Upgrade /update?

[Slowdirt]

Hi

I have an 04 CannondaleJekyl witha 750w Bafang mid motor - I am thinking of upgrading to a highish end fully built emtb - such as a Polygon or Husqvarna. As they are all 250 watt - will I miss the power ? - I am sure that 29" wheels and 2024 tech will improve the handling but is it worth the cost? Or should I buy a later model MTB and another Bafang kit?

I am sure that there are people out there that have transitioned - I would appreciate your thoughts. Cheers

 

[steve_sordy]

They may all be stated as "250W", but that is an EU requirement based upon average power. I have no idea how they actually work it, and it is probably best not to ask them for clarity in case we don't like the answer! The EU also has restrictions upon what is the maximum assisted speed of the bike. Why the EU's preferences work in Australia may be due to the OZ government taking the easy option and not thinking about it.

I think average power may be worked out like this: If the bike is ridden for two hours and exhausts a 500 w-hr battery, then it has been drawing 250w average. But the key thing to appreciate is that all the nominal 250W output bikes all will deliver significantly more for shorter periods. Let's say that they will deliver 500w at peak, then if driven at peak, that 500 w-hr battery will be exhausted in one hour, not two! Many full power bikes have at least 500w available and some have up to 600w. And a few have a special mode that goes even higher for ten seconds at a time. Battery size varies significantly and often extensions can be added. I have seen combinations exceeding 1000 w-hr.

However, just about everyone, except possibly uphill racers (if there is such a thing), do not ride at maximum for several hours. So a 625W-hr battery that can deliver 600w as a matter of course can easily last for a ride over mixed terrain for many hours.

The key thing to do to see if you can live without 750w of max power is to test ride a few bikes.