Maybe it’s set in trainer mode not assist mode?
ETMB disappointment
- Thread starter Andyd1966
- Start date
Maybe it’s set in trainer mode not assist mode?
I am going with he commutes in an area with some small hills and likes to pedal fast going down those small hills. His commute also takes him on some dirt paths and maybe he thought he would like to try riding his bike in the woods on the weekend. Insufficient research resulting in wrong bike, the need for two different bikes or derestricting his one bike. He is off doing some research now! Hope its not a defective bike tho.
There's not enough info or clarity to be sure. I suspect this is a cliffhanger without conclusion. We will be wondering until the heat death of universe if @Andyd1966 had a defective bike, bad mode configuration, or was simply surprised by the 25kmh cut-off.
Amber Valley Guy
Active member
I wonder if the OP lives in a flat area? As anyone living in a hilly area knows you'll be passing the roadies on anything above say a 8-10% incline and definitely using the motor not just raw leg power? On the flat roadies will breeze past. I can get to about 18-19mph on leg power (after the 15.5mph) limit on the flats, then sod that after after 1/4 mile or so, back to sub 15.5mph and some assistance! Downhill up to 40mph with no pedalling around my area (on roads), the UK/EU speed limit makes no sense imho.
BAh30
New Member
It takes time to adjust your riding behavior. Its about synching your pedaling cadence, gear selection and PAS level.
frankiemtb
Member
"it would seem that I’m constantly working against the motor"
Constantly, really ? Surely you're not working against it when turned on and below the 15.5mph limit ?
The motor turns off above this speed and the weight of the large frame, motor, battery + motor friction adds up to mega heavy pedalling. There is no time when you should be on an EMTB with the motor purposely turned off unless you need to build massive thighs !
Use it in standard power setting on the road and on the trails, you'll get many hours of fun and still get a workout.
If you want to go fast on the road, get a road bike (non electric) or buy a Chinese unrestricted 500 - 750watt hub motor bike shaped object from an importer.(aka a throttle bike)
When on trails or hilly roads - always select the correct gear to assist the motor (yes, you help it, it helps you)
Go into a lower gear, increase your leg turnover rate and your motor speed too - just as you would in a car rather than labouring the engine. (so many autos, elec. & DSG cars on the road now that this analogy is really aging me !)
Good luck, happy trails & safe fun Andy 1966 - Frank from 1972 !
Constantly, really ? Surely you're not working against it when turned on and below the 15.5mph limit ?
The motor turns off above this speed and the weight of the large frame, motor, battery + motor friction adds up to mega heavy pedalling. There is no time when you should be on an EMTB with the motor purposely turned off unless you need to build massive thighs !
Use it in standard power setting on the road and on the trails, you'll get many hours of fun and still get a workout.
If you want to go fast on the road, get a road bike (non electric) or buy a Chinese unrestricted 500 - 750watt hub motor bike shaped object from an importer.(aka a throttle bike)
When on trails or hilly roads - always select the correct gear to assist the motor (yes, you help it, it helps you)
Go into a lower gear, increase your leg turnover rate and your motor speed too - just as you would in a car rather than labouring the engine. (so many autos, elec. & DSG cars on the road now that this analogy is really aging me !)
Good luck, happy trails & safe fun Andy 1966 - Frank from 1972 !
Some people don't know how an emtb is supposed to ride.
I was talking to someone who was demo'ing a bike at a shop recently. They were disappointed it didn't do power wheelies pedalling out of corners.
I was talking to someone who was demo'ing a bike at a shop recently. They were disappointed it didn't do power wheelies pedalling out of corners.
They will be watching the promo adverts the experts can do everything on there Like that toy you got at Xmas as a bairn nothing like the adverts.
Andyd1966
New Member
- Thread starter
- #42
It seemed a good spec bike for the money, and was Similar to my old analogue bike. I don’t think I realised it was restricted that much. I mainly ride a mixture of single tracks with lots of climbs and few downhills. Funny enough when I first rode it the sensor was actually anywhere near the magnet on the hub, so the assistance did not work at all. I have now rectified that. I guess I assumed the pedal assist would be more obvious, as I have had lots of people pass me on hills in the past on EMTB’s
I think I have to reset my expectations, and probably my cadence! Any pointers in setting up the motor in each of the setups would be helpful. Thanks all for your support so far.
frankiemtb
Member
If there's no fault with the bike you should be benefitting as much as those other riders on the climbs - just be sure to have it set at std. or max power - running it on eco. on an uphill course is a waste of time.
