Bionx Conversions...
 

Although the BIONX 250w and 350W hubs are very expensive, they seem to be a well thought-out design.
I'm trying to get into Green Mode Commuting and I am willing to spend a few $K to get there while the season is right.
My introduction to electric alternatives is from a Quasar Scooter (Now Zappy Express) which is 350W, 36V, belt drive and a whole lot of fun albeit a short trip duration (12v7a batteries).

I have a few questions for those who have installed the Bionx conversion:

1. Did you loose any of the gears on the rear of your conversion? Can you actually still use 9 gears on the cluster?

2. Is the axle width the same as the original hub or did you need to do some 'prying' or shimming to make things work.

3. have you had any problems with the Bionx hub axle turning in the frame stays on heavy torque rides?

I know of WildernerEnergy and Crystalyte hubs but I am looking for a clean, lightweight conversion for an Actionbent Tadpole so it has to be rear wheel drive and I'd like to keep the 9 speed cluster in the back.

Thank you in advance for your input. :p

Tom

UPDATE: According to the LBS (well... semilocal) who deals with Bionx, the SRAM 9 speed clusters are not compatable with the Bionx system, but an 8 speed cluster is. This would require a new chain, bar end shifter and the gear cluster. And, as a sidebar, these systems are on backlog with the new 350W hubs w/ Li-Ion batteries being out till late June.

I'd love to hear someone tell me this is all hogwash :p