single-speed ?

[Chazmo]

OK, gang. What’s the deal here? I was looking at the RadRunner (not the “Max”) and it’s a single-speed hub drive. I realize this is supposed to be a cargo bike, but I don’t really understand how this would work in practice. It’s a bike, after all. Maybe my thinking is wrong.

Is the motor internally geared to shift so that pedal cadence can vary? That might change the picture. Or, is this really a single-speed bike? I guess I’m wondering how this works in practice. I’m presuming folks just don’t pedal these bikes, and it seems like it’d be only useful if you’re riding completely flat territory all the time. Does anyone use such a bike, and under what circumstances?

 

[PedalUma]

OK, gang. What’s the deal here? I was looking at the RadRunner (not the “Max”) and it’s a single-speed hub drive. I realize this is supposed to be a cargo bike, but I don’t really understand how this would work in practice. It’s a bike, after all. Maybe my thinking is wrong.

Is the motor internally geared to shift so that pedal cadence can vary? That might change the picture. Or, is this really a single-speed bike? I guess I’m wondering how this works in practice. I’m presuming folks just don’t pedal these bikes, and it seems like it’d be only useful if you’re riding completely flat territory all the time. Does anyone use such a bike, and under what circumstances?

Half of the fat mini-bikes with banana seats that kids ride are single speed. Even the one from Ride One Up. I took one of those up a hill in unlocked mode at 35 mph. It is a brute force thing and not for cyclists. Moments ago I finished making a Surly drop bar gravel bike electric with a torque sensor mid-drive. No it is time for a test ride.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

I’ve seen super73s fitted with a 7(maybe 10?) speed cassette. It can probably be done on similar bikes. Super73 used to sell a “kit” for the conversion, but they don’t have it any longer. Maybe it was for only a particular model. I’m not sure.

What I do know is, a bike is a bike. I’m sure the distance between the inner dropout to the side of the hub motor can be measured and you should be able to find a cassette that can fill the area and delete the single speed gear. Then just install a gear shifter as per usual.

A good amount of ebike riders never shift gears and only adjust the PAS level. I have no doubt ebike companies know this and build bikes for “ease of use” for their customers.

 

[Chazmo]

What I do know is, a bike is a bike. I’m sure the distance between the inner dropout to the side of the hub motor can be measured and you should be able to find a cassette that can fill the area and delete the single speed gear. Then just install a gear shifter as per usual.

Amen, brother. To be fair, there is a “Max” version of this bike that comes with speeds, but I take it that’s not how folks ride the standard version.

A good amount of ebike riders never shift gears and only adjust the PAS level. I have no doubt ebike companies know this and build bikes for “ease of use” for their customers.

Yup, I have to believe that’s what’s going on. Even switching PAS levels must be a very un-bike-y experience.

To be fair, I was never a single-speed bike rider or courier in Manhattan or anything… Even the unassisted single-speeds never made sense to me (and those were clearly being pedaled… hard!).

 

[sc00ter]

I have a single speed RadRunner. Here's how it works.Stay at PAS 2 and you can actively pedal. Anything higher than PAS 2 and you ghost pedal. I purchased this ebike for 2 reasons. I'm lazy and hate doing maintenance, it's just a simple bike to deal with. Other reason, I don't care to haul butt on it, I use it for commuting 15 miles each way. The 20mph speed limit is fast enough for what I need. But yes, most people just ride them like a moped. Some of these single speed ebikes are worst than others and border on the emoped category. I feel the single speed RadRunner still qualifies as a ebike.

 

[Chargeride]

This mini cargo bike has the new Bafang two speed hub drive.
But the seat pillar battery is poor.

 

[stompandgo]

But she has a thumb ring, so you should buy it.

 

[Chargeride]

Ha, its all a bit Kardashian, but she is so hot to me that Im like.
I might buy that bag

 

[mschwett]

... It’s a bike, after all. Maybe my thinking is wrong.

honestly, it's barely a bike. a very useful transportation device, to be sure, and a great value but the purpose of the pedals is mostly to turn the motor on. at 70 gear inches, 65lb, loaded with cargo the average rider isn't doing much of the work to get this thing going. the gearing is designed more to avoid ghost pedaling right up to 20mph, so the 15-20mph range is 70-90 RPM. with a cadence sensor only, the controller doesn't even know if you're ghost pedaling at that point. while it's certainly possible for human power to contribute, it's not all that likely.

 

[Nvreloader]

FWIW,
I have the Wart Hog bike set up for a single or up to 3 speeds gears, as needed,
since I learned that a bent/damaged derailleur causes a major headache, (3 so far..)

What I did, was to adjust the rear axle slider to the minimum distance possible,
then cut the chain to just fit over the largest gear, I would use to get to home base.

Insert the quick link, and adjust for the length required, and set up the chain tensioner to keep the chain tensioned as required.
I found out, that I could have a selection of 3 gears, in one setting,
the only minor headache was, I had to hand select which gear was needed,
that I wanted to change to or use.
I made a coat hanger chain lifter to keep halfway clean fingers.

The Juggs 4 bike is a whole different breed of cat bike,
It required a different chain set up, because the rear axle is captive in one spot,
and the adjustments has to be made using with different chain lengths, to fit the gear selections needed, (also hand changed) and I also needed to use a chain tensioner with it, to keep the required tension, so I don't lose a chain, due to too much slack.

Now, I really enjoy cow/wild horse trail ridding on either bike,
knowing I won't have to hide the bike and walk out,
I can ride my bikes, home,
AND NO............. I am NOT PUSHING these heavy bikes out to the road. yrmv

 

[Chazmo]

the new Bafang two speed hub drive.

Charge, I’ve been wondering about the 2-speed GVT Bafang hub motor since we started discussing it here:

Bafang “GVT” (internal gearing)

Hi folks, I’m wondering if anyone has used Bafang’s internally geared hub (IGH) products? These apparently shift based on wheel-spin rates and are not controlled by the rider, i.e., there’s no gear shifter. I’m curious about the riding experience of using an e-Bike without a...

forums.electricbikereview.com

What I really want to see, if it ever becomes possible, is the 5-speed GVT integrated with the motor. That might actually provide a more “bike-like” riding experience.

I have a single speed RadRunner. ...

Sc00t, thanks for the insight. What you’re saying makes sense. I suppose we could all argue all day about whether it’s a “bike” or not. I’m just glad you like it and use it! Sounds really useful for your daily commute!

 

[ausGeoff]

This mini cargo bike has the new Bafang two speed hub drive.
But the seat pillar battery is poor.

Hardly a "review" as such—more of an advertorial. She spends more
time selling all the add-on bags than telling us the technical specs of
the bike. Brakes? Battery capacity? Size of tyres? Overall length and
step-through height? Charging time? Any major shortcomings? No
rear-vision mirrors? Etc. Lovely frame though...