mid drives are not for everyone/throttles are fine

[MeDotOrg]

Horses for courses. I test drove an Aventon Level, a really decent hub drive cadence sensor. I liked it....until I drove a mid-drive Bosch. A torque sensor feels much more organic and connected compared to a cadence sensor. That can be good or bad, depending on your style and needs. A cadence sensor rear hub system will be cheaper and gives you easier boost. From my perspective, cadence sensors are just as good at getting around, but if you want to work a little bit more, a torque sensor will probably get you into shape more quickly, and feels a lot more integrated.

 

[Taylor57]

Horses for courses. I test drove an Aventon Level, a really decent hub drive cadence sensor. I liked it....until I drove a mid-drive Bosch. A torque sensor feels much more organic and connected compared to a cadence sensor. That can be good or bad, depending on your style and needs. A cadence sensor rear hub system will be cheaper and gives you easier boost. From my perspective, cadence sensors are just as good at getting around, but if you want to work a little bit more, a torque sensor will probably get you into shape more quickly, and feels a lot more integrated.

Workin a little bit more is whats got me goin to the hospital tomorrow for hernia surgery. Workin to me is dropping down to PAS 2 and 6th gear on a bit of an incline to get my heart rate up a tad. Then once I'm breathing its back to PAS 3 or 4 and high gear.

 

[JRA]

I have all the cool kids and club types on ignore but I can only imagine they are sticking with what they know, which is fine with me. I don't think forums are popularity contests but just a way to disseminate info that you may have acquired along the way by trial and error that will perhaps help others with the error part.

Oh, tubeless is the way I avoid flats. And I mostly check pressure before every ride but have forgotten a few times but have a pump on board that fixes it.

If you have to fix a flat on a rear hub bike put the chain in the smallest rear cog and turn the bike upside down as the hardest part is getting it back in and using gravity helps alot and don't forget to pack a wrench! My front Grin AnyAxle hub is tool free take off, just have to disconnect the wires. I have to carry a 17mm wrench for my nutted axle model and a 4mm allen for the torque arm.

 

[ebikemom]

We love our throttles!! We live in a hilly area and also ride in the city. Love the throttle for starting on hills and at traffic lights. Also love a touch of throttle for walking the bike up driveways that are too steep to ride up. I would never buy a class 1, but it’s great that some like them.

 

[Handlebars]

I think it's important that someone who has never ridden an ebike before TRY different drive and class bikes to see how they feel BEFORE buying, and that's what I usually recommend. Also, if I notice something particular in a forum with regard to how a specific bike handles, I mention that and suggest the prospective buyer check out the brand forum for more information.

Of course, I love my bike, and if someone is looking for something similar I do recommend checking out the brand and model. Nothing wrong with that.

Everyone is entitled to express their opinions, as long as they do so respectfully, so not sure why this matters to the OP. But, that's his opinion, so, ok then .

Sometimes it's good to consider the OP point well. You need to have access to bikes to try out, in order to do what you suggest.

 

[Handlebars]

After using my kinda basic hub motor with throttle ebike for a year, I now realize I wouldn't buy a bike without a throttle. It's an absolute necessity sometimes. I would very much appreciate a throttle that was more friendly to use, however. A thumb throttle needs to have better characteristics for longer distance use in biting cold weather or if you're injured or have arthitis or whatever. Cruise control now is available. I like that, but don't have it. I'm ready to DIY a cruise controller on the thumb throttle if I can make or see a good DIY design.
Know of a good DIY physical cruise control design for thumb throttle?

 

[Ken M]

I have some nice mid drive Haibikes (one with a Bosch and one with a Yamaha) that are pedelecs. They are nice but without a doubt if you ride them critically you will identify times when the assist really isn't what you want or think you should get given the situation. While not a big deal, I just find that a throttle allows me to get the exact assist I want at all times while being a bit less convenient vs a pedelec. I have always thought the pedelecs were more about programmer egos than practical need on an ebike....try telling a programmer something they worked on is not perfect and they'll chew your head off (they get mad very easily).

I have a cadence (just an on/off type) pedelec with 20" wheels and I truly believe those can be problematic. I stopped riding it in pedelec mode because sometimes I could be cornering with a little bit of gravel or sand impacting tire traction and the pedals would flutter enough to turn on full mode assist and that was a bit un-nerving. Had a friend test ride it and he went right into the side of a cargo container because I made the mistake of being too close to the container and he had no idea the assist would kick in like that.

