We get that the CUBELLIN 72V 2000W kit plays a very different game than just about all of the 48V "budget" kits on this site. Double the voltage means double the top-end speed headroom, and at middle-of-the-pack money, it beats the other 72V kits out there. The trade-off is the obvious one: a second 72V battery you probably don't already own, no street legality, and a frame requirement that cuts out about half the bikes in people's garages.
In this review, we're going to cover who should build using the CUBELLIN, who shouldn't, and whether the specs really deliver. Check today's price on Amazon before you make a decision.
Components and Specs of the Kit
The CUBELLIN 72V 2000W kit is a pretty complete package when delivered. It contains a direct drive gearless rear-hub motor mounted to a 26-inch aluminum rim with a 7-speed freehub, a matching controller, and the wires needed to connect the two. The motor claims a max RPM of 560 and 60 N·m of torque, similar to many other 2000W-class direct drive hubs.
There is also an LCD display that attaches to your handlebar and displays speed, mileage, and diagnostic error codes. In addition to these items, there are a twist throttle, brake levers with motor cut-off switches, and the wiring harness. While the manual provided is limited, you will likely be forced to rely on generic wiring guides for building hub motors if this is your first time doing so.
Important to note: this kit doesn't come with a battery. You'll need to supply your own 72V lithium-ion pack, with a connector that fits the CUBELLIN controller. And this isn't as simple as it might seem. Most builders already possess either a 48V or 52V pack from companies such as YOSE or ZLSHELIBK, and neither of those packs will support this motor. The controller expects 72 volts, period.
72V packs are also generally less available and more expensive per Wh compared to the 48V mainstream. So, factor that into your overall build costs prior to committing to this kit, as the battery is typically the largest expense item of any conversion.
The wheel shipped with the freewheel pre-installed so you can keep your existing rear derailleur and shifter(s) if your frame allows it. Also, the rim is designed for disc braking (no brakes supplied). Due to the added mass of a direct drive hub wheel, select a frame that can bear that weight.
At Amazon, OCTSTR is selling this kit for mid-range pricing for the category, with an average customer rating of four stars from ten reviewers. Although the number of reviewers is relatively small for an unbranded product, the reviewer ratings align closely with what the specs promise.
Anticipated Performance
While seventy-two-volt kits represent an entirely different league of competition than do "budget" builds utilizing conventional forty-eight-volt configurations, at twice the voltage of conventional budget kits, this motor has sufficient overhead to potentially exceed top speeds of everything within its price class. A 2000W-rated motor operating at 72V will essentially spin faster under load than a similarly-rated 48V model.
That advantage comes with some caveats. Specifically, due to increased demand for power by the motor, you'll require a larger capacity 72V battery pack rather than one designed specifically for lower powered motors. Upon installing a suitable 72V pack, anticipate achieving top speeds exceeding 30 mph on level ground with varying levels of success dependent upon rider weight, tire pressure and controller sensitivity setting.
Also important to consider is that this high-performance capability places this product outside of Class 1, Class 2 and almost all Class 3 ebikes. That's the idea behind 72V kits, and it's why this is an off-road build.
The LCD has nine speed settings so you can customize assistance from almost none to full-throttle. There is also cruise control for maintaining desired speeds without throttle input. Over extended periods at constant speeds, cruise control definitely earns its space.
As far as frames go: accelerating this forcefully on a frame that wasn't engineered for that kind of force creates a very poor situation. You're looking for sturdy steel construction. As mentioned earlier, aluminum framed entry-level MTBs and BMX builds will flex significantly under the rapid accelerative forces associated with direct drive hub motors.
Similar to frames, braking requirements deserve significant consideration. Below approximately 15 mph, rim brakes will decelerate you sufficiently. However, above 20 mph, they won't reliably stop this build. Both brake levers on each cable contain a motor cutoff switch which represents an authentic safety feature. However, disconnecting power isn't synonymous with stopping. If you plan to utilize the higher end of this kit's capabilities, install disc brakes prior to taking this build seriously. Standard six-bolt rotors fit directly onto this hub.
Warranty Information
CUBELLIN provides a two year warranty on their motor, which is better than most unbranded sellers provide. Several competitors only provide ninety day warranties or no warranty at all. The warranty does not apply to damage resulting from excessive use or using packs with incompatible connectors. Therefore, maintain sanity when wiring.
