The "UNOFFICIAL" Hydra FAQ thread....

BarnBoy

Well-Known Member
Region
USA
City
Pleasanton, CA
TheBleedingEdge.png


Web Page Info- Use the Hydra or Hydra Frameset to configure and order your dream ebike. And be sure to read the OFFICIAL WW HYDRA FAQ page…
Screen_Shot_2020-11-23_at_8.28.54_PM_720x.png

EDIT- the battery in table above is 14Ah not 17Ah….

Motor, Controller & Battery - The WW web page has the best information as to the Bafang Ultra motor, the Archon X1 power and battery options. The DERESTRICTED THROTTLE option allows you to program your throttle above 750W (1000W w/ Kindernay IGH option). This option will only allow you to break your drive train and is thus not advised. Just know that 750W is 1HP, 1500W is 2HP, and 2300W is 3.1HP. In the USA anything above 1HP or >28mph is considered a “Motor Bike” or “Moped”…


Colors- There are a plethora of colors to choose from with multiple accent options available for a reasonable price to give a one of a kind bike. Even a custom full on paint job can be done, just ask Pushkar. Currently the colors are a thin film ceramic coating from Cerakote. The “H-Series” is being used for durability. This stuff was designed to coat firearms and OMG is it tough. Get samples to verify you really like the color choice as the stuff is not really glossy like the photos nor typical wet auto paints. Standard black is actually Cerakote H-190 called Armor Black. Please see the Color Configurator thread for a full discussion on the colors…


Frame Dimensions- The picture below is what brought me to WW in the first place; the 21” Hydra Frame. The forum has many locations where others have asked for XL but were only offered a 19” Large. I’m so giddy I kept bugging @pushkar to go for the XL frame investment! I suspect there will be many more big guys like me that will be happy for this decision too. 15” Small, 17” Medium, 19” Large and “NEW” 21” X-Large frames are available.
Hydra.Dimensions_cb14d7fa-a977-4811-820b-ee54512ef574_540x.png

EDIT- 21 inch or XL frame is not available!

The Kindernay Option- (WARNING some of the below is still forum speculation and TBD!) -Though not standard (a 11-speed 11/42T cassette comes standard), the optional Kindernay IGH, when combined with the standard 14T cog/gear in the back, gives an impressive 9.5T thru 51.5T gear range. Combine that with a 42T chain ring in the front and WOW, serious high-speed and goat-gearing potential! The forum has several speed and gear calculators to play with and will make your mind go numb with the 14 evenly spaced transitions…

With a belt drive, the Kindernay can accept as small as a 22T cog, and the Hydra/Bafang Ultra potentially a 55T up front; slowing things down for better goat range. Now go have more fun with those speed/gear calculators and just drool! The WW belt system is still under double top-secret WW Labs development. Rest assured good progress is being made…

For the Kindernay cages, the 26fat and 29er will use the “Fatbike” flavor… (32 spoke)


Rear Travel- @pushkar mentioned that the rear travel on the Hydra is approximately 165-170mm. Here are the rear shock options:

Manitou Mara:
Suntour Tri Air 3CR:
Manitou Mara Pro:
Fox Float X2 w/ Kashima coat:


Front Forks – This depends upon what you have configured, but below is what is available and the web page specs for the same. Fork steerer tube (1.5 inch standard) will come uncut with several spacers to allow you to custom fit your ride for comfort.

Suntour Radion 32 Boost: Comes standard.
Manitou Mattoc: Available for 27.5x3 and 29x2.6 wheel builds. There are many version, @pushkar to confirm what one.
Manitou Mastodon: Available for 26x4.8 Fatbike wheel builds (29er too!). I assume this is the Pro Extended model with 120mm of travel based on FaceBook/Instagram photos and specs. @pushkar to confirm.
Manitou Mezzer Pro: Available for 27.5x3 and 29x2.6 wheel builds.
Fox 38 e-Optimized: Available for 27.5x3 and 29x2.6 wheel builds.


Carbon Wheel Build Options- @pushkar will not besmirch the Hydra and WW using low cost single wall rims; he is using Nextie double wall rims. He also allows for custom Nextie label color and weave options for your build. Anything you want, just give him the info and he will get it done (a very common statement from Pushkar by the way!). The Kindernay Fatbike cage uses a 32 spoke pattern, so for the 26fat you will get the Wild Dragon II and 29er is the Jungle Fox II. Pure sweetness…

@pushkar also uses spokes and nipples from Sapim in all of his wheel builds.

