I picked up this 2001 Diamondback Sorrento on Craigs List for $40. Steel frame, 20 inch seat tube with 26 inch wheels. The only thing wrong with it was the right crank arm was stripped, and that part gets removed anyway so the bike needed nothing for the conversion except a Bafang BBS02 kit.

Removed the front derailleur and shifter leaving me with 7 gears along with the 46T chainring. Using a half-twist Bafang throttle on the left side, 963 display, 7 speed twist shifter on the right and a 48V 11.6AH Panasonic Dolphin battery. Hits top speed of 40 kmh (25 mph) in 6th gear, PAS level 3 of 3 (factory settings). 7th gear is superfluous overdrive and i never use it.

I’ve gotten 60 miles plus in PAS level 1 with light peddling, and 35 miles plus (one bar left) using level 2 throttle only @ about 18 mph. Total cost was under $1000 for the bike, battery and motor kit. No modifications but I did remove the gear case cover and packed it with grease as recommended by Bruno. POWEEERRR!!!!!

Update: More than a year old now and with over 3000 miles it’s running better than ever. After changing the chain and freewheel last week it’s quieter and faster, topping out at 28 mph/45 kph due to the higher gearing of the new freewheel. Better than expected!