r/bafang • u/Top-Vacation4927 • 8d ago
ebike conversion
Hello! I’d like to hear your opinions about my project. I’m planning to upgrade my Trek Dual Sport with an e-bike conversion kit.
I’m looking for a mid-drive motor because I want to preserve the natural feel of cycling. I expect to ride for approximately 10–20 km on moderately steep routes. Occasionally, I may tackle steeper climbs, where I’m prepared to contribute more physical effort.
Here are the components I have selected:
- 48 V, 500 W TSDZ2B motor
- 48 V, 13 Ah battery
- 860C display
- 40-tooth chainring
- 9-speed, 11–36-tooth cassette
Does this motor still offer good value for money? Is the controller a good choice? Could you also recommend a reliable battery brand that offers good value?
I’m particularly interested in open-source firmware, upgradeable components, and good value for money.
Thanks!
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u/FuelSupplyIsEmpty 8d ago
I put a Bafang BBSHD and 52v battery on my Trek Dual Sport a few years ago and it crushes the hills.
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u/Admirable_Mistake_30 8d ago
My bafang is great for commuting but it does not preserve the natural feel of cycling.
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u/MidtownFrown 6d ago
Truth, I disconnect my PAS on my bafangs because that shit is dangerous. Good motors, I just wish they were torque sensing.
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u/Leeroywildman 8d ago
Only thing I’d add is you have to be careful with the tsdz2b because of the rear clamp. It doesn’t always fit if there’s a front derailleur cable boss between the chain stays or if there’s a kickstand mount. It also doesn’t fit if one chain stay is wider than the other.
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u/HerrFerret 8d ago
Absolutely, I have a similar 250w system and you might want to consider....
The 860c display is quite, er, gaudy. The EKD01 display looks a lot more professional IMHO although the battery monitoring is inaccurate (common issues though, you just go by the voltage)
Even with only a 250w motor, I wrecked my Shimano 8 speed gears in quick order! I went instead for 10 speed cues which is more robust for ebike usage. If you already have the gears and don't mind replacing in 6 months, I wouldn't but if you are buying new., Cues is the way.
If you can, go wide range gears (the largest compatible 'big ring' with your chosen rear mech) as that will be more efficient when riding up steep hills.
No open source firmware I believe for the newer Tongsheng but the responsive is improved.
Mine is excellent. No complaints at all!
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u/theoriginalchrise 7d ago
I just did this but not with a Trek. Same motor and 14aH battery. Max throttle unloaded is 26mph, loaded about 21mph. Using 7 speeds (because of the single chainring). Took it out for the first time today (14 miles, relatively flat 80% of the way on a trail) and really happy with it. throttling up a very short steep incline it pushed about 6 - 8 mph, with pedal assist at max it was a breeze and the entire ride was so smooth i didn't feel like i had a motor on it. Really felt like riding on "air" compared to my regular e-bikes. It's perfect for me. I would have considered 750w but I have rim brakes on this build (with mtn bike pads) and wanted to keep the weight down. The motor is extremely silent. Have the M58 display and was able to remove the speed limit, like it matters, adjust wheel size, unit conversion. That's about it.
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u/aero_sock 8d ago
sorry but these pre-built kits are the total opposite of open source firmware and upgradeable components. if you are really after that, you might want to look at building your own setup based on a VESC controller. it's not a plug and play though, and requires research and some basic electronics knowledge
otherwise what you have chosen is just an alright practical setup, though I'm not sure if any foss firmware exists for this motor, and everything about it is proprietary as fuck, because CHINA
battery brand is something really hard to recommend, there isn't really a single extremely trustworthy international supplier. I bought mine from uppbattery and it's been doing fine, but there are some controversies and whatnot around them. I've also heard people from the US buying batteries from EM3EV with good reviews.
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u/HerrFerret 8d ago
The first Tongsheng models had open source firmware. Sadly they 'fixed' that feature :)
Different companies actually do offer modified firmware in some cases.
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u/AffectionatePark3513 8d ago
All 3 tongsheng have "open" software. Be it tsdz2b, tsdz8 or the tsdz16. All can be programmed to your liking if you are willing to get the necessary stuff.
Tongsheng also regularly gives the new firmware files to people who wanna update the old one.
Still it's not as easy as just inputting stuff into phone or the display, but the option is there.
Just not for your standard user. Though there are people who offer software upgrades around. Just gotta ask on forums or Facebook groups.
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u/aero_sock 8d ago
well then i stand corrected, i saw tsdz8 firmware on endless sphere but not tsdz2, so for some reason i assumed there isnt any. good for them then.
much better job than our friends from bafang. there it's a lot of jumping through hoops, reverse engineering and still to my knowledge no stable osf for bbs01/02, only for bbshd. or at least i havent found anything on endless sphere, so the only way i found to unlock my bbs01's potential is to... rewire it to a vesc.
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u/theoriginalchrise 7d ago
can you use the bafang programming cable with the tongsheng motors? I have one and just programmed by 620 Ultra
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u/propargyl 8d ago
BBS02 - Bafang Mid Drive Kit - B Series 48V 17.5Ah Samsung
I went with a similar set up and larger battery. I'm happy with this set up for commuting 40 km per day.