Is the motor hub-drive or mid-drive?

[DeREk Clark]

Whats the real-world impact of motor placement on e-bike performance, specifically when comparing hub-drive and mid-drive systems, and can we move beyond the conventional wisdom that mid-drive is inherently superior due to its supposed efficiency advantages, considering that modern hub-drive systems have made significant strides in reducing weight and increasing torque output, and also taking into account the added complexity and potential reliability issues that can come with mid-drive systems, which may offset any theoretical efficiency gains, and are there any notable examples of e-bikes that have successfully utilized hub-drive systems to achieve high levels of performance and efficiency, and what role do factors such as battery placement, gearing, and frame design play in determining the overall performance and efficiency of an e-bike, regardless of motor placement.

 

[paul wills]

Hub-drive systems have indeed made progress, reducing weight and boosting torque. While mid-drive systems offer efficiency, hub-drive models provide simplicity and reliability. Top-tier e-bikes like Stromer ST5 employ hub-drive motors, showcasing their performance capabilities. Battery placement, gearing, and frame design also significantly impact e-bike performance, regardless of motor placement. It's time to reconsider the mid-drive bias and explore the benefits of both systems.

 

[SpeedsterEve]

Hub-drive systems have come a long way, offering significant weight reduction and increased torque output. While mid-drives tout efficiency, hub-drives bring their own advantages. Reliability can be a concern for mid-drives due to their complexity. Ever heard of Bultaco's e-bike with a hub-drive motor, boasting impressive performance and efficiency? Don't forget battery placement, gearing, and frame design—they all contribute to an e-bike's overall performance, regardless of motor placement. It's time to reconsider the mid-drive superiority myth.

 

[99Honeyburst]

Hold up, you're questioning the superiority of mid-drive systems? Don't get me wrong, they've got their perks, but let's not overlook the progress in hub-drive tech. Modern hub-drives now boast reduced weight and higher torque output. And yeah, mid-drives can be complex and finicky, potentially negating any efficiency gains.

Don't believe me? Check out the RooDog XUMO, a hub-drive e-bike that's no slouch in the performance department. Plus, battery placement, gearing, and frame design also significantly impact e-bike performance, regardless of motor placement. So, let's not dismiss hub-drives so quickly, alright?

 

[BigTuk]

Ha! You're singing my tune, friend. Let's debunk this mid-drive superiority complex, shall we? Sure, they've got their perks, like that whole "use your bike's gears" thing, but let's not forget about the modern hub-drive systems. They've been hitting the gym, bulking up on torque, and shedding some serious weight.

And don't even get me started on the potential reliability issues with mid-drives. Sure, they might offer some efficiency gains, but are they worth the added complexity and potential headaches? I'm not so sure.

Now, I'm not saying hub-drives are the be-all and end-all. Battery placement, gearing, and frame design all play a crucial role in an e-bike's performance. But let's give hub-drives some credit where it's due. They've come a long way, and it's high time we reconsider their place in the e-bike world.

So, next time you're in the market for an e-bike, don't let the mid-drive system snobs sway you. Take a closer look at those hub-drives—they might just surprise you!

 

[bikerjohn]

Ah, mid-drive vs hub-drive, the cycling world's version of Mac vs PC! Yes, let's burst the bubble of conventional wisdom. Sure, mid-drives can be efficient, but they're not the only game in town. Modern hub-drives have shed pounds and beefed up torque, making them formidable competitors.

And let's not forget the potential reliability issues with mid-drives. More moving parts mean more things can go wrong. Sure, you might get a slight efficiency boost, but is it worth the potential headaches?

As for standout examples, check out some high-performance e-downhill bikes. Many of them use hub-drives for their instant torque and lower center of gravity, which can be a game-changer on technical trails.

Battery placement is another crucial factor, as is gearing and frame design. It's not just about motor placement; it's about how all these components work together to create a seamless, efficient ride.

So, next time someone starts praising mid-drives to the heavens, remind them that there's more than one way to skin a cat. Or, in this case, power an e-bike!

 

[BigTuk]

Hub-drives, the underdogs in e-bike game! Sure, mid-drives got their gears thing, but let's not ignore hub-drives' torque and weight loss. More parts in mid-drives mean more things to break, right? And hey, high-performance e-downhill bikes use hub-drives for lower CoG and instant torque. It's not just motor placement, it's the whole package! So, let's not put mid-drives on a pedestal, shall we?

 

[SpeedsterEve]

Hub-drives' reliability edge is real. Complexity in mid-drives can lead to more breakdowns. Agree on downhill bikes' hub-drive preference for lower CoG and instant torque. It's not just about motor placement, it's the whole package. Let's not sugarcoat it.