What Weight Does & Where It Is

[PedalUma]

Recently a super nice guy got stuck on the question of the weight of an eBike. He had to know this number as if that would answer everything. For me it is like asking the weight of a musical instrument. It is a number that tells you little about how it performs. As with a sailboat it is a matter of what the weight does and where it is placed. Two sailboats may have the same overall weight but perform very differently. The same goes with electric bikes. Please weigh-in on the topic.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The weight distribution is certainly important (that's why I prefer mid-drive motor e-bikes with frame-integrated battery) but you are not telling me Pedaluma it doesn't matter whether an e-bike is 32 lb (Vado SL) or 53 lb (Vado), are you.

 

[PedalUma]

Here is one example. What I am saying is that a stronger chain might weight a little more but also do a lot more.

 

[Bubba zanetti]

Causing a given weight to move into motion or consequently come to a stop from motion matters little about weight distribution. (Acceleration and deceleration). Once in motion, changes in direction or those caused by surface or terrain will be impacted by weight distribution, sometimes markedly. ( handling and stability ). Motorcycle racing is a prime example of this.

 

[PedalUma]

Bubba, did you view that recumbent? Look at its weight distribution. That is a 750W BBS02 up high and out front.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Weight doesn't matter until it does, and then it matters a lot.

All other things being equal, a lighter bike will have greater range and will accelerate more rapidly.

When you encounter obstacles on your journey, a heavy bike may make it much more difficult to negotiate those obstacles:

 

[PedalUma]

I rode a mountain bike with a 3lbs battery. My friend had a 840Wh battery. At the end of the ride he was down two bars. I was down by one. And my bike out climbed his even though I had a 350W motor and his was 750W.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I rode a mountain bike

This e-MTB weighs 53 lbs and is equipped with a 250 W nominal motor (520 W peak power). It would be nice to own a super-lightweight Levo SL but in case of e-MTB my legs tell me I need more power than 240 W

 

[PedalUma]

You are correct in mentioning the word Nominal. It is a matter of how peak power is on tap. I like any weight low and centered. If not it must be for a good reason - just like on a sailboat.
This lightweight conversion (photo) out flies heavier bikes that have more Nominal power. I saw a Levo for $14499 yesterday while picking up a part I ordered last Summer. Nice bike!

 

[indianajo]

I ride off the edge of cell phone service. The Mommie who might rescue me when the bike fails is dead anyway. Taxis don't come out of town, 17 miles from destination. I carry enough tools & parts to handle any problem short of chain breakage, to include axles unscrewing & dropping balls, which happened twice. My bike weighed 72 lb before battery & motor; with saddle converter, tools water & 3 tubes 94. Since I walked 21 miles to buy a tube when the spare blew right after I installed it. 94 lb is only 5/9 of what I weigh, and pedaling it around helped me reduce from 213. I don't drip sweat. Having a 40 lb bike is no fun if you have to push it 24 miles to buy a tube or 33 miles to the bike shop. I do keep a spare pedal bike, chain, and tire out at my summer camp to cut push requirement to 1/2 of 30 miles.
I do like the motor & battery on the front. It balances the bike when I push it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I saw a Levo for $14499 yesterday while picking up a part I ordered last Summer.

Levo SL Comp costs only US$7550

 

[PedalUma]

Specialized

S-Works Turbo Levo SL​

Regular price $14,499.99
Then there is the 160Wh Range-Extender for Only $500 more!

 

[Mr. Coffee]

S-Works Turbo Levo SL​

Regular price $14,499.99
Then there is the 160Wh Range-Extender for Only $500 more!

For all that the S-Works Turbo Levo SL looks like a great bike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Why are you're talking S-Works?
I said: Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp.

 

[PedalUma]

I am having fun. I understand you. And these are very nice bikes with good weight distribution and superior handling.
The S-Works has gold stickers.