How does the Bosch motor handle multiple gear shifting?

[Homet]

I always stop pedalling when I shift gears (I was told that I had to do this with my bike) but I just wanted to know what happens when you change several gears at the same time - maybe from 1 to 5 or 7 to 2 etc? How does the Bosch motor handle this? Does this cause a lot of strain on the chain and is it more likely to snap?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Typically, high-end Shimano shifters only allow downshifting up to three gears with a single deep depressing of the shifter lever (1, 2 or 3 gears can be shifted down). When "deep downshifting", treat it as a single shift operation. Unfortunately, you should upshift one gear at a time to avoid drivetrain damage or premature wear.

Do you drive a manual transmission car, Homet? Think

 

[Deleted member 18083]

Homet…
Please let us know what sort of gears your ebike has.
… David

 

[Homet]

Well, that’s the question. Currently have sram 12 speed but have bought sram grip shifter because I have a painful thumb problem. Was going to install it this morning but a couple of friends were saying that shifting multiple gears would most likely break the chain. Others have said that it would make no difference because the motor would ease off the power automatically and re-engage after the change to cope with the new gear, whatever that was.
Not sure about either answer, to be honest!

 

[Deleted member 18083]

Well, that’s the question.

Derailleur or hub gears? If you have no idea, take a smartphone photo of the middle of your rear wheel and post it here.

 

[Homet]

Derailleur

 

[Deleted member 18083]

I always stop pedalling when I shift gears.

You must keep pedalling to change derailleur gears. It simply isn't possible otherwise.

I suggest that you change down one gear at a time and do so before you are straining on the pedals. Maybe, ease off your own effort but don't stop pedalling.

When you are sure you can change down/up smoothly, try changing gears in quick succession: 9–8–7–6–5 not 9–5. Practise on a level stretch of road. Gain experience (practice makes perfect). Have fun.

 

[Homet]

Huh, I never knew that. It does make more sense though - when I bought the bike (my first ebike), a kid in the store said that I had to stop pedalling for a second, change gear and then start pedalling again. I was never sure exactly why..
So, are you saying that you need to simply rotate the pedals without applying pressure (ie without activating the motor) and then change to whatever gear you want?

 

[Deleted member 18083]

There are two main problem areas: hills and starting (three problems if you combine starting off and a hill). In either case, change to a lower gear sooner rather than later and make Turbo assist your friend.

When you come to a stop, remember to change down to a low gear. If you forget – we're fallible, aren't we? – start off with Turbo assist and wait until you're moving at a walking pace before changing gears.

On hills, try to keep turning your pedals through 360º every second (60 rpm). Two seconds (30 rpm) is too slow. Click down through the gears before you are straining! If you are caught out, use Turbo assist to increase your pedalling cadence.

 

[Alaskan]

It helps make for smoother shifting and less wear on chain and sprockets, if you learn to shift when your feet are approaching the 6 and 12 o'clock position, when you are naturally putting the least torque into the cranks with your legs. Just think easier, slower but don't stop and resume normal power once your foot has traveled over the top. It all happens within a quarter of a second and won't get you stranded on a hill. This is necessary with a Rohloff and optional but to be encouraged with a derailleur. Practice it for a few weeks and it will become muscle memory.