Which gear to use is something you'll learn as you go and should be fairly obvious. Lower gears for steeper climbs - just like any bike.
If you're in too high a gear for the terrain the motor doesn't get to spin very fast so can help you properly. Mine is a Hai-Bike with a Yamaha 250w motor and a 525wh battery - very normal kit. I run it in std. 90% of the time and only go to full power if I want to cycle up long inclines - be that on tarmac or trails. I don't worry about the battery going dead, I can go all day and be totally clapped out myself before the battery dies. If I'm starting out with a half battery, I don't panic either - just go out for a couple of hours and head for home when I get down to the last bar.
I have used eco mode to get me home a few times, that's usually on easier downward slopes though as I'd be nearly done for the day anyhow. I'm guessing a lot of lads and lassies use their motors and batteries like this - not overthinking it and certainly not afraid to run it on max for climbing- that's what it's for !
You should be getting a considerable an noticeable boost when going up hill on std. or max - if you're not - take it back to the shop as there's something wrong.
The pedal assist should be really obvious, especially in the higher modes. It will not be at all subtle. A hill that previously was hard work on a regular mtb and maybe you climbed it at 6mph, should now be easy (in the highest mode) , and you'll probably be going near twice the speed.
From what you are saying, it sounds like your bike is broken.
Is it a secondhand bike? Could the previous owner have turned down the level of assust in the various modes?
Last edited:
Stick it in turbo and send it. If it doesn’t make your face look like this
, take it back because it’s broken. With the Bosch motor it should have plenty of power to pull you up pretty much any climb you’ll think about riding at 15mph as long as you keep pedalling.
BAh30
New Member
Can you dial back the Nm, and have the PAS come on slower so the bike isnt racing to to its limit?
What kind of sensor/magnet is it? I though it is either on the brake disc or rim.
Could make sense to check all bolts on the bike for correct torque, if even the magnet was not fixed / checked for deliver to you.
Last edited:
Ark
Active member
It's a good bike and very good spec for the cost
Whyte are a very good brand, one of the best even., they are just a smaller company so less people have heard of them, but they are one of the best brands in the UK
When working properly you should hear the motor whirring away and in turbo it should be almost effortless to hit 15mph.
once the motor starts cutting in and out around 15-16mph it feels annoying, but your not fighting the motor, your just feeling how hard it is to pedal without it.
The motor offers very little resistance when pedalling, it doesn't matter if the mini remote is turned on or not it's the exact same resistance.
Maybe try replacing Eco+ with Auto mode, I found that felt quite nice for commute type rides.
This last statement makes me think there's something wrong with your bike. Even on the anemically powered lightweight bikes, the level of assistance is unmistakable.
Andyd1966
New Member
As much as I hate on e160s for being dull, they’re perfectly acceptable bikes and have a lot of fans on here. You should easily be able to cruise on the limiter at 15mph on the road, beyond that will be hard work.
By all accounts they're decent bikes.
I'm also a ride to the trails type. Lock out the suspension and increase tyre pressure for the journey to and from, though I'm guessing you know that already.
When moving to a mid-motor ebike I had to adjust my pedalling style to more cadence less force.
I'd recommend taking @Weeksy up on their generous offer - I suspect we can only help so much remotely.
It's certainly a really easy way to answer the question. I'm at home most days and can get to the trails within 30s from my house, so we could have an answer within 5 mins easily.
You rock, man.
This is an example of why folks should put their location in their profiles. Folks might be neighbors and able to solve problems in mere minutes, but will never know unless the info is out there.
Very good to hear you've found the cause and the solution. Many thanks also for letting us know - it may help someone else in the future, and some of us (like me
) need closure .
Similar threads
EMTB Forums
Latest articles
-
2025 Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF Ltd review
We were quite surprised to read about the new lightweight Canyon... -
Santa Cruz Vala X0 review - a new approach to perfection?
The new Vala is Santa Cruz’ first attempt on a Bosch-powered emtb. Like...- Knut Nes
- 6 min read
- Views: 9K
- Reaction score: 6
- Comments: 20