291]

Surely Jon Cannings!

[@TheImprobableIronman]

Hankl..."I've still got a full battery". Connor..."Did you connect it?"... Hank..."......!!!"

[@gcn]

Only Hank could do that 🤣

[@omgahandlelol]

Awesome 🤣

[@tuppytheducky]

Is this the way GCN is going to be now? Because I’m very much here for stuff like this

[@johncoxy1]

Adverts?

[@theflow5269]

​@johncoxy1 they've been doing stuff like this for a good while now!?

[@theflow5269]

​@@johncoxy1Because of course creating polished, free to view media requires no time or effort at all, and of course they should do it for free. And of course, all media coverage of cycling has never involved advertising up till now. With the exception of low quality, opinionated ranting.

[@gcn]

Thanks! We had some great fun filming this one 🙌 We'll keep it coming!

[@steroberry]

How is this any different from all the other prescribed ad videos?

[@madyogi6164]

Hank charged the battery, rather than deplete it.

[@gcn]

Something only Hank could do 🤣

[@PoserExtreme]

Manon Lloyd pulling a Dan Lloyd move by using the mass transport system.

[@LukaszMielczarek]

it should be call Lloyd move

[@PoserExtreme]

@@LukaszMielczarek the Lloydie.

[@gcn]

Might be in the name 🤣

[@PoserExtreme]

@@gcn exactly! I can remember that old commuter challenge video clearly. Lasty was very muddy while Dan was very much comfortable sitting in the train reading the magazine he brought with himself in the feature. Lol

[@elvisjaegerabduljabaar3465]

Buying a folding bike => Intendding to use the public transportation => using the public transportation => not folding the bike.

[@goingoutotheparty1]

As an Ebike builder and regular commuter I've always thought the swytch kits are a really good idea for people who want to keep their bike for both commuting and weekend riding

[@blufudgecrispyrice8528]

Is there a dynamo to recharge the battery?

[@flufflebut8781]

No dynamo. Battery needs a serious power brick to charge faster apparently, and dynamos make very little electricity comparatively.

[@burgels]

Cycling pre-gps was obviously more social.

[@gcn]

Hahahah interesting idea 👀

[@seascape]

Swytch kits are great - I’ve got 2, and am waiting for the 3rd - but don’t expect them to arrive on time, and be easy to install. The 1st, ordered in 2022, took 9 months to arrive, and I had to file down the axle to get it to fit the dropouts. The 2nd, ordered in 2023, took 4 months and I needed the file again. The 3rd, ordered in 2024, has taken 2 months so far, and has already been delayed 1 month, and I expect issues fitting the pedal assist sensor (PAS), because unlike the 1st two bikes which have square taper cranks with plenty of room between the non drive side arm and frame, the 3rd has round, splined cranks with no gap to fit the sensor so I expect it’ll need some customizing. That said, installation is a minor nuisance, they work fine, and I would do it again.

[@oumtaha3834]

Yes it goes

[@flufflebut8781]

Same, it was a bit of a bodge job to get the Brompton kit onto 20" tires even though the site claimed they were compatible. But it is just a day of work and then years of fun, so worth it.

[@dallasangler]

I want, nay need the GCN Junk Bike Battle trophy.

[@gcn]

You've got to earn it 👀

[@bubblesezblonde]

YAY so glad to have content like this!!!! I'm glad you'all are independent now!!! And yeah the swytch system is on my radar when I get too old to cycle unaided.

[@gcn]

This is awesome! Thanks 🙌

[@timmybikester2309]

Brilliant Top Gear with push bikes! Loved it. Good advert for Swytch kits. I would definitely opt for a Swytch ebike kit when I’m a bit older.

[@gcn]

That's awesome! We're glad you enjoyed the episode, we'll keep it coming 🙌

[@me6664]

>buys a folding bike so she can use the train >never folds it up >loses genius plays

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Almost more impressive than the design of the Switch motor is the design of that trophy 🏆

[@gcn]

Both are epic 🙌

[@mattimeo117]

I got a Swytch kit for my mum for Christmas 2 years ago and it has meant she uses it in our hilly area so much more! It can be a little fiddly with the cable ties, and the pedal cadence sensor can sometimes be knocked out of place on our system so you need to check it But overall it's a cool piece of kit and the range is easily above 30km

[@dazza9129]

12:30 James May would be very proud of Hank. 🤣

[@oumtaha3834]

Who did my cheap bike?

