'lightest.bike' 1.7kg 1000w mid drive

[GoldenUnicorn1980]

Health.

And I'd disagree. A 10lb motor with a 8+ lb battery does not make a bike feel nimble or fun on a trail. And the trails in the US Southwest are rocky and technical, so adding a bunch of weight to a bike without any suspension means rocks hit hard and avoiding them becomes paramount. And often that's not possible. So instead of flowing over the rocks on a light bike you're riding over them and hitting them hard.

 

[GoldenUnicorn1980]

That's why I am really running for a light motor and small battery. The bike won't feel the same, but it should be light enough to still feel fun while I get some much needed help on the climbs and elsewhere.

 

[neptronix]

10lbs motor, you're referring to a hub motor, right?
A mid drive has nicely centered weight and doesn't affect the rear wheel in the same way.

With this kit you can add as low as 8lbs total to your bike.. and you can put that weight in great locations to really minimize any handling negatives.

A bike with no suspension would make for a bad conversion due to the increased speeds you'll be going with a motor added. If 8lbs is tipping your bike over the edge, handling wise, maybe it was close to the edge to begin with.

 

[GoldenUnicorn1980]

No. A BBS02 is 10lbs. Plus a 52v 12+ah battery is another 6ish pounds. A CYC Stealth (4.5kg/10lbs) or Pro (alot) plus battery..... So most mid drives are adding 15lbs at a minimum, and that's being generous.

So if I take my 16.5lb gravel bike and add 15lbs its is not a "nimble, fun feeling bike". It is now a 30lb trail bike but without the things a trail bike has (hint.... suspension). And it has nothing to do with being on the edge, it has to do with.... Is it fun, or does it feel like I'm banging a hammer against a rock, and I'm the hammer, and right now, it feels like the latter.

Also, on technical trails I am not going to be traveling faster (well maybe a little). But I do need it for the extended climbs that are common throughout the Rocky Mountains. Living in Utah you should be familiar with these trails, and what they are like.

I've spent the past twenty years riding the Rockies. That includes road rides like Triple Bypass and the Iron Horse, as well as gravel-esqe rides like the Road Apple. I've also raced in the Big Mountain Enduro and routinely ride Pajarito and Angel Fire. While this motor may find its way to my Rigid SS or my Ripmo or my WFO, I want it because I ride gravel a lot and want to get back to commuting without issue. I can ride nearly my entire commute on single track, and I want to be able to do the type of riding I did 4 years ago. That riding was done with a gravel bike without a hint of suspension except my legs and arms. And it was fun. I want a lightweight ebike so I can have that fun again.

And FYI, I have a BBS02 with a 52v 13ah battery. I have ridden those trails I speak of. I am very familiar with how a mid-engine handles. And quite frankly, a BBS02 is not an ideal motor for what I want. I'm hoping the Lightest is, assuming they can actually manage to ship the thing.

 

[neptronix]

The low power to weight ratio of the BBSxx, and the large unnatural pedal offset of these cheap addon drives are why i don't use them. I had a bbs02 once. I get it.

Yes, we have hellish steep terrain here on the other side of the rockies.

As for the lightest, all i can tell you is, i stood in line, followed the rules, and wasn't disappointed.
The buying experience hasn't been good, but the soup has been great.. how bad do you want the soup?

The revel propulsion drive might be an interesting alternative to you. Availability is also slim, but getting the product within a year's timespan is a lot more realistic.

 

[Deacon Blues]

@neptronix, is there much drag while riding with the power off?

 

[neptronix]

@neptronix, is there much drag while riding with the power off?

There's a very small amount, i don't think it's enough to remove a mph of the top speed of your legs.

 

[GoldenUnicorn1980]

@neptronix I hadn't seen the Revel. Its a nice looking kit. If I hadn't already given Lightest 1k of my money I'd consider it. If I hadn't given Lightest that money I would already have bought a Photon. As it is, if I have to wait another year I definitely will.

And I very much want the soup, but the line doesn't seem to be moving. Its an Elaine sort of situation for sure.

 

[neptronix]

Damn, still getting year long waits..
Sorry bro.. I myself waited 2-3 years.

Latest update from them is:
Lightest ebike kit: YOUR BIKE WITH SUPERPOWERS

Production continues​

Dear Backers,
We hope this message finds you well. As August comes to a close, we wanted to give you an update on the progress of our Lightest eBike Kit project.

Production and Shipping​

Firstly, we want to acknowledge that August has been a slower month than anticipated. We wanted to ship at least 50 motors in the month of August, but various challenges have impacted our production timeline, resulting in fewer motors being shipped out than we had planned. We understand that delays are not a good thing, and we deeply appreciate your continued patience and support.

What's coming next​

Despite these setbacks, our commitment to delivering your eBike kits remains unwavering. We're excited to announce that we are ramping up our efforts and planning another major burst in production. Our goal is to significantly increase output in the coming months, aiming to deliver as many motors as possible before the end of the year.

Improvements ahead​

In addition to scaling up production, we have been hard at work making improvements to the motors themselves. One area we’ve been focusing on is enhancing the quietness of the motors. We're thrilled to share that the backers who are still waiting will receive an improved version of the product with even quieter operation, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
Your enthusiasm and backing have been instrumental in driving this project forward, and we are working hard to ensure that we meet your expectations. We will keep you informed with more frequent updates as we progress through the next stages of production.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to sharing more positive news soon!
Matteo and Bikee Bike Team

..at least the soup will be improved when you finally get yours

 

[GoldenUnicorn1980]

I saw that, and its good to hear. I'd be happy just to have one even if its not improved.

I was getting concerned that this had turned into a scam, so its nice to see and hear from people who actually got a kit. Admittedly, it would be a pretty crap scam, but people have done more for less, so you never know. As it is, I truly hope the company can be successful and can capture a decent bit of the market. I'd like to buy another one of these if they are legit, but I wont until I have the 1st in hand.

 

[neptronix]

I thought it was a scam too, i hope they do well but really hope they improve this aspect.
..until then, i can't give them two thumbs up

 

[raylo32]

And I still maintain that if this motor weighed 5 pounds or 6 pounds and installed on the same 45 pound bike in a blind test you would not be able to feel the difference. So, the $ spent specifically to make it as light as possible are $ not well spent, IMO. Make it 6 pounds and $300 cheaper and maybe I'd consider it. Well, maybe if they would simplify and fix the firmware lockouts and fees. LOL.

I weighed it ages ago, it was indeed 4lbs.
There are a couple parts that could be a bit lighter, but the motor unit itself is extremely weight optimized.

 

[LewTwo]

And I still maintain that if this motor weighed 5 pounds or 6 pounds and installed on the same 45 pound bike in a blind test you would not be able to feel the difference.

The heaviest and least efficient component on most E-bikes is the rider.

 

[neptronix]

..it's a market gap someone could definitely fill.
..any takers for an increasingly legally burdened, small volume market.. during a downturn of said market?

I think the lightest is a good product & if the rough edges were sanded down, it would be a great product & worth every penny.

 

[raylo32]

You'd need the biggest belt sander they make to do that!

I think the lightest is a good product & if the rough edges were sanded down, it would be a great product & worth every penny.