Hi Guys/Gals, this has been a timely event finding these forums just as I am considering buying the gear to electrify my bicycle.
Most of the equipment I understand how it interacts and works with the system as to the jobs they do. I am curious as to the type of hub I should go to..........geared like crystalite or direct drive such as the GM. I want durability and that usually entails simplicity to get it. I'm more likely to go to a heavier DD system rather than with a system that has gears that can wear out and need to be replaced. I will be commuting to work and back each day and that will entail a 16 km trip each way with no detours for groceries etc. But I have some concerns that I don't know how they affect the system.
It looks like the motors are the same for different voltages from 24, 36, and 48. Is it just the controllers that are mated to the motor that differ with the voltages used? (and the batteries too of course)
I'm aware of the 500 watt limit on units used on the roads but would still like to use a more powerful and faster unit like the 48v 1000w. Problem is I don't know how the relationships work. For example, if I run 48v will I have more acceleration, top end speed and also greater range compared to a 36v system using the same motor considering the ampere hour rating of the batteries are equal? Or will the smaller system get greater range with lesser performance ie. acceleration and top end speed?
Personally being a long time motorcycle rider and cyclist I feel the speed restrictions placed on electrically assisted bikes to be pretty lame, especially if a persons commuting distance is more than the average 2 mile ride. I'm wanting to do the thing that is good for the environment but wanting a little more performance than what is legally allowed. How is a cop going to know how powerful the system is by looking at it? Clocking you doing more than the 30kms per hour will be a give away but if a person is not showing off while in and around town .........how is a cop to know what it is rated at or the speeds it is capable of? I'd like the 1000w 48v system for the top end speed so I can get to where I'm going quickly and then slow down and take it easy once in town. I have huge hills here that climb more than 200 meters in a single km or so. I'm thinking the larger system will be torque'ier? Well thats a lot of questions so I will stop here. Thanks in advance.
Ian....
