Test e-bike conversion kit: Daily commutes, long bike trips or demanding tours in the mountains, with a built-in tailwind everything is easier. However, purchasing a new e-bike is a very expensive undertaking. If you still don't want to do without electrical support, you can convert your bike into a Pedelec using an e-bike conversion kit. The Cologne company GermanXia specializes in e-mobility and offers several solutions for individual conversions. The GermanXia e-bike front wheel conversion kit, which had to prove itself in our test, promises very uncomplicated installation.
When does an e-bike conversion kit with front wheel drive make sense?
Every e-bike engine concept has both advantages and disadvantages. A big advantage of front-wheel drive is the uncomplicated installation. Roughly speaking, only the front wheel needs to be replaced and the electronic elements installed. The disadvantages of front-wheel drive, however, are the unfavorable weight distribution and power conversion. In contrast to other e-bike drive models, the drive does not push, but pulls. This requires increased caution when cornering, especially on slippery surfaces. A front-wheel drive should therefore be used when the external parameters allow little flexibility. For example, rear-wheel drive cannot be used with a built-in hub gear. Some frames also have an axle width that is not compatible with conventional hub widths.
The GermanXia front wheel drive in detail
In order to ensure an objective assessment of the GermanXia front wheel drive, the individual components of the e-bike conversion kit must be considered. The numerous configuration options allow a very individual construction of the bike into a Pedelec. For the test, we deliberately chose the cheaper standard package with an LED display and PAS sensor (motion sensor). The brushless, maintenance-free 250 watt front wheel hub motor is offered in combination with wheels from 20 to 28 inches. In our case this means 26 inches, 100 mm installation width and disc brake mount - these parameters must be explicitly stated when ordering. For the battery, we chose a 36V/11.6 Ah drinking bottle battery due to its universal usability. The set is offered in this configuration for 898,00 euros.
E-bike conversion kit: First impression before installation
The individual components of the GermanXia e-bike conversion kit make a high-quality impression. The front wheel with the hollow chamber aluminum rim is neatly laced and centered. The use of thicker spokes in combination with the robust rim speaks for the manufacturer's quality standards. The controller as well as the battery and the motor also have a CE marking. The front wheel hub motor is also specially tailored to the wheel size. An internal Hall sensor ensures that the assistance is limited to a maximum of 25 km/h. The color coding of the waterproof connectors ensures that no e-bike cable can be mixed up during assembly. The weight of the drive with all components in our version is just over 6,6 kilograms.
How much does the GermanXia front wheel drive weigh? The weight of the components at a glance
- Battery: 2933 grams
- Wheel: 2891 grams
- Brake lever: 102 grams/pcs.
- Display: 57 grams
- Controller: 221 grams
- TF sensor including cable: 53 grams
- Cable: 275 grams
Installing the e-bike front wheel – and what you need to pay attention to
Replacing the front wheel is almost self-explanatory. The cable must be on the left side and point backwards after installation. Also important are the nose washers supplied, which prevent the drive from twisting during operation. According to the manufacturer, the fork should preferably be made of steel. For suspension forks and aluminum forks, installation may only be carried out after consultation with the manufacturer or specialist dealer. Since it is a hollow chamber rim, a tube with a slightly longer valve should also be used. If you don't have it at hand, a rim tape must be organized in advance - this is not part of the set. A tubeless solution should be available upon request.
Battery, control unit and controller
The drinking bottle battery is attached to the bottle holder on the frame using the included holding rail. Special drinking bottle holders are available commercially for individual mounting of the battery in a different location. The only thing to note here is that these are really stable, as the battery, which weighs just under three kilograms, provides a lot of gravity. If you want to completely protect the battery from prying eyes, you can place it in the side pocket. We checked both options in the test - and both work excellently thanks to the sufficiently long cables. The manufacturer recommends storing the controller in a waterproof bag underneath the saddle. The display is attached to the handlebars so that it is easily accessible.
Replacing the brake levers
The brake levers are also quickly changed or installed. The change makes perfect sense: When you press the lever, the e-bike system is informed of the braking process, which immediately interrupts the drive. This not only makes a huge contribution to driving safety, but also conserves energy reserves at the same time. The brake levers are designed for cantilever brakes and can therefore of course also be used in conjunction with mechanical disc brakes. However, hydraulic disc brakes cannot be replaced. This is not absolutely necessary for the engine to operate. We explain why we expressly recommend changing the brake levers in the second part of the e-bike conversion test.
Assembling the step sensor and magnetic disk can be tricky
However, installing the step sensor and the magnetic disk is more complicated. The pedal sensor is mounted on the right side of the bottom bracket using the stop collar. However, this requires that the crank and the inner bearing be dismantled. When assembling, don't forget the magnetic disk, which must be pushed onto the bottom bracket shaft before assembling the crank. Working on the bottom bracket requires special tools - and experience with screwing. Unfortunately, the set in this form is not compatible with the large US BB bottom brackets. The 51 mm bottom bracket known from BMX is often also found on cruisers. In this special case, an individual solution approach and a fair amount of creativity are required.
The cabling of the GermanXia e-bike drive
The subsequent wiring can be tackled even without any prior electrical knowledge. Thanks to the color-coded plugs and sockets, incorrect connection is almost impossible. It is important that no force is used when plugging the socket and plug together, otherwise the sensitive contacts of the plug could bend - and this happens relatively quickly. It is therefore important to pay attention to the alignment when putting them together. Both the plug and the socket have arrow markings for this purpose. This would complete the assembly. Configuring the system is not necessary with the LED display - nor is it possible. If you want individual adjustment, you have to switch to an LCD display.
Things are getting serious: The GermanXia e-bike conversion kit in a practical test
How does the GermanXia e-bike conversion kit perform in everyday life and on tours? What are the strengths of the drive and what weak points does the system have? We'll address these and many other questions in part 2 of our test.
Stay tuned…