It definitely makes the bike heavier. There is also a "drag" factor with a hub motor. The magnets in the hub motor slow things down a little if the motor is not activated. The Bionx allows me to choose different levels of power assistance. If I want it to ride it like a regular bike, I set the power assistance on level 1 or 2. When I want to go faster or lighter on the pedals, I use power assistance level 4.
The flat areas are the easiest, though. Once you've got the bike rolling at the speed you like, it's the same as on a regular bicycle. Just keep pedaling, and things will keep rolling along. I'd still turn the motor on to reduce drag, but keep power assistance at a lower level. Of course, that's assuming you want the full workout. I tend to "cheat" with much more electrical power.
Last edited by recumelectric; 03-29-09 at 02:42 AM.