Any experience with electric bikes?
I'm thinking about getting one of these: http://prodecotech.com/bikes/phantom-x3-2014/ Anyone carry an electric bike? How do you like it? Did it work out as you envisioned? There are some tha...
Forum Discussion
The direct-drive hub on the bikes mentioned (Large bulky looking hub) is the easiest and cheapest way to make an e-bike. The kit (hub plus battery pack) can be fitted to most sturdy mountain bikes (rear or front drive); if you already have one. Should be adequate for short trips. Bionx was the ~top-rated hub kit brand last year.
Kits
Higher-end e-bikes will use a mid-drive motor (located in the bottom bracket/pedals). Almost all will have pedal assist (torque sensing) built-in. Weight balance will be better.
The mid-drive motor operates at ~max motor RPM (uses bike gears), which is more efficient. A hub-drive operates at whatever RPM the wheel is turning at. At low speeds (RPM's) hub electric motors are inefficient and draw use disproportionate power, reducing range.
Opti-bikes was often considered the best e-bike, but prices have been astronomical. They just came out with a "reasonably?" priced model you might look at for a high-end bike, the "Pioneer".
Opti-Bike Pioneer mid drive.
Other e-bike options...
Disclaimer: Haven't owned/ridden an e-bike but slept once at a Holiday Inn.
Kits
Higher-end e-bikes will use a mid-drive motor (located in the bottom bracket/pedals). Almost all will have pedal assist (torque sensing) built-in. Weight balance will be better.
The mid-drive motor operates at ~max motor RPM (uses bike gears), which is more efficient. A hub-drive operates at whatever RPM the wheel is turning at. At low speeds (RPM's) hub electric motors are inefficient and draw use disproportionate power, reducing range.
Opti-bikes was often considered the best e-bike, but prices have been astronomical. They just came out with a "reasonably?" priced model you might look at for a high-end bike, the "Pioneer".
Opti-Bike Pioneer mid drive.
Other e-bike options...
Disclaimer: Haven't owned/ridden an e-bike but slept once at a Holiday Inn.