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

3:15 So, Manon's wheels starts without a tyre. I hop that she got a time discount to reflect that?

[@packratty]

Came looking for this comment. How is it the guys got wheels with tires on?

[@gregrudzinski]

Excellent and very entertaining challenge. I will now have to seriously consider an e-wheel for my cruising bicycle (old Uni Vega 12 speed). Very impressed with the ease of kit assembly ! I hope the winner bought the first round at the pub ;-)

[@donaldryder5534]

I can’t believe Si was involved in something that involved so many cable ties.

[@oumtaha3834]

Who SI?

[@jani724]

🤨🧐​@@oumtaha3834

[@davidackermann9666]

Great video keep more like this coming very enjoyable to watch

[@gcn]

We'll keep it coming if you keep it watching 🙌

[@Scartoons-t1h]

I'm loving Conor and Manon riding in everyday clothes - no need for lycra on every ride. And a big thumbs up for ebikes. I love using mine for commuting. I keep the lycra and aero bike for fast training rides: relaxed ebiking in normal clothes is just great amazing!

[@gcn]

E bikes and casual clothing... we love it 🙌

[@Seppster58]

Loved this video. Need more of these blind challenges. well done Conor!!

[@gcn]

We will see what we can do!

[@zonoskar]

Proper Top Gear vibes. Except none of the TG presenters would ever ask directions…

[@woozertoo]

Still…could be worse *jump cut to a worse situation*

[@GGori_99]

Are those roads still named the same from 15th century ??????

[@HC-kn2sq]

A test of e-bikes… gets public transport

[@Jari1973]

These fight videos are the best 👍 If a large part would start using these systems and cheap Chinese electric bikes.. by force the prices of electric bikes should be reduced 🤔

[@gcn]

We missed the bit when we all had a fight 👀

[@Jari1973]

@@gcn It's really great to get an answer to a comment from such a big channel 😁😁👍

[@PlanetEchelone]

How much does it cost to convert a beautiful steel frame race bike to an e-bike? Just your soul....

[@willardSpirit]

I see a Dahon and I'm biased because I have one (the same stainless steel Manon has!) but it's the best one! I'm modding mines with Brompton wheels, SRAM Force calipers, 52 tooth chain ring/cranks from AliExpress!

[@gcn]

That's awesome! It's a great bike 🙌

[@julianallen515]

I bet you fold yours to go on the train, unlike Manon.

[@THEoldgreydude]

I'd be useless at that I've got no sense of direction GPS for me

[@gcn]

Where is the fun in that 👀

[@akmzd6938]

One of the reasons I haven't done an e-bike conversion is because I wasn't sure how complicated it would be to do myself, and never bothered to find out. This video has helped alleviate that concern. There's still the whole faff about time and money - welcome to being an adult - but at least I won't be hesitating once those get sorted.

[@eleycki]

Love this gang!

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

Manon's side look 😂😂😂😂😂

[@leonardwong6569]

Cool trophy

[@colinfisher2463]

I want a video on how to build the trophy next, come on bike tech people, scrap yard challenge with what’s in the spares box in the studio.

[@SquidWaffe]

I like the format but these ads are so transparent. I wish media companies were not so cash strapped

[@boy638]

That trophy is off the chains

[@SirQuacksalotthe1st]

Well this is pretty cool was wondering why y'all was filming was walking to the school seen y'all at the hill then get recommend your channel now that's some pretty random chance

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

THIS is the kindah wasted budget foolishness that you gonna need to stop now that the money aint there anymore. please. Just stop

[@kentakahashi9635]

I bought the first switch kit and it is horrible. It corners very strangely, because the motor is pulling you through the corner. When you try to start uphill, the motor has a delay because it only has a PAS sensor. Torque sensor or a finer PAS Sensor would be better. 40Nm for a hill is not enought and it is a front motor with too less weight on it. The smaller batteries are too small to cover a good distance and without a display it is hard to guess the range by the bar type indicator, which is only dependent on the voltage. The voltage drops on hills and afterwards you bar type indicator will show you a higher value than after the climb. Overall very disappointing. Do not buy such a kit. Buy a real used Ebike instead!

[@flufflebut8781]

There are cheaper kits, but they are usually heavier, uglier, and more faff to install. Also mostly waterproof. Rode mine through a serious thunderstorm, so you know anything short of throwing it in the sea and it'll be fine. Just wish that it had usb charging. Being able to use the battery to top off the phone, or trickle charge while at the cafe without lugging the power brick around, would be a game changer.

