I'm considering buying a Felt E-95. One model is a hybrid type with the Shimano Steps and the other is a flat bar bike with the Bosch. Both are 350W motors. Does anyone have experience with Felt e-bikes? They seem well built and the Shimano model is about $600 cheaper than the Bosch. Is the German unit worth the extra money? I was told that Felt is dropping the Bosch will use only Shimano next year.

Can't say about Shimano, but I've ridden two Bosch-equipped bikes (a Haibike and a Trek), and both were superb.

I have not tried the Shimano e-bikes; but they seem to be getting good writeups. I am sure that you already know that the mid-drive, like both the Shimano and the Bosch are going to work better, on uneven terrain, than a hub motor. As such a 350W will probably be fine.

What are your e-bike needs and expectations?

I had chance to try shimano, bosch, bafang and brose.

I gave my comments.

1- Bosch : Nice motor but for me they look ugly with those batteries. Had good aftersales service and system. Love their diagnostic tools. But for me most e-bikes use bosch seem like so ugly.


2- Shimano : Smooth ride but don't expect much power. Thats what i felt.

3- Bafang. Don't ever try to use it. ( i know your question was for shimano vs Bosch but i wanna mention ). Not a smooth ride. I would prefer to spend couple more bucks and buy something reliable.

4- Brose : Mate i would advice you to buy brose. They seem more flexible about battery pack design. I see some brands use different batteries so aesthetic point they are superior. Don't think i am a shallow guy but if i am spending over 3K i would want my bike to look nice. I am now little bit shy on money but on september during sales time want to buy one.

THeir performance seems better.
After sales : I am not sure but diagnostic systems seem same like bosch. Sure bosch must have a wider coverage of AM.

The ones i know who you use
- BH: Nice battery with brose system. Really nice nice bike
- Ariel Rider : More like a cruiser bike but seems to have better performance. Also have a comfortable riding position
- Specialized : That machine look like a beast. But so expensive for me.

Have had a chance to ride a Trek city bike with 28 mph Shimano fairly extensively since this was posted. Worked perfectly; strong and smooth. Also, FYI, own a BBS02 and have no complaints. Only liability is on gnarly ascents where the rpm (only)-sensored system is not as effective as those with rpm, torque and speed.

Generally you get torque out of Mid drives for hills , which hub motors dont.

I've ridden the Shimano, Bosch, Yamaha and BaFang mid-drives. I liked the Shimano very much, but it is NOT rated for off-road use like the Bosch and Yamaha. So if you want to MTB get something else or go with a BaFang mounted on a standard MTB (I own one and enjoy it very much).

The BaFang BBS## are GREAT RELIABLE SMOOTH motors and the most reasonably priced solution for the majority of people. Don't let anyone tell you differently! They are the GO TO bolt on solution and give you the option of using a throttle or boost button for extra power.

If you are only going to ride designated bike trails or commuting on the street, take a look at the Raliegh Misceo Shimano mid-drive system with electric shifting and automatic gear reset when you stop.

I assumed that you were looking at city-type bikes. Shimano has an XT-level STePS system for off road which will be on some 2017 bikes.