For those not going for the Kindernay, Rohloff, Sturmey-Archer, Nextie or other upgrades, then per @pushkar, here is the info for hubs, rims and the Shimano cassette used

Tires
– There are three different wheel build options and here is the rubber used on them all…

26fat uses Vee Tire Snow Shoe XL.
27.5 uses Schwalbe Nobby Nic or Vee Tire Crown Gem depending upon availability.
29er uses Vee Tire Crown Gem.


Headset – Per @pushkar this is a custom headset from FSA, using two different standard FSA headsets. He made the bottom wider to spread the load into a wider area for the carbon frame. It uses the 1.5 inch steerer tube standard. Good stuff!!


Stem and Bars
- The standard configuration uses the Protaper Aluminum Fat Bar. There is an optional Protaper Carbon Fat Bar for a little more as well as other options. It uses the 35mm bar standard (not 31.8!) as mentioned here. All of the forks use a 1.5 inch steerer tube….


CranksStandard offering is 170mm aluminum but you can upgrade to 165mm carbon. Both use the rather old ISIS standard used on the Bafang Ultra motor BB.


Pedals – Either the Crank Brothers Stamp 1 or Protaper ZuZu will be offered depending upon availability as standard. But the Crank Brothers Stamp 3 and Stamp 7 are available options.


Saddle- The Ergon SMC saddle comes standard but can be upgraded to the Ergon Core Prime. Another available option is the Brooks C17 Carved.


Dropper- The Manitou Jack dropper post comes standard in 125 or 150 travel options and is awesome for a standard bike configuration. But the Rock Shox C1 and AXS are also available if needed. The seat post standard is 31.6mm like the UC Pro.


Brakes- Magura MT5e come standard and Hayes Dominion A4 are available as a load stopping upgrade.


Grips- Protaper or Raceface grips come standard depending upon availability. Ergon GA2 or GP5 grips are available as upgrades. If you are thinking bar ends, you might want to consider these upgrades instead…


Tax & Shipping- Unfortunately you can't avoid the taxman and @pushkar will have to collect local state taxes. Not sure of VAT or other taxes outside the USA. For shipping there is a $300 flat-rate shipping anywhere within USA.


Ballpark Weight – There are many posts in the forum regarding weight. Do a search on WEIGHT and you will see the min weight is 50lbs and max mentioned is 73 pounds with 58 pounds being mentioned most often. This all depends upon your particular bike and how you build it. Hopefully people with actual bikes will reply in this thread with their weights for their particular bike and I will update this. But really folks, with 2.3kW of motor power, do you want to be a weight weenie???


Bike Classification Sticker- OK folks, this is a bit sticky. States like California demand that an ebike manufacturer or distributer places a classification sticker in a prominent/permanent area on the ebike. And if the bike is modified, user or upgrader is required to relabel to the proper classification. The law is very clear that in the USA Class 1 is <750W <20MPH and no throttle. Class 2 adds a throttle and <20MPH. Class 3 extends the max speed to <28mph, <750W and possibly blocks you from trails depending upon your state plus the helmet you can use (DOT). There is no Class 4! Fortunately Wattwagons is in Boston Massachusetts, and Massachusetts doesn’t have a rating system; yet. So no classification sticker will be applied… (Thank goodness!)

The forum has several excellent discussions on this and Bolton Bikes has stickers. I’m seriously considering adding their Class 4 sticker as a joke…... but then again I live in California, so maybe not!

giphy.gif
That’s a Hydra!!!