[@crypcase150]

@gcn_tech Test brake rim temperature torture test 40C-80kg-700c-(30c-40c). Compaere to last year disk brake test.TCE

[@underthehour]

My mate and me was touring to Bath that day. I'm on a phone call to sort out a hostel for a night, next minute I hear a huge screeching sound from brakes, I turn around and there Hank was. We might of delayed him a few minutes chatting during this race, we gave him some directions and off he went!

[@PhilJohn1980]

Ah, love to see the Peugeot with downtub shifters. My first road bike (a hand me down from my older brother) was a 5 speed Peugeot with downtube shifters ... can still remember how good it felt to get so good that you nailed each shift.

[@TheParachaz]

Sorry! What decade are we in? What’s wrong with using gps on your smartphones? I do like this really, as I have a carrera virtuoso sitting in the shed that would be ripe for this.

[@238949]

Well done Conor, well deserved win 😊😊😊

[@gcn]

He knew what he was doing 👀

[@melibaut]

Great challenge and definitely would want to see more!

[@markgalanter1171]

Is GCN becoming an Infomercial channel?

[@JMcLeodKC711]

So both presenters with the last name “Lloyd” used a folding bike and a train in a GCN challange

[@gcn]

Good spot 👀

[@sal_peter]

Y'all's acting skills are questionable and it makes the whole thing very charming

[@bergerniklas6647]

Also, Si now casually roasting his collegues after he got a second place in a race 1:08

[@Zig423]

I feel like there’s something unfair about the bikes……can’t put my finger on it.😂

[@kakihara111]

While the idea is good, the sponsoring was a bit too on the nose for that video. Should really tone it down a bit.

[@KiranMachiraju]

Connor, The Junk E-Bike Champion! 🎉 😂

[@andrewchutchins]

Electrifying video - love the challenges. More please! :)

[@gcn]

Oh we see what you've done there! 👀

[@JasonHarris-p5p]

Why are you messing distance in Kate this is the UK we measure things in miles and distance on the roads

[@wightsurfer]

So my take from that is, the new GCN bib shorts cost more than a bike 😅😂😅

[@mamadjun]

Rubbish. Trains slower than clapped out bikes! Perhaps 7th richest but with seriously antiquated infrastructure. To bring the country to the 21st centuary w'd empty the coffers of the nation and we won't even be 70th richest country on the planet.

[@torinsall]

At least you HAVE trains.

[@mommamooney]

I love the challenges with a side of sass.

[@ElDiabloBunny]

Wonderful content. Keep it up.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Love this zanny content!! Three Stooges forever! Just catching up on videos. Yes, this is exactly the conversion kit I would consider. My wife had a PedalEasy light electric bike (designed by a Biking Engineer in OTTAWA) that is totally independent front wheel drive and thus doesn't get in the way of her pedaling, just gives her a boost/blast when she needs it to top a hill and not go as red as a beet. I would get one for me, but this conversion kit means I can get front wheel drive/assist on my favourite bike!! Please keep content like this coming!!

[@6ettinold]

I have arthritic knees and could only continue cycling with some assistance. I bought a mid-drive Bafang kit. I would never consider a Swytch kit as their achilles heal is a lack of range. Their range claims don't consider hills, rider weight, cross winds, etc. I chose my Bafang motor and went for a hefty battery to future proof my ride. My knees have eased with gentle riding, so I find I want to go out on ever more challenging rides, so a big battery proved a wise choice. This is where the Swytch kit would leave you stranded.

[@karlInSanDiego]

Brilliant! Swytch may seem like a gateway into e-biking, where someone might graduate later to a purpose built e-bike with more capability. But remember that building new bikes creates emissions. So the best bike for the planet is the one you already own. And in addition to Swytch there are other companies building retrofit motors. I've e-converted an 11 year old MTB and a 20 year old recumbent tadpole trike.

[@thebooksupplier]

Junk Bike Battle was one of my favorite challenge series on GCN+. I’m glad to see the next iteration on the channel.

[@rob_cd]

You gotta love Hank. He's such a doof, lol. Just a fun guy. All-around fun video! 😂 If I didn't already have an e-bike, I'd definitely consider a Switch.

