EbikeKit Hub vs BMC/MAC Hub?

[ICE.T]

I am about to pull the trigger on a hub for my tadpole trike. Can anyone tell me how the EbikeKit hub compares to BMC & MAC hubs? I've searched quite a bit and haven't found anything on comparisons so I apologize in advance if this is a redundant thread.
Thanks!

 

[Eascen]

You'd have to define comparison, sir. I'd start with http://ebikes.ca/simulator/

 

[ICE.T]

That's a nice little simulator,thanks for that link! I'll mess around with it.

I am looking for a geared e-assist hub specifically for commuting between 20-25 mph with moderate hills. I would like to pedal most of the time except on the hills. I am looking for the most reliable and highest quality hub for the $...this is where I was thinking the MAC Hub came in. It's almost as good as the BMC for a lot less $.

Assuming I end up going with the MAC hub, is there a clear front runner, for a retailer recommendation, of the MAC hub kit?
Thanks!

 

[DAND214]

Assuming I end up going with the MAC hub, is there a clear front runner, for a retailer recommendation, of the MAC hub kit?
Thanks!

SINCE WE DON'T KNOW WHICH PLANET YOU ARE ON, IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO RECOMMEND A GOOD RETAILER.

Dan

I'm still baffeled why members won't list thier locations. Still think it should be nessaarry to sign up on ES!

 

[Spicerack]

Oh come one, we can at least assume they are in the UK or US- they are using mph instead of kph. The other clue is $ so therefore must be the US. Maybe. Unless of course they used to live there and have moved but not converted their way of thinking. (I think in feet/inches, kg and mpg and live in a metric country!).

We could try running an IP trace on thier posts, and maybe there is some clue in the way they spell and write. Aloominum and color would be two dead giveaways.

Yes, or people could just put in something for their location- even a state! I guess internet security paranoia is alive and kicking. I couldn't imagine for a second why anyone would want to steal my identity (and debts).

 

[Ben Wilson]

Oh come one, we can at least assume they are in the UK or US- they are using mph instead of kph. The other clue is $ so therefore must be the US. Maybe. Unless of course they used to live there and have moved but not converted their way of thinking. (I think in feet/inches, kg and mpg and live in a metric country!).

Do the people of any nation other than the US uses the phrase "pull the trigger" rather than purchase?

To the OP - I got my MAC motor from Paul at http://em3ev.com/

 

[alfantastic]

I am about to pull the trigger on a hub for my tadpole trike. Can anyone tell me how the EbikeKit hub compares to BMC & MAC hubs? I've searched quite a bit and haven't found anything on comparisons so I apologize in advance if this is a redundant thread.
Thanks!

A year ago, I was in exactly the same dilemma as yourself.
The Ebikekit caught my eye as a really neat solution, but after lots and lots of research, decided to go for a MAC 10T with 9 fet 30A controller run at 48v.
I am glad I went the route I did, as I think I would have been slightly disappointed with the Ebikekit.
I reckon a trike set-up with the Ebikekit would be stressing it a little too much, but I am far from an expert on trikes.
A MAC motor will eat up the miles and still come back for more

 

[ICE.T]

Thanks to those who responded to the actual question. My profile, as required by spam blockers when one joins this forum, states that I am from the USA. Last time I checked Dan, that puts us on the planet we call earth.

 

[PetersReviews]

That's a nice little simulator,thanks for that link! I'll mess around with it.

I am looking for a geared e-assist hub specifically for commuting between 20-25 mph with moderate hills. I would like to pedal most of the time except on the hills. I am looking for the most reliable and highest quality hub for the $...this is where I was thinking the MAC Hub came in. It's almost as good as the BMC for a lot less $.

Assuming I end up going with the MAC hub, is there a clear front runner, for a retailer recommendation, of the MAC hub kit?
Thanks!

I ordered my MAC motor from http://www.ebikessf.com. They were great to work with and everything was high quality and easy to assemble.

