STX Nilgai Hunt Prep-Ebike

[landman650]

I drew the archery Nilgai hunt next month in Bahia Grande and after some thought I decided I wanted an ebike. I also did a CO elk trip in October and I think an ebike would be helpful in future backcountry trips for elk. I didn’t want to spend the money on a new ebike so I ordered the Bafang mid mount ultra kit with 1000 watts and a 52v battery. Here’s my set up. I had a $200 gift card so I splurged on the Quietkat trailer. I really am liking it.

Motor install was easy. Im going to fab a little brace for the motor. It moves just a little on acceleration. Top speed is a little over 30 mph and hits that easily. I went 6 miles with no pedal assist and only burned about 15-20% of the battery. I mounted the battery to a seat post rack using a bracket I made out of spare aluminum.

I used a 1999 specialized FSR that I bought new when I was in high school. I got new tires (front not shown in the pic) that are .5” wider. I added Tannus armoir to the tires which is a foam insert between the rubber tire and tube.

Weakest point are the brakes. I’ll probably upgrade to at least a front disc brake.

I still need grips, a comfortable seat, and to Mount the front tire. Otherwise I think it’s ready to go. I may try to buy a solar charger for the battery to charge while I’m hunting during the day.

 

[Bubblehide]

I would definitely go with disc brakes, but brakes are not the only element involved in stopping and slowing. I would also put a suspension fork on the front; one that can handle a 3" wide tire and put that on also (new rim needed), so you have better stopping/slowing power. If a 3" will fit on the rear, I would be all over that too.

 

[S-3 ranch]

Congratulations on the draw , I hunt north north of unit 5? On private land , and unclaimed land , lots of wet stuff all over the place
hope a Ebike helps you , lots of good info on https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=814209

archery nilgai is very hard, best o luck, and spray for ticks and chiggers
keep lots of Avon skin so soft mesqito spray on and maybe a head net

 

[landman650]

I would definitely go with disc brakes, but brakes are not the only element involved in stopping and slowing. I would also put a suspension fork on the front; one that can handle a 3" wide tire and put that on also (new rim needed), so you have better stopping/slowing power. If a 3" will fit on the rear, I would be all over that too.

The bike is full suspension. I’m running 2.5” tires right now which are wider than the 2” stockers

I’m not 100% committed until after this hunt. If I like it, I’ll upgrade the rear and front suspension.

 

[landman650]

Congratulations on the draw , I hunt north north of unit 5? On private land , and unclaimed land , lots of wet stuff all over the place
hope a Ebike helps you , lots of good info on https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=814209

archery nilgai is very hard, best o luck, and spray for ticks and chiggers
keep lots of Avon skin so soft mesqito spray on and maybe a head net

Too bad it doesn’t normally get cold enough to keep the bugs away. Due to injuries, I’m hunting with a crossbow. Ravin r29x. I’m on TBH too.

I read that the laguna Atascosa guys did a good job on Nilgai in their hunt a week or two ago.

 

[Brendan]

Funny - I have a 52V Bafang Ultra and a Dengfu E06 Frame sitting in the basement to build up for next next year. Ordering the battery and controller next, then I just need to piece together the normal Fat Bike components.

Can't tell you what I'm using yet, but looking forward to it!

 

[S-3 ranch]

Too bad it doesn’t normally get cold enough to keep the bugs away. Due to injuries, I’m hunting with a crossbow. Ravin r29x. I’m on TBH too.

I read that the laguna Atascosa guys did a good job on Nilgai in their hunt a week or two ago.

Yeah even after last February, bugs got bad , and the nilgi didn’t like the cold weather
I use a Xbow also, best of luck, and stick one be it bull or cow , calf’s

 

[landman650]

Yeah even after last February, bugs got bad , and the nilgi didn’t like the cold weather
I use a Xbow also, best of luck, and stick one be it bull or cow , calf’s

For sure. I have zero qualms about take some Nilgai veal home.

 

[landman650]

Funny - I have a 52V Bafang Ultra and a Dengfu E06 Frame sitting in the basement to build up for next next year. Ordering the battery and controller next, then I just need to piece together the normal Fat Bike components.

Can't tell you what I'm using yet, but looking forward to it!

I honestly may wait it out to find a different fork. It’s kind of a pain trying to find a wheel to fit this bike. You should enjoy it