250W Bosch Mid-Drive Hub or RPB (Rad Power) 500w Rear Hub, which is a better choice?
Posted by uncmmn@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 15 comments
Not too concerned about range as all I need is around 40-50km. The models I'm currently looking at are: Cube Touring Hybrid ONE 500, Radster Trail and Aventon Level 3. Which of these do you think is the best option? Located in Vancouver, very hilly, will be used for work commute. Mid-drives seem generally more