Hi from a newbie to the forum and to e-biking. I recently had a Bionx 500D kit installed on a Norco XFR hybrid I had in the garage. This is the latest kit from Bionx, with the motor that looks like a big mud pie stuck in the rear wheel - about the farthest thing from stealth, unfortunately. But lots of power, and I managed to get the 32 km/hr limiter disabled. That eliminated the drag I felt at 32 km, when suddenly it felt like I was running through water. I'm not after supersonic speeds, but it's nice to have the motor NOT fighting me at 35 km.
So far, I've managed a few decent rides, up to about 50 km. I wanted a bike capable of at least 35 km on a single charge, and by the looks of it, I should reach at least 60 km on a charge with this setup. The bike is heavy, about 30 lbs stock plus about 20 lbs for the kit. It's a lot to move, but I'm limiting myself to assist level 2 on flats and 3 on mild hills (max assist is 4 on Bionx).
Interestingly, its at least as much or more of a workout than my road bike. In order to get power from the unit a fair amount of pedal effort is required. So, same workout but I just go faster which is great as far as I'm concerned.
Lastly, a word to roadies; lighten up! I'm not trying to bait anybody, but they seem to take great offense at being passed, and will do almost anything to catch and pass me. Lately, that's included jumping lights and passing on narrow bike paths. I can power this thing to over 40 km on the flats, so most of them can just hang on my wheel and then pounce when I slow down for a turn. I just laugh and let them go. They've earned it, and having just finished a 700 km ride across Spain on a mountain bike (no motor), I've got nothing to prove to these guys. And if there's a hill in the offing, its game over.
Now I find myself eyeing much lighter, flat-bar road bikes. Always room for improvement!
So far, I've managed a few decent rides, up to about 50 km. I wanted a bike capable of at least 35 km on a single charge, and by the looks of it, I should reach at least 60 km on a charge with this setup. The bike is heavy, about 30 lbs stock plus about 20 lbs for the kit. It's a lot to move, but I'm limiting myself to assist level 2 on flats and 3 on mild hills (max assist is 4 on Bionx).
Interestingly, its at least as much or more of a workout than my road bike. In order to get power from the unit a fair amount of pedal effort is required. So, same workout but I just go faster which is great as far as I'm concerned.
Lastly, a word to roadies; lighten up! I'm not trying to bait anybody, but they seem to take great offense at being passed, and will do almost anything to catch and pass me. Lately, that's included jumping lights and passing on narrow bike paths. I can power this thing to over 40 km on the flats, so most of them can just hang on my wheel and then pounce when I slow down for a turn. I just laugh and let them go. They've earned it, and having just finished a 700 km ride across Spain on a mountain bike (no motor), I've got nothing to prove to these guys. And if there's a hill in the offing, its game over.
Now I find myself eyeing much lighter, flat-bar road bikes. Always room for improvement!
