Bought both a Carbon and Cross

[flymeaway]

Hi,

I did a lot of research on the (many) ebike company's, and the various frame types and motor/control/battery component configurations offered. I wanted two bikes that would ride closer to a road bike on asphalt but could handle the gravel back roads of New Hampshire. I also wanted a bike that placed the battery lower on the frame and integrated into the frame as much as possible. We (wife on the Cross) took the bikes out for a 20 mile ride over fairly hilly terrain and I was immediately impressed with both bikes abilities. Hills...what hills?? Incredible!!!

There is one very noticeable difference between the Carbon and the Cross and I suspect it has something to do with adjusting the torque sensor. I've ridden both and the Carbon is noticeably more responsive to lower torque levels. The Cross won't kick into pedal assist until a significantly greater force is put on the chain. If anyone can point to a manual that describes adjusting the sensor I'd appreciate it. The torque setting on the Carbon is much better.....hopefully it's a matter of adjustment on the Cross.

On the ride, in hilly terrain, I had the controller set on Eco, Standard, or Throttle (even though I never used the throttle) and completed the ride with 4 bars = 40-60% reserve. With a little more experience I believe I could probably use the assist more wisely and 50 miles seems like a doable ride. I found the Carbon to be easy to ride with no assist on the flats.

Oh...I forgot to mention the bikes are a solid 10 aesthetically.

Court J - Southwest New Hampshire.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Congrats on your new bike, Court.

We have two Neo's as well and they are pure delight to ride on. I looked up my manual regarding the Torque sensor adjustment and I am attaching the file here. It should be fairly straight fwd if you use the right tools. Did you check with your dealer as to why this discrepancy in sensitivity ?

 

[Vern]

I've ridden a Cross and Carbon back to back on two occasions. After ridding the a Carbon it is difficult to go back to the Cross. At least on the road anyway. I know the specs between them are nearly identical,but the Carbon feels far more responsive, and powerful. I am not really sure why. On bikes there seems to be a very direct relationship between the weight of the bike and overall responsiveness. You truly feel every pound. IMO

 

[flymeaway]

Congrats on your new bike, Court.
We have two Neo's as well and they are pure delight to ride on. I looked up my manual regarding the Torque sensor adjustment and I am attaching the file here. It should be fairly straight fwd if you use the right tools. Did you check with your dealer as to why this discrepancy in sensitivity ? View attachment 1079

Thanks Ravi. I did talk to the bike shop tech, who did talk to support and they confirmed that the sensor can be adjusted. Make an indicator mark on the fastener and plate, and make small adjustments, test and repeat until satisfied with the result. The only reason I want to adjust the sensor on the Cross is the difference between the two bikes, it's very noticeable, they don't work alike at all! Funny, if I had only ridden the Cross, I'd probably not know that there could be that much variability in the pedal assist.

Thanks for your help!
Court J.

 

[flymeaway]

I've ridden a Cross and Carbon back to back on two occasions. After ridding the a Carbon it is difficult to go back to the Cross. At least on the road anyway. I know the specs between them are nearly identical,but the Carbon feels far more responsive, and powerful. I am not really sure why. On bikes there seems to be a very direct relationship between the weight of the bike and overall responsiveness. You truly feel every pound. IMO

I agree. The Cross is a great bike, but I felt very comfortable riding the Carbon on the flats and gradual inclines without any assist. It was easy to keep a steady cadence and 18-20 mph. I really enjoy being able to ride up hill without changing gears.....it's funny, I thought buying a high quality road bike was like "dying and going to heaven", now I know what it really feels like! The other benefit of owning electric bikes; my wife is 125 pounds and even though she's in great shape she couldn't keep up, so when we ride I would adopt her pace. Now she can ride at my pace which is (all by itself) a reason to buy an ebike. I never really thought about that ability before because we've been riding that way for decades!!!!! Release!!!!

Court J.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Ebiking with family = total fun.

Carbon is an excellent bike. Has very natural feel and comes with some top notch components.