 

[Ypedal]

Very different motors, the ebk is a smaller, lighter unit, driven at 36v and 20 amps it will do 20 mph the mac/bmc motors are double the motor, and will take double the power if you wan to sustain 25+ mph.

if you get a direct drive motor instead, you can take advantage of regen and it will handle much more power reliably... but the geared motors are nice if you plan to pedal lots.

 

[Spicerack]

Thanks to those who responded to the actual question. My profile, as required by spam blockers when one joins this forum, states that I am from the USA. Last time I checked Dan, that puts us on the planet we call earth.

Yes, but that assumes we aren't totally lazy and can be bothered clicking on your name to see if there is any further info on your profile page....

But going back to the intention of your thread, go with a MAC 500W motor. I ordered mine from Paul (now the em3ev site) and it came laced in a rim, with a 12fet 4110 controller. Shipping is a killer but then so is getting a rim laced up in a lbs...

This is all assuming you don't want to go at 40mph or above- the mac's are good but not if you want super speed.

Good luck with the build (see, I can be serious when I feel like it :wink: )

 

[ICE.T]

Thanks again for your help everyone, I really appreciate it. I am looking at ordering from Paul at http://em3ev.com/ as he has good prices and has been very responsive via email. Quick question regarding rim size. I am thinking of going with the 20" Alex DM24 CNC as opposed to the DM18 for a wider tire which would be better grip. Does anyone have any opposing advise on this? Here's the options I'm going with:

Controller: 9 fet 30A (36-72V, IRFB4110) --> I have no idea what fet means so I went with the mid option, IE: 6, 9 and 12 fet
Motor Speed: 320rpm loaded @36v 8T
Upgraded Motor including Temp Sens +$15.00
Thumb Throttle +$5.00
Ebrakes: Yes

Setup is for a Recumbent Tadpole Trike. I only "need" to go 20mph unassisted so I figure this setup will be more than enough.

I was also going to order the PAS Controller to guage and limit e-assist from the motor. I don't want to ride around with full e-assist, I want to set this up as more of a "Pedelec" trike. I plan on ordering AllCell Batteries out of Chicago. I like to put $ back into the U.S.A economy when possible and I've read that these batteries are very good quality.

If anyone has any input or advice on this setup, please let me know. Thank you again for your assistance!

 

[DAND214]

ICE.T, I'm sorry about the earlier rant of location. It is just a pet pive about why we have to ask, WHERE are you.

I love my MAC's both 8t but run on 15s lipo in a 26" wheel.

The wider rim would be the better choice. As for the controller I run a 6fet on one and a 12 on the other. I prefer the 12fet as to power and being more robust.
While you are at it ordering you might add an extra throttle, as they are the weak link in most cases. You also might order the half twist with 3 speed and cruise. You might not like the thumb or the twist. they are so cheap at the add on item while shipping a large order.

Once again, sorry for my rage.

Dan

 

[NeilP]

You'd have to define comparison, sir. I'd start with http://ebikes.ca/simulator/

If only the sim had Mac motors

 

[Jeremy Harris]

If only the sim had Mac motors

I'm reasonably sure that the BMC motors are a very close approximation to the MAC motors, probably close enough for them to be a good substitute on the simulator. If I'm wrong, then I'm sure someone will correct me, but I believe that the MACs may be just clones of the BMCs.

 

[parajared]

Sounds like a pretty neat build ICE T.

The fets on you controller dictate how may watts you can pump into your hub. 12 fet is 3500 watts 18 fet is 5000 watts, so you likely could get by on a 9fet controller, but things would run cool and reliable with a 12 fet.

Tadpole is a great platform for a bike that will go really far on very little electricity. The extra weight penalty of larger rims may be worth it. With the extra weight of the batteries and the extra speed, your trike is sure to whack in hard a few times. I have broken 4 spokes so far on my e-bike.

Mac/BMC is the superior option to ebikekit.com hubs. Though slightly heavier, they are hardier and have swappable gears.

 

[CogHog]

If only the sim had Mac motors

I'm reasonably sure that the BMC motors are a very close approximation to the MAC motors, probably close enough for them to be a good substitute on the simulator. If I'm wrong, then I'm sure someone will correct me, but I believe that the MACs may be just clones of the BMCs.

