Which motor best for pedalling after 15mph

[Peterg]

So which drive system is best for pedalling after you hit the 15mph limit, using the bike at uplift parks, so want want any drag that I encountered on my previous Shimano E8000.

 

[The Hodge]

Surely the weight of the bike is the main determining factor ..not the non functioning motor ..

 

[Peterg]

Surely the weight of the bike is the main determining factor ..not the non functioning motor ..

Not really..
Some motors have a drag effect after assistance stops at 15mph, some are worse than others.
Just trying to determine which system still allows zero resistance after the assistance stops.

 

[Zimmerframe]

Tyres make a huge huge huge difference too.

For me, comparing Shimano e8000, Brose and Bosch Gen4 - I find the Gen4 has the least resistance which enables you to push through and ride over the limit easily to obtain good range when the terrain isn't too hard going. However, personally, I didn't think the e8000 was particularly draggy either and you could easily ride that over the assistance limit - but I get massively more range/altitude on the Bosch Gen4 compared to the E8000 .

 

[Sidepod]

Surely the spragg clutch disconnects the motor drive from the crank above speed limit?

From looking at the internals of my own motor there are two spragg clutches. These behave in the same way as a freewheel hub.

One disconnects the cranks from the drive hub, the other disconnects the motor from the chainweel. This second one allows you to stop peddling with motor power on. Given that this is possible there can be no drag once the motor has stopped producing power.
I think motor drag is just perceived given the power cut is a hard point at 15mph.

 

[Tim1023]

Tyres make a huge huge huge difference too.

For me, comparing Shimano e8000, Brose and Bosch Gen4 - I find the Gen4 has the least resistance which enables you to push through and ride over the limit easily to obtain good range when the terrain isn't too hard going. However, personally, I didn't think the e8000 was particularly draggy either and you could easily ride that over the assistance limit - but I get massively more range/altitude on the Bosch Gen4 compared to the E8000 .

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I find the Brose in my Levo 2020 a bit draggy (at any speed), even though it is supposed to disengage completely, but I can 100% confirm Zim's comment about the tyres. I got a second set of wheels for commuting and the tyres make a huge difference to the 15mph "wall". Also means that you can free-wheel much, much further.

 

[Sidepod]

Agreed I’ve just converted my hard tail to urban commuter with street tyres. Unbelievable difference. Really quite easy to pedal over the speed limit.

 

[Tim1023]

Agreed I’ve just converted my hard tail to urban commuter with street tyres. Unbelievable difference. Really quite easy to pedal over the speed limit.

Interestingly, it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference to overall time and calories burnt (at least for me), but the feel is completely different.

 

[apac]

Surely the spragg clutch disconnects the motor drive from the crank above speed limit?

From looking at the internals of my own motor there are two spragg clutches. These behave in the same way as a freewheel hub.

One disconnects the cranks from the drive hub, the other disconnects the motor from the chainweel. This second one allows you to stop peddling with motor power on. Given that this is possible there can be no drag once the motor has stopped producing power.
I think motor drag is just perceived given the power cut is a hard point at 15mph.

What about the magnets that you are pedalling against? Do they not make any difference? is there any magnetism between the stator and the permanent magnets when the stator electromagnets are not firing?

 

[TheRealPoMo]

Not sure why or how but my Bosch gen 2 Cube HT with 2.6 Nobby Nics feels better cruising flat road/path at 30kph than my clockwork Flat Bar roadie with 34's.
And no, its not derestricted.

 

[Sidepod]

What about the magnets that you are pedalling against? Do they not make any difference? is there any magnetism between the stator and the permanent magnets when the stator electromagnets are not firing?

Not on my motor. Effectively the motor output shaft/chain ring is disconnected from the stator/magnets via the spragg/freewheel. The crank/pedals sit inside this shaft with another spragg/freewheel.This is the bit that allows back peddling without rotating the chainring.
I suspect this system is common across most motors given the pedelec principle.

 

[Timochka69]

From the mid motors I have been able to test, Yamaha PW, PW-X, PW-SE, Brose Drive S and Shimano E8000 were about the same, EP8 a bit better, about the same as Gen 4 Bosch. Gen 3 Bosch was pretty bad compared to the others. Only when drag is concerned of course.

 

[Gary]

So which drive system is best for pedalling after you hit the 15mph limit,

A derestricted one

 

[Calsun]

The Yamaha drive system is also excellent in this regard. Any Class III should provide better or smoother riding at higher speeds than other bikes but also require more power input from the rider.

 

[Konanige]

Mahle!