Not impressed with Bionx kit...
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not impressed with Bionx kit...
Just thought I would make a post about my most recent experience with ebikes. I originally purchased a Schwinn cheapy from Canadian Tire and while I enjoyed it quite a bit, my thumb got sore from the throttle so I took it back. However, I was very impressed with the technology and decided to investigate the Bionx system and install it on a comfortable bike of my choosing.
Well, I managed to get to a dealer today who had a Bionx system installed on a bike. I must have taken it for 10 minutes up and down the parking lot and going fast and slow and I'll be quite honest that I WAS NOT impressed! I can honestly say that I had no clue it was working when it was working??? I could feel it charging when I pressed the rear brake... but when I was giving it at 200% on theLCD display... I could turn it off and I'm not sure I'd feel a difference?
The fellow I was talking to was surprised and so he took it out and said "Yep, I can feel it!", I took it out again and Nada!?! Not sure what gives, but I will not be investing $1000k+ on a system that I can't tell what it's doing.
I was using the 250 watt NiMH version if it matters???
Unfortunately, I think that the best option for me is to get my M license and seriously consider 49cc scooters...
Well, I managed to get to a dealer today who had a Bionx system installed on a bike. I must have taken it for 10 minutes up and down the parking lot and going fast and slow and I'll be quite honest that I WAS NOT impressed! I can honestly say that I had no clue it was working when it was working??? I could feel it charging when I pressed the rear brake... but when I was giving it at 200% on theLCD display... I could turn it off and I'm not sure I'd feel a difference?
The fellow I was talking to was surprised and so he took it out and said "Yep, I can feel it!", I took it out again and Nada!?! Not sure what gives, but I will not be investing $1000k+ on a system that I can't tell what it's doing.
I was using the 250 watt NiMH version if it matters???
Unfortunately, I think that the best option for me is to get my M license and seriously consider 49cc scooters...
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 273
Bikes: Rocky Mountain electric bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The PL350 feels noticeably quicker than a 250, but all thg BionX kits are not for the power hungry. They're designed for people who like to pedal, to give them a boost in power. Using only 250 or 350W means longer battery life, and longer run times.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Bikes: Soma cyclocross with Bionx PL500HS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sounds like you need a lot of power. If you pedal lightly, Bionx will not put a lot of power out. You should note the percent of bars on the console when you're pedalling. I believe you can set the sensitivity of the bionx system so that it will multiply your power even more. You can ask the dealer if that's possible.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, I guess I was expecting more with the Bionx, especially at 200% power or Level 4. I was hoping that when I started to pedal, I'd be able to feel it kick in. But there was no "kick in". I just kept pedalling along wondering if it was doing anything as I changed the settings in mid-ride.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 273
Bikes: Rocky Mountain electric bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think the idea of the BionX is that you can ride it like a normal bike without messing with a thumb or twist grip throttle. And with only 250W, the entry level kit will be at maximum power quite early since pedaling at 125W is barely anything.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Bikes: Soma cyclocross with Bionx PL500HS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, I guess I was expecting more with the Bionx, especially at 200% power or Level 4. I was hoping that when I started to pedal, I'd be able to feel it kick in. But there was no "kick in". I just kept pedalling along wondering if it was doing anything as I changed the settings in mid-ride.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 431
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The difference of a half pedal power of 100 watts and 300 watt s out of motor putting out 150 watts of power to the road to make up for the battery weight you might go 16 mph.But just like all hub motors , they all suck for weight and efficiency no matter how easy they are to slap on.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 540
Bikes: GT3 trike,Viper chopper, electric assist Viper chopper,Electric moped(Vespa style)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yep those 2kg hubs (approximate weight of one of mine) weigh a ton. Sheesh give it a rest.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 431
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 540
Bikes: GT3 trike,Viper chopper, electric assist Viper chopper,Electric moped(Vespa style)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 431
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Tell us more of what you know nothing about and roll your eyes more. lol
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 540
Bikes: GT3 trike,Viper chopper, electric assist Viper chopper,Electric moped(Vespa style)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The big difference is that I can refer to a manufacturers site with weight and efficiency figures.
Yours are whatever suits the argument with no proof for any of your claims, I referred to the written article in your sig. which is incorrect apparently?
Anyone can build a super light drive with an outrunner motor and gearing but longevity?
Yours are whatever suits the argument with no proof for any of your claims, I referred to the written article in your sig. which is incorrect apparently?
Anyone can build a super light drive with an outrunner motor and gearing but longevity?
#13
Bicycling Gnome
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: 55.0N 1.59W
Posts: 1,877
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#14
e-Biker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 951
Bikes: Gary Fisher, Strong GT-S eBike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Yeah, I guess I was expecting more with the Bionx, especially at 200% power or Level 4. I was hoping that when I started to pedal, I'd be able to feel it kick in. But there was no "kick in". I just kept pedalling along wondering if it was doing anything as I changed the settings in mid-ride.
There's no "kick in" like the Strong eBike. You can barely feel it working at all but it does work. Just remember that the Bionx is an intelligent system not just an on/off assist like on other bikes.
#15
e-Biker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 951
Bikes: Gary Fisher, Strong GT-S eBike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I agree. I've found the 250W to be quite weak. But the 350W is very enjoyable after a few controller "hacks".
#16
Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Vancouver BC CANADA
Posts: 47
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you may have seen my other posts... i too tried the electric route but in the end i now have a 49.9cc scooter and am very happy. so get your license ..i just did mine..written test 30days ago..passed MST (skills test) on 17th. I can now ride with no supervisor(well i did b4 but now i do not have to be paranoid when i see a cop )
Just thought I would make a post about my most recent experience with ebikes. I originally purchased a Schwinn cheapy from Canadian Tire and while I enjoyed it quite a bit, my thumb got sore from the throttle so I took it back. However, I was very impressed with the technology and decided to investigate the Bionx system and install it on a comfortable bike of my choosing.
Well, I managed to get to a dealer today who had a Bionx system installed on a bike. I must have taken it for 10 minutes up and down the parking lot and going fast and slow and I'll be quite honest that I WAS NOT impressed! I can honestly say that I had no clue it was working when it was working??? I could feel it charging when I pressed the rear brake... but when I was giving it at 200% on theLCD display... I could turn it off and I'm not sure I'd feel a difference?
The fellow I was talking to was surprised and so he took it out and said "Yep, I can feel it!", I took it out again and Nada!?! Not sure what gives, but I will not be investing $1000k+ on a system that I can't tell what it's doing.
I was using the 250 watt NiMH version if it matters???
Unfortunately, I think that the best option for me is to get my M license and seriously consider 49cc scooters...
Well, I managed to get to a dealer today who had a Bionx system installed on a bike. I must have taken it for 10 minutes up and down the parking lot and going fast and slow and I'll be quite honest that I WAS NOT impressed! I can honestly say that I had no clue it was working when it was working??? I could feel it charging when I pressed the rear brake... but when I was giving it at 200% on theLCD display... I could turn it off and I'm not sure I'd feel a difference?
The fellow I was talking to was surprised and so he took it out and said "Yep, I can feel it!", I took it out again and Nada!?! Not sure what gives, but I will not be investing $1000k+ on a system that I can't tell what it's doing.
I was using the 250 watt NiMH version if it matters???
Unfortunately, I think that the best option for me is to get my M license and seriously consider 49cc scooters...