Yesterday I went to some e-bikes exhibition and tried several motors on different e-bikes brands (first time for me riding e-bikes). Giant/Yamaha, Bosch Gen 4, Shimano and... Bafang.
For the Shimano I did not like the lag of the motor when stopping pedaling. I liked on the contrary the way the power was delivered, especialy in trail mode (default settings).
On the Bosch I had chance to try 2 different bikes. 1 lighter (whyte E-180RS) and one heavier (KTM Machina chacana 293). On the Whyte the motor was supporting even too much for my desire. I did not have opportunity to ride for long time and on trails but I felt I did not have to put any effort in pedaling, unless I was in ECO. On the KTM I think that the weight was very important because even if I had support from the motor I had to put quite a lot more efforts in pedaling.
I liked quite a lot also the Giant Yamaha. I think it was one of the most balanced in the way it was providing support. I felt very natural pedalling, even if I was trying it on one of the most entry level fathom, which was very heavy.
Some of the local brands are making cheaper e-bikes with cheaper components and they generally use the Bafang M420 or M500 motors. I tried this last one and I was quite surprised: not so noisy, powerful enough and when turned off I was able to ride the bike almost naturally. I have to admit that I think Bafang is a very valid motor in its tag price/range and I would really love to see it on more premium bikes.
There is one thing I however felt on all bikes... they are very very heavy. Of course while riding it's more or less ok but when going very slow and when stopping the weight is important if I compare it with my HT that is around 14kg.
It was a nice test for me and still not sure I want an e-bike or better to go on a full suspension acoustic for now and better learn manual, bunny hop, riding on trails techniques.... I am not that young anymore - well over 40 - but still very passionate
For the Shimano I did not like the lag of the motor when stopping pedaling. I liked on the contrary the way the power was delivered, especialy in trail mode (default settings).
On the Bosch I had chance to try 2 different bikes. 1 lighter (whyte E-180RS) and one heavier (KTM Machina chacana 293). On the Whyte the motor was supporting even too much for my desire. I did not have opportunity to ride for long time and on trails but I felt I did not have to put any effort in pedaling, unless I was in ECO. On the KTM I think that the weight was very important because even if I had support from the motor I had to put quite a lot more efforts in pedaling.
I liked quite a lot also the Giant Yamaha. I think it was one of the most balanced in the way it was providing support. I felt very natural pedalling, even if I was trying it on one of the most entry level fathom, which was very heavy.
Some of the local brands are making cheaper e-bikes with cheaper components and they generally use the Bafang M420 or M500 motors. I tried this last one and I was quite surprised: not so noisy, powerful enough and when turned off I was able to ride the bike almost naturally. I have to admit that I think Bafang is a very valid motor in its tag price/range and I would really love to see it on more premium bikes.
There is one thing I however felt on all bikes... they are very very heavy. Of course while riding it's more or less ok but when going very slow and when stopping the weight is important if I compare it with my HT that is around 14kg.
It was a nice test for me and still not sure I want an e-bike or better to go on a full suspension acoustic for now and better learn manual, bunny hop, riding on trails techniques.... I am not that young anymore - well over 40 - but still very passionate
