500W vs 750W BBS02

[markvanhaze]

I am using a 750W BBS02 on my MTB with a single shift 9 speed cassette. The battery is a 48V and with that combo I can climb anything that hits me. Now I want to build my wifes bike and was wondering if I can go with the slightly cheaper 500W motor and still expect some decent climbing performance, given a similar cassette gearing. Does anybody have some experience in comapring the two systems?

 

[DuncanS]

Hiya

You have 2 options at 500w. One is 36v and the other 48v. 48v will have higher cadence. You can test your running at 500w by dropping the max current to around 18v with a programming cable. Personally I would go 48v so you have compatible / interchangeable batteries.

Duncan

 

[markvanhaze]

Thats a great idea, thanks! Another question / option was to maybe go for a hub motor solution. How does lets say a 1000W hubmotor with a 48V battery compare to a middrive 750W Bafang? Can I expect similar power for getting up hills?

 

[Ykick]

Thats a great idea, thanks! Another question / option was to maybe go for a hub motor solution. How does lets say a 1000W hubmotor with a 48V battery compare to a middrive 750W Bafang? Can I expect similar power for getting up hills?

Generally speaking, no. A properly installed BBSXX drive with correct gearing will out climb majority of hub motors. It may not do it very fast but all things being equal, it will do it more efficiently (less capacity needed from battery).

Other advantages, BB drives usually don’t require wrenches to change a tire/tube. And off-road feels completely different (in a good way) using a BB drive compared to a hub motor dive.

 

[OptimusPrime]

Thats a great idea, thanks! Another question / option was to maybe go for a hub motor solution. How does lets say a 1000W hubmotor with a 48V battery compare to a middrive 750W Bafang? Can I expect similar power for getting up hills?

Generally speaking, no. A properly installed BBSXX drive with correct gearing will out climb majority of hub motors. It may not do it very fast but all things being equal, it will do it more efficiently (less capacity needed from battery).

Other advantages, BB drives usually don’t require wrenches to change a tire/tube. And off-road feels completely different (in a good way) using a BB drive compared to a hub motor dive.

Right, but but if you are staying on roads and bike paths, no mid drive beats the smooth silent cruise of a DD hub. Maintenance and adjustments are almost non existent, and no concerns about shifting gears.

 

[automan25]

The noise from my BBSHD is negligible. Seriously, don't avoid the BBSxx series motors because you're afraid they'll be noisy. Mine is very smooth too, especially with the gear-shift sensor. I'm using a 46t Lekkie up front and a 11-36 cassette in the rear. I can't speak for other mid-drives, but I just cannot see the argument for a hub motor after setting up mine with the BBSHD.

 

[boytitan]

The noise from my BBSHD is negligible. Seriously, don't avoid the BBSxx series motors because you're afraid they'll be noisy. Mine is very smooth too, especially with the gear-shift sensor. I'm using a 46t Lekkie up front and a 11-36 cassette in the rear. I can't speak for other mid-drives, but I just cannot see the argument for a hub motor after setting up mine with the BBSHD.

Speed acceleration. Lack of gears and chain getting eaten up by motor.

Price to performance. FOr the cost of a BBS02 I can get a 1500-2000 watt build.

Changing tires is not a pain in the butt. All I have to do on my hub motor is loosen 2 nuts unscrew the torque arm so I can slide it out of place along the hose clamps. Change tire and put it back on its 2 minutes worth of extra work.