I TEST a Chinese EBIKE

This cheap chinese carbon ebike gets a megatest! The carbon frame, Bafang 95Nm motor and huge 840Wh battery get ridden hundreds of kilometers in the UK winter and tested to the max. Will it crack? Will it survive the UK winter trails?!

Bike Stats:

- Total build cost inc. paint: £4050
- 24.5KG Weight
- Mixed wheel size 29er front 27.5 rear
- 840Wh battery, 95Nm Motor
- 63.8 degree head angle
- 505mm reach (Frame Size XL)
- 455m Chain Stay
- 170mm Rockshox ZEB
- 155mm rear travel, Rockshox Super Deluxe
- DT Swiss H1700 Wheelset
- Deore 4 pot brakes
- Deore 10 speed drive train
- Big Betty Rear / Magic Mary Front

With thanks to:

Thanks to Rockshox, DT Swiss and Shimano for supporting the build with parts!

Doing a DIY build like this also has negatives. It takes a fairly long time to build, shop for parts etc, especially in the current situation with delayed / restricted stock! You need tools etc, time to build. And not the best support when you need help. Warranty etc will also take time if I need it. BUT its very rewarding building your own! And you can choose the parts that you really like.

For many folks, a direct / shop bought bike is by far the best option, all things considered. Yes, you spend more, but the support is (usually) much better. But great to see this DIY build as a feasible option for those who would like to give it a go.

[RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers for ALL the new subscribers to my channel and for all the positive comments and feedback on the build video. I LOVED making this content! Thank you for watching! Huge thanks to Matt for absolutely sending the bike and helping test the frame. Hope you like this vid, and I look forward to the NEW V2 CHEEB!!!!

[zevperlmutter]

Amazing review, loved also the 1st episode.
I think the whole concept of DIY has a lot of added value in the era we live in, where you can order, mix and match nearly anything you want (global flat world...).
I would appreciate more videos of this type!!
I really think you are doing a great service bringing to us also the edge approach to emtbs. Keep up the good work 👍👍

[dectcs]

Cracking alternative approach to equipping yourself with an E-Bike. Your sourcing & build efforts have certainly rewarded you with a fun, capable steed. As ever, refreshing style and top drawer quality, production and content values. Looking forward to the inevitable upcoming tweak's. Keep them coming!

[ojpfreely]

I'm a total novice and newbie to the world of ebikes and found this video really informative and excellent footage and filming. Look forward to more of your videos to come!

[leed]

I've been riding a Dengfu carbon CX for 7 years now, its been down everything! In fact it won't die!

[brentmckenzie]

I have 2 of these exact bikes but with the M600 spec'd out with XT mech, 4 pot brakes and SR Suntour Durolux 170mm upfront and their Tri-air 155mm in the rear. The top of the line Suntour is great value for top performance so helps build this bike even cheaper without sacrificing performance. They were fully built up by Dengfu and arrived complete. Just check and torque all bolts. The frames are painted so you don't need to go as far as Rob did, although his paint job is epic. Rob will find plenty of punch with the M600. The motor body itself is very waterproof. The errors from wet riding are caused by water getting to the battery pins. The battery to frame connection is set low in the frame. I have added some extra waterproofing to help keep water away from these connections.

[ingopaul]

That paint job is truly amazing - lovely bike.

[EveryTongue]

As a mechanic I approve of the BAFANG motors. You should see their display for trade shows. For the price it’s pretty nice hard ware. Definitely get Bosch of E-Motion if you can. Mid drive only of course. As for the frame Chinese frames can be hit or miss. Sometimes they can feel nicer than much more expensive frames. Sometimes they are crap. Attention to detail is what you’re looking for. Obviously a lot of design went into this frame in the video. Of course you potentially have less customer service and support. If order one just send it to you local bike shop. They will build it for you and make sure it’s safe to ride and everything is set up properly.

[justaletdown]

Most people dont know yet but their A-brand carbon bike frames and rims are all produced at the same factories in China.

[Cronofear]

"I TEST a Chinese EBIKE"
If only you knew that more than 90% of e-bikes on the market are actually Chinnese re-branded re-sellers.

[Paulmac]

Best EMTB channel on the net, keep up the excellent content 👏

[lozzaridesemtb]

This is the one everyone's been waiting for and i wasn't disappointed! awesome vid dude!

[hugoyamamoto]

I lot of people always say that Made in China equals poor quality. However, that is not the case if you pay enough. Fun fact, Santa Cruz Chameleon Carbon frames are made in China.

[BABALOOEY]

Love the ending.... going back for more punishment.... good stuff Rob, love the detail and honesty. Gives a great picture of what it takes and the risk and work it takes....

[gtaleonardo]

A video with Sam Pilgrim would be sick. A day with him would be the ultimate frame test :D

[PeatedSander]

Love these DIY videos dude. Typical diy videos are nowhere near this good in so far as video quality, editing, effort, testing and honesty. You really nailed it. Bet you’ll like the M600 heaps more, looking forward to the next one

[alexjarrett]

I think for another video idea you could test the upgraded motor on the frame and compare the two. Lovely looking bike. I’m 6”3 and I’m wanting to get back into riding after having a big crash a few years ago

[djfar]

I'm doing the same thing with a welded aluminum frame. With the power these batteries and motors have, I'm not as worried about saving a few pounds as I am concerned about frame strength. Mine's a full suspension also - I'll post a video when I'm done.

[herenow]

Not that cheap, but at least you have the sense of achievement that a build like this brings.
It's a very nice looking bike. Good work.

[andrewleighton]

I recon some of the best frames we all ride and love are from over there. The issue is that some factories have good standards and some don’t. Is it just luck to get a good one? I’m not sure. Would I be riding one without a good brands standards enforced into the manufacture? video though throughly enjoyed it. Glad it worked out well.