smorgasbord
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This should have been posted in the Luna Cycles sub-forum. Posting it here shows, to me anyway, an obvious bias since the Hydra is a COMPLETELY different kind of bike. It's a silly comparison.Posting this with Pushkar’s permission.
Finally got my Luna Super Banana V2 done and went on its first ride. ...My intention with this post is to give a review of the bike and purchase process with Luna and how, in some ways, the process compares to Watt Wagons specifically the Hydra.
That is one of the options. Note that Luna is upfront in their description about what the Banana V2 is based upon.The bike is a Coast Cycles Buzzraw X that has a Luna Ludicrous V2 BBSHD and a 52V 18AH Dire Wolf Battery.
Well, if you wanted to compare to Hydra, then you should have bought a Luna Apollo.So now my beefs and this is where the difference between Luna and what I’m getting with the Hydra will show. This isn’t a knock or complaint against Luna but all they did was install their motor and battery in the bike. Nothing was done to handle the power this bike makes. Basic SRAM 8 speed setup, cable brakes with 180mm rotors, no upgrades inside the motor like their Peek or steel gears. These are basic off the shelf components and are NOT designed to take this kind of power. Now, like I said I’m not complaining against Luna. It’s basically reflected in the price as to what your getting.
If the Luna has SRAM components, then Luna did more than "install their motor and battery." Coast Cycles sells a version with their own "Coast Components" branded drivetrain and brakes. I don't know if anyone knows anything about whether Coast actually developed their own or whether they're simply rebranding someone else's. Personally, for components I'd rather have a name brand so that I can source replacement parts from multiple sources.
I love what Pushkar is doing with Watt Wagons, and I like most of what I see from the Hydra, but comparing a full-suspension mountain bike with 27.5 or 29" wheels starting at $4799 to a scooter with 20" wheels starting at $2990 is just wrong.So how does this compare or have anything to do with Watt Wagons and the Hydra. A lot actually and it shows what your getting with the Hydra. Both bikes have similar power but the Hydra is a complete bike, meaning every part on it has been thought out and tested. I know when the bike does finally get here the only thing I’ll need to do to it before riding is cut the steerer tube to my liking. That’s it, charge it up and ride. Won’t have to mess with the brakes, tires, chain, cassette, hub etc. Yes I know the Hydra is more expensive initially but when you factor in what I had to change on the Buzzraw they are very close in total cost.
The proper comparison for the Hydra is Luna's Apollo, with 27.5" wheels starting at $4900. Like Pushkar did with the Hydra, Luna custom designed its own carbon fiber frame. The base version of the Hydra has the stock 750 watt Bafang Ultra, the base version of the Apollo has a 2000 watt Bafang Ultra. Hydra's 52v battery is rated at 17Ah, Apollo's 52V battery is rated at 21 Ah. The base Hydra includes an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain, the Apollo has a 12-speed SRAM (but no longer the XD-based version). The base Hydra has Suntour suspension; the Apollo has Rockshox. The Hydra is much more customizable - the Apollo isn't at all. And the Hydra has the unique Archon controller upgrade available. And perhaps most important to some, Watt Wagons provides superior service (although Luna service has been just fine for me as a DIYer).
If I were buying today instead of 2+ years ago, I'd be looking hard at the Hydra, but I'd be customizing it far above the base, spending about $7K plus post-sale upgrades to seats and handlebars. That's more than I've spent on my Apollo plus upgrades.
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