Mid/Inline Drives

[AllenG]

http://awcg.com/Allen/Bicycle/X1/Side.jpg

A motor is going in the gap between the rear wheel and the seat tube.
I want the same functions as my Giant Lite/Twist.
1.) The motor inline to the chain or driving a freewheel on the cranks, NO HUB MOTORS.
2.) Pedelectic drive. The throttle and the pedal sensor on my Heinzmann feels Tinkertoyish to my Giant's Panasonic drive. There is a pressure sensor in the pedals, the harder you pedal the harder the motor runs, no handlebar mounted throttle.

I can't get a Panasonic system in the US, I'm going to have to make my own.

What inline motor drives are on the market currently?
Who has the good pedal activated systems currently?

Many thanks,

--A

[BroadwayJoe]

I wish I knew more about the Panasonic software - but I don't think it works quite like you said: "the harder you pedal the harder the motor runs"

On my National frame Panasonic drive bike it puts out a max amount of power when you start pedaling from a stop but once you're rolling it actually starts working somewhat reverse of what you stated. In other words - while cruising along, the harder you pedal - slightly less power is delivered. the software thinks you're pedaling harder and actually cuts back a bit on the motor assistance during this cruising mode with heavy pedaling. Very clever, intuitive and makes for a ton of range. At least that's what it feels like it's doing to me.

In fact, when I want more assistance I actually vary my leg pressure so that one leg pushes slightly more/less than the other. try that and see if you don't feel a bit more push from the motor? I believe this tricks the pedelec controller software into sensing not as much pedaling power and triggers a little more help from the motor.

It's weird stuff inside that Panasonic drive but it's totally the best eBike drive I've used and I've had a few. maybe it was Cyclone that had a BB mounted system? I know I saw something on eBay a while back - check it out.

Maybe someone can find a penpal or friend in Japan that could just ship Panasonic drives over here? I can't believe we're flooded by Chinese junk yet can't get these excellent bicycle drive units over here from modern Japan? Don't they have eBay in Japan? Is it tariffs? exchange rates? language? what's the hold up?

[crackerdog]

I just got a Charger bike from Electoportal and it does what you want but it is a complete bike. So far the only kit I have found for a diamond frame bike (inline motors) is the cyclone, though I haven't tried one yet.

[BroadwayJoe]

ebay item: 330228129206