Originally Posted by
mobilemail
When we went shopping for the bike, he LBS guy said that hub motors have a more noticeable and always present drag, not so much an issue with the mid-drive. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that you have a LOT of rotating weight with the hub motor.
My wife's electra rides just like a normal bike then the motor is off, only heavier.
I call BS.
I have no significant drag with my hub motor. Only direct drive motors have drag.
There is very little rotating weight where it counts. All the weight is at the center, which is negligible rotational weight in my case (I have a 4lb motor laced to a light wheel).
the LBS is making general statements that may apply to direct drive motors, but not to the more popular smaller geared hub motor.
My hub motor bikes ride "just like a normal bike then the motor is off, only heavier."
(actually, my e-road bike isn't heavier than your average hybrid or mountain bike.)