 

[vincent]

I agree with all of that

 

[6zfshdb]

After using my kinda basic hub motor with throttle ebike for a year, I now realize I wouldn't buy a bike without a throttle. It's an absolute necessity sometimes. I would very much appreciate a throttle that was more friendly to use, however. A thumb throttle needs to have better characteristics for longer distance use in biting cold weather or if you're injured or have arthitis or whatever. Cruise control now is available. I like that, but don't have it. I'm ready to DIY a cruise controller on the thumb throttle if I can make or see a good DIY design.
Know of a good DIY physical cruise control design for thumb throttle?

I have not seen a mechanical cruise control device for a thumb throttle but that doesn't mean they don't exist. In my case, I swapped my thumb type for a half twist throttle. It was a cheap & easy project. I don't know if this is possible on your bike however. Once the twist throttle was installed, I bought this mechanical cruise control device which works perfectly:

Amazon.com: Universal Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Lock Assist Aluminum Wrist/Hand Grip Lock Clamp with Silicone Ring Protect Throttle Grip,Throttle Control System: Automotive

Buy Universal Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Lock Assist Aluminum Wrist/Hand Grip Lock Clamp with Silicone Ring Protect Throttle Grip, Throttle Control System: Throttles - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Keep in mind, this is a mechanical device and isn't true cruise control since it doesn't compensate for changes in slope, wind or surface conditions. I use it mainly while on long 50+ mile rides to maintain speed while I take a rest from pedaling or to get some butt relief while standing on the pedals. This avoids time lost during rest stops.

I also use the throttle when trying to sync speed with other riders. I set the throttle to match and then apply whatever pedal effort I choose. This way, it's used as an infinitely adjustable PAS with me assisting the bike rather than it assisting me.

All this being said, I don't use the throttle that often. As you say, it's handy to have under certain conditions. It's also a form of insurance for me since I can always get back if I have a physical issue which keeps me from being able to pedal.

Love 'em or hate 'em, a throttle is simply a tool that, in my case, I wouldn't be without.

 

[Handlebars]

I have not seen a mechanical cruise control device for a thumb throttle but that doesn't mean they don't exist. In my case, I swapped my thumb type for a half twist throttle. It was a cheap & easy project. I don't know if this is possible on your bike however. Once the twist throttle was installed, I bought this mechanical cruise control device which works perfectly:
View attachment 80661

Amazon.com: Universal Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Lock Assist Aluminum Wrist/Hand Grip Lock Clamp with Silicone Ring Protect Throttle Grip,Throttle Control System: Automotive

Buy Universal Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Lock Assist Aluminum Wrist/Hand Grip Lock Clamp with Silicone Ring Protect Throttle Grip, Throttle Control System: Throttles - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Keep in mind, this is a mechanical device and isn't true cruise control since it doesn't compensate for changes in slope, wind or surface conditions. I use it mainly while on long 50+ mile rides to maintain speed while I take a rest from pedaling or to get some butt relief while standing on the pedals. This avoids time lost during rest stops.

I also use the throttle when trying to sync speed with other riders. I set the throttle to match and then apply whatever pedal effort I choose. This way, it's used as an infinitely adjustable PAS with me assisting the bike rather than it assisting me.

All this being said, I don't use the throttle that often. As you say, it's handy to have under certain conditions. It's also a form of insurance for me since I can always get back if I have a physical issue which keeps me from being able to pedal.

Love 'em or hate 'em, a throttle is simply a tool that, in my case, I wouldn't be without.

Wow, I think I just now "got it". Pretty simple, actually.
A movable collar that can be secured easily in any rotation position goes around the grip with an arm that holds the thumb throttle at that certain position. Brake motor cutoff switch for on and off.

 

[6zfshdb]

Wow, I think I just now "got it". Pretty simple, actually.
A movable collar that can be secured easily in any rotation position goes around the grip with an arm that holds the thumb throttle at that certain position. Brake motor cutoff switch for on and off.

Yes, it is quite simple once you see how it works. The "arm" rests against the brake lever while the tension screw applies just enough pressure on the collar to keep the throttle from turning. You can also speed up temporarily without loosing your speed setting. You just twist the throttle grip to lower the speed or shut it off.

 

[Handlebars]

Yes, it is quite simple once you see how it works. The "arm" rests against the brake lever while the tension screw applies just enough pressure on the collar to keep the throttle from turning. You can also speed up temporarily without loosing your speed setting. You just twist the throttle grip to lower the speed or shut it off.

I mean I now know how to make one for the thumb throttle. Without a brake motor cutoff switch it would be dangerous, but my bike has motor cutoff, so I'm all set to make my throttle control now.

 

[6zfshdb]

I mean I now know how to make one for the thumb throttle. Without a brake motor cutoff switch it would be dangerous, but my bike has motor cutoff, so I'm all set to make my throttle control now.

Great! Post pics after you finish. I'd like to see how you do it.

Yes, using any of these devices without brake motor cutoffs is dangerous. You also have to be careful to disengage the device after stopping. Otherwise, the bike will take off after you release the brake.

