If you're satisfied with a perfectly good bicycle just sitting in the garage and the only reason you don't want an e-bike is the price of another brand-new bicycle, then the SRTYGHW 36V 750W front hub conversion kit is the type of inexpensive solution that makes you ask yourself why you didn't do it sooner. A front hub motor is probably the cheapest and easiest way to add electricity to a bicycle you already own, and this one comes compatible with a vast array of wheel sizes. However, it must be noted that since it has relatively few reviews currently available, you are purchasing on the basis of the specifications more than the reviews provided by other customers. Therefore, reading about the specifics of this product would help determine whether this conversion kit would work for your bike.
Specifications and Build Quality
The central component of this kit is a 36 volt, 750 watt brushless front hub motor that spins at 390 rpm with 35 newton meters of torque. Those numbers seem to mesh well together. While 35 Nm of torque is likely sufficient to provide you with adequate acceleration from a stop without needing to fight too much against the motor compared to larger rear units, it is a relatively compact motor. On hills with a slope of approximately 12 degrees or less (the type of gentle hill you'll encounter during a normal commute), the motor will allow you to ascend. The maximum speed this motor can reach is reportedly around 26.72 mph depending upon several factors such as rider weight and wind resistance. The efficiency rating of the motor is said to be greater than 82% which indicates a high amount of energy will be delivered to the motor versus heat loss.
Three built-in Hall sensors report the speed and position data from the motor back to the controller. In practical terms, that provides a smooth, predictable flow of power to the motor rather than the abrupt on/off motion experienced when using many of the lower-cost systems that do not include position sensing. Since it is a direct drive system with minimal friction due to no gears and chain, the motor operates quietly and there are fewer components to potentially wear down over time.
The load capacity of the motor is specified at 220.46 lbs., which will cover you plus a backpack for your average commute, however, this is definitely not a heavy touring rig. As with any load capacity specification, please refer to this number prior to loading your e-bike like a cargo bike.
The entire assembly was made on a budget, so do not expect an ultra-refined appearance, but the basic motor and controller are quite good for their respective prices.
Compatibility and Installation
Here is where this kit really shines. SRTYGHW states that this motor will work with a large variety of wheel diameters, including 12", 16", 18", 20", 24", 26", 700c and 28". If you own a bike at all, there is a significant probability that this motor will fit your bike. The ability to be installed as a front-wheel kit is significantly easier than installing a rear-hub conversion kit. When doing a front-wheel conversion kit, removing your old front wheel and sliding the pre-assembled motor hub into your fork drop-outs, connecting the controller completes the installation. No drivetrain needs to be disassembled and no rear-dropout needs to be stressed, making this an easier initial build experience for most DIY enthusiasts. The motor arrives pre-assembled onto the wheel so you avoid the largest challenge associated with every hub build, lacing spokes. The latter eliminates weeks of potential frustration.
Additionally, SRTYGHW considered cable routing as well. The motor cable measures 4.92 ft. While the brake cable measures 5.91 ft. These lengths give you substantial slack to route the wires neatly along your fork and frame rather than pulling them tight until they possibly break. Cable length problems are common in DIY builds, so this kit's designers avoided that problem.
Included in the kit is a thumb throttle as well as battery indicator lights so you can monitor your battery charge while riding. Additionally, the handbrake lever features an auto-shut-down function that deactivates power to the motor as soon as you squeeze the brake lever. That is not merely a convenience, it is a safety feature that protects you from possible damage or accidents and reduces battery usage by preventing the motor from working while you are braking.
What Amazon Reviewers Have Said About This Product
Please understand that I will maintain honesty in my evaluation since there are only four customer reviews available for this kit at this time. At present time, this kit boasts a 5.0 star rating on Amazon with only four reviewers, so that rating cannot yet be confirmed as valid. Based solely on these four positive reviews, we can infer that these four early adopters were pleased, however, we know nothing about the reliability of this product over time nor how long-term durability may compare to competing products.
Take that 5-star rating as optimistic rather than confirming evidence. Given the limited number of customer reviews, your best approach is to rely upon the product specifications and compatibility chart, which appear to be exceptionally robust here, and consider ordering from an Amazon vendor that offers a reasonable return policy in case the product does not fit properly onto your specific fork.
Who Would Benefit From This Kit?
You are eligible to benefit from this kit if you are a budget-minded cyclist who wishes to add electric assistance to a bicycle you already own without having to spend hundreds of dollars on an entirely new e-bike or attempting a rear-hub conversion kit. If you own an older commuter bicycle, a folding bicycle or a smaller wheeled bicycle that you enjoy riding but find difficult to propel using only your leg muscles, this kit represents a quick and cost-effective method of upgrading your bicycle to provide you with additional propulsion capabilities.
The primary advantage of this kit lies within its capability to fit a wide range of bicycles, thanks to the extensive compatibility chart offered by SRTYGHW, coupled with the ease-of-installation offered by its front-wheel configuration. If you decide to opt for a rear-hub conversion kit vs. this front-wheel kit, we encourage you to review our E-Bike Conversion Kits Comparison Page in addition to reviewing our blog for DIY build tutorials before committing to any type of conversion kit. Once you've verified that your bicycle matches the Specs outlined on the SRTYGHW site for this conversion kit, view the SRTYGHW 750W front hub conversion kit on Amazon.
FAQs
What types of bicycles will this kit fit?
As stated previously, SRTYGHW states that this kit will operate on bicycles fitted with wheels measuring 12", 16", 18", 20", 24", 26", 700c and 28" in diameter. That represents an extremely broad selection. Prior to placing an order for this product, ensure that your bicycle's fork dropouts align with the motor's axle dimensions and that your brake mounts are identical in design as those on the included brake lever, since both items can differ among different models and bicycles.
Must I have a battery for this kit?
Yes. The kit ships with no battery. In addition to shipping with the motorized wheel, controller, thumb throttle, battery indicator lights and brake lever, you will need to obtain and attach a 36-volt battery capable of delivering sufficient sustained amps to supply energy to your 750 watt motor without sagging.
Will this be a geared or gearless motor?
The motor used in this kit is completely gearless and utilizes a direct-drive style mechanism. Therefore, unlike some conventional motors that contain internal planetary gears that can become stripped or worn out, this motor produces virtually no friction (due to its lack of gearing) and will produce nearly silent operation. You may lose a bit of bottom-end snappiness by utilizing a gearless motor, however, you gain reliability in terms of longevity.
How fast will it travel?
Per manufacturer specifications, this motor appears capable of reaching speeds exceeding approximately 26.72 mph under optimal conditions (i.e. rider weight, tire pressure, battery condition). Your actual speed will depend upon numerous variables as mentioned above.
Can it be risky to purchase an item with only four customer reviews?
While there are inherent risks involved in acquiring early-stage products for sale, I believe that while there are only four customer reviews currently posted regarding this product's performance, both the specifications and compatibility charts for this product appear to be excellent. Thus far, all four early adopters are apparently very satisfied with their purchases. Nevertheless, since we know nothing about future performance (reliability etc.) or comparisons with similar products, we recommend verifying fitment on your specific fork prior to purchasing and selecting an Amazon vendor offering a reasonable return policy in case issues arise with fitment.