If you like this post (or any of the "Unofficial" FAQ posts) please press the "LIKE" button! Thank you!!!
-BB

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: BarnBoy is not affiliated with Watt Wagons LLC in any way, shape or form. The data contained in this “Unofficial” FAQ does not constitute any legal or binding agreement between you the consumer/customer and Watt Wagons LLC. That will be your purchase order as a legal and binding contract with Watt Wagons LLC. The data contained is for information purposes only…
*****
Edit History
3/7/2021 - Initial post. Added Taxes and Shipping. Thank you @biruja!
3/9/2021 - Edited URLS to be hidden in text as per this reference, added additional references and pictures.. Removed -BB story...
3/15/2021 - Added Hydra Spec Sheet from WW web page...
3/18/2021 - Disclaimer (thanks @Deacon Blues!) and Weight (thanks @skelm-!)
3/21/2021 - Update WW web page references due to changes in the WW web pages....
3/29/2021 - Added standard rim, hub and cassette info... (Thanks @reed scott )
1/8/22- correct battery and frame info. Thanks @Zachdds !
 
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As to frame size. My 19" large frame AM 1000 is bigger than my 21 1/2 Specialized XTC MTB. Longer and taller. Going off the dimensions in the above table the Hydra is at least as big as the Frey and bigger in some measurements. I like big frames but too big is a problem. I'm 6' 2" with a 34 in inseam.
 
When I got my email there was no option for the Ergon Prime Core saddle which I had asked for in my original order.
 
I commend Pushkar's decision to leave the fork stem long. This is the way to do it. 👍
I know right? Riders may need it, and trimming it to your ideal length is just $10.

I know a lot of other riders go for looks - but we have found a happy medium with that. Don't trim it - anecdotally, we haven't heard of any of our riders who have trimmed that !
 
@BarnBoy Thanks for compiling this. I will review this by tomorrow and provide edits if any.

Trying to see if there is a way to make this sticky onthe forum, or if there is a way to get this on our site ?
 
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@BarnBoy Thanks for compiling this. I will review this by tomorrow and provide edits if any.

Trying to see if there is a way to make this sticky onthe forum, or if there is a way to get this on our site ?
Pushkar, can the Hydra with the 27.5X3.0 swing arm fit a 26X4.0 tire on a 26X65mm wheel? Thinking of getting a set of Nextie Carbon Mag wheels for my bike. Also what’s the rear spacin?
 
View attachment 81152

Web Page Info- Use the Hydra or Hydra Frameset to configure and order your dream ebike. And be sure to read the OFFICIAL WW HYDRA FAQ page…
Screen_Shot_2020-11-23_at_8.28.54_PM_720x.png


Motor, Controller & Battery - The WW web page has the best information as to the Bafang Ultra motor, the Archon X1 power and battery options. The DERESTRICTED THROTTLE option allows you to program your throttle above 750W (1000W w/ Kindernay IGH option). This option will only allow you to break your drive train and is thus not advised. Just know that 750W is 1HP, 1500W is 2HP, and 2300W is 3.1HP. In the USA anything above 1HP or >28mph is considered a “Motor Bike” or “Moped”…


Colors- There are a plethora of colors to choose from with multiple accent options available for a reasonable price to give a one of a kind bike. Even a custom full on paint job can be done, just ask Pushkar. Currently the colors are a thin film ceramic coating from Cerakote. The “H-Series” is being used for durability. This stuff was designed to coat firearms and OMG is it tough. Get samples to verify you really like the color choice as the stuff is not really glossy like the photos nor typical wet auto paints. Standard black is actually Cerakote H-190 called Armor Black. Please see the Color Configurator thread for a full discussion on the colors…


Frame Dimensions- The picture below is what brought me to WW in the first place; the 21” Hydra Frame. The forum has many locations where others have asked for XL but were only offered a 19” Large. I’m so giddy I kept bugging @pushkar to go for the XL frame investment! I suspect there will be many more big guys like me that will be happy for this decision too. 15” Small, 17” Medium, 19” Large and “NEW” 21” X-Large frames are available.
Hydra.Dimensions_cb14d7fa-a977-4811-820b-ee54512ef574_540x.png



The Kindernay Option- (WARNING some of the below is still forum speculation and TBD!) -Though not standard (a 11-speed 11/42T cassette comes standard), the optional Kindernay IGH, when combined with the standard 14T cog/gear in the back, gives an impressive 9.5T thru 51.5T gear range. Combine that with a 42T chain ring in the front and WOW, serious high-speed and goat-gearing potential! The forum has several speed and gear calculators to play with and will make your mind go numb with the 14 evenly spaced transitions…

