Looking for Suggestions on an ebike for hunting

[tomjasz]

The only real difference on a “hunting e bike” seems to be the low gearing. Mine came with a 34t front sprocket and a 24t rear cog so they could go slower and climb better off road and hauling a trailer.

I already changed the front sprocket to 46t and have a 52t front sprocket on order as my riding is road and rail trails oriented.

I also had the controller reprogrammed to unlock Rambo’s speed and PAS settings

52T on a BBS02?

 

[BrianK]

52T on a BBS02?

I pirchased it directly from the Bafang USA website and it was advertised to fit BBS02.

Honest question - bad idea?

Should I go with a lower rear cog tooth count instead?

Currently I’m almost exclusively using the third gear with the 3 speed SA IGH. I’m thinking that sprocket would let me start using first and second gear more often.

 

[tomjasz]

Honest question - bad idea?

I pirchased it directly from the Bafang USA website and it was advertised to fit BBS02.

Should I go with a lower rear cog tooth count instead?

In my experience a very bad idea. BBS02 motors, really hate being lugged. They are easy to overheat if not actively shifting and using appropriate gears. The speed gain is negligible and the damage is easily done. I have 2014 BBS01A 250W and 350W still running BUT I never use a throttle to take off unless I'm on the largest rear sprocket. As usual, you can find lots of other "one off" opinions. I added a shunt and accurate watt meter(CA3) to test my BBS01 and 02s for watts drawn under stress. And sure enough, the 52T really pushed the limits and it was easy to raise motor temps. I backed off and have 48T and 52T OEM gathering dust on a shelf, where they belong, for 5 years. Larger chainwheels often won't fit on fat bikes due to the wide chainstays.

 

[BrianK]

In my experience a very bad idea. BBS02 motors, really hate being lugged. They are easy to overheat if not actively shifting and using appropriate gears. The speed gain is negligible and the damage is easily done. I have 2014 BBS01A 250W and 350W still running BUT I never use a throttle to take off unless I'm on the largest rear sprocket. As usual, you can find lots of other "one off" opinions. I added a shunt and accurate watt meter(CA3) to test my BBS01 and 02s for watts drawn under stress. And sure enough, the 52T really pushed the limits and it was easy to raise motor temps. I backed off and have 48T and 52T OEM gathering dust on a shelf, where they belong, for 5 years. Larger chainwheels often won't fit on fat bikes due to the wide chainstays.

Thanks for the advice. I currently rarely use the throttle, and then only for a couple feet to help get moving.

If I limit using it that way to first gear only, would that help prevent trouble?

Fortunately Luna sells the “bare bones“ BBSHD motor for $500 for a simple swap on a BBS02 bike.

I wouldn’t mind having an “excuse” to upgrade to it ;-)

 

[tomjasz]

Ride it like you would without the help of a motor. Shift appropriately and the BBS02 is a fine motor. I actually like it better. with the BBSHD I find myself "clown pedaling". No way can my legs keep up with the pedal speed.

 

[BrianK]

Ride it like you would without the help of a motor. Shift appropriately and the BBS02 is a fine motor. I actually like it better. with the BBSHD I find myself "clown pedaling". No way can my legs keep up with the pedal speed.

Good advice, thanks. I got this bike specifically to get exercise, not just to joyride it like a scooter. It does help me get up hills and go further than I ever would have attempted otherwise.

My “next” e bike won’t be a fat bike, though. I want something I can ride while turning off PAS altogether, should the need arise. This current e bike is very difficult to pedal any distance without the pedal assist.

 

[Redfish]

In my first season with a Biktrix Juggernaut, loving it so far. It's very capable off road.

 

[James R.]

Hello, I am new to the ebike family. I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones to get a BAKCOU Mule for the trail and woods. So far the 2weeks that I've had it has really impressed me what these things can do! My wife has the Flatlander ST with the 24" tires. She loves it. We are a little older now, and these bikes put the Fun back into riding! For right now I'm looking for a new seat for longer rides on the trails?

 

[reed scott]

Hello, I am new to the ebike family. I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones to get a BAKCOU Mule for the trail and woods. So far the 2weeks that I've had it has really impressed me what these things can do! My wife has the Flatlander ST with the 24" tires. She loves it. We are a little older now, and these bikes put the Fun back into riding! For right now I'm looking for a new seat for longer rides on the trails?

I came within a gnats behind of getting a Bakcou Storm but realized I could get nearly the same Frey framed bike for significantly less money. I still like most of the aspects of the Storm. One of the main reasons I kept looking around was the whole fat tire thing. At first I was enamored of fat tires but soon repented.

 

[ruffruff]

Hello, I am new to the ebike family. I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones to get a BAKCOU Mule for the trail and woods. So far the 2weeks that I've had it has really impressed me what these things can do! My wife has the Flatlander ST with the 24" tires. She loves it. We are a little older now, and these bikes put the Fun back into riding! For right now I'm looking for a new seat for longer rides on the trails?

