1990ish Diamondback Ascent Ex with a BBSHD motor

[Galroc]

I just finished converting my old 1990ish Diamondback to an electric bike using a Luna BBSHD kit and, 42 tooth front sprocket, and a 13.5ah 52V Dolphin battery pack.

I used one spacer on the chain side to move the BBSHD away from the frame a bit, This bike has a 73mm bottom bracket and I used the 68-73mm BBSHD kit.

Only two issues. The small spacers that Luna provides for the two smaller screws are too thick in width. They need to be thinner for clearance against the case otherwise the two screws can't be aligned to the threaded holes.

Second was the controller mount didn't really work to with my handlebars but I improvised.

Everything works well. I was averaging 30 mph on a flat road with the assist set to 6. I was out of gearing or I could have gone faster.

I have now nearly put on a 1000 miles in less than 2 months. I average 20 mph over 20 miles with plenty of charge left on my Dolphin Battery pack. Starting at a fully charged battery pack, I am usually at 50V when I get to work, or about 49V when I get home. Home is uphill from work.

I modified my bike with the following:

Luna Cycle

• BBSHD Kit
• 52V 300W Charger
• 52V 13.5ah Dolphin Battery
• 42T Chainring

Amazon

• Ergon GP1 grips
• Shinmano Acera SL-310
• Planet Bike 5005 Gel Seat
• Planet Bike Blaze Headlight
• Blitzu Cyborg 168T rear Taillight
• Tyrone Phone Mount
• Diamondback Kickstand
• Handle bar mirror
• Kenda Kross Plus Tires
• Topeak MTX Trunk Bag
• Explorer Rack

[Louis]

Very nice build!

[twoninetango]

Greetings, I see this is an older post. Wondering how your build panned out over time. I have a Diamondback 90ish Ascent EX that I may do a conversion on. thanks.

[Galroc]

Greetings, I see this is an older post. Wondering how your build panned out over time. I have a Diamondback 90ish Ascent EX that I may do a conversion on. thanks.

Sorry for the late reply. I would start with a bike designed for rotors from the start. The default V-brakes are really bad considering the speed that one can travel at.

I eventually switched the front forks to ones that accept a front rotor, and I welded on a rotor bracket on rear as well. I think I have 203mm/180mm rotors now, with hydraulic brakes. It stops really quickly now. It is a night and day difference.

I would also use a bike with suspension. Bumps are pretty harsh travelling at >25mph on a rigid bike.

I think I would go for a Super 73 style bike if I had to do it all over again.

[Mike_V]

Good to read this update, I have V-brakes on my latest build, but do not have full confidence without disk brakes at speed.