With a belt drive, the Kindernay can accept as small as a 22T cog, and the Hydra/Bafang Ultra potentially a 55T up front; slowing things down for better goat range. Now go have more fun with those speed/gear calculators and just drool! The WW belt system is still under double top-secret WW Labs development. Rest assured good progress is being made…

For the Kindernay cages, the 26fat and 29er will use the “Fatbike” flavor… (32 spoke)


Rear Travel- @pushkar mentioned that the rear travel on the Hydra is approximately 165-170mm. Here are the rear shock options:

Manitou Mara:
Suntour Tri Air 3CR:
Manitou Mara Pro:
Fox Float X2 w/ Kashima coat:


Front Forks – This depends upon what you have configured, but below is what is available and the web page specs for the same. Fork steerer tube (1.5 inch standard) will come uncut with several spacers to allow you to custom fit your ride for comfort.

Suntour Radion 32 Boost: Comes standard.
Manitou Mattoc: Available for 27.5x3 and 29x2.6 wheel builds. There are many version, @pushkar to confirm what one.
Manitou Mastodon: Available for 26x4.8 Fatbike wheel builds (29er too!). I assume this is the Pro Extended model with 120mm of travel based on FaceBook/Instagram photos and specs. @pushkar to confirm.
Manitou Mezzer Pro: Available for 27.5x3 and 29x2.6 wheel builds.
Fox 38 e-Optimized: Available for 27.5x3 and 29x2.6 wheel builds.


Carbon Wheel Build Options- @pushkar will not besmirch the Hydra and WW using low cost single wall rims; he is using Nextie double wall rims. He also allows for custom Nextie label color and weave options for your build. Anything you want, just give him the info and he will get it done (a very common statement from Pushkar by the way!). The Kindernay Fatbike cage uses a 32 spoke pattern, so for the 26fat you will get the Wild Dragon II and 29er is the Jungle Fox II. Pure sweetness…

@pushkar also uses spokes and nipples from Sapim in all of his wheel builds.


Tires
– There are three different wheel build options and here is the rubber used on them all…

26fat uses Vee Tire Snow Shoe XL.
27.5 uses Schwalbe Nobby Nic or Vee Tire Crown Gem depending upon availability.
29er uses Vee Tire Crown Gem.


Headset – Per @pushkar this is a custom headset from FSA, using two different standard FSA headsets. He made the bottom wider to spread the load into a wider area for the carbon frame. It uses the 1.5 inch steerer tube standard. Good stuff!!


Stem and Bars
- The standard configuration uses the Protaper Aluminum Fat Bar. There is an optional Protaper Carbon Fat Bar for a little more as well as other options. It uses the 35mm bar standard (not 31.8!) as mentioned here. All of the forks use a 1.5 inch steerer tube….


CranksStandard offering is 170mm aluminum but you can upgrade to 165mm carbon. Both use the rather old ISIS standard used on the Bafang Ultra motor BB.


Pedals – Either the Crank Brothers Stamp 1 or Protaper ZuZu will be offered depending upon availability as standard. But the Crank Brothers Stamp 3 and Stamp 7 are available options.


Saddle- The Ergon SMC saddle comes standard but can be upgraded to the Ergon Core Prime. Another available option is the Brooks C17 Carved.


Dropper- The Manitou Jack dropper post comes standard in 125 or 150 travel options and is awesome for a standard bike configuration. But the Rock Shox C1 and AXS are also available if needed. The seat post standard is 31.6mm like the UC Pro.


Brakes- Magura MT5e come standard and Hayes Dominion A4 are available as a load stopping upgrade.


Grips- Protaper or Raceface grips come standard depending upon availability. Ergon GA2 or GP5 grips are available as upgrades. If you are thinking bar ends, you might want to consider these upgrades instead…


Tax & Shipping- Unfortunately you can't avoid the taxman and @pushkar will have to collect local state taxes. Not sure of VAT or other taxes outside the USA. For shipping there is a $300 flat-rate shipping anywhere within USA.


Ballpark Weight – There are many posts in the forum regarding weight. Do a search on WEIGHT and you will see the min weight is 50lbs and max mentioned is 73 pounds with 58 pounds being mentioned most often. This all depends upon your particular bike and how you build it. Hopefully people with actual bikes will reply in this thread with their weights for their particular bike and I will update this. But really folks, with 2.3kW of motor power, do you want to be a weight weenie???


