Felt Cruiser Build - Help appreciated

[PopeyePedals]

Hi,

I'm picking up a new bike today that I'm planning to turn into an Ebike in the next few weeks. It's a Felt Nebula Cruiser 3-speed. I've included a picture of the bike and a link below to some of the spec. This will be my first conversion and I'm brand new to this so I'm interested to hear your advice. I'm thinking of going with a Bafang BBS 750w mid-drive motor. Any thoughts? I'll keep this thread updated with pictures.

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Felt-Nebula-3-SP-2017-Cruiser-Bike_82484.htm

Thanks!

 

[Dewey]

Beautiful paint job! I don’t think you’ll be able to get a Bafang to work with the rear coaster brake because it has a one-way clutch and doesn’t move the chain when you pedal backwards. Maybe another forum user @PedalUma can advise as he has experience converting pedal bikes with coaster brakes using another type of motor, the Tongsheng TSDZ2 that in the UK you can buy from Woosh in Southend although their website says it’s currently out of stock there are probably other European suppliers or Amazon.

If you’re set on using Bafang you can buy a used 26” rear wheel with a non-coaster brake Sturmey 3-speed off eBay but you would lose the sweet rim so might consider paying a local bike shop to thread a new Sturmey IGH with a drum brake into the custom rim.

 

[PopeyePedals]

Thanks man! Excellent that's good to know, Tongsheng may be a good shout, I'm in Essex so perhaps I'll head to Woosh in Southend and see if they can take a look and advise which kit may be best?

Thanks for the update re availability

 

[tomjasz]

I’d look at a front geared hub. Like Bafang 310 seen on ebikes.ca

G310-G311 - Grin Kits - Product Info

The small G311 front / G310 rear motors from Bafang are well suited for those wanting light and discrete conversion for moderate assist levels. A high reduction helical gear set allows these tiny motors to deliver a surprising punch without any of the buzzing noise commonly associated with...

ebikes.ca

small enough to be very stealthy. Have a shop build a hub drive wheel using your existing rim.

brilliant bike! Handsomely built.

 

[Dewey]

I’d look at a front geared hub. Like Bafang 310 seen on ebikes.ca

G310-G311 - Grin Kits - Product Info

The small G311 front / G310 rear motors from Bafang are well suited for those wanting light and discrete conversion for moderate assist levels. A high reduction helical gear set allows these tiny motors to deliver a surprising punch without any of the buzzing noise commonly associated with...

ebikes.ca

small enough to be very stealthy. Have a shop build a hub drive wheel using your existing rim.

brilliant bike! Handsomely built.

Then he would lose the front drum brake, it’s gotta be a mid-drive

 

[PopeyePedals]

Thanks tomjasz, I'll post some more pics when I pick it up later. Deweys comment about the drum brake at the front was the same reason I was considering the mid-drive may be a better option, originally I was looking at the front hub drives too.

 

[Dewey]

Thanks tomjasz, I'll post some more pics when I pick it up later. Deweys comment about the drum brake at the front was the same reason I was considering the mid-drive may be a better option, originally I was looking at the front hub drives too.

If you do decide to go with a Bafang I recommend also fitting ebrake sensors to your brake handles, those will cut the motor power when you pull the brake lever

 

[EMGX]

Nice bike. I think this seller indicates they ship to UK

Coaster Brake Torque Sensor Tongsheng Tsdz2 Ebike Kit Conversion DIY Mid Motor 36v 48v Electric Bicycle Motor - Re-Cycles E-bikes

Brand Name: Ebird Voltage: 36V/48v Design: Brushless Wattage: 201 - 300w Motor Type: Side Hung Motor Name: TSDZ2 Engine Ebike Kit Application: Mountain Bike,City Bicycle,Snow Bike,Sand Bike Packing Weight: 5.2KG LCD Display: VLCD5/XH18/vlcd6 Chain Wheel: 42T Feature: Coaster brake mid drive motor

recycles-ebike.com

 

[RunForTheHills]

Another option is to replace the front fork with a disc ready fork and go with the front hub drive that Tom suggested. A black dual crown fork would keep the look the same. I am not sure you could keep the chain guard if you went with a mid drive.

 

[Dewey]

I am not sure you could keep the chain guard if you went with a mid drive.

Maybe not, but the OP could fit an Hebie Chainglider

 

[tomjasz]

Then he would lose the front drum brake, it’s gotta be a mid-drive

I missed that. My bad!

 

[indianajo]

If you’re set on using Bafang you can buy a used 26” rear wheel with a non-coaster brake Sturmey 3-speed off eBay but you would lose the sweet rim so might consider paying a local bike shop to thread a new Sturmey IGH with a drum brake into the custom rim.

My sturmey archer S80 IGH with internal brake was garbage. Cable fitting started popping off every 100' after 500 miles. Wham into unrideable speed 8. I had to lay on the ground to reinstall it every 100'. I couldn't figure a way to modify it. Back to derailleurs.
The SA 3 speed seems to be respected on line.

 

[Dewey]

The SA 3 speed seems to be respected on line.

Yes, both Karl Gesslein and Ronald Roberts (Ron/spinningmagnets on Endless Sphere) have blogged about the Sturmey 3 being a bullet proof internal geared hub for a mid-drive, and Karl would know as he really hammers on his fat ebikes riding in snow.

 

[tomjasz]

Sturmey 3 being a bullet proof

There are a number of 3spd SA versions. WHICH 3spd is being listed as "bullet proof?

I have a Shimano 3spd and it's been one tough cookie. I don't remember which version.