Question on Kindernay

[Marrduk24]

I know this question His been asked a few times. But wanted to revise and see what owner experience with Kindernay has been.

Watching this video it seems like the gear shifting is not very smooth when the motor is applying torque.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Hopefully, pushkar can give us some feedback from his riding and shifting the Kindernay setup. It looks, from watching the video, the smoothest shifting is done when the rider stops pedalling while the shift is being completed.
I recently changed my shifting option, on both of the bikes I ordered, to a Kindernay setup. I'm still not 100% sure I made the right decision, though.

 

[pushkar]

In our experience, with any hub (Rohloff / Kindernay / Shimano / Sturmey Archer), we recommend pausing a little bit to change gears.

As a reference- Rohloff doesnt shift at all under pressure at all (even with the slightest pedal pressure). Kindernay upshifts under pressure, and we have not had failures after around 6k miles and shifting under pressure, but we will not recommended it.

 

[skelm-]

I think it's based more on the car transmission where you absolutely must take your foot off the gas to shift. The typical bike shifters are different and rely on foot power to do the shifting. I don't see this as a problem but more of the nature of the beast

 

[pushkar]

more of the nature of the beast

aka "Manufacturer Warranty"

 

[Marrduk24]

In our experience, with any hub (Rohloff / Kindernay / Shimano / Sturmey Archer), we recommend pausing a little bit to change gears.

As a reference- Rohloff doesnt shift at all under pressure at all (even with the slightest pedal pressure). Kindernay upshifts under pressure, and we have not had failures after around 6k miles and shifting under pressure, but we will not recommended it.

Thanks Pushkar @pushkar
A couple of questions
1. What’s the base drive train on Helios? It says 11 speed chain cassette in the top down (with Kindernay as an upgrade) but down in description on it says 3 speed Sturney with gated belt drive? If it is indeed a derailleur, which groupset are you using? I would think its SLX 11 speed given the overall component quality but want to clarify.
2. For my use case would you see any benefit of a IGH - < 2k miles an year, flat-city diving, clean conditions (ie no mud or snow), roads or paved trails.
Thanks a lot.

 

[pushkar]

Thanks Pushkar @pushkar
A couple of questions
1. What’s the base drive train on Helios? It says 11 speed chain cassette in the top down (with Kindernay as an upgrade) but down in description on it says 3 speed Sturney with gated belt drive? If it is indeed a derailleur, which groupset are you using? I would think its SLX 11 speed given the overall component quality but want to clarify.
2. For my use case would you see any benefit of a IGH - < 2k miles an year, flat-city diving, clean conditions (ie no mud or snow), roads or paved trails.
Thanks a lot.

For the helios, the rear dropout is 148mm, thru axle. It supports up to 27.7 * 2.8inch tires (the new supermotos now come 2.8 believe it or not!). Unfortunately the SA hub is only 135mm and wont fit. We will be updating the description shortly.

1. Base drive train (for cost reasons) will be a 11 speed drive train - same as Hydra.
2. If there is no snow / mud, then chain should work well. Though I am biased with hubs and will always recommend that.

We will also be offering a mid-range m600 based bike (Re-aunching City commuter) with a 3 speed IGH and belt. That should be good for <2k miles a year. Fairly sturdy.

 

[Zachdds]

If flat, like Florida flat, I would highly consider a single speed with belt. The motor should have more then enough oomph to push you up the few bridges you might encounter. It would certainly simplify your drivetrain and your handlebars. My only concern would be if you wanted to gear it to be able to do 35 mph with ease. That might be a little tough on takeoff, but with belt and single speed I don’t know what would be the weak area.

I have a 3 speed, the differences in gears from 1-3 is noticeable, but it isn’t that big of a difference. I use mine with a bbshd and run some fairly steep trails. If I bump my shifter and take on the hill in the wrong gear, the motor still gets me up it. Now I am geared fairly low with a 42 front and 22 rear. I can only keep up the pedaling into the low 20s.