Originally Posted by
JonBailey
My thoughts on shifting are to completely let off on the throttle and then shift gears. You do this on a clutch automobile anyway. Of course, I still have to keep the pedals moving with my feet so the derailleur functions. This Quick CX 3 I'm considering probably has a freewheel. If I see a hill coming, I will downshift in advance anyway.
Since the kit will have a cadence or torque sensor, it will kick on the power when you pedal, so your idea will not work. You would either need a brake sensor or shift sensor to be able to cut power as you shift, or grab a LinkGlide drivetrain that won't care about shifting under load. If you haven't even bought the bike yet, I would strongly consider grabbing the Quick CX 2 or 1 to get a LinkGlide drivetrain stock. Or, if you aren't dead set on having a throttle or something more serviceable at home, grabbing a purpose built ebike is certainly worth looking into.
Can't the BAFANG motor simply be replaced if I decide it is no longer serviceable? It probably will not get any hard wear the way I ride anyway. Mostly on relatively flat Iowa pavement and pu$$yfooted along slowly.
Sure, you can grab just the motor if you need. Even if you don't push it hard, it is still possible that the corrosive effects of salt in the winter could have a negative impact on it, just like any other bike part.