The best eMTB motor 2020....is there such a thing?

[E-Wheels]

According to this article the “best” eMTB motor is determined by how it influences the performance of the overall package, and what works for each individual riders use case

The best eMTB motor of 2021 – The 8 hottest motors in test

Which ebike motor is best? We tested seven of the most important motors in our group test and tell you what it’s all about on the trail.

ebike-mtb.com

 

[FlatSix911]

According to this article, the “best” eMTB motor is determined by how it influences the performance of the overall package, and what works for each individual riders use case

The best eMTB motor of 2021 – The 8 hottest motors in test

Which ebike motor is best? We tested seven of the most important motors in our group test and tell you what it’s all about on the trail.

ebike-mtb.com

I agree with the conclusion of the article... High Torque is nice, but smooth integrated power delivery is key. YMMV

What makes a good motor?
In a nutshell: a motor is good if the system as a whole including the battery, integration, power output and ride feel suits the bike into which it’s built. As we all use our eMTBs for different things and ride them in different ways, ideally you want to be able to adjust and tune the motor to suit your preferences, either doing it yourself or having it done at your dealer.

Specialized with their TCU, as well as Shimano lead the way in this regard. With these motors, the customer is given a lot of options to configure the remote and display the way they prefer and tune the support modes via an app. However, it’s also this customizability that makes it so difficult to compare motors. A good motor is part of a seamlessly integrated system and perfectly suited for the bike’s intended use.

Manufacturer​	Model​	Torque [Nm]​	Motor weight (kg)​
Bosch	Performance Line CX (Click for review)	85	2.79
Brose	Drive S Mag (Click for review)	90	2.98
FAZUA	Evation (Click for review)	55	1.92
Shimano	STEPS E8000 (Click for review)	70	2.89
Specialized	SL 1.1 (Click for review)	35	1.95
TQ	HPR 120 S (Click for review)	120	3.90
Yamaha	PW-X2 (Click for review)	80	3.06

 

[TomD]

The best eMTB motor of 2021? I will go out on a limb and say Bafang M600 with Archon X1 controller upgrade.

 

[scout592]

Why don't they include any bafang motors?

 

[dunksalot]

Why don't they include any bafang motors?

Those motors are all built into brand name bikes with distribution. Is Bafang on any reputable brand? None that I can think of.

Bafang is a favorite with the DIY crowd though. Conversely, those in the article are not simple motors to find for the DIY crowd. It's a sign that this industry is so similar to the early PC days.

I'm looking at my own DIY project as an amateur DIYer. I have a Diamondback Recoil that I bought 8 years ago for $600. For $1,200 I can throw a Bafang BBS02 on it with some upgrades (hydraulic brakes, chain, and a few other things.) But then I start looking at just buying a FLX Trail for $2600 w/excellent specs for price, or SONDORS Rockstar $2500 w/Bafang Ultra but wait until Q1 2021, or (my current favorite just out of my price range before my wife kills me) a Luna X1 Enduro $4,000 with ludicrous mode. There is no way I'd spend $7K+ on a bike without a throttle.

 

[FlatSix911]

The best eMTB motor of 2021? I will go out on a limb and say Bafang M600 with Archon X1 controller upgrade.

Why don't they include any bafang motors?

Good question... Bafang makes a number of good mid-drives and has not yet penetrated the OEM EMTB market.

 

[FlatSix911]

Those motors are all built into brand name bikes with distribution. Is Bafang on any reputable brand? None that I can think of.

Bafang is a favorite with the DIY crowd though. Conversely, those in the article are not simple motors to find for the DIY crowd. It's a sign that this industry is so similar to the early PC days.

I'm looking at my own DIY project as an amateur DIYer. I have a Diamondback Recoil that I bought 8 years ago for $600. For $1,200 I can throw a Bafang BBS02 on it with some upgrades (hydraulic brakes, chain, and a few other things.) But then I start looking at just buying a FLX Trail for $2600 w/excellent specs for price, or SONDORS Rockstar $2500 w/Bafang Ultra but wait until Q1 2021, or (my current favorite just out of my price range before my wife kills me) a Luna X1 Enduro $4,000 with ludicrous mode. There is no way I'd spend $7K+ on a bike without a throttle.

I agree... take a look at the Wattwagons Travelanche for a combination of excellent quality specs along with a 3000W Bafang Ultra motor (with throttle) and Archon controller.

Travalanche Specifications

This is what makes the Travalanche an incredible machine. Carbon Fiber frame, Bafang Ultra, Archon X1 controller. and up to 3000W of power! Conquer terrain you dreamed about.

wattwagons.com

 

[dunksalot]

I agree... take a look at the Wattwagons Travelanche for a combination of excellent quality specs along with a 3000W Bafang Ultra motor (with throttle) and Archon controller.

Travalanche Specifications

This is what makes the Travalanche an incredible machine. Carbon Fiber frame, Bafang Ultra, Archon X1 controller. and up to 3000W of power! Conquer terrain you dreamed about.

wattwagons.com

That is A FREAKING BEAUTY...and I've drooled over it in the past but at over $8K I can buy all 3 on my list above. HOWEVER...if I had the $8K budget I'd strongly consider it over just about anything in the market I've come across - including top of the line Specialized or Haibike models. I feel pretty good about their know-how and they are active in these message boards.

The only alternative in that price range is getting a $5K carbon fiber Santa Cruz, Devinci or similar - and then add a Kranked Bikes 3750W beast that I can add/remove in 15 minutes for $3400. Good part here is I can go ride in analog at local ski mountains since they are Class 1 only, bad part is it has a backpack battery which I do not want.