Electric Bikes - should I go electric?

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olps
06-04-07, 12:06 PM
Well, I've been contemplating getting getting an electric assist (one of the bionx systems to be exact) for a little while now; the only thing is the bike I would fit it to is a Trek 7300 hybrid (it has suspension on the front forks). Would this work? I'm not sure if it's too 'heavy' (although it is pretty light for bikes that size) or if the suspension would slow it down? I have two other road bikes that I use to commute with as well, I tend to use the road bikes for longer commutes and hills (as well as just for fun), and the hybrid for shorter commutes (it's great for rougher terrain and weather). So I was thinking that with the assist motor I could use the 'heavier' of my bikes (the hybrid) for longer commutes (and tackling hills, as sometimes my entire commute 'there' is up a hill) but get the comfort of the hybrid. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks!

dwainedibbly
06-04-07, 03:32 PM
The issue with suspension forks with front wheel hub motors is that they aren't designed for the bike to be, in effect, dragged along by the front wheel. The seals may not be up to the task, the fork may bind, etc.
JeanCoutu
06-04-07, 04:17 PM
BionX is rear wheel, though. It's got a torque sensor thing kinda like powertap style, this is how it gives that bionic leg feeling.

geebee
06-04-07, 04:26 PM
Yep, the Bionx is rear only.
The biggest danger with front wheel drive and sus forks is that the the fork is aliuminium and the motor torque can snap the dropouts with zero warning.
dwainedibbly
06-04-07, 10:12 PM
Yep, the Bionx is rear only.
The biggest danger with front wheel drive and sus forks is that the the fork is aliuminium and the motor torque can snap the dropouts with zero warning.

Ah, sorry, I didn't know that. It sounded like the OP was contemplating a front wheel motor + suspension fork....
johnbear
07-06-07, 10:39 AM
As far as comfort goes, I think the more suspension the better! I tend to ride much farther on my e-bikes and after 40-50 km you can be sore from all the bumps! I have a bike with front drive and a bike with rear drive. My personal preferance is the rear drive as long as the bike is balanced with batteries in the middle.