Enjoy

 

[Admin]

I'm excited for you Court! Hope you're able to match the torque sensor on both bikes... Thanks for the guide Ravi! It's neat that you've both got an Easy Motion electric bike, I agree that they look amazing and keep the weight low. Many times I'm riding along but can relate to the feeling of slowing yourself down to stick with a loved one. I'm constantly walking in front of girls on dates and having to deal with the same "slow down" mentality. Maybe it's the fancy shoes they wear or their shorter legs? The desire to take it all in vs. get home and login to a forum... When they invent electric legs I'll be sure to check them out and then maybe my problem will be solved

 

[flymeaway]

I'm excited for you Court! Hope you're able to match the torque sensor on both bikes... Thanks for the guide Ravi! It's neat that you've both got an Easy Motion electric bike, I agree that they look amazing and keep the weight low. Many times I'm riding along but can relate to the feeling of slowing yourself down to stick with a loved one. I'm constantly walking in front of girls on dates and having to deal with the same "slow down" mentality. Maybe it's the fancy shoes they wear or their shorter legs? The desire to take it all in vs. get home and login to a forum... When they invent electric legs I'll be sure to check them out and then maybe my problem will be solved

Thanks...yes I do appreciate the ability/utility that ebikes provide for family members that aren't strong riders. It makes riding a pleasure instead of a chore for groups riding together. New Project, bought a 2015 Motobecane Elite Adventure from BD and the 36V 500W Bafang BBSO2 mid-drive. I want to see how the higher powered mid-drive on a similar frame geometry compares to the Carbon's performance.

Court J

 

[Admin]

Thanks...yes I do appreciate the ability/utility that ebikes provide for family members that aren't strong riders. It makes riding a pleasure instead of a chore for groups riding together. New Project, bought a 2015 Motobecane Elite Adventure from BD and the 36V 500W Bafang BBSO2 mid-drive. I want to see how the higher powered mid-drive on a similar frame geometry compares to the Carbon's performance.

Court J

Nice! I'd be interested to hear how it performs as well. Feel free to post some pictures and share your thoughts

 

[Vern]

Thanks...yes I do appreciate the ability/utility that ebikes provide for family members that aren't strong riders. It makes riding a pleasure instead of a chore for groups riding together. New Project, bought a 2015 Motobecane Elite Adventure from BD and the 36V 500W Bafang BBSO2 mid-drive. I want to see how the higher powered mid-drive on a similar frame geometry compares to the Carbon's performance.

Court J

I don't have the time or money to do it, but I have been eyeing that Bafang 750w mid-drive myself for some sort of custom build. I love my Carbon, but, " I need more power Scotty!" I don't really need it, but I would love to have just a few more mph!

 

[flymeaway]

I don't have the time or money to do it, but I have been eyeing that Bafang 750w mid-drive myself for some sort of custom build. I love my Carbon, but, " I need more power Scotty!" I don't really need it, but I would love to have just a few more mph!

I have both the 500 and 750 Bafang BBS-02's on the way from Bafang. In corresponding with the factory I was told that there is/has been a temporary shortage as they switch to the 9 FET controller. I also confirmed that my kits will be 9 FET. When I get the kits I'll take pics and also take some of the Motobacane Elite Adventure I bought and am converting. I finished making the battery box and I'm just marking time waiting for the motor. For this bike I'm going to use the 36V 500W motor. I'll be able to directly compare the 350W 36V geared hub with the 500W mid-drive. LOL...I think I'm hooked.

 

[Vern]

I have both the 500 and 750 Bafang BBS-02's on the way from Bafang. In corresponding with the factory I was told that there is/has been a temporary shortage as they switch to the 9 FET controller. I also confirmed that my kits will be 9 FET. When I get the kits I'll take pics and also take some of the Motobacane Elite Adventure I bought and am converting. I finished making the battery box and I'm just marking time waiting for the motor. For this bike I'm going to use the 36V 500W motor. I'll be able to directly compare the 350W 36V geared hub with the 500W mid-drive. LOL...I think I'm hooked.

Please give us all a VERY detailed review of your build once you are done. I'm am very curious about how it all works out. I would also like to know if this build could compete well against factory made speed pedelecs that are on the market today and those available soon. I realize it will not compete in terms of torque sensing pedal assist, but what about speed, hill climbing, reliability, and price?? I know there are reviews on Endless Sphere but I find that site difficult to navigate and far too technical for my tastes.

 

[Admin]

I'll be able to directly compare the 350W 36V geared hub with the 500W mid-drive. LOL...I think I'm hooked.

I agree with @Vern it would be great to hear your thoughts and comparison. Feel free to post in the new 8Fun Forum area I setup and maybe link there if you create a new thread?