A low-cost front wheel hub motor conversion kit for 700c Road bikes and hybrids. In essence, that is the Jiabailie 700C 48V 1000W kit. The Jiabailie 700C conversion kit on Amazon is a complete front wheel hub motor system including the motor, controller, display, throttle and brake lever.
Check the current price on Amazon.
Specs and Build Quality
The Jiabailie 700C kit utilizes a high-power (1000W) 48V brushless dc gearless direct drive hub motor. As with many other front-wheel kits, the motor completely replaces your existing front wheel. The kit uses a 700 c front wheel (the same size as traditional Road bicycle and hybrid bicycle wheels). The kit also works with 28-inch and 29-inch frame sizes.
Maximum claimed speed is approximately 55 km/h (45 to 55 km/h), which converts to approximately 30 to 35 mph. Actual real-world speeds depend upon the rider's weight, the amount of discharge in the battery while operating and the terrain. Expect to be closer to the minimum end of that estimated speed range with a standard 48-volt battery and average riders.
The motor housing is made from aluminum alloy. While this helps to keep weight acceptable for a direct drive type unit, gearless hub motors are generally heavier than their comparable power output counterparts using gear-based designs. However, the advantages of having fewer internal components to break/replace outweigh these disadvantages. There are no gears to strip or nylon teeth to deteriorate in gearless hub motors. Some minor "cogging" drag exists when you are pedaling without power applied. The magnetically generated resistance is normal and you become accustomed to it rapidly.
Maximum load capacity is stated to be 264 pounds. Rider plus cargo is covered under this specification. Standard flat drop outs are utilized for the axle. However, machined flats exist for the mounting of torque arms. Torque arms are absolutely necessary for a 1000-watt front hub motor. Hard accelerations can cause the front wheel axle to rotate within the fork drop-outs and potentially damage your fork. These torque arms do not appear to be included with the kit. Therefore, please add them to your shopping cart accordingly.
The kit comes equipped with a five speed pedal assist system. At the price-point, five levels provide significantly better control of exactly how much power assistance the motor will deliver compared to kits using three speed PAS systems. Level one offers almost negligible amounts of assistance in order to maximize range. Level five offers maximum power delivery for rapid climbing or getting up to speed quickly.
Cruise control is another feature offered by this kit that typically would not be found at such an economical price-point. Once activated, the motor maintains your speed regardless of whether you hold the throttle or not. Excellent for long straight stretches where you wish to relieve pressure on your wrist.
Speedometer, battery power indicator, trip distance counter and pedal assist level display are provided through the small LCD display. The display reads well even in direct sun light according to pictures provided on the product description page.
Installation and Compatibility
Generally speaking, installing a front wheel hub motor kit is easier than installing a rear wheel kit. Since the motor replaces your original front wheel entirely, you don't have to mess around with the drivetrain, derailleur or freewheel. The Jiabailie kit follows this trend.
important information prior to making your purchase decision:
This kit is designed specifically for 700 c wheels. Therefore, this kit will work with most Road bike, hybrid bicycles, touring bicycles and gravel bikes. Unfortunately, this kit will not work on 26 inch mountain bikes or 20 inch folding bikes. Verify your present wheel diameter and ensure your fork drop-out width can accommodate this motor prior to purchasing.
critical fork dropout spacing information:
Most Road bike forks utilize a drop-out spacing of 100 mm. The Jiabailie motor axle must fit into that space. If your fork employs quick release style drop-outs, you may need to confirm that the axle diameter of your fork matches that specified by the manufacturer.
step-by-step instructions for installing:
- Remove the original front wheel.
- Attach the torque arms to each fork leg.
- Mount the Jiabailie wheel and secure with axle nuts.
- Mount the controller to your frame or inside a frame bag.
- Run the motor wire along the fork leg and down tube.
- Connect display, throttle, PAS sensor, brake levers.
- Connect battery and perform initial test run.
The brake levers included in this kit possess built-in motor cut-off switches. Once you press the brake lever, power will cut off instantly to the motor. The levers are plastic construction. They function as intended. If you already employ your preferred brake levers you can attach separate braking cut-off sensors in place of the levers provided in this kit.
The controller is a separate rectangular unit that requires mounting on your frame. Typically located near the down tube of your frame. Secure using zip ties or velcro straps. Do not use metal hose clamps that could damage your frame paint or pinch the wires.
All connections between components utilize color-coded connectors. Phase wires, hall sensor wires, throttle, display and brake cut-offs all match-up perfectly via matching plugs. No soldering is required. Routing cables appropriately will likely take about 20 minutes once you develop your own approach for doing so.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Since this item is relatively new to Amazon, there are currently zero customer reviews on this product. This is simply a fact of life concerning products from unknown manufacturers. We will update this area as soon as reviews begin arriving.
Because there are zero reviews for this product from customers, it is essential to consider this aspect when deciding on purchasing this particular product. Brands such as Voilamart and ebikeling have hundreds/thousands of verified reviews. Of course, you are paying more money for that track-record. Jiabailie is providing you with an extremely competitive price in relation to taking a gamble on a relatively new product.
Who Is This Kit For?
If you are an avid bicyclist looking for a cheap method to make your 700c Road bike or hybrid bike an e-bike without breaking the bank, then this is one of the least expensive front wheel kits available today. The inclusion of the 5-speed pedal assist system and cruise control represent additional value added items at an incredibly affordable price. The ease-of-installation utilizing a front wheel design eliminates potential issues associated with rear wheel kits. You won't have to contend with drivetrain issues, swapping out freewheels or aligning derailleurs.
Those requiring maximum torque for steep climbs will benefit from rear wheel kits or mid-drive kits. Front wheel kits possess less traction while powered due to carrying less weight than rear wheels. Loose surfaces or wet conditions can cause the front wheel to lose traction when operating at maximum throttle. As is true for all front wheel kits.
Buyers seeking assurance in a reputable manufacturer having numerous years of review history may want to purchase a Voilamart or ebikeling kit at a higher price point. Anyone possessing a 26-inch or 20-inch bike cannot utilize this 700c wheel.
To explore other options in regards to converting an ebike check out our ebike conversion kits comparison article detailing side-by-side comparisons of various conversion styles (front wheel, rear wheel and mid-drive).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Jiabailie kit include a battery?
No. You will need to obtain your own 48 volt ebike battery. The kit includes the motor wheel, controller, display unit, throttle and brake lever/PAS sensor.
What types of bicycles does a 700c front wheel fit?
Typical bicycles fitted with 700c wheels include most Road bike models, hybrid bike models, touring bike models and gravel bike models. This kit also works on 28-inch and 29-inch frame sizes. It will not work on 26-inch mountain bikes or 20-inch folding bikes. Ensure your fork drop-out spacing accommodates this motor prior to purchasing.
How fast will my bike go when traveling at top speed?
Manufacturer claims maximum speed ranges from 45 to 55 km/hr which equates approximately 28-35 miles per hour depending on rider's weight, battery state-of-charge while running and terrain conditions.
Do I need torque arms for a front hub motor?
Yes, you should always run torque arms with a 1000-watt front hub motor. Hard accelerations can cause the front wheel axle to rotate within the fork drop-outs and potentially damage your fork. The Jiabailie kit does not appear to include torque arms, so plan to add them to your order.
Is the cruise control useful?
Yes, especially on long straight stretches. Once activated, the motor maintains your speed regardless of whether you hold the throttle, which relieves pressure on your wrist during extended cruising. It is a welcome addition at this price point.
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