How To Build A Cheap DIY Electric Bike!

Rob Rides EMTB

Administrator
Staff member
Subscriber
Jan 14, 2018
6,146
13,219
Surrey, UK
Here's the followup build thread for the YouTube Video!


PS - I am in no way affiliated with any of the below brands, or have any kickbacks or benefits whatsoever by linking them. This is simply a list to help folks build cheaper bikes.

I want to add building a DIY bike is NOT for everyone. It can be frustrating waiting for parts, shipping, sourcing etc. AND, warranty if things go wrong is not exactly easy. For a LOT of people, shop / online from a big brand is is the way to go, but if you're feeling brave, then read on!

Prices are fluctuating - some may be cheaper, some may rise slightly (pound to dollar is currently extremely weak! So UK folks may pay more, USA and rest of world may get better value)

Frame: Dengfu E10. $799. email [email protected] with your request, including address and they will provide a quote (quote usually includes shipping & VAT). Usually paid via PayPal
Battery & Motor: As above. Currently they only may be able to source M500 motor.
Motor: Bafang M510 (new one from the video) Bafang M510 (new one from the video)
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12 Speed
Brakes: Shimano 4 Piston M6120
Shock Mountain Hardware: Bushings

Dropper Post / Bars / Stem / Saddle etc are Nukeproof Neutron. Purchased from Chain Reaction Cycles. Many parts were on sale at Chain Reaction Cycles (they often do 10% off their own Nukeproof parts, they are great!)

Here's the build and parts I used

And finally, this forum is a fantastic resource. See more build threads here: DIY ebike Builds

And be sure to sign up and share your own thread and questions!

Thanks
Rob

Screenshot 2022-07-06 at 15.26.19.png


Geometry:

178FD97B-FD43-4FAF-AA4C-5647CE552496.jpeg
 
Last edited:

BlueGlaucus

New Member
Jul 7, 2022
3
0
UK
go to say disappointed with my quote, especially as it's a cheaper frame, any idea why yours cost so much less, its not exchange rate, checked the last 3 years and it doesn't get that low. Really hope its not them giving hidden discounts to drive traffic.

bike cost.JPG
 

Rob Rides EMTB

Administrator
Staff member
Subscriber
Jan 14, 2018
6,146
13,219
Surrey, UK
go to say disappointed with my quote, especially as it's a cheaper frame, any idea why yours cost so much less, its not exchange rate, checked the last 3 years and it doesn't get that low. Really hope its not them giving hidden discounts to drive traffic.

View attachment 91862
In January when I got all my kit, that $2593 would have been at exchange rate of 0.73 USD to GBP and would have cost £1892.

Sadly, it looks like the M510 Motor has increased by $50 and shipping has also increased by $50 since I purchased.
 

Rob Rides EMTB

Administrator
Staff member
Subscriber
Jan 14, 2018
6,146
13,219
Surrey, UK
Also, worth checking this thread to see what others have paid:

 

BeBiker

Active member
Aug 26, 2020
655
403
Belgium
I would have bought it a year ago if their diagnose/settings tool was a usb- cable and a free available program.
 

BlueGlaucus

New Member
Jul 7, 2022
3
0
UK
In January when I got all my kit, that $2593 would have been at exchange rate of 0.73 USD to GBP and would have cost £1892.

Sadly, it looks like the M510 Motor has increased by $50 and shipping has also increased by $50 since I purchased.
thanks/ looking at your thread, it seems the battery has gone up $80 as well so between those three price raises and the £ doing crap, that accounts for it all. don't know what to do now at £1700 was like this is the way to go. but for well over 2k, there's a lot of options and 2nd hand market.
 

robbydobs

Member
Jan 31, 2021
80
64
Sussex, UK
I looked at this last time, but as with everyone else I found the price was a lot more than Rob paid in the videos. In the end I got a Commencal Meta Power frame for 2500 for frame/shock/motor/battery/charger etc.. It's worth keeping an eye on their webpage as the prices seem to go up and down META POWER - Shop I had an issue with the shock and Commencal paid for a local shop to handle the warranty and it was replaced. I swapped all the bits from a Vitus Sommet (non ebike version).
 

caremugre

New Member
Jul 10, 2022
2
0
España, Sitges
Hi Rob,

Really nice build, thanks for sharing detailed information about process and prices.