[@thetrick9]

Very nice video. More of those challenges please! I have swytch kit since last year, use it to commute to work. So far after 900km it's still great I prefer it to regular ebike because I don't want yet another bike nor do I have place for one plus it's cheaper and when I decide that I don't need it I can easily come back to regular bike. With the air kit if you need more range you just get extra battery. This kit also looks much better than other kits where you have additionally box for controller, swytch overall looks much cleaner if you arrange cables well. Only complaint, battery indicator on the battery itself is useless, the one on the oled display is much more precise.

[@helion741]

Sssoooo... Conor built the bike up while Hanks bike was still next to him, yet he managed to go second. And Hank not only jumped timelines, but managed to change clothes too. :D Very nice trophy by the way. That spinning top is great.

[@azhar6185]

Assalam Alaykum. Jzakillah khayran sister. Best part of this video is right at the start where you ask viewers to pray if it's time for salat before continuing to watch the video!

[@KenLawson-j8k]

Bought one years ago when they were called Panda. Good for over 30 miles on a charge, transformed a £100 when new full suspension bike.

[@donikrakhi8510]

please gift me a cycle i am curretly riding 6500 (77usd) bike and I start riding last year and i don't have any funds to upgrade 🙂

[@shaun7163]

Swytch conversion kits seem good, but unfortunately they’re not compatible with carbon forks, would love if they made a version that is compatible!

[@vernerjuliussen2071]

Sorry to you guy's, but the coolest bike (by far) is that crome finished 80's Dahoon. 🔥🔥 Nice and sketchy. 😅🤙

[@BarryJones-wt3et]

That looked like good fun !

[@gcn]

It was super good fun 🙌

[@Marlon_B-8]

That was a fun video 😁

[@karlInSanDiego]

OMG, your trophy is SOOO clutch. Or is that freewheel. Anyway, trophy builder should be commended.

[@jaimehpaiva]

Not sure it's a good idea to add 250W to an old bike with rim brakes and skinny tires if you're not used to it

[@gitnjur]

Disk marketing has done a number on you if you think rim brakes can't comfortably handle 250w, or even 400w.

[@ericmcduffie5444]

Love this video😂

[@mattlocascio4949]

this is always a top tier channel, I love riding mine, seeing all of the cycling options with comedy, and fun makes me like this channel

[@paolocruz8392]

How I envy the accessibility to such great ebike conversion kits. It doesn't kill the joy of cycling, it supplements it.

[@mattthomson162]

Can we conclude feom thos video that public transport outside of the main UK cities and towns is pretty poor.

[@Thecyclingexplorer]

This is such a advertising video lol

[@gcn]

Bingo! We get to work with some great brands here at GCN 🙌

[@Thecyclingexplorer]

@@gcn it is amazing sorry wasn't taking the pee

[@johndoiron9615]

Manon said miles? Is she an American now?

[@JasonOon85]

How about bikes with disc brakes?

[@jonathansprenkle8466]

That was fun!! And clearly they had a great time doing it!🎉 that said...Hank, grease those brakes!😂

[@Gatitasecsii]

This is top shelf television.

[@MrTandtrollet]

The Peugot bike that was less than £100 rocking those £500 power meter pedals X-D

[@thomasoei7089]

At 4:56, Hank is such a dude after saying he doesn't know where he is and doesn't ask for directions from the man across the street.

[@ThePhantom018]

I'd go with the Peugeot all day and night!

[@gcn]

Why's that?

[@ThePhantom018]

Cause vintage road bikes are the shiznit!

[@tenpennyguy]

E-bikes, especially hacked from a vintage 10 speed? No, thanks.

[@吃橙子的大叔]

I would like to quote your video to the Bilibili website in China, is that okay？🙂

[@Navessalah]

The prize is F I R E !

[@MrDinkydink]

Great video!!

[@Huneidu]

Conor is James May, Hank, Jeremy Clarkson, and Manon is Richard Hammond.

[@darrengarvie8832]

Do they do disk brakes wheels?

[@JoopLammerts]

Hank is cheating with his Computer bleeps notifying his ride is auto paused 🤣

[@BrentDoomfield]

I'd like to see y'all review the friction drive E-bike motors like Rubbee.

[@dpthompson]

Woah, what was Connor’s beef with Hank in this video! “Hank won’t be able to build this”, “Hank will go the wrong way”, “Even Hank managed to build this!” Should have done a scoreboard, assembly time, distance ridden, battery remaining.

[@gcn]

That's normal right?

[@drevo50]

Great challenge. Swytch kits seem a great way to breathe new life into a bike.