Bionx D500 Questions (yes I know Bionx...)

[njt07]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. Ive been lurking around while I research what kit or bike to buy and have pretty much settled on a Bionx D500. I actually got all the way up to the point where I went to a bike shop that installs them only to have them tell me my Diamondback Insight 2 (possibly 3...) isn't compatible with the D500 due to not having disc brakes, only rim brakes.

i did some research and found on the Bionx website that the D500 is compatible with Rim or disc brakes on the 700cc wheel size, so now my only question is if there is a different kit (or rim) for rim vs disc. Anyone know? I really don't want to have to buy a new bike, I like my bike.

 

[amberwolf]

I know that at least some of the BionX wheels use rim-brake type rims (I have one of those rims on a different motor on my CrazyBike2). But I don't have a way to know what your LBS has available to them.

It may not be that the kit can't be used on your bike, but that they are unwilling to setup rim brakes, or swap out a rim on an already-built motor wheel, etc. Maybe they just want to sell you a bike, too.

You'd have to discuss that with them, to find out *why* they can't do it.

 

[bowlofsalad]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. Ive been lurking around while I research what kit or bike to buy and have pretty much settled on a Bionx D500. I actually got all the way up to the point where I went to a bike shop that installs them only to have them tell me my Diamondback Insight 2 (possibly 3...) isn't compatible with the D500 due to not having disc brakes, only rim brakes.

i did some research and found on the Bionx website that the D500 is compatible with Rim or disc brakes on the 700cc wheel size, so now my only question is if there is a different kit (or rim) for rim vs disc. Anyone know? I really don't want to have to buy a new bike, I like my bike.

My guess is the pre-built wheels they have on hand don't have rims that have a good rim braking surface, as in the version they carry is only the 'disc version'. You could probably buy a D500 rim version online from someone else and install it yourself or take the kit to them and have them install it.

http://www.electriccyclery.com/shop/electric-bike-kits-bionx-electric-motor-kits/bionx-d500/ This place has the option to choose between rim and disc versions. I am surprised they didn't start talking about special ordering the rim version, maybe were talking about different things, maybe they really believe it doesn't exist.

 

[njt07]

Honestly I'm not sure if they really don't know if the D500 can use rim brakes or not. I did still more research as to why they think only disc brakes can be used, and the only reason I can think of is that they think rim brakes cant stop the bike accurately enough.

The owner did say the D500 kits they have were ordered before the normal distribution took place and were received from china rather than Canada... I have looked very closely at their demo kit and it is in fact a genuine kit but I'm still a bit concerned about that...

I think this place is relatively on the up and up as they have the same prices as in the states (I'm stationed in Korea, the place is on base so they don't have to pay import duties).

They are offering $200 for my trade in of my Diamondback Insight 2 (maybe 3) for a complete setup on a merida Crossway 40 md albeit at $500 more than I wanted to spend... This is including the install.

if I cant get the D500 for my bike then I might have to just drop the idea altogether and just continue to ride my bike sans D500. (they dont have any of the earlier models).

I also found out I probably cant order one form the states as the battery would cause issues with shipping...

 

[amberwolf]

Buy the battery from them locally, and the rest of it from the states? How do *they* get the batteries shipped, if you can't?

But really--ask them why they can't.

If they think rim brakes can't stop the bike, they don't know bikes well enough and need to learn more.

If it's just cuz the wheels they have don't ahve rim brake rims on them, then they just need to swap the rim out, which is easy (would cost more for the wheel lacing, rim, and spokes, but any bike shop can do that...or they aren't much of a bike shop!).

If they *won't* swap the rim out, then they *really* aren't much of a bike shop. :/

 

[njt07]

I'm almost certain that no one is selling just the components yet, or a kit without the battery unfortunately. i do know that this place definitely is not parting out their kits, and seem to be pretty set against switching out the rims. I kind of brought up changing the rims when they tried to convince me that I would need a fatter tire than a 35mm tire that is already on my bike.

totally different question for anyone that has a Bionx. Do I also need to install a torque arm on my bike if I were to get this?

 

[Cephalotus]

D500 can use rim brakes in 28" and 29" wheels, but afaik you need a special rim with off center spoke holes.

http://shop.leichter-fahren.de/BionX-D250-D-Serie-Motor-28-Felgenbremse

 

[Cephalotus]

totally different question for anyone that has a Bionx. Do I also need to install a torque arm on my bike if I were to get this?

A torque arm for BionX is neither necessary nor possible. You need strong rear dropouts and you have to tighten the screws a 40Nm (do not do guesswork by hand, this is important). The combination of 50Nm at accelaration and reverse torque forces at regen could loose your screws and destroy your bike frame if you do not tighten them properly.

The axle nut must be at around 6:00 o'clock otherwise the torque sensor will not work well. Never ever get a drop of oil near the torque sensor on your rear axle!!! Oil can loosen the torque sensor which for the typical user (at least in the EU where you need to drive via PAS) renders the whole motor unuseable, of you are not able to open the BionX motor and replace the torque sensor by yourself.