I just added a torque sensing bottom bracket to my list of future upgrades. I don't really need one, but I'm hoping it provides a couple of benefits related to how I ride my bike. I'm hoping others that have added one, can confirm that it would be a good solution.
I have a lot of stops and starts when riding. Currently I use throttle and cadence PAS, and a rear hub motor. I don't shift, leaving the bike in high gear for virtually all of my riding. I use the throttle off the line, until PAS kicks in. The throttle is a little touchy, so too much could cause an unexpected wheelie, but I'm used to it; but still, the potential is there that could end in a bad way. I control PAS level using the analog input, using a pot mounted on my bars. Generally, 250W of assist has me contributing a moderate amount when travelling at 17-18 MPH, and I can scale the assist to dial in my contribution level. I don't use PAS offroad, especially when on tight/steep trails where having PAS kick in unexpectedly would be dangerous.
I'm hoping with the torque sensing PAS to achieve these things:
I've read the posts regarding setting up the CA and settings to achieve this, but not much after the fact feedback about how well it's working in the long run. I would still have either the analog pot or the digital CA switch to control PAS assist levels. If it works out, I can see using PAS even for steep hills, rather than throttle and pedaling (my laziness is more related to controls, like throttle or shifting, not whether I pedal or not, since I like to pedal).
EDIT: I just realized that I'll need a 10VDC supply to use a torque sensor with 20S. Just have to remember that so I don't fry the CA.
I have a lot of stops and starts when riding. Currently I use throttle and cadence PAS, and a rear hub motor. I don't shift, leaving the bike in high gear for virtually all of my riding. I use the throttle off the line, until PAS kicks in. The throttle is a little touchy, so too much could cause an unexpected wheelie, but I'm used to it; but still, the potential is there that could end in a bad way. I control PAS level using the analog input, using a pot mounted on my bars. Generally, 250W of assist has me contributing a moderate amount when travelling at 17-18 MPH, and I can scale the assist to dial in my contribution level. I don't use PAS offroad, especially when on tight/steep trails where having PAS kick in unexpectedly would be dangerous.
I'm hoping with the torque sensing PAS to achieve these things:
- Torque from standstill with light pedal pressure to eliminate my use of throttle. This achieves my ultimate in laziness, of not having to touch the throttle during normal riding, and eliminates accidentally applying too much throttle, so some safety benefits. I think this will also make it easier to dial in my desired level of effort while riding.
- Ability to use PAS offroad without PAS engaging at some preset level unexpectedly.
I've read the posts regarding setting up the CA and settings to achieve this, but not much after the fact feedback about how well it's working in the long run. I would still have either the analog pot or the digital CA switch to control PAS assist levels. If it works out, I can see using PAS even for steep hills, rather than throttle and pedaling (my laziness is more related to controls, like throttle or shifting, not whether I pedal or not, since I like to pedal).
EDIT: I just realized that I'll need a 10VDC supply to use a torque sensor with 20S. Just have to remember that so I don't fry the CA.