New Member Turbo Levo and a CEF55

B

berglex

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2025
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Location
Freienbach SZ
Hi, I am Berglex, a passionate mountainbiker from Switzerland. I'm currently riding a Turbo levo from 2024. I'm actually quite happy with it, but I also like making things. Since the current and very bland trend among many brand manufacturers is simply to put more and more power into the bikes at the expense of overall weight, I decided to build an E-MTB myself. I was also inspired by Rob's videos on DIY Chinese ebike. So I ordered the new CEF55 frame from SZZS Bikes, which arrived today. They also supply a new battery with 835 wh, as well as the tried and tested M820 from Bafang. I'm curious to see if I can manage to get a bike under 20 kg.
 
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berglex said:
Hi, I am Berglex, a passionate mountainbiker from Switzerland. I'm currently riding a Turbo levo from 2024. I'm actually quite happy with it, but I also like making things. Since the current and very bland trend among many brand manufacturers is simply to put more and more power into the bikes at the expense of overall weight, I decided to build an E-MTB myself. I was also inspired by Rob's videos on DIY Chinese ebike. So I ordered the new CEF55 frame from SZZS Bikes, which arrived today. They also supply a new battery with 835 wh, as well as the tried and tested M820 from Bafang. I'm curious to see if I can manage to get a bike under 20 kg.
Click to expand...
I cant wait to see the cef55 built up and what the weight comes in at with that large battery. Post pictures if you get a chance! Thanks!
 
berglex said:
Hi, I am Berglex, a passionate mountainbiker from Switzerland. I'm currently riding a Turbo levo from 2024. I'm actually quite happy with it, but I also like making things. Since the current and very bland trend among many brand manufacturers is simply to put more and more power into the bikes at the expense of overall weight, I decided to build an E-MTB myself. I was also inspired by Rob's videos on DIY Chinese ebike. So I ordered the new CEF55 frame from SZZS Bikes, which arrived today. They also supply a new battery with 835 wh, as well as the tried and tested M820 from Bafang. I'm curious to see if I can manage to get a bike under 20 kg.
Click to expand...
How's the assembly going? I ordered a CEF50 with an 835Wh battery and 48V. I have all the heavy-duty parts, and they're all top-of-the-range. The weight comes out to about 17 kg, size S.

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berglex said:
Hi, I am Berglex, a passionate mountainbiker from Switzerland. I'm currently riding a Turbo levo from 2024. I'm actually quite happy with it, but I also like making things. Since the current and very bland trend among many brand manufacturers is simply to put more and more power into the bikes at the expense of overall weight, I decided to build an E-MTB myself. I was also inspired by Rob's videos on DIY Chinese ebike. So I ordered the new CEF55 frame from SZZS Bikes, which arrived today. They also supply a new battery with 835 wh, as well as the tried and tested M820 from Bafang. I'm curious to see if I can manage to get a bike under 20 kg.
Click to expand...
Hi there, how's it going? I'm interested to see how you go do you have any pics?
 
Charlypitillo said:
How's the assembly going? I ordered a CEF50 with an 835Wh battery and 48V. I have all the heavy-duty parts, and they're all top-of-the-range. The weight comes out to about 17 kg, size S.

View attachment 162678 View attachment 162679 View attachment 162680 View attachment 162681 View attachment 162682 View attachment 162683 View attachment 162684 View attachment 162685 View attachment 162686 View attachment 162687 View attachment 162688 View attachment 162689 View attachment 162690 View attachment 162691 View attachment 162692 View attachment 162693 View attachment 162694 View attachment 162695 View attachment 162696 View attachment 162697 View attachment 162698 View attachment 162699
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Hi Charlypitillo.

You have really made an exquisite selection of very light pieces. Apart from the frame/engine set, I have so far mainly used what I have lying around in my hobby workshop and also ordered no-name parts from China when necessary. Since I've gone for the 835 Wh battery, I'm now at a little under 20 kg with my bike. However, it is important to me that I retain a bit of the enduro character. With the suspension fork, for example, it's rather difficult in my eyes to get a light and yet stable 170mm fork, at least if the fork isn't to cost as much as the whole set. As a hobbyist, I have now resorted to a Yari RC, installed a Charger shock and fitted the extension kit to 170 mm. The fork now weighs just over 2 kg (approx. 2070 gr.) and for the low financial outlay, that's great. As for the wheels, I'm still considering whether I should treat myself to carbon wheels later. However, the branded models available in Europe are too expensive for my project. I'm still looking at the Chinese mail order companies. I will probably also gradually adjust the weight or performance of the other parts (e.g. lighter cranks, drive sprockets, tires etc.).

WhatsApp Image 2025-06-30 at 13.07.45.jpeg
 
radstar said:
Hi there, how's it going? I'm interested to see how you go do you have any pics?
Click to expand...
Hi radstar

For now, I've finished the build (see my previous post) and have started test riding. I didn't have the weight in mind for the time being, as I wanted to put together a bike with some enduro character with existing parts. That's why I'm only at 20 kg. My goal is to gradually get to just under 19 kg with a few more optimizations, which shouldn't be a problem. It always depends on the budget. But with an 835 wh battery, I'm already close to the “Amflow entry-level class” in terms of weight. The whole project with the frameset is very cool for me, as I can finally reuse parts that are in the box. It is also sustainable and environmentally friendly, in contrast to today's bike industry, where something new is introduced every year with new standard screws etc.
I'm also currently testing the running capabilities and characteristics of the Bafang M820 with the Besst tool. In particular, I am aiming for a balance of power output, support sensation and load (especially temperature) on the motor. The firmwares that I have found are all not so satisfactory. With Besst and Besst Pro you can only upload new firmware versions. I am still looking for ways to control the “internal values of the motor” directly.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
 