 

[Handlebars]

Great! Post pics after you finish. I'd like to see how you do it.

Yes, using any of these devices without brake motor cutoffs is dangerous. You also have to be careful to disengage the device after stopping. Otherwise, the bike will take off after you release the brake.

RIGHT! and after shutting off THAT would be a big surprise when turning power back on. I just imagined the scene if casually turning the power back on the next day while not sitting on the bike. Maybe casual casualty.

 

[Handlebars]

I'd only be using it for emergency or special occasions like carrying a heavy duffel bag over my shoulder, but the thought of that kind of mishap is scary because it would be so easily accomplished.

 

[Handlebars]

Great! Post pics after you finish. I'd like to see how you do it.

Yes, using any of these devices without brake motor cutoffs is dangerous. You also have to be careful to disengage the device after stopping. Otherwise, the bike will take off after you release the brake.

It gets ridiculously easy. I just shoved a cable tie up into the slot of the thumb throttle and that holds it open to various degrees. I'm not sure of everything, but I think it only works like that if the bike is already on and the brake is on to prevent the bike jumping forward. Give throttle with brake on, insert cable tie up the canal, release brake, and zoom. Needs only to be a more fixed solution than a cable tie not attached to anything. On the other hand, if it falls out on the ride, you just need another cable tie. Pic shows throttle full open and held there by insertion of suitable size cable tie all the way into the throttle canal. It sticks there firmly enough and you can pull it out at end of trip. Speed reduction by slight braking which gives motor cutoff or constant motor help at different levels can be achieved by different positioning of thumb throttle before cable tie insertion.
So easy. The cable tie is cut off to be short, but any length would be fine. Keep throttle as normal and keep some cable ties for use as needed for cruise control.

 

[6zfshdb]

It gets ridiculously easy. I just shoved a cable tie up into the slot of the thumb throttle and that holds it open to various degrees. I'm not sure of everything, but I think it only works like that if the bike is already on and the brake is on to prevent the bike jumping forward. Give throttle with brake on, insert cable tie up the canal, release brake, and zoom. Needs only to be a more fixed solution than a cable tie not attached to anything. On the other hand, if it falls out on the ride, you just need another cable tie. Pic shows throttle full open and held there by insertion of suitable size cable tie all the way into the throttle canal. It sticks there firmly enough and you can pull it out at end of trip. Speed reduction by slight braking which gives motor cutoff or constant motor help at different levels can be achieved by different positioning of thumb throttle before cable tie insertion.
So easy. The cable tie is cut off to be short, but any length would be fine. Keep throttle as normal and keep some cable ties for use as needed for cruise control.

Simple indeed! Hey, whatever works!

It wouldn't work on my old thumb throttle though since there is very little clearance between the fixed and moving parts. Hardly enough space to slip in a piece of paper.

 

[Handlebars]

It seems like that on mine, but if I angle the cable tie upward there is enough space up in there.
Also a nice feature is that it doesn't matter if you leave it there when you turn the bike off. When you turn the bike on again, the rig doesn't do anything. You need to have the bike turned on and do the routine again to get it working again.
So that removes the worry of an early morning "Hi Ho Silver, Away!" accident.

 

[BackOnA Bike]

I debated between a class2 throttle and a class 1 mid. Got the Giant Trance mid drive. Plenty of power and 29 inch wheels. In my area there are plenty of foothill roads and trails, where a throttle is a big no-no. I'll ride my Trance a few years but I do see myself moving to a throttle bike in the future. In another 5 years the E bikes will be awesome.

 

[Scarlet/Fire]

I rarely use the throttle and had removed them entirely on some of my ebikes. Previously, I used them to get going quickly when crossing an intersection. Since then, after blowing a controller trying to tow something too heavy, I just make sure I'm in a low gear instead.

One day I was riding farther than I should have and my knees weren't strong enough yet. I pulled something and it made pedaling very difficult and painful. I happen to be on one of my e-bikes that still had the throttle. I was going to call and have someone get me, but then realized I could try and throttle back. With 10 miles to go, I was able to make it back with the remaining battery. It really saved me that day. My knee felt better after I stopped pedaling and was able to recover the next day.

Now I leave my throttle on and carry a knee support wrap just in case. Occasionally I ride in places where you cannot get any cell phone reception. I didn't realize how useful a throttle was until that day.

Indeed last September my ride started beautifully- as I reached my endpoint and turned around,something ominous was occurring! Black foul smoke was overtaking my path home- I am extremely sensitive to toxic air! Because of Covid luckily I had a mask- and because my bike has a throttle I zoomed home without pedaling and thereby avoided sucking in more smoke!! Thank You throttle!!!!