I did have the opportunity to ride the BBS02 and while nowhere near as smooth as the Bosch, is certainly usable. The biggest difference is that while the Bosch immediately reduces power with your pedaling, allowing instant shifting just as you would without assist, the BBS02 assist doesn't allow this, instead requiring either a stop for a few seconds, or tapping the brakes to stop assist to allow the shift. While annoying, for the difference in price, I will live with it.
Has anyone tried to go to a 11T final similar to this no-name cassette ?
11,xx,xx,xx,xx,26,34 http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-7-Speed-Freehub-Cassette-11-34T/dp/B008ZSAAQI/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_4
Alternatively, there's a Shimano 13-34T that would likely be better build quality and stronger, but lower top speed:
13,15,17,20,24,29,34 http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-CS-HG50-7-Speed-Cassette-12-28/dp/B001AYOL32/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_3
And finally, or is it smartter to just go with a close-range to aide with the human-power (and even lower top speed, but stronger 14T gear) for the lower 6, with a big jump to the single 34 "MEGARANGE" for pulling the 1000' 15/20% vertical climb to my house ?:
14,16,18,20,22,24,34 http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-MF-TZ31-Tourney-Freewheel-14-34T/dp/B003RLNOKC/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_1
Any adivce would be appreciated. My goal is to have a resonably ridable bike with minimal assist (PAS compensating for the extra weight of the BBS02/batteries) with the bulk of the BBS02 doing the work to get me up the hill to my house. I'm trying to prep for my BBS02 and the loss of my lower and higher front gears
Thanks to all the forum members here for both advice and offers to test-ride !
-=dave