Is the Bafang gear sensor necessary?

[Cyclomania]

So I have a mid drive motor and I wonder if someone could tell me if they felt a difference on chain tear before and after they used a gear sensor for bafang mid drives?

Reason I wonder is because I will have to make cuts and stuff in the cable and it will take some time to install it. So perhaps I will save the gear sensor for another bike if it is not a huge difference in chain tear.

Did you notice a big difference in chain tear with the gear sensor? Did the chain keep longer or something? Or no difference?

 

[gromike]

Rather limited experience, but I'd say you don't need a gear shift sensor. The rule is to never shift when the motor is powering the bike. It sure let's me know if I break that rule. From my experience shifting is done less often on an ebike. I drive my mid-drive more like a "three on a tree" car. Start in a lowish gear, then to second somewhere in the middle of the cassette. Third is for the Highway.

 

[Grautuefel]

Not completely necessary, as previously mentioned, just come off the throttle or pause pedalling a moment before shifting gear. Its more important at higher power than lower power settings

 

[Wattster]

Not required but have my BBSHD over 2kw and like to let others ride it and don't want them tearing things up. It's easy to install just secure it so it doesn't bounce around on you and randomly cut power.

In terms of the 3 speed found I only need 5 or 6 gears for a mid drive so I take the cassette apart and remove all the pesky intermediate gears so the jump is bigger each shift. Then fill the back side up with bottom bracket spacers. Added benefit of helping the chain line as they seems to always be a problem with the BBSHD kits

 

[LARRYMAGOO]

The first thing I did with my Luna Cycle Apollo, was removed the gear change sensor. I wanted Wireless Shifting and just removed it with no issues. Got over 1000 miles on my bike since removal and have had zero issues

 

[AHicks]

The issue comes in when considering that the motor doesn't always stop when you stop pedaling or lighten up on pedal pressure. Some "tunes" will have the motor running on a bit - and this is where the shift sensor can be a big help, by shutting power to the motor off for a split second. Yes, an experienced rider can adjust for that delay with a change in his personal timing he uses for a shift, but not all are going to be up for that.

Without the sensor, the question can become "can you shift smoothly with the motor under load?"

 

[tomjasz]

Gimmick

 

[Diggs]

I never installed the shift sensor with my BBHSD. I leave the front brake adjustment (cable, not hydraulic) a bit loose and if I need to cut the motor while pedaling for shifting I flutter the brake lever a bit without engaging the brakes.

 

[AHicks]

Gimmick

Says the guy that's never ridden one of the later model Bafang mids?

 

[tomjasz]

Gimmick

Says the guy that's never ridden one of the later model Bafang mids?

The OP doesn’t mention which mid drive and subsequent posts do mention BBSxx series.

All good Ahicks. We can’t all be experts. :wink:

Without the sensor, the question can become "can you shift smoothly with the motor under load?"

A good rider/user ought to be that in tune with their ride.

 

[AHicks]

Gimmick

Says the guy that's never ridden one of the later model Bafang mids?

The OP doesn’t mention which mid drive and subsequent posts do mention BBSxx series.

All good Ahicks. We can’t all be experts. :wink:

Without the sensor, the question can become "can you shift smoothly with the motor under load?"

A good rider/user ought to be that in tune with their ride.

We can't all be experts at shifting either. Unless you are one, I wouldn't call the sensor a "gimmick" with any sense of fairness - especially when considering the chain snapping potential of some of these bigger motors when playing hard with them? Even with a sensor installed, an "expert" shifter would notice it's presence only rarely - like when up shifting under a heavy load/low cadence for instance.

In any case, I would never suggest you disconnect one because they are a "gimmick".....

 

[tomjasz]

I still have a few Beta from 2014, versions from Luna and the original GS maker, and a couple of the China rip-off clones. I'm certain in 7 years of calls I've sold scores. Best suited to n00bs with overpowered IGH hubs.

But Gimmicks. ALL.

The question was,
"Is the Bafang gear sensor necessary?"

Answer, NO it's not necessary!

 

[ngant17]

The issue comes in when considering that the motor doesn't always stop when you stop pedaling or lighten up on pedal pressure. Some "tunes" will have the motor running on a bit - and this is where the shift sensor can be a big help, by shutting power to the motor off for a split second. Yes, an experienced rider can adjust for that delay with a change in his personal timing he uses for a shift, but not all are going to be up for that.

Without the sensor, the question can become "can you shift smoothly with the motor under load?"

I’m having occasional’ghost starting’ from the bafang motor, I have to remember to keep it in PAS 0 and/or brake lever engaged when at a stop. Or it jacks me around with the sudden unexpected burst of speed.

I don’t think a gear sensor will help, I have a Enviolo hub which is step less and no shifting, just pull in or out the cables to change gearing on back wheel.