Are hidden e-bike motors still a thing?
#1
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Are hidden e-bike motors still a thing?
A few years ago, I read about a system called Vivax, which had a small shaft and gear that was meant to be hidden within the seat tube and provide a modest assist. It popped into my head today, and I read today that they went out of business a couple of years ago. Is anyone else making systems like this? I had thought about converting one of my bikes, but maybe this is a moot point now. I know there are other systems on the market, but I was specifically interested in the small footprint and modest assist that the Vivax system claimed to provide.
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there are a few treks new bike
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...ode=black_grey
this brand has been around awhile
https://www.fazua.com/en/
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...ode=black_grey
this brand has been around awhile
https://www.fazua.com/en/
#3
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I would look at an already built system, Fazua or the Mahle mid-drive that Specialized is using would be good places to start. The hidden motors were I feel like largely for the cheating market and weren't necessarily and good system. I am sure they had uses outside of that but the stuff out today is so much better.
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Vivax was ingenious, but low power and the pinion gear that connected the motor to the crank was high maintenance (I've heard). If perfected, it could be a fun system.
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