Posting this with Pushkar’s permission.
Finally got my Luna Super Banana V2 done and went on its first ride. I’ll just refer to the bike as “Buzzraw” because I’m not a fan of Luna’s name. My intention with this post is to give a review of the bike and purchase process with Luna and how, in some ways, the process compares to Watt Wagons specifically the Hydra.
The bike is a Coast Cycles Buzzraw X that has a Luna Ludicrous V2 BBSHD and a 52V 18AH Dire Wolf Battery. Peak wattage is a claimed 4000w with 2500w continuous. Even more power is supposed to be available with a 72V battery. Luna did an outstanding job packaging and protecting the bike during shipping. The box it comes in is made to look like it’s a big screen TV vs a bike. Sneaky but it must work because there wasn’t a mark on the bike when I unpacked it. Assembly was flawless and everything worked as it should unlike some other bikes I bought that needed adjustments before riding. Performance wise this thing is stupid fast. Grab a handful of throttle in any of the taller gears and you will end up on the pavement on your back wondering what just happened. My attempt at a top speed run was cut short because I ran out of road and courage. The display read 43 mph and that’s just insane on this little bike. It definitely doesn’t need any more power!
So now my beefs and this is where the difference between Luna and what I’m getting with the Hydra will show. This isn’t a knock or complaint against Luna but all they did was install their motor and battery in the bike. Nothing was done to handle the power this bike makes. Basic SRAM 8 speed setup, cable brakes with 180mm rotors, no upgrades inside the motor like their Peek or steel gears. These are basic off the shelf components and are NOT designed to take this kind of power. Now, like I said I’m not complaining against Luna. It’s basically reflected in the price as to what your getting.
On my own after the purchase I upgraded the brakes to Magura MT5 eStop brakes with 220mm rotors front and rear. I installed Luna’s Peek gear for the BBSHD as the stock nylon gear was doomed at the start. I changed out the tires from street slicks to Coasts AT1 which is a more durable tire. The stock Bafang crank arms sucked so I added Lekkie Buzzbar 160’s. My next project is to strengthen the running gear, ie chain, hub, cassette etc. This is why I was asking questions about DT Swiss hubs and hub durability. Lastly the shocks will be upgraded to Fox Racing shocks as the stock ones suck. I’ve spent a lot of time and money upgrading stuff on the bike to get it to be safe to ride.
So how does this compare or have anything to do with Watt Wagons and the Hydra. A lot actually and it shows what your getting with the Hydra. Both bikes have similar power but the Hydra is a complete bike, meaning every part on it has been thought out and tested. I know when the bike does finally get here the only thing I’ll need to do to it before riding is cut the steerer tube to my liking. That’s it, charge it up and ride. Won’t have to mess with the brakes, tires, chain, cassette, hub etc. Yes I know the Hydra is more expensive initially but when you factor in what I had to change on the Buzzraw they are very close in total cost.
So, now that I made what I intended to be a short post into a novel, I’ll just say I love the Buzzraw for its brute speed and power but I can’t wait for my Hydra to get here as I know it will be unique and very special.
