Tbone
Member
Approaching 7k km on my Charger GX and it'll be two years old this spring. Couldn't be more happy with this über-expensive two-wheeled car replacement that I use as a commuter, chore vehicle and... chick-magnet ;-). After last inspection (October 2018) my e-bike mechanic suggested I renew my drive chain. He said the derailleur doesn't need replacement but the chain and gears do. (Really???) Although a little unexpected, as I thought I could take the drive-chain to at least 10k km--and I probably still can--I want to start considering the issue.
Note: Even when off-road, especially on extreme uphill terrain, like what I experienced last year in Croatia, I was never able to fully use the the high gears--the uphill gears; those are the "high" ones, right? It's always felt like the bike, even with its high-torque CX motor, can't fully use those high gears in extreme situations--well, at least I can't use them. I realise this may have something to do with my size and weight and stamina, but even the monster CX motor has its limitations. Which means there are simply some terrains I've learned to avoid or, when I approach them, just get off and push (or use the walk function of the motor). Which also means, maybe I don't need those gears.
Would love to hear anyones thoughts on the following:
- Is it worth it to just go down to 8 or 9 gears?
- Has anyone changed their gear ratios? My Charger GX has 11 gears. For 95% of use, I've only found 8 gears useful, which means...
- Should I change the front sprocket (smaller, larger)? My riding ratio for street/off-road is about 60/40 (maybe 70/30).
- Will such a gear change negatively effect battery life?
- Which brand of gears/chain/derailleur would you recommend?
- Here's a real wild-card question: can I convert it to a Rohloff with belt?
Thanks for any advice or tips.
-Tom (aka tbone)
Note: Even when off-road, especially on extreme uphill terrain, like what I experienced last year in Croatia, I was never able to fully use the the high gears--the uphill gears; those are the "high" ones, right? It's always felt like the bike, even with its high-torque CX motor, can't fully use those high gears in extreme situations--well, at least I can't use them. I realise this may have something to do with my size and weight and stamina, but even the monster CX motor has its limitations. Which means there are simply some terrains I've learned to avoid or, when I approach them, just get off and push (or use the walk function of the motor). Which also means, maybe I don't need those gears.
Would love to hear anyones thoughts on the following:
- Is it worth it to just go down to 8 or 9 gears?
- Has anyone changed their gear ratios? My Charger GX has 11 gears. For 95% of use, I've only found 8 gears useful, which means...
- Should I change the front sprocket (smaller, larger)? My riding ratio for street/off-road is about 60/40 (maybe 70/30).
- Will such a gear change negatively effect battery life?
- Which brand of gears/chain/derailleur would you recommend?
- Here's a real wild-card question: can I convert it to a Rohloff with belt?
Thanks for any advice or tips.
-Tom (aka tbone)