Cycling enthusiasts who are looking to upgrade their ride may want to consider installing a Tongsheng TSDZ2 mid-drive e-bike motor. In this video, we’ll take you through the process of fitting a Tongsheng TSDZ2 mid-drive motor to a donor bike.
What you need
Before we begin, it’s important to mention that this process can be quite technical and requires a few specialized tools. You can find a list of tools and parts in the video description. The instructions that come with the kit have some nice pictures and diagrams, but they do miss out on a few important details. For example, the first step assumes that you’ve already removed your existing pedals.
Remove pedals
The first step is to remove the existing pedals, which is where the new pedal arms will be fitted. The process is made a lot easier with a special tool, which is available in the video description. Once the pedals are removed, the next step is to remove the pedal cranks, which requires another special tool.
Next, the bottom bracket must be removed, which requires a reverse-thread tool. The chain must also be disconnected, which can be done with a quick-release link if the bike has one. Another thing to keep in mind is that the kickstand will need to be removed before the motor can be fitted.
Fitting the motor
Once the kickstand is removed, the next step is to remove the cover plate from the motor and make sure to retain the bolts and washers that go underneath. This is where the process hit a snag for the video maker. The motor wouldn’t fit because of a plastic gear cable guide that was too high to slide the motor on. I had to either replace the unsheathed gear cable with gear cable housing, cut a small bit of gear housing and attach it to the bottom bracket, or reduce the profile of the existing guide. I ultimately went with the first option and used the cable housing.
Once the motor was fitted, the securing plate was put back on, complete with the two washers and bolts. The rest of the process involved connecting the motor to the battery, installing the controller, and wiring the motor to the throttle and brake levers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fitting a Tongsheng TSDZ2 mid-drive e-bike motor to a donor bike is not for the faint-hearted. The process requires specialized tools and technical knowledge, but the end result is a bike that has been upgraded with a powerful and efficient motor. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, this video is a great resource to help you understand the process of fitting a mid-drive motor to a bike.