BionX D-500 Update?!

[Maks]

I just checked the specifications of the BionX D-500 and it claims that the minimum range is 30 miles? I checked a couple weeks ago and claimed that the minimum range was 55 miles! I wanted to get the kit for the range, but now am apprehensive. Thanks.

 

[rich c]

Any advertised range is merely speculation. Factors such as your body weight, your riding style, terrain, and even weather and wind speed all effect range.

 

[MLB]

How far do you ride now? Very few people can actually spend hours on a bicycle seat.
I see endless seeking for "unlimited" power for endless riding and most of the folks haven't sat on a bike seat in YEARS.
For novice riders your tushy will be all used up long before 30 miles.
For that much difference... you sure you were comparing equal battery sizes?

 

[BobG]

I've had my D-500 for almost a year now. My longest ride (pictured) on one charge has been about 50 miles. That's using level 1-2 assist to start. The first climb you see on the profile is not as steep as it looks. I'll blast up it at 15- 20 mph using level 3 assist. The mid section of that ride is mostly downhill and flat. I'll have the motor set at 1-2 assist but often I'll be riding over 20 mph so the motor shuts down. The last hills back to my house are fairly steep. I'll usually climb those in Mountain Mode knowing I've made it on fuel and can plug in at the top.

My bike is a Bruce Gordon Rock 'n' Road touring bike with drop bars and I usually run 700x32 Continental Gatorskin tires. Sometimes I'll use 700x40's for rough gravel but that will result in slightly lower gas mileage.

To summarize I'd say my range in the White Mountains of NH is 30-50 miles per charge. The updated EBR estimate of 30-70 miles is close. I'd probably get 70 miles if the entire ride was fairly flat and I kept it down to level 2 assist. Level 1 just brings the bike back to where it was before adding the extra weight and motor resistance. That dang mountain mode is so much fun though and hard to resist!