Tongsheng vs Bafang: Which Mid-Drive Motor Brand to Choose?
| Rating | Produit | Prix | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5/10 |  Tongsheng TSDZ8Tongsheng | 336 € | |
| — | Bafang BBS02BBafang | — |
Tongsheng and Bafang together dominate the mid-drive conversion kit market. The real difference between the two brands doesn't jump out from a spec sheet — it comes down to sensor type.
Torque sensor versus cadence sensor
The torque sensor (Tongsheng's entire TSDZ range) measures the force actually applied to the pedals and adjusts assist continuously, proportional to that effort. The feel is more natural: assist follows pedaling intensity, not just its presence.
The cadence sensor (Bafang BBS02B, BBSHD) detects that the pedals are turning and delivers a fixed assist level for the selected mode, regardless of the force applied. It's a simpler, long-proven system, but less refined in how it delivers power.
What this means in practice. With a torque sensor, pressing harder on the pedals increases assist immediately. With a cadence sensor, assist stays the same until the mode is changed manually — pedaling harder doesn't speed up the motor's help.
The comparison table
| Tongsheng TSDZ8 | Bafang BBS02B | Bafang BBSHD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Speed + torque | Cadence | Cadence |
| Maximum torque | 90 / 120 / 140 N·m (official) | 100 to 120 N·m depending on version | 160 N·m |
| Power | 500 / 750 W | 500 / 750 W | 750 / 1,000 W |
| Voltage | 36 V / 48 V | 36 V / 48 V | 48 V / 52 V |
| Bottom bracket | 68 or 73 mm | 68 to 100 mm | 68 to 120 mm |
| Weight | 4.8 kg | 4.3 kg | 5.6 kg |
| Water resistance | IP65 | IP65 | Not disclosed |
Bafang sources: aggregated manufacturer sheet (bafang.ovh) and reseller documentation (jieli-electric.com), checked July 27, 2026.
What the table reveals
On raw torque, the direct comparison is the TSDZ8 against the BBS02B: both plateau around 100 to 140 N·m depending on configuration, with a slight documentary edge for the TSDZ8 (an officially published range). The BBSHD, heavier and more powerful, compares more naturally to the TSDZ16 — but unlike the BBSHD, the TSDZ16 has no manufacturer spec sheet we could find.
Tongsheng's real argument isn't in this table: it's the sensor. At comparable torque and power, the TSDZ line's torque sensor delivers assist proportional to effort, while the Bafang BBS02B/BBSHD apply a fixed level per mode.
Our recommendation
Tongsheng TSDZ8
Torque sensing across the whole range, 140 N·m officially documented, at an entry price comparable to equivalent Bafang kits.
336 €
→ The Tongsheng torque sensor, in detail · Our full TSDZ8 review
Frequently asked questions
What’s the real difference between Tongsheng and Bafang?
The sensor. Every Tongsheng motor we track (TSDZ2, TSDZ2B, TSDZ8, TSDZ16) uses a torque sensor, which measures the actual force applied to the pedals. Bafang’s best-selling BBS02B and BBSHD use a cadence sensor: they detect that you’re pedaling, not how hard.
Does the torque sensor justify a higher price?
Not in this comparison: Tongsheng and Bafang kits sit in similar price ranges at conversion resellers. The torque sensor is a technical advantage, not a price premium.
Does Bafang also make torque-sensing motors?
Bafang offers newer torque-sensing references in other lines, but its best-selling, most widely documented conversion models — the BBS02B and BBSHD — remain cadence-sensing. This comparison focuses on those, the ones most directly comparable to Tongsheng’s TSDZ line.
The best picks right now
Tongsheng TSDZ2
Tongsheng TSDZ2B
Tongsheng TSDZ8