Don't be fooled by the price. The light in the rear is gimmicky and adds a little weight but the seat is good.

https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Bike-Seat-Comfortable/dp/B0765ZBZ34/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=UMB4F4BQQJSK&dchild=1&keywords=giddyup+bike+seat&qid=1604453048&sprefix=giddyup%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOUlHWUJUVDNJQzZBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjMzODE5Mko0VVNWSFFZUkozSiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODkzNjgwM0tEU1RWWU1HS05KQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

[Usmc hunter]

if your going to be hauling deer out of the woods gets something with some power like an Ultra or BBSHD motor, you will need the torque, and avoid Rambo like the Black Death! they are grossly overpriced! $4000 for the friggin Bushwacker? you have got to be joking! lmao! thats the same bike Bolton,Biktrix and Eunarau sell for around $2500 just with a SA 3 speed and a smaller battery!(both downgrades for hunting imo)there is no way a SA 3 speed and a battery downgrade is worth $1500

hi your post made my eye brow stand up I am considering a Rambo Megatron after reading what you say I am torn about my thought on Rambo can you please steer me in the right direction I will be using the bike for hunting. farms, woods ,snow, mud, some steep hills.
I am a disabled vet my issue has come back to haunt me I just can not do what I used to be able to do.
this is a big investment I don't mind spending the $ on the best option because it will help me to keep doing what I love to do being out doors.in the woods.thank you so much I would give you my number to chat more in detail if necessary.thank you. sal

 

[reed scott]

hi your post made my eye brow stand up I am considering a Rambo Megatron after reading what you say I am torn about my thought on Rambo can you please steer me in the right direction I will be using the bike for hunting. farms, woods ,snow, mud, some steep hills.
I am a disabled vet my issue has come back to haunt me I just can not do what I used to be able to do.
this is a big investment I don't mind spending the $ on the best option because it will help me to keep doing what I love to do being out doors.in the woods.thank you so much I would give you my number to chat more in detail if necessary.thank you. sal

Hi again, I replied to your intro thread. If you have the budget you can't go far wrong with the Bakcou bikes. The Storm is their best model and full suspension. Look at their rear triangle and suspension. Nobody tops that. They are a decent bunch and will take care of you. They seem as well to be building a dealer network. They're hunters par excellence as well. Lots to learn on their website.

 

[reed scott]

hi your post made my eye brow stand up I am considering a Rambo Megatron after reading what you say I am torn about my thought on Rambo can you please steer me in the right direction I will be using the bike for hunting. farms, woods ,snow, mud, some steep hills.
I am a disabled vet my issue has come back to haunt me I just can not do what I used to be able to do.
this is a big investment I don't mind spending the $ on the best option because it will help me to keep doing what I love to do being out doors.in the woods.thank you so much I would give you my number to chat more in detail if necessary.thank you. sal

Edit and addition: Nobody's rear triangle and suspension even equals the Bakcou Storm.

 

[ruffruff]

I'm trying to follow the force vectors on that Backcou suspension linkage and it's making my head hurt!
Don't make me do a Free Body Diagram!

 

[Terry777]

There are a few options for hunting bikes now. Just hunt around the internet searching “hunting bikes”, you’ll find plenty! The Bafang Ultra is a powerhouse of a motor, lots of guts. I have the 5 speed SA IGH and haven’t had any problems... yet, but who knows if I will as I haven’t had it very long. I got it in November and don’t baby it at all so we’ll see how it goes. You’re asking in the right place, lots of real world experience and knowledge on the forum. Good luck however you decide.

 

[ElevenAD]

hi your post made my eye brow stand up I am considering a Rambo Megatron after reading what you say I am torn about my thought on Rambo can you please steer me in the right direction I will be using the bike for hunting. farms, woods ,snow, mud, some steep hills.
I am a disabled vet my issue has come back to haunt me I just can not do what I used to be able to do.
this is a big investment I don't mind spending the $ on the best option because it will help me to keep doing what I love to do being out doors.in the woods.thank you so much I would give you my number to chat more in detail if necessary.thank you. sal

again my issue with rambo is not their bikes its the price, if your looking for a dual 1000 watt motor Fatbike the Megatron is probably the only one in town but to put it into perspective the Ariel Rider Grizzly is a Dual battery/Dual motor Scrambler type E-Bike with a 32ah "52volt" system vs Megatron 48volt 34ah,Grizzly has i believe 7 speeds vs Megatron's one speed,the Grizzly has full suspension vs Megatron hardtail and the Grizzly price $2799 vs $7000 Megatron, now i know they are different and one could argue the Megatron should cost more but there is no way to justify $7000 for that bike. just Buy a Biktrix Duo 1000watt and enjoy!.

 

[bigcanoe]

I just ordered a Rad Power Rad Rover Step Thru and plan to use it for this. It comes today supposedly. The price and reputation of the company are solid.

 

[Terry777]

I just ordered a Rad Power Rad Rover Step Thru and plan to use it for this. It comes today supposedly. The price and reputation of the company are solid.

Congrats brother! Hope it works out.