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I Built the E-Bike the Industry Won't
GRMNT

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In this project, I’m taking on a full E-Bike Restomod, transforming a vintage 1980s frame into a high-performance sleeper bike. The goal was to build a mid-drive conversion that looks completely stock, hiding a high-power motor and battery within a custom-crafted aesthetic.

From engineering a mechanical solenoid display to designing custom leather housing, this build combines old-school craftsmanship with modern tech to create the Cafe Racer style electric bike that the industry simply won’t make.

Key features of this build:

Sleeper E-Bike Aesthetic: No visible wires or bulky battery packs.

Hidden Mid-Drive Motor: High-power performance in a vintage frame.

Custom Solenoid UI: A unique mechanical interface for speed and battery monitoring.

Handmade Leather Details: Integrating traditional garment techniques into the build.

Whether you're into DIY engineering, cycling, or just high-quality restorations, this project pushed the limits of what a "sleeper" build can be.

00:00 The Plan

01:20 Discovering What Grandpa Left Behind

02:15 A Forgotten Motor

05:04 First Power On

05:41 The Bearing Disaster

09:51 Building the Battery

12:17 The Leather Battery Case

14:50 Simplifying the Wiring

15:48 A Mechanical Battery Gauge

17:13 First Ride

20:07 Final Thoughts

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