Bike Classification Sticker- OK folks, this is a bit sticky. States like California demand that an ebike manufacturer or distributer places a classification sticker in a prominent/permanent area on the ebike. And if the bike is modified, user or upgrader is required to relabel to the proper classification. The law is very clear that in the USA Class 1 is <750W <20MPH and no throttle. Class 2 adds a throttle and <20MPH. Class 3 extends the max speed to <28mph, <750W and possibly blocks you from trails depending upon your state plus the helmet you can use (DOT). There is no Class 4! Fortunately Wattwagons is in Boston Massachusetts, and Massachusetts doesn’t have a rating system; yet. So no classification sticker will be applied… (Thank goodness!)

The forum has several excellent discussions on this and Bolton Bikes has stickers. I’m seriously considering adding their Class 4 sticker as a joke…... but then again I live in California, so maybe not!

giphy.gif
That’s a Hydra!!!

If you like this post (or any of the "Unofficial" FAQ posts) please press the "LIKE" button! Thank you!!!
-BB

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: BarnBoy is not affiliated with Watt Wagons LLC in any way, shape or form. The data contained in this “Unofficial” FAQ does not constitute any legal or binding agreement between you the consumer/customer and Watt Wagons LLC. That will be your purchase order as a legal and binding contract with Watt Wagons LLC. The data contained is for information purposes only…
*****
Edit History
3/7/2021 - Initial post. Added Taxes and Shipping. Thank you @biruja!
3/9/2021 - Edited URLS to be hidden in text as per this reference, added additional references and pictures.. Removed -BB story...
3/15/2021 - Added Hydra Spec Sheet from WW web page...
3/18/2021 - Disclaimer (thanks @Deacon Blues!) and Weight (thanks @skelm-!)
3/21/2021 - Update WW web page references due to changes in the WW web pages....

I would like to know which hub will be paired with the Shimano cassette. This is a worthy candidate for upgrades. Perhaps the info is out there but I have not seen it. My Bolton/Frey came with Quanta hubs and this is one of the first things I will eventually do: Have Onyx hub wheel sets built. Probably do this at my first cassette replacement. Assuming I have my Hydra by that time.
 
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I would like to know which hub will be paired with the Shimano cassette. This is a worthy candidate for upgrades. Perhaps the info is out there but I have not seen it. My Bolton/Frey came with Quanta hubs and this is one of the first things I will eventually do: Have Onyx hub wheel sets built. Probably do this at my first cassette replacement. Assuming I have my Hydra by that time.
I know everyone wants the very best components but the truth is parts are in such short supply right now Pushkar is having a terrible time just getting enough to complete the bikes. I hope everyone can restrain themselves a little and not make Pushkar‘s life a complete hell. He’s trying very hard to put these bikes together and get them out the door. The OEM supply chain is different than the world that we buy parts in. They pay a lower cost but availability right now is a huge problem. Just look at Sondors. Their full suspension mountain bike is now delayed until summer and they have much stronger purchasing power than someone like Pushkar. I am constantly amazed that Pushkar is able to do what he has done.
Thank you,
 
I know everyone wants the very best components but the truth is parts are in such short supply right now Pushkar is having a terrible time just getting enough to complete the bikes. I hope everyone can restrain themselves a little and not make Pushkar‘s life a complete hell. He’s trying very hard to put these bikes together and get them out the door. The OEM supply chain is different than the world that we buy parts in. They pay a lower cost but availability right now is a huge problem. Just look at Sondors. Their full suspension mountain bike is now delayed until summer and they have much stronger purchasing power than someone like Pushkar. I am constantly amazed that Pushkar is able to do what he has done.
Thank you,
You make a good point. Actually for many of us 'top top of the line' components are over kill. I don't need true race/competition level fork or shock. I want good ones but I sure don't want to pay double for something I don't need. Same goes for carbon rims, wireless shifting, etc. I'm certainly glad others can get these things if they want them. But hubs? so critical and one of the first things to go on a cheap MTB bike. The last thing I want to do is listen to growling bearings from a destroyed hub for several miles as I push it home. o_O

I probably don't need Onyx hubs if I think about it. Something a bit more affordable would probably do just fine.
 
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