I reformatted your original questions, below.
The answer to your main question is forget the 48V Nitro, because it is old tech dressed in powerful specs.
Regarding the Neo value, I think you may find better values from other
brands or
models . A full suspension and rear hub motor is a contradiction in design. Some serious cost vs performance tradeoffs. Court explains it in much gentler terms, see unsprung weight below.
I evaluate the bike from the benefits provided, rather than the components. I mapped the components to benefits for you. You might want to rate each of the six benefits on a scale from 1 to 5.
After rating the benefits, rate the cost on a scale from 1 to 5. Divide the benefit score by the cost score.
Compare other bikes by their cost-benefit ratios.
"Any thoughts on if the the power difference between
- 48V, 500 watt Nitro series versus the
- 38V 350 Motor on the Neo Series?
- I like the bigger Motor and the 48V on the Nitro series, but besides that,
- I like most everything else about the new Evo Jumper 27.5 more.
- They are both about the same price.
- Which one do you think is the better bang for the buck?
- Would you go for the speed and power or
- the better suspension and ability to charge the battery on the bike? Any advice greatly appreciated."
2015 Neo Jumper EM web page
Easy Motion Neo 650B Jumper Review 2014 is closest review
Depends on the benefits that the components yield in your particular situation. Here is how I see the components relating to benefits, using Court's words and the latest data from EM web page:
- Elegance - Rate
- Rear hub motor design increases unsprung weight (reducing traction) but is quiet and fast
- The battery powering this bike uses Lithium-ion cells produced by Samsung and is custom designed to mate with the downtube. It looks beautiful, keeps weight low and centered and is removable for convenient charging.
- The LCD unit is removable to prevent tampering and comes with a nice fabric case. It shows speed, range, assist level and precise battery capaicity; it’s also backlit
- Wires and cables are all integrated into the frame keeping them out of sight and out of harms way
- Economy. Rate
- Price MSRP : MSRP: $4,099.00
- Warranty : 2 Year Comprehensive, Optional 5 Year Frame with Registration
- Ease
- Torque sensing pedal assist is great for climbing and extends range, also features a twist throttle mode
- DerailleurShimano XT 10SP
- Front DerailleurShimano Deore 3SP
- CranksetShimano 175mm
- Bottom BracketShimano
- CasseteShimano HG62 10SP (011-36t)
- Front BrakesTektro Auriga E-Com 160mm rotor Rear Brakes 180mm
- Motor Type / Nominal Output : Rear-Mounted Geared Hub / 350 watt
- Rock Shox XC32 120m
- Rear ShockSR Suntour SR12-EPICON LO-R 120mm
- 2014 Estimated Charge Time / Estimated Min and Max Range : 4 hrs / 20 to 40 miles (32.19 to 64.37 kilometers)
- It’s light weight[motor], at about seven pounds, and narrow enough to accommodate a 10 speed cassette inline. The downside to this configuration is increased unsprung weight (weight that is not part of the main frame which has springs between it and the wheels) This hampers the rebound speed of the rear wheel because the increased mass takes longer to bounce back into contact with the ground as the rear shock compresses and then uncompresses. It also puts more weight towards the rear of the bike versus the center.
- Just as the remote lockout for the front shock is reachable without moving a hand, so to is the on/off switch and up/down buttons controlling pedal assist.
- performance 27.5" wheels for improved efficiency
- BatterySamsung Lithium Ion Battery 36v/9Ah (324Wh)
- There are four modes to choose from with each offering more power and requiring more energy (shortening potential range).
- Felt DUALe 10 is one of the pricier full suspension electric bikes I’ve reviewed but you do get quality and a solid warranty, for $900 less you can get the Bosch system on a Haibike FS 27.5″ which weighs 4 lbs more and isn’t quite as stiff, also consider the Lapierre Overvolt FS 900 that’s one pound lighter and $300 less
Nitro Cross review abstract. No, Poor choice. Older technology wrapped in better sounding specs.
- Price MSRP : $4,399.00 USD - this price makes me seriously consider other brands.
- Electric Bike Class : Speed Pedalec (Class 3) - Learn More about Ebike Classes -
- too restrictive in CA for my situation. 20mph limit to be a "motorized bicycle", rather than a "motorized vehicle". Lose access to trails.
- Solid 30 gear range with Shimano XT components,
- I prefer 1x11 or 2x10 to achieve 400%+ gear ratio
- SR suntour suspension fork with lockout, carbon handlebar
- I prefer a higher performance model 63 mm Travel not enough. 100mm+
- Well balanced frame, beautiful aesthetic, a bit expensive compared to the Nitro City which offers the same performance but also includes a rack and fenders
- Torque : Dapu / 40.5 Newton meters
- Very disappointing. I want 48V to achieve 90-120Nm of hill climbing torque.
- Battery Voltage / Amp Hours / Watt Hours : 48 volt / 8.7 ah / 417.6 WH
- The downsides of this motor are that it can feel a bit sluggish in throttle mode and it doesn’t come with a quick release axle system like the new EVO line from Easy Motion
- It uses the older design which features a power cable that exits on the right side of the bike (where the cassette and derailleur are) and can be more vulnerable to damage if the bike tips
- The range you get from this battery can really vary because efficiency drops significantly when riding above 20 mph due to air resistance.
- Given that the Nitro Cross is a “speed assist” bike, I imagine that some people will constantly be riding above 20 and this could lower the range to ~20 vs. the officially estimated ~35 miles.