I have though a couple questions/comments.

From your first fuild, I got interested in the dengfu frame, as I want to use the components I already have on my enduro bike and this is a really good option to do it with a low budget.

I contacted dengfu people begining of june, but the price they gave me (around 2500$ frame, battery and m500 motor plus shiping to spain) is far from the 1720£ you got.

When did you got this quotation?

Is "[email protected]" the same people than "[email protected]"?

I would also like to comment that if anyone near Barcelona is considering to purchase this frame, we could make a combined order so we may get better shiping costs.
Hey Edu88, I'm interested in buying this frame as well, I'm in Sitges... I think we can share shipping costs if you still haven't bought yours.
 

casainho

Active member
May 27, 2022
44
142
Portugal
I would like to share information about my EBike that is more and more electric!!

I just installed the electronic gears from SRAM AXS 12 speed and they are perfect because now my gears work like a swiss watch!!
Recently I also installed Garmin Rally XC200 Power Meter Bike Pedals.
(I know there are other wireless electronics like to control the drop post, lock the suspension or see the tire pressure)

And the best is that everything is working with ANT+ so I get on the GPS cycling computer the following data:
- Bafang M500/M600 EBike motor assist level and battery SOC (thanks to our EasyDIY OpenSource display)
- derailleur gear number and optimally the battery level
- my pedal power graph (to get advanced fitness cycling metrics on Garmin)
- my heart rate graph





 

goRt

Member
Oct 20, 2021
13
4
Original Hampshire

casainho

Active member
May 27, 2022
44
142
Portugal
I can n
Anyone interested in making me one of these lovely displays?
I can not do it but I will help anyone that want to build them. I think the Garmin / ANT+ LEV integration is the most relevant feature, but probably only for the ones using their ebikes for fitness.

Sure, the display also unlocks / change the motor max speed of 25km/h.
 

ficorama

Active member
Oct 9, 2021
269
249
Croatia
Hello everyone. unfortunately I decided to sell Dengfu. if someone is interested, it can be complete or in parts. send a message and let's make an agreement.
list of equipment on the bicycle.
Frame: Dengfu e10 XL
Motor Bafang M510
Battery:21700 Samsucells smart bms I have 2 pcs.
One: 52v 14s4p 20ah
Second: 48v 13s2p 10ah
Charger 48v and 52v depends on the battery
Fork: Rockshox 35 150mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT Debon Air 210x55mm
Brakes: Shimano mt420 203 rotor
Tire Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29x2.6
Dropper 170mm
Rear derailleur shimano xt 12 spd
Cassette: shimano deore 12 spd
Shifter: shimano deore 12 spd
Cranks 170mm
Stem and handlebar 31.8 760mm

I have another M510 engine, besst tolls, Miranda cranks 160mm.... ask, everything can be found. I ship within the EU! payment is PayPal with buyer protection.

I have already sold to colleague @thaeber and bought it for me, so he can confirm that I am not a fraud. thank
 

K4ndiszucker

New Member
Jul 23, 2022
2
0
Germany
Hello everyone. unfortunately I decided to sell Dengfu. if someone is interested, it can be complete or in parts. send a message and let's make an agreement.
list of equipment on the bicycle.
Frame: Dengfu e10 XL
Motor Bafang M510
Battery:21700 Samsucells smart bms I have 2 pcs.
One: 52v 14s4p 20ah
Second: 48v 13s2p 10ah
Charger 48v and 52v depends on the battery
Fork: Rockshox 35 150mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT Debon Air 210x55mm
Brakes: Shimano mt420 203 rotor
Tire Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29x2.6
Dropper 170mm
Rear derailleur shimano xt 12 spd
Cassette: shimano deore 12 spd
Shifter: shimano deore 12 spd
Cranks 170mm
Stem and handlebar 31.8 760mm

I have another M510 engine, besst tolls, Miranda cranks 160mm.... ask, everything can be found. I ship within the EU! payment is PayPal with buyer protection.

