Trek "+" Bikes: Controller Integrated w/Battery?

[PeteCress]

Looks like Trek is partnering with BionX: http://tinyurl.com/ycg8d4w

The unique feature of BionX seem tb the strain gauge in the motor hub that allows (supposedly...) very fine tuning of the assist - transparent, even.

OTOH, the downer with BionX seems tb their highly-proprietary battery where parts of the control system are integrated therein.

Seems like just a matter of time until the strain gauge thing appears in the generic/compatible/non-proprietary world.

I think I can guess the answer, but can anybody say for sure if the Trek offerings are strictly BionX in that regard? Or might the batteries be replacable with generic ones?

 

[jazzhermit1]

FYI on the Trek "ride plus" technology, http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/rideplus/technology/, I asked about the battery and was told the following by Chris Long:

Jeff,

Thanks for writing. Our battery is a 40.7V, 6.4 Ah battery. I hope that helps.

Regards,

Chris Long | Trek Bicycle Corporation| Technical and Customer Services | 801 W. Madison Street, Waterloo, WI 53594 | Ph: 920-478-2191


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2010 10:49 PM
To: Consumer, Trek
Subject: TrekBikes.com FAQ - Battery in your electric Bicycle.

The following question/comment was submitted from your knowledgebase
-----------------------------------------------------

From: Jeff Burrows

Could you please tell me the rated Amp Hours and Voltage of the battery in your electric assist bicycle.

Thankyou

That's a strange voltage, but could be 11 x 3.7volts in series I suppose. But note that it is substantially (25% to 33%) less than the Bionx PL350 9.6Ah battery (nominally 36v).