berglex said:
Hi radstar

For now, I've finished the build (see my previous post) and have started test riding. I didn't have the weight in mind for the time being, as I wanted to put together a bike with some enduro character with existing parts. That's why I'm only at 20 kg. My goal is to gradually get to just under 19 kg with a few more optimizations, which shouldn't be a problem. It always depends on the budget. But with an 835 wh battery, I'm already close to the “Amflow entry-level class” in terms of weight. The whole project with the frameset is very cool for me, as I can finally reuse parts that are in the box. It is also sustainable and environmentally friendly, in contrast to today's bike industry, where something new is introduced every year with new standard screws etc.
I'm also currently testing the running capabilities and characteristics of the Bafang M820 with the Besst tool. In particular, I am aiming for a balance of power output, support sensation and load (especially temperature) on the motor. The firmwares that I have found are all not so satisfactory. With Besst and Besst Pro you can only upload new firmware versions. I am still looking for ways to control the “internal values of the motor” directly.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Click to expand...
Nice bike (y)
I think there is an app you can get for the bafang, mybe something called the egg beater pro?
 
berglex said:
Hi Charlypitillo.

You have really made an exquisite selection of very light pieces. Apart from the frame/engine set, I have so far mainly used what I have lying around in my hobby workshop and also ordered no-name parts from China when necessary. Since I've gone for the 835 Wh battery, I'm now at a little under 20 kg with my bike. However, it is important to me that I retain a bit of the enduro character. With the suspension fork, for example, it's rather difficult in my eyes to get a light and yet stable 170mm fork, at least if the fork isn't to cost as much as the whole set. As a hobbyist, I have now resorted to a Yari RC, installed a Charger shock and fitted the extension kit to 170 mm. The fork now weighs just over 2 kg (approx. 2070 gr.) and for the low financial outlay, that's great. As for the wheels, I'm still considering whether I should treat myself to carbon wheels later. However, the branded models available in Europe are too expensive for my project. I'm still looking at the Chinese mail order companies. I will probably also gradually adjust the weight or performance of the other parts (e.g. lighter cranks, drive sprockets, tires etc.).

View attachment 163778
Click to expand...
What size frame is this?
It looks great!
 
Hows the performance compared to your turbo levo? awesome build on the CEF55 btw. also looking at this frame for my EMTB build. but waiting out more reviews. as there are more CEF50 reviews. also the CEF69 is already available aswell.
 
 
Charlypitillo said:
How's the assembly going? I ordered a CEF50 with an 835Wh battery and 48V. I have all the heavy-duty parts, and they're all top-of-the-range. The weight comes out to about 17 kg, size S.

View attachment 162678 View attachment 162679 View attachment 162680 View attachment 162681 View attachment 162682 View attachment 162683 View attachment 162684 View attachment 162685 View attachment 162686 View attachment 162687 View attachment 162688 View attachment 162689 View attachment 162690 View attachment 162691 View attachment 162692 View attachment 162693 View attachment 162694 View attachment 162695 View attachment 162696 View attachment 162697 View attachment 162698 View attachment 162699
Click to expand...
If you don't mind me asking how tall are you and what is your inseam, for size S?
 
berglex said:
Hi Charlypitillo.

You have really made an exquisite selection of very light pieces. Apart from the frame/engine set, I have so far mainly used what I have lying around in my hobby workshop and also ordered no-name parts from China when necessary. Since I've gone for the 835 Wh battery, I'm now at a little under 20 kg with my bike. However, it is important to me that I retain a bit of the enduro character. With the suspension fork, for example, it's rather difficult in my eyes to get a light and yet stable 170mm fork, at least if the fork isn't to cost as much as the whole set. As a hobbyist, I have now resorted to a Yari RC, installed a Charger shock and fitted the extension kit to 170 mm. The fork now weighs just over 2 kg (approx. 2070 gr.) and for the low financial outlay, that's great. As for the wheels, I'm still considering whether I should treat myself to carbon wheels later. However, the branded models available in Europe are too expensive for my project. I'm still looking at the Chinese mail order companies. I will probably also gradually adjust the weight or performance of the other parts (e.g. lighter cranks, drive sprockets, tires etc.).

View attachment 163778
Click to expand...
Berglex, nice build!
May I ask for a PM, as I life close to your place. Merci.
 
berglex said:
Hi Charlypitillo.

You have really made an exquisite selection of very light pieces. Apart from the frame/engine set, I have so far mainly used what I have lying around in my hobby workshop and also ordered no-name parts from China when necessary. Since I've gone for the 835 Wh battery, I'm now at a little under 20 kg with my bike. However, it is important to me that I retain a bit of the enduro character. With the suspension fork, for example, it's rather difficult in my eyes to get a light and yet stable 170mm fork, at least if the fork isn't to cost as much as the whole set. As a hobbyist, I have now resorted to a Yari RC, installed a Charger shock and fitted the extension kit to 170 mm. The fork now weighs just over 2 kg (approx. 2070 gr.) and for the low financial outlay, that's great. As for the wheels, I'm still considering whether I should treat myself to carbon wheels later. However, the branded models available in Europe are too expensive for my project. I'm still looking at the Chinese mail order companies. I will probably also gradually adjust the weight or performance of the other parts (e.g. lighter cranks, drive sprockets, tires etc.).

View attachment 163778
Click to expand...
Hi Bergflex,
I’m also from Switzerland and I love tinkering and working on projects – that’s why I want to build my own e-MTB. I really like the CEF55 frame as well as the LC930. For the CEF55, the larger battery capacity is definitely an important factor.
I’m still undecided though, and I’ll be following your project with great interest.
 
CEF 50
18 kilograms with pedals, boat rack, and water bottle
835Wh
Range test: 160 kilometers, 1200+

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