E- bike power to weight ratio

[wtsheff]

Hello all. I am torn between getting a 2021 Turbo Levo Comp or a 2021 Orbea Rise.

Has anyone tried to performed the calculations to compare the torque/power to weight ratio between the various ebikes? I wonder how close the Orbea will feel compared to the heavier Levo.

I had to shorten the original post - I need a proof reader

 

[Mikerb]

Power to weight ratio is most noticeable when accelerating but does not tell the whole story since after the acceleration phase there is momentum. How the power delivery is controlled by the software is also important. Personally I think the lower powered E mtbs and "full fat" E mtbs are 2 completely different categories and provide different riding experiences. I believe the biggest differentiator is the difference in weight, with the lighter low powered bikes providing a riding experience closer to that of an analogue bike because of that. It is not just the dead weight of the bike but rather how that impacts on the suspension dynamics.

 

[Gary]

Maybe they just sound louder online

they definitely do on gopro footage vs actual riding

 

[Mikerb]

The audio you hear recorded by a gopro is encoded and compressed so that the frequency response and amplitude is far more selective than the broad frequency spectrum you hear when riding ( assuming you have reasonably good hearing!!).

 

[wtsheff]

I am torn between getting a 2021 Turbo Levo Comp or a 2021 Orbea Rise.

One of the disadvantages of the Orbea is not being able to replace the battery to extend range for the day.
Has anyone performed the calculations to compare the torque/power to weight ratio between the various ebikes? I wonder if the Orbea will feel almost as powerful as the heavier Levo. Being an off road motorcyclist my entire life, I feel like I would like to have as much power and as long as possible, especially whenever climbing to warrant the expense of the newer model E-bikes. I believe I want to purchase an E-bike just for the added fun factor and not so much to climb mountains for downhill rewards. One of the disadvantages of the Orbea is not being able to replace the battery for extended range. However range may not be a factor considering my legs are as strong as they have ever been.

Another major concern is the noise level of the many different motors/bikes. I find it hard to believe that I very rarely hear negative comments concerning the motor whine on E-bikes. I have yet to hear a noise level that I would consider acceptable. Maybe they just sound louder online, but having to hear that constant noise with every pedal stroke would counteract the peaceful environment we all yearn for when in nature.

Luckily my local Orbea dealer has quoted me an arrival date of late December for the Rise so I will definately be taking one on a test ride soon. Supposedly the new Bosch is more powerful and quieter that the last generation so maybe I will finally find a sound level I can live with. Also a new 2021 Turbo Levo Comp is available just a few miles up the road, which is hard to believe considering availability this year. Is there any way of knowing which bike might be the quietest? It would be nice to see a comparison attributed solely to the sound levels in a controlled environment. Maybe it's just a fact that most riders are not annoyed by the sound and it's just one of my idiosyncrasies.

I have been enjoying the forum and Rob's YT channel for years now so thanks in advance for any opinions whether they be helpful or critical to my concerns.

they definitely do on gopro footage vs actual riding

Power to weight ratio is most noticeable when accelerating but does not tell the whole story since after the acceleration phase there is momentum. How the power delivery is controlled by the software is also important. Personally I think the lower powered E mtbs and "full fat" E mtbs are 2 completely different categories and provide different riding experiences. I believe the biggest differentiator is the difference in weight, with the lighter low powered bikes providing a riding experience closer to that of an analogue bike because of that. It is not just the dead weight of the bike but rather how that impacts on the suspension dynamics.

The audio you hear recorded by a gopro is encoded and compressed so that the frequency response and amplitude is far more selective than the broad frequency spectrum you hear when riding ( assuming you have reasonably good hearing!!).

Thanks for your reply, another person just confirmed what you stated about gopro amplifying the sound vs being on the bike. I am more eager to concentrate my efforts on purchasing one now.

 

[wtsheff]

they definitely do on gopro footage vs actual riding

Thanks, that is reassuring to know. I am more excited about my scheduled test ride on the Orbea now.

 

[Gary]

Loris gives a pretty accurate impression of the noise when riding a Shimano motor here