dypsomaniart said:
Hey john bosi,
Im running the aft mid drive on a giant glory. It will climb anything, the only thing that would stop it is rider ability and traction. Ive gotten up hills that are so steep you're slipping and sliding just trying to push your bike up without the motor. It has amazed me a few times by getting me up some nearly vertical short climbs that you wouldnt have a hope of getting up pedalling. The ego site claims you can master up to 40% inclines, and its true. That hill in your vid you could cruise up in first gear at 10-15kmh without a problem, or hit it hard and probably get up at 20-30kmh if ya didnt mind draining ya battery quicker. The mid drive bikes handle so much better on hills and trails its amazing.
Sorry to butt into your thread drew!
Cheers,
Jesse
I don't mind anyone commenting in this thread. In fact, I'm glad you chimed in. I was about to refer John to you since you live in Austrailia also. I know Austrailia is big but maybe you guys are near each other and he can check it out in person. John, I would also talk to Jim at AFT. He is very helpful and will can probably tell you of some others in Austrailia.
John, I can do a video of starting from stop. But I don't have any mountains close by to do a real test. Have an idea what grade the hills you were on? I might be able to find something.
Other than a few dropped chains in the beginning because my motor wasn't aligned right, I haven't had any issues. And if I did, Jim will help you right away. I did move my controller to downtube but that was to protect it from mud but probably fine where it was.
In general, mid drives are excellent for trails. So far, I wouldn't ride anything else on the trails. But you have to be in right gear to make it work. If you end up in wrong gear going up a hill, you will bog down. I'm still trying to figure out how to be in right gear at various moments. So before you hit the hill, you need to gear down. It will take some time getting used to. Basically, what I'm saying is that it is more complicated and more maintenance. Not sure if that will turn you off compared to a hub motor. And there is the noise factor. If you want to be quiet on the trail, it won't be like a hub motor.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the motor and would buy again but did want to mention the items above.
The only other low maintenance option might be 2wd but haven't heard of anyone riding these on the rough stuff but should be fine going up steep hills.
if you can, I would have two bikes: one hub and one mid drive.