Converting a Surly Wednesday and Surly Pugsley to E-Bikes Using Bafang BBSHD Motors

There is a certain satisfaction that comes from taking a bike you already know and giving it a new heartbeat.  For many riders, the Surly Wednesday and Surly Pugsley are exactly those bikes: steel, soulful, and built for everything from snow to desert sand. This document describes converting both using the Bafang BBSHD motor.

Part I — The Surly Wednesday

The Wednesday's 100mm threaded bottom bracket fits the 100mm BBSHD motor variant perfectly.
Remove the crankset and bottom bracket, clean threads, apply anti-seize, and install the motor. Battery mounting is typically on the downtube or rear rack. Wiring is straightforward. Once converted, the Wednesday becomes a nimble, torque-rich utility machine.

Detailed Wednesday conversion

Part II — The Surly Pugsley

The Pugsley's offset frame introduces chainline considerations, but the 100mm BBSHD still installs cleanly. Using an inward-offset chainring such as a Lekkie 42T corrects chainline. Batteries are often mounted on the top tube or rear rack or simply placed in a triangle bag attached within the frame. Avoid cable interference with the offset wheel. Electrified, the Pugsley excels in sand and soft surfaces.

Detailed Pugsley conversion

Part III — Shared Build Notes

Recommended settings: 28–30A current, 10–15% start current, smooth PAS mapping, linear throttle override. Mechanical disc brakes work well with magnetic sensors. Gearing around 11–40T is ideal. Maintain clean cable routing to keep clear of fat tires.

Part IV — The First Ride

Both bikes transform from slow, methodical machines into powerful, capable all-terrain explorers.
Snow, sand, and hills become effortless, and the Surly steel feel remains intact.

Conclusion

Converting a Surly Wednesday and Surly Pugsley with BBSHD motors creates a capable, versatile pair of e-bikes without sacrificing the bikes' original character.