Range
30–40km
Power
750W continuous
Battery
48V 14Ah Samsung
THE STORY
This build started with a brief that was equal parts practical and fun: the customer wanted something that could handle fire roads with his kid on the front seat, run errands to the shops, and still feel like a proper mountain bike.
Build Video
WHY MID-DRIVE?
The KHS hardtail was the right platform. Solid geometry, quality components, and a threaded bottom bracket shell that accepts the Bafang BBS02 without modification. The mid-drive placement keeps the weight centred and low — right where you want it on a bike that's going to carry a passenger off-road.
Mid-drive was the only real choice here. By driving through the bike's existing gears, the BBS02 lets you use the cassette for climbing — drop to a low gear on a steep trail and the motor stays in its sweet spot, pulling hard without overheating. A hub motor can't do that.
CLEAN & MINIMAL
The cockpit is deliberately minimal. A throttle for off-road situations where you need instant power without pedalling, and the Bafang SW102 LCD display — a compact little unit that sits flush on the bar and shows you what you need without getting in the way. That's it. No extra switches, no clutter. Just ride.
BAFANG SW102 LCD
A compact, no-nonsense display that shows speed, assist level, and battery — nothing more. Sits flush on the bar and stays out of your way. Perfect for a bike you want to just enjoy riding without being reminded it's electric.
CUSTOM TUNED
The motor has been custom-tuned for a natural, responsive feel. Because this bike runs without brake cut-off sensors — the customer wanted to keep his existing brakes and keep the build clean — the motor needed to be programmed for an extremely fast shut-off the moment the pedals stop rotating. It's snappy and precise, and you'd never know it wasn't running sensors.
LOCKED DOWN
Battery mounting uses a Grin Triple Bob setup to lock the 48V 14Ah Samsung shark-pack solidly to the frame. It works well, though it's not our favourite look — we're currently developing a custom wrap-around enclosure that will make future builds feel more factory-built and intentional. Watch this space.
THE OUTCOME
The result is a bike that does everything asked of it. Trail rides with the kid, café runs with a laptop bag, and anything in between. Charges fully in 4 hours and goes 30–40km on a charge — more than enough for a full day out.
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