Originally Posted by
Bizman
I will attempt to explain speed with the mid drive as I understand it. The sensor may sense 20 mph but the difference is you can use your gears to archive a higher speed. The motor is driving the crank which in turn is turning the higher gears, hence the higher speed. With a hub motor you can't utilize your gears as the hub motor is actually driving the wheel, when it senses 20 mph it cuts the power out stopping the wheel from going any faster.
My bike is pedal assist only, no hand or thumb throttle, you have to pedal it to make it work, it is not a free ride so to speak. If you get tired just turn the motor on to whatever level you feel you need and away you go! I have a rear rack, fenders, and Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus panniers and have carried 30+ pounds on it. I also have and Allfine 11 IGH and front wheel hub generator to power the lights, drop bars, disc brakes, studded tires for the winter. It is a fast and comfortable ride! The Panasonic motor has had no problems in the almost 2 1/2 years and 8000 + miles I have rode it. I do have the 12 ah battery upgrade, mine is also a 36v system.
As another poster said the Bosch and Panasonic units are mostly sold with the bike, that is why I mentioned the Stoke Monkey since that is an add on. I have heard good things about the 8fun and for what you are doing that may be your best option. Another mid drive bike to look at may be the izip but I believe this is sold with the bike. The izip I am thinking of had the 48v system with hand throttle and pedal assist. My understanding is if you want a hand throttle get a 48v system and for pedal assist get a 36v but others may have another opinion on that? I googled the Velo Orange and that is a nice bike? Do you really want to alter your nice bike?
Yes the wayy I have the VO set up it is a beautiful ride. It has the hammered fenders and all the VO components. Right now it is upright, but I may switch back to the drop bars. I was thinking that the mid drive would be on odd add on to that look, but it would allow me to use the bike so much more. Right now I use the Big Dummy to go everywhere (maybe 5,000 miles per year or more?) and it is a great bike, but I cannot put it on the bike rack for my van or the the bus and it won't fit in my elevator at work. Not a big deal, but it does limit the use somewhat.
The Outrider was my other option, as that is a nice looking front hub and would fit nicely with the bike's looks. I could also go with the Ezee rear hub, but it is more cost and maybe weighs a few pounds more. However, my touring will use front panniers with a seat bag (with the battery inside) so it might balance out better.
I like the sounds of your bike. Do it all bike for sure. I wish more people would look to do what you have done (and me too) because you really can just about replace a vehicle. I use about $40/month in fuel and my DW uses 10 times that for example.