I have already sold to colleague @thaeber and bought it for me, so he can confirm that I am not a fraud. thank
Hello @ficorama. I have a few questions. 1: How much for the whole Bike with the 52V Battery? 2: Why do you sell it? 3: How old is the bike? 4: In what condition are the parts/bike
 

ficorama

Active member
Oct 9, 2021
269
249
Croatia
Hello @ficorama. I have a few questions. 1: How much for the whole Bike with the 52V Battery? 2: Why do you sell it? 3: How old is the bike? 4: In what condition are the parts/bike
greetings, I am selling my bike due to lack of time. The frame was purchased in October 2021, the engine was purchased in May 2022, the fork, brakes, wheels, tires, cassette, chain are all new, the bike has been maintained and taken care of. Everything is in great condition. the frame has a warranty, purchased from Tosa bikes, the motor also has a warranty, the battery.
 

ficorama

Active member
Oct 9, 2021
269
249
Croatia
Hello everyone. unfortunately I decided to sell Dengfu. if someone is interested, it can be complete or in parts. send a message and let's make an agreement.
list of equipment on the bicycle.
Frame: Dengfu e10 XL
Motor Bafang M510
Battery:21700 Samsucells smart bms I have 2 pcs.
One: 52v 14s4p 20ah
Second: 48v 13s2p 10ah
Charger 48v and 52v depends on the battery
Fork: Rockshox 35 150mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT Debon Air 210x55mm
Brakes: Shimano mt420 203 rotor
Tire Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29x2.6
Dropper 170mm
Rear derailleur shimano xt 12 spd
Cassette: shimano deore 12 spd
Shifter: shimano deore 12 spd
Cranks 170mm
Stem and handlebar 31.8 760mm

I have another M510 engine, besst tolls, Miranda cranks 160mm.... ask, everything can be found. I ship within the EU! payment is PayPal with buyer protection.

here are some pictures. the price for the bike is 3000 eur!
it would be best to send the bike in parts, because transporting the assembled bike is very expensive.

And it can also be sold in parts.


Since private purchase no guarantee or returns

20220802_144609.jpg


20220802_144626.jpg


20220802_144655.jpg


20220802_144703.jpg


20220802_144725.jpg


20220802_144715.jpg


20220802_144733.jpg
 
Last edited:

LAnton

Active member
May 12, 2022
476
385
Russia
Attention! If you want a minimal chain misalignment on the new spider from the M510! The star fits only 36 teeth on the E10 frame. Or 42 teeth on the outside of the spider. I glued thick rubber so as not to spoil the frame. The distance between the chain and the frame is 2-3mm. I will check if the gaskets will last for a long time. 9 stars at the back give 47km of speed. Cadence 90 I think I have enough.

WhatsApp Image 2022-08-14 at 12.13.42.jpeg
 

Karamba!

New Member
May 29, 2023
81
28
Santiago, Chile
Attention! If you want a minimal chain misalignment on the new spider from the M510! The star fits only 36 teeth on the E10 frame. Or 42 teeth on the outside of the spider. I glued thick rubber so as not to spoil the frame. The distance between the chain and the frame is 2-3mm. I will check if the gaskets will last for a long time. 9 stars at the back give 47km of speed. Cadence 90 I think I have enough.

View attachment 94798
May I ask if you need a propirietary Bafang wrench to tight the nut that fixes the spider? Or is it shimano compatible?
 

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