12 AH Option for Neo Cross

[Undercover Brother]

I visited New Wheel today and was told that the 2014 Neo models have had a software modification that tames Eco mode slightly, but that speed pedelec has not changed and you can get assistance beyond 20mph. Brett at New Wheel suggested that its probably more like 24 or 25mph.

Yes, we softened the torque onset on all of the models delivered since we introduced the 2014 models. Brett is indeed correct. We just received 12ah batteries just over a week ago specific to the following models: Race, Jet, Carbon, Cross, and both 2014 650b mountain bikes. Since all of the NEO batteries are interchangeable, you can purchase any of these from an authorized Easy Motion dealer for use in our bikes and maintain the warranty. In the case of the an Xtrem for instance, you can use a Carbon battery which while not a perfect match is pretty close.

In regards to changing the topcap to match the bike, this will void the warranty as it breaks the tamperproof seal and we have no way to determine if the battery has been tampered with. If a dealer does so they bear the liability should any issues occur that require warranty service, so not recommended. The topcaps are bonded to the bottoms and requires a special tool (not available to dealers) and removal can easily create internal damage that may not become evident for some time. Needless to say Easy Motion does not support or endorse this action.

We are not waiting to run out of inventory to switch to 12ah batteries on 2013 bikes, and have good inventory on 9ah units. We also have no plans to offer 2103 bikes with the new 12ah batteries. The 2015 Evo line with the exception of the Evo Eco Lite will all come spec'd with 12ah batteries and offer comparable replacements for most of not all of the 2013 or 2014 models.

If it seems like we were unable to respond to Chris's inquiries, it was likely because we did not have a definitive answer and not avoiding the issue. I am more than happy to provide clear and concise answers to any questions on this forum with what I know and can share. We have nothing to hide and don't believe we ever have. It is not how we do business.

 

[Undercover Brother]

Thanks again Chris! Once I have a better idea of which bike I'm interested in I'll email Easy Motion directly regarding release times. Hopefully Easy Motion doesn't end up becoming victim to the Osborne Effect, because now that I know the 12ah batteries are coming out, I have no intention of buying the old 9ah battery. Also 324wh just isn't enough juice for what I want. I was thinking more like 400wh minimum (interesting side note: 400wh would power a Tesla at highway speed for about 1 minute before running out of power).

Any comparison of wh from one vehicle to another is comparing apples to oranges. The Tesla is quite a bit heavier, so not even a close comparison. You have to consider weight (rider, bike, and load, efficiency, etc.). Our 9ah powered bikes will take you up to 50 miles on a charge and the 12ah up 65 miles. I personally rode our new 650B Jumper (52 lb bike, 170lb rider) 64.7 miles on a charge almost totally in Eco mode soft pedaling the whole way (HR avg. 120BPM) with 1933 feet of climbing and averaged around 18 to 19 mph the whole way. It's too easy to get hung up on numbers and forget the real issue is ACTUAL range, right? Check out the attached file.



JRodo802, how far do you need to travel on a charge? If our 324wh battery won't take you there, then maybe our 432 unit will suffice. Thanks for your interest!

 

[Deleted member 803]

Yes, we softened the torque onset on all of the models delivered since we introduced the 2014 models. Brett is indeed correct. We just received 12ah batteries just over a week ago specific to the following models: Race, Jet, Carbon, Cross, and both 2014 650b mountain bikes. Since all of the NEO batteries are interchangeable, you can purchase any of these from an authorized Easy Motion dealer for use in our bikes and maintain the warranty. In the case of the an Xtrem for instance, you can use a Carbon battery which while not a perfect match is pretty close.

In regards to changing the topcap to match the bike, this will void the warranty as it breaks the tamperproof seal and we have no way to determine if the battery has been tampered with. If a dealer does so they bear the liability should any issues occur that require warranty service, so not recommended. The topcaps are bonded to the bottoms and requires a special tool (not available to dealers) and removal can easily create internal damage that may not become evident for some time. Needless to say Easy Motion does not support or endorse this action.

We are not waiting to run out of inventory to switch to 12ah batteries on 2013 bikes, and have good inventory on 9ah units. We also have no plans to offer 2103 bikes with the new 12ah batteries. The 2015 Evo line with the exception of the Evo Eco Lite will all come spec'd with 12ah batteries and offer comparable replacements for most of not all of the 2013 or 2014 models.

If it seems like we were unable to respond to Chris's inquiries, it was likely because we did not have a definitive answer and not avoiding the issue. I am more than happy to provide clear and concise answers to any questions on this forum with what I know and can share. We have nothing to hide and don't believe we ever have. It is not how we do business.

Nate:

I have ridden the Bosch Gen 2 and want to know your opinion on the differences between your existing hub and new mid drive motors. I like the yank of the rear hub and do mostly street riding with an occasional moderate hill. I rode a Bosch mid-drive and it worked well. Seems like every vendor is jumping on the Bosch bandwagon.

 

[Undercover Brother]

Nate:

I have ridden the Bosch Gen 2 and want to know your opinion on the differences between your existing hub and new mid drive motors. I like the yank of the rear hub and do mostly street riding with an occasional moderate hill. I rode a Bosch mid-drive and it worked well. Seems like every vendor is jumping on the Bosch bandwagon.

I've ridden pre-production Felt, Cannondale, and Haibike as well as our Bosch 350W mid-drive bikes. Having done so, I am kind of split. Riding excellent examples of each type is a blissful experience, and as one of my dealers mentioned, not better, just different. If you are looking for a true hardcore "e-mountain bike", the Bosch mid-drive is probably the best platform to build from, offers great balance and light weight. With all other applications, I am sold on our rear hub bikes, especially climbing where our 350w geared motors really shine. Range is very similar with both Bosch and our rear hub designs as well, especially now that we have our 12ah battery.

The Bosch bikes do not have throttles, an option that I occasionally use on the road and predominantly on the trail. I think it's a great feature. Bosch has a really nice display and being able to know how many miles remain till the battery runs out, is a nice feature. Both types have their advantages, and it really boils down to how well they are executed, and most importantly rider preference.

I'm a pretty hardcore car enthusiastic, have owned mid-drive and rear drive cars and also like the yank as well from the rear end!

 

[Admin]

Hey @Undercover Brother, thanks for helping to communicate the range on 9ah vs. the new 12ah and also calling out which bikes have it. I also appreciate the update on switching covers and how that could void battery warranties. It's great to have you here and I enjoyed checking out your ride map, looks like a ton of fun!

 

[Undercover Brother]

Hey @Undercover Brother, thanks for helping to communicate the range on 9ah vs. the new 12ah and also calling out which bikes have it. I also appreciate the update on switching covers and how that could void battery warranties. It's great to have you here and I enjoyed checking out your ride map, looks like a ton of fun!

It's my pleasure to be able to weigh in on any Easy Motion related topics and make sure everyone has accurate information. Court, I tell you when I built the 650B Jumper and did this ride, I didn't think I would be out there that long. That is a normal road ride for me and and I normally drink 3 to 4 tall water bottles of Cytomax. Interestingly that day I planned to do a road ride around 65 miles but had a bad cold and couldn't even ride a mile w/o getting winded. Well, there's another good application for an ebike!