Class I--15 vs. 20 mph

[Feliz]

You mean user-adjustable for speed or assist level?

Speed and watts

 

[Ed B]

What I care about are my heart rate and power output targets

Yeah I like how eBikeMotion has incorporated heart rate targets into their X35 iWoc App system... (My understanding is that you set a HR target and the motor will assist to keep you under that - although assume the 20mph limit still applies).

Anyone heard of any other e-system having that type of capability?

 

[ebikemom]

I have sort of changed my approach from my original thinking, when I felt like I needed to get something as close to my carbon road bike in weight as possible so I could only use the motor on climbs when I needed to. But with the basically infinitely adjustable assist levels using the Bosch Nyon I now recognize that I can achieve my goals regardless of the bike weight. What I care about are my heart rate and power output targets, not whether I am riding with the motor off.

I think it's pretty common for folks to change their perspective on assist once they start ebiking and realize how smoothly everything works and that they can get great exercise AND have a more flexible ride that is a great use for a wider variety of purposes than the conventional bicycle was. Once people get onto an ebike, it changes their perspective, I think... whether they were avid conventional cyclists beforehand or not ... I was a casual recreational (as in riding with kids, etc., and short, destination-oriented recreational riding cyclist before I got my ebike and I've used the bike in a wider variety of ways and have gotten a lot more exercise than I ever envisioned.

Thanks for the update!!

 

[6zfshdb]

Speed hacks were discussed in another forum a wile back:

http://forums.mtbr.com/recycle-bin/e-bike-speed-hack-1056365.html

Nothing specific to the Orbea but you might find something useful.

 

[Feliz]

Yeah I like how eBikeMotion has incorporated heart rate targets into their X35 iWoc App system... (My understanding is that you set a HR target and the motor will assist to keep you under that - although assume the 20mph limit still applies).

Anyone heard of any other e-system having that type of capability?

Sounds like a good idea.

 

[Steve Porter]

All interesting comments which I enjoy reading--thanks. Every 6 months or so I check what's new out there but I am so happy with my Haibike Race that I have no motivation to get anything else. Of course the options for a road bike with drop bars (which is what I ride and would only be interested in) are very limited though increasing. That said in 5+ years of riding daily in the Bay Area where there are a LOT of bike riders I have seen exactly one other electric road bike--and that was way back in December 2016!

 

[CodyDog]

Rad also, at least state side, can be adjusted for speed. Within a few seconds you can get an adjusted speed of 24 mph from the hub drive.

 

[Phil Agur]

I am sure this has been discussed but I can't find it by searching. I know there is a difference in upper speed for Class I bikes between Europe and the U.S. as described:

"Class 1: Pedal Assist
The electric drive system on the ebike can only be activated through a pedaling action and is limited to relatively low speeds. The sensor usually measures pedal movement, pedal torque or bicycle speed (sometimes all three) and sensors are located in the bottom bracket, rear hub or rear wheel. In parts of Europe this class is limited to 15 mph (25 kph) with motor wattage <= 250 watts. In America, because of our more liberal vehicle definition, this class is limited to a motor powered speed of 20 mph (32 kph) with motor wattage of <= 750 watts. Due to the low speed of operation and required pedaling action this class should benefit from the same rights and access privileges as non-assist bicycles and should be able to be used on streets, bike lanes, multi-use bike paths and off-road trails."

And I know that often the same model marketed in Europe has a top speed of 15 mph and in the U.S. that same model has a top speed of 20 mph. Am I correct in assuming in such instances this is a software rather than hardware difference? And can that be changed by a dealer? My specific question: If I get a bike from Europe that is later marketed in the U.S., could a dealer adjust the upper speed? Or would I literally have to buy a new model if I wanted 20 mph? Thanks!

I'm in California and have an Orbea Gain F30. I really wish it came with a 15 MPH cut-off instead of 20 MPH. I'm pushing 70 and want my eBike to help me keep pace. I can do 15-16 not 20 which forces me to constantly adjust rather than just ride.