How to compare torques between bikes.

[Al in CT]

I read all sorts of reviews about motors and their torques that range from the 20's to the 90's in newton-meters. Besides the general concept that the higher the number, the more torque there is, what does it really mean on the actual bike? There are so many things that affect how the torque is used. Bike tire selection, rider weight, even weather. What would be very helpful is a test by a "standard" sized person, on "standard" surfaces, in "standard" weather.
Basically, what I would love to see is a regular test from standing still, throttle only, to measure how long it would take to reach 20 mph. This can be on any flat surface (parking lot). Class 1 pas would need their own test. It would have to have someone on the bike at about the same weight for each test.
This is how automobiles are tested, and provides the low end torque comparison that people are looking for.
We also need a way of comparing how long the battery charge lasts, but I am not sure how that would work. Maybe a dedicated loop with hills and curves?
thanks for listening.

 

[John from Connecticut]

I read all sorts of reviews about motors and their torques that range from the 20's to the 90's in newton-meters. Besides the general concept that the higher the number, the more torque there is, what does it really mean on the actual bike? There are so many things that affect how the torque is used. Bike tire selection, rider weight, even weather. What would be very helpful is a test by a "standard" sized person, on "standard" surfaces, in "standard" weather.
Basically, what I would love to see is a regular test from standing still, throttle only, to measure how long it would take to reach 20 mph. This can be on any flat surface (parking lot). Class 1 pas would need their own test. It would have to have someone on the bike at about the same weight for each test.
This is how automobiles are tested, and provides the low end torque comparison that people are looking for.
We also need a way of comparing how long the battery charge lasts, but I am not sure how that would work. Maybe a dedicated loop with hills and curves?
thanks for listening.

Hello,
Welcome to the Forum. Are you doing general research or are you looking to purchase an e-Bike ?

 

[Al in CT]

Hello,
Welcome to the Forum. Are you doing general research or are you looking to purchase an e-Bike ?

Thanks for reaching out.
I am ready to order my bike. I am just having trouble making sure that the bike will work for me. The local bike shops do not have bikes the fit my criteria, plus they are trying to tell me that their 250 watt motor is as good as the 750 watt motor from the bikes I am looking for. A comparison run would confirm the end result of the torque. (I also am having trouble with frame sizes, as they are saying that a 20" frame will fit me at 6'4").

First preference is Rad Power RadCity4. It has a 750 watt motor. 48 Vdc battery. It is touted as very quiet.
It is a brushless direct drive motor.
https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radcity-electric-commuter-bike#specs

Second preference is the Magnum Ui6 plus.
https://www.magnumbikes.com/product/magnum-ui6/

Third preference is the Ride1Up 700 series bikes. This has very good reviews, and plenty of size margin for my leg length.
https://ride1up.com/product/700-series/

 

[Nova Haibike]

It is not possible to compare torque or watts between hub motors and mid-motors. Most mid-motors do not even have a throttle. There are no standard tests because the bicycle industry is small and the value of providing such information is not probably not worth the cost to the manufacturers.

 

[Al in CT]

It is not possible to compare torque or watts between hub motors and mid-motors. Most mid-motors do not even have a throttle. There are no standard tests because the bicycle industry is small and the value of providing such information is not probably not worth the cost to the manufacturers.

True. However, it would not be a difficult thing to test by Court and the other mass testers (e.g. Micah Toll) to run this test to provide a comparison between the bikes. Turn on the bike trip computer, start the ride, and stop the ride when you hit 20 mph, and read the seconds. It would be fun to know.

I guess I am just asking Court and the other mass reviewers (e.g. Micah Toll) to add this test to their reviews.

Good discussions. Thanks Nova.

 

[John from Connecticut]

True. However, it would not be a difficult thing to test by Court and the other mass testers (e.g. Micah Toll) to run this test to provide a comparison between the bikes. Turn on the bike trip computer, start the ride, and stop the ride when you hit 20 mph, and read the seconds. It would be fun to know.

I guess I am just asking Court and the other mass reviewers (e.g. Micah Toll) to add this test to their reviews.

Good discussions. Thanks Nova.

'Al in CT', I get it, I really do meaning, research is fun and we all learn something, but it seems like you may have a case of analysis paralysis.
As mentioned your body weight is 25 pounds less than the max load capacity of most e-bikes. . In simple english whatever bike you purchase, it
will used in the upper end of mechanical design.

This is going to have an effect on the components that make up the bike. All of the test details you're referencing are secondary
to the actual bike build in my opinion. My two cents, back off on the lab type test specs, it's a bicycle, not a piece of test equipment.

Quick story, Three years ago I bought my first e-bike, a Trek XM700 Commuter. I didn't know an e-bike from a pound of cheese.
I had a Hybrid full carbon road bike which I loved. While in my LBS, my rep knew I had an eye for e-bikes
and encouraged my to go for a test ride on a Trek XM700 Comuter e-Bike.

I did and in 10 minutes I knew that was the bike for me, returned to the shop and bought the Trek on the spot...Best money I ever spent.
Every time I ride it's like the first time and that was 3 yrs ago. I loved it so much a month later I bought a Trek Powerfly 7 Mountain
e-bike for the rails to trails riding I do. You mentioned torque, the Powerfly 7 will climb a brick wall : )

My intent is not to brag, but rather say ya gotta just go with what feels right....I did.