Revel Propulsion

[fos'l]

Just received the Revel Propulsion kit, which, including battery, is assembled entirely in the US. The kit was packaged extremely well and is a masterpiece of design and execution. Weighed the motor/controller, display (which can vary the speed from 20 mph to 28 mph) and mounting hardware and it was slightly less than eight pounds, replacing two plus pounds of BB and crankset, so net less than six pounds. The battery and cradle, which mount using the water bottle bolts on the downtube, weigh slightly more than four pounds. The kit has a torque sensor and is PAS only. Torque is rated at 60 nm so designed for individuals who like to pedal. I'll update this as the build is completed, but any questions, just ask. BTW, I'm not affiliated with the company in any capacity, but have been waiting for a light weight mid-drive like this for a long time.

 

[Revel Paul]

Thanks for posting this, Fos'l! One correction: we are at about 70 Nm or torque, I have been conservative about claiming this, as we need to prove this number in the lab.
Here's a pic of one of our conversions. A Transition Scout carbon. About 40 lbs with relatively heavy bits and pieces (but a decently light frame). High efficiency and light weight allows us to use a small, lightweight 378 wh pack. Additional packs can be added parallel (if you have room to mount them).

 

[fos'l]

Completed the kit installation uneventfully on a Kona Honzo, and the bike plus Revel system weighed slightly less than 36 pounds. Bike handles well with the added weight in a low center position and the motor nestles against the down tube nicely. Power is comparable to Bosch and Yamaha that I've tested or owned. This thread doesn't seem to be of much interest. Is DIY taboo on this forum?

 

[gwing]

Not taboo as far as I know. Can I ask if the motor is stamped 250W to be EPAC compliant and what bottom brackets it is compatable with?

 

[Zimmerframe]

This thread doesn't seem to be of much interest. Is DIY taboo on this forum?

Some days it's just quiet, some days things just vanish off the "what's new" page quickly so get missed by people just taking a quick peek.

Looks like a nice setup. Do you have pics of your finished install ? What's the controller like ? How does it feel to ride with regard to how the assistance is detected and applied ? What's it like sound wise ? How have you found it performance wise for climbing, general riding, range ? How robust does it seem ?

 

[Mikerb]

Maybe some more details of the product which I gather enables conversion of a mtb to mid drive emtb.
Cost?
Compatabilty?
Service/support?
Availability?

 

[fos'l]

Thanks for the questions.
The price on the website is $1225 for a complete kit.
The motor is not stamped with any power rating.
The controller is attached to the motor, and AFAICT can be removed and replaced if necessary.
So far the assist seems slightly more "seamless" than the Yamahas or Boschs that I've ridden, but marginally so.
The first pictures (taken with a phone inside my house) are terrible, but I'll try to post them.
Revel has been very responsive to the questions that I've asked.

 

[Revel Paul]

Can I ask if the motor is stamped 250W to be EPAC compliant and what bottom brackets it is compatable with?

Motors are labeled as 250W Continuous, 450 W Peak. I haven't sold into the EU, and I doubt the volume would justify EU homoligation. I need to look into the rules to see if there are exceptions for low volume products. I can certainly setup the controller to ensure that it meets EU rules, but official certs are expensive. I'll look into it.
And the drive is compatible with 68mm, 73mm and 100mm (fatbike) bottom brackets. PF bottom brackets require threaded conversion inserts.

 

[fos'l]

Better picture.

 

[Doug Stampfer]

Interesting thread. Ok what are the downsides to DIY?
I can see that it would get hung up on a lot of rocks & roots unless it gets a bash guard.

 

[fos'l]

Advantages to DIY are cost, you can modify a bike that already fits you well and you're familiar with the equipment since you built it.. Disadvantages over getting the bike at an LeBS relate to resolving problems with the bike and other dealer-related procedures like updating firmware. That said, I've built about 10 ebikes during the past four years and the only problem was a discrepant controller with the first one. Once they were running, all have kept going.

 

[Nashwillis]

Just received the Revel Propulsion kit, which, including battery, is assembled entirely in the US. The kit was packaged extremely well and is a masterpiece of design and execution. Weighed the motor/controller, display (which can vary the speed from 20 mph to 28 mph) and mounting hardware and it was slightly less than eight pounds, replacing two plus pounds of BB and crankset, so net less than six pounds. The battery and cradle, which mount using the water bottle bolts on the downtube, weigh slightly more than four pounds. The kit has a torque sensor and is PAS only. Torque is rated at 60 nm so designed for individuals who like to pedal. I'll update this as the build is completed, but any questions, just ask. BTW, I'm not affiliated with the company in any capacity, but have been waiting for a light weight mid-drive like this for a long time.

how is the long term review on the motor? I am looking at them. Thanks