You are correct on that statement Jeremy. Currie bikes were using the BMC Hubs more then 10 years past then decided to have their bikes made in China. The quality of the parts like the throttles went downhill and everything was copied by the Chinese. The only differance at this point is the sealed bearings and the newer clutch and blue gears. Chandu says the laminations were improved upon also. Double Phase wires through the axel and 4 wires per phase past that point.

I would go with the 10t MAC as it will take off quicker and you don't want to go over 20 mph anyway. I personally would not choose a geared hub without that newer clutch. It makes all the differance. If you get a MAC you may be able to upgrade this later.

 

[NeilP]

Now I have re read the thread title, that makes more sense. I was looking at the sim in the hope of comparing a mac to a BMC

 

[ICE.T]

Which newere clutch are you referring to?

I was thinking 8t over 10t due to the smaller 20" wheels already giving plenty of torque compared to 26"/700 wheels?

Thanks again everyone for the help! I also have a terracycle gx fairing coming this friday, so my trike (Trice/ICE T) is gonna be pimped! =)

If only the sim had Mac motors

I'm reasonably sure that the BMC motors are a very close approximation to the MAC motors, probably close enough for them to be a good substitute on the simulator. If I'm wrong, then I'm sure someone will correct me, but I believe that the MACs may be just clones of the BMCs.

You are correct on that statement Jeremy. Currie bikes were using the BMC Hubs more then 10 years past then decided to have their bikes made in China. The quality of the parts like the throttles went downhill and everything was copied by the Chinese. The only differance at this point is the sealed bearings and the newer clutch and blue gears. Chandu says the laminations were improved upon also. Double Phase wires through the axel and 4 wires per phase past that point.

I would go with the 10t MAC as it will take off quicker and you don't want to go over 20 mph anyway. I personally would not choose a geared hub without that newer clutch. It makes all the differance. If you get a MAC you may be able to upgrade this later.

 

[ICE.T]

Thanks for that advice, I will bump it up to 12 fet. The AllCell Battery, 36v 10Ah is only 5.5 lbs or 8 lbs if I go with 15Ah so the weight isn't bad at all. If I go above 10Ah I will probably go with a different brand of battery since the cost of AllCell starts to get pretty expensive at 15-10Ah.

Sounds like a pretty neat build ICE T.

The fets on you controller dictate how may watts you can pump into your hub. 12 fet is 3500 watts 18 fet is 5000 watts, so you likely could get by on a 9fet controller, but things would run cool and reliable with a 12 fet.

Tadpole is a great platform for a bike that will go really far on very little electricity. The extra weight penalty of larger rims may be worth it. With the extra weight of the batteries and the extra speed, your trike is sure to whack in hard a few times. I have broken 4 spokes so far on my e-bike.

Mac/BMC is the superior option to ebikekit.com hubs. Though slightly heavier, they are hardier and have swappable gears.

 

[migueralliart]

I've been thinking about getting one of those fairing for my trike. It definitely helps while cruising at higher speeds.

MAC motor or DD with some more voltage. Paul sells an excel lend DD motor that will last you a lot.

 

[CogHog]

History of the clutches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kcLWncvx5o

Vid from ebikessf. Ilia Brook

 

[DAND214]

When you order your 8t make sure you get the neww clutch with the upgraded wiring. Website shows new clutch in stock.
And also a couple differant throttles, dirt cheap with your order.

Dan

 

[ICE.T]

Interesting tidbit. I removed the Nuvinci N360 rear hub that this trike came with and replaced it with the original XT Derailleur system; I also added a Terra Cycle GX Fairing. What's the different? How about a 4 1/2 - 5mph (9.9mph to 14.5mph...YES trikes are slower) average speed increase on my 5 mile commute?

Now I'm wondering if I really NEED a motor...of course I WANT one but I'm afraid I will become lazy and not want to pedal again. Anyone else ran into this dilemna?