Since I'm a new poster, some background is in order. Last August I bought a factory-made 250W/25kph hybrid e-bike with Shimano Steps E6000 drivetrain for a 40km roundtrip commute plus weekly sports sessions in neighboring cities. I did 900+ kilometers in the autumn before the frost kicked in, and loved it. I am not a cycling enthusiast, but for a number of reasons I'm looking to gradually (over 2 years or so) switch from car to e-biking throughout the year. I live by the sea in Finland, and the weather here is rather tricky for all electric appliances used outdoors; it is not uncommon to see 60+ degrees centigrade annual variation in temperature, the air is very moist in the autumns and (usually) the roads are covered with snow in the winter...
... which means that I would probably need two e-bikes: The one described above to be "winterized" with studded tires, plus a new one for commuting in the summer/dry conditions.
Now, I'm thinking about buying a cyclocross bike and putting an ebike kit on it. As the commute is relatively flat (max. elevation 20-30 m) paved road surface, in good condition, I expect to be able to maintain at least 35 km/h speed. The last 2 km is city center, so I would also need good maneuverability. This part is easy, though. I'll just ride the ebike I now have until the first autumn sales, and take it from there.
As for the motor, I believe I need at least 500W for the required speed. But I am at crossroads between a front hub motor and a Tongsheng tsdz2, and would appreciate any guidance. Although the consensus here seems to favor the hub motor technology (reliability being key for commuters), please consider this:
- Mid-drive motors generally seem to yield better-looking (stealthier) implementations: Less wiring over the frame, no need for a canvas pouch for a controller etc. The ebike I'm considering will not be street legal, so I'd prefer not to get extra attention.
- Mid-drive motors do not require an external controller mounted on the frame - Are there any hub kits with a hidden/stealthy controller?
- I like to pedal, and very much would prefer a torque sensing system similar to the one I have on the Shimano Steps. Tsdz2 seems to deliver.
The one problem I have is that there is no place I could test ride a front hub motor bike. All factory-made e-bikes over here are either rear hub or mid-drives (vast majority). Having never driven a front hub system, I have trouble speaking in its favor.
Thanks for your help!
... which means that I would probably need two e-bikes: The one described above to be "winterized" with studded tires, plus a new one for commuting in the summer/dry conditions.
Now, I'm thinking about buying a cyclocross bike and putting an ebike kit on it. As the commute is relatively flat (max. elevation 20-30 m) paved road surface, in good condition, I expect to be able to maintain at least 35 km/h speed. The last 2 km is city center, so I would also need good maneuverability. This part is easy, though. I'll just ride the ebike I now have until the first autumn sales, and take it from there.
As for the motor, I believe I need at least 500W for the required speed. But I am at crossroads between a front hub motor and a Tongsheng tsdz2, and would appreciate any guidance. Although the consensus here seems to favor the hub motor technology (reliability being key for commuters), please consider this:
- Mid-drive motors generally seem to yield better-looking (stealthier) implementations: Less wiring over the frame, no need for a canvas pouch for a controller etc. The ebike I'm considering will not be street legal, so I'd prefer not to get extra attention.
- Mid-drive motors do not require an external controller mounted on the frame - Are there any hub kits with a hidden/stealthy controller?
- I like to pedal, and very much would prefer a torque sensing system similar to the one I have on the Shimano Steps. Tsdz2 seems to deliver.
The one problem I have is that there is no place I could test ride a front hub motor bike. All factory-made e-bikes over here are either rear hub or mid-drives (vast majority). Having never driven a front hub system, I have trouble speaking in its favor.
Thanks for your help!