Bolt-On vs OEM Motor Pedal-Assist... is it comparable?

[NVrider]

Do Mid-Drive Conversion Motors compare well with Bosch/Shimano when it comes to pedal-assist on MTB trails?

 

[Chalo]

They're nothing so good about Bosch or Shimano as to sign up for their abusive and extortionate service and replacement parts terms. Be warned-- both those systems are traps to bleed off as much money as you can stand to lose. Don't fall for it.

 

[2old]

I've had a couple of BBS02's over the past 10 years or so on MTB's and neither has needed maintenance nor repair. I rode the first hardtail (pictured) for eight years, then gave it to my son who still rides it;the second has about two years of service.

 

[docw009]

You'll likely get more speed out of a DIY midmotor, especially with a BBSHD which is 1000W or more. DIY kits also have throttles, which aren't allowed on many Bosch/Shimano powered bikes. But power/speed may not be what mountain bikers want? I don't know, having never ridden my ebikes on anything other than a grassy walking path,

The Bosch/Shimano motors are controlled by pressure on the pedals. Maybe you like that better. A few mid drive kits also do this.

You get better battery integration in a commercial e-mtb. I see a lot of DYI bikes with batteries strapped onto the frames, and I wonder if they will fall off or crash against a rock.

 

[neptronix]

My lightest mid drive is just as light/small ( maybe moreso ) as commercial options and puts out 1000w. Some of the big CYC mid drives have an amazing power to weight ratio and blow legal drives out of the water.

So yeah i'd say addon mid drives can be good.. if you're selective about them.

 

[gromike]

A mid-drive conversion kit can work most excellent, but those proprietary mid-drives seem to be so well intergrated into a bicycle that it is amazing. I only know from riding with friends who have them. I'm flailing away finding gears on my 27 speed rear hub motor bike, and they're just chugging away, shifting but only when forced to.

 

[moped-dan]

Do Mid-Drive Conversion Motors compare well with Bosch/Shimano when it comes to pedal-assist on MTB trails?

In terms of feel I think with the CYC Photon the answer is yes. Just as good if tweaked in the app how you want it. If splitting hairs on feel alone, then id rate Bosch third, Photon second, Specialized Levo first but thats just my opinion

 

[ebike4healthandfitness]

Do Mid-Drive Conversion Motors compare well with Bosch/Shimano when it comes to pedal-assist on MTB trails?

How much do you understand about q factor?

Have you considered q factor differences (as well as whether or not each pedal is equidistant from the frame centerline) when pondering this?