My Saracen Mantra3 9 speed hard tail

[SimsRevenge]

So impressed was I after converting my Vitus Dee VR 29 commuter, I decided to invest in another BBS02 with a SW102 display and a spare battery mounting plate to convert my old Boardman CB Sport mtb hard tail. As the frame had always been on the small side, I managed to find a new Saracen 17" one with the same headset and seat post dimensions.

The Boardman components were transferred over and the motor fitted with relative ease. I'm just waiting for the battery mounting plate to be delivered so the battery can be hooked up, but even without power, the bike rides well given its 18.1 kg weight coupled to the standard 44t steel chainring that perfectly preserves the chain line. I have since fitted a Lekkie 36t chainring to provide more hill climbing capability and although the chain line is now one gear off centre, the chain showed no signs of wanting to jump, but without power I guess it's too early to tell.

[SimsRevenge]

My first emtb build finally finished after making some changes to the SRAM X5 drivetrain.

Frame: Saracen Mantra 3 17"
Motor: BBS02 750w (2mm spacer required)
Battery: 48v Hailong
Chainring: PreciAlps 42t
Cassette: Sunrace 11-46t
Derailleur: SRAM NX 11 speed
Shifters: SRAM NX 11 speed
Brakes: Tektro Auriga Hydraulic
Display: EggRider V2
Extras: Gear Sensor
Bike Weight: 22kg/48.5lbs (18kg excl. Battery)
Rider Weight: 80kg/176lbs

Lowest gear - top speed 7mph (flat)
Highest gear - top speed 22mph (flat)

Most noticeable is the ease with which the motor can climb 30% gradients whilst still maintaining 7mph with relatively easy pedalling.

Shifting up and down is super smooth versus the SRAM X5 derailleur and with the current configuration the chain line is pretty much spot on.

Really impressed with this bike and looking forward to seeing how it stands up to my mates factory emtb in performance and range...

[Dshue]

That's a good looking bike!
If you are the adventurous type it is possible to file down the backside of the reduction gear housing to eliminate the need for a spacer on the bb. This allowed me to install with no spacer, without filing it needed a 3mm spacer.

[SimsRevenge]

Thanks, that's good to know, although in this occasion the spacer was needed to allow the chainring to clear the chainstay, but duly noted

[Kester58]

Hi, just joined having acquired a Saracen xtort to get disc brakes, and to switch across the BBS01 kit I had previously fitted to my old Dawes MTB with V brakes. I note comment re the chainwheel and stays.