Compatibility Requirements
The kit was manufactured solely for twenty-six inch wheels. The axle of the hub is available in standard 10mm or 12mm QR or thru-axle sizes which will fit nearly all twenty-six inch mountain bike or BMX frames. Since your existing derailleur and shifters remain functional due to having the freewheel pre-installed on the wheel (as long as your drop-outs accommodate derailleur hangers), you can retain those components.
As mentioned previously, wheel weights represent practical realities when working with direct drive hubs. Generally speaking, you can expect a minimum of ten to fourteen pounds of additional rotating mass at the rear. The twenty-six inch rim design prioritizes durability over high-speed stability. Therefore, ensure that the wheel is trued immediately after installation and verify that spoke tension remains reasonable throughout your build process (since budget rims often leave spoked tension inconsistent).
Once again, wiring is relatively straightforward because every wire connection is labeled and coded. Leads connecting the battery go into the controller input, leads from the motor's hall sensors attach to the motor input ports, and the lead from the throttle goes into its designated port. The LCD attaches using a standard six-pin connector, the throttle attaches via a three-pin JST connector, and the brake levers attach via two-pin connectors. After making connections correctly, the display shows speed, mileage, and fault codes, which makes diagnosing incorrectly wired connections easier.
Note: only one compatibility concern exists regarding drop-out widths. Mountain bike frames generally measure around 135mm in rear dropout width, BMX frames generally measure around 110mm, and fat bike frames measure anywhere from 170 to 190mm and may require either a torque arm or an adapter based on intended application. Verify your bike's rear dropout width before purchasing this kit and confirm your bike's disc brake rotor mounting configuration if you plan to add rotors. Please refer to the CUBELLIN conversion kit listing for latest version information for all components due to potential changes in connector types or axle diameters between production runs.
If you wish to compare this build with other voltages, our conversion kit comparison page details options ranging from 48V up through 72V.
Who Should Buy This Kit?
This kit was created for experienced ebike enthusiasts seeking raw horsepower on a budget. If you have a steel-framed bike with disc brakes and/or access to a compatible 72V lithium-ion battery pack, then this option cannot be beaten at this price for pure performance. If that's your build, check the CUBELLIN 72V 2000W price on Amazon.
It's naturally suited for off-road applications, riding on private property, and trail riding where high speeds matter more than red tape.
It is not the correct choice for casual commuters or new builders wanting an upgrade-in-a-box. Due to restrictions on most garage environments (the 72V battery requirement alone eliminates most) and more importantly: US federal law restricts ebike motors to 750 watts for road-legal usage, EU laws limit ebike motors to 250 watts at 25 km/h assisted, so a 72V 2000W kit is illegal in both frameworks. Physics plus paperwork, not hyperbole.
For road-legal builds, look toward 24V-48V kits in the 400-1000W range. We have written several conversions in our blog that adhere to those parameters.
Compare our conversion kit comparison table for positioning relative to others, or view further hands-on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers on the CUBELLIN 72V 2000W before you commit.
Do I Have to Purchase Any Special Batteries?
Yes! You must purchase a new 72 volt lithium-ion battery pack. Either forty eight volt or fifty two volt packs will not function with this kit and could damage your controller. Ensure that you match connector type illustrated on your controller before buying, as common examples include XT60, XT90, and Anderson plugs. While cheap kits can have non-standard connectors, please compare photos in listings carefully before finalizing your purchase!
What Can I Reasonably Expect for Actual Top Speed?
Assuming moderate rider weight and properly inflated tires, plan on getting approximately 35 mph on flat terrain with a compatible 72V pack. Rider weight, tire type, wind resistance, and controller programmability determine your true top speed. Some budget controllers ship with peak current limits that reduce your motor's maximum output potential.
Will This Kit Be Street Legal?
No. US federal law prohibits road-legal ebike motors greater than 750 watts. European Union legislation limits ebike motor-assisted top speed to 25 km/h (15 mph) at 250 watts, and this kit exceeds both limits. Therefore, consider this an off-road build.
How Heavy Is the Wheel?
Expect ten to fourteen pounds of additional rotating mass at the rear once the direct drive hub is laced into the rim. That is normal for this motor class, but the rim favors durability over low weight, so true the wheel immediately after installation and keep an eye on spoke tension.
Which Brakes Should I Run With This Kit?
Rim brakes are adequate below roughly 15 mph but won't reliably stop this build above 20 mph. The included levers cut motor power when you squeeze them, which is a real safety feature, but cutting power is not the same as stopping. If you plan to use the top end of the power band, run disc brakes on the six-bolt hub mount before you push the kit hard.
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