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Best e-bike conversion kits 2023 - motorise the bike you already have

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Richard Peace's picture

Richard Peace

Richard Peace took to full-time outdoor writing/photojournalism after stints in an office and as an English teacher abroad. His cycling route guide books include the best-selling Ultimate C2C Guide and the Ultimate UK Cycle Route Planner plus Electric Bicycles. He has written for various media about many aspects of cycling

5 comments

Alex Bowden's picture
1 year 5 months ago

Thanks for that Steve1234. We'll try and get hold of one and there's a good chance it'll feature next time we update this guide.

1 year 5 months ago

I bought a great kit from a UK company, uses the Neodrive motor from a German company. Lots or torque and super smooth delivery, silent to boot. Was only £650, should be in your lineup!

 

https://ebikeoutlet.co.uk/products/german-ebike-conversion-kit?utm_source=proof_factor&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=broadcast_Battery+Promo

Richard Peace's picture
1 year 5 months ago

I have just reridden the 2022 version of the kit after seeing your comment and would stand by my opinion - the Swytch feels easy to ride on the flat or up slight inclines with the power turned off. In terms of weight it stands up well against the other kits with only the smaller friction drives which offer less effective power beating the Swytch on weight. 

I am comparing it to other e-bikes which is my main area of work and not to, for example, top end racing bikes - in that context adding 3kg+ is heavy and also  you might well notice extra drag compared to such bikes. I did a 12 mile route over rolling tracks and turned the motor off for prolonged sections and was quite happy pedalling without power.  

Anyhow, thanks for your comments and hope that explains my reasoning in the article - more detail in the full review to follow shortly

Thanks

Richard

Alex Bowden's picture
1 year 5 months ago

Ah, yes. That review's going up this weekend. Sorry about that.

1 year 5 months ago

Swytch owner here - I converted my wife's bike last year. UK based is a bit of a stretch e.g. not sure about the situation on spare parts availability, if that is the claim.
 

Wow, if this is light, what are the heavy ones like?? So it works, it's a nice aid and the mini batteries look attractive.

I dispute the low friction claims as you can really feel the drag when you exceed the top speed or stop pedalling.

The crank sensor is plastic-ey and flimsey in my view. The battery bracket seems well designed. 

The motor wheel fitted reasonably well - the drop out needed some filing to get it in and you now need a 17 mm spanner in your tool bag. 

The link in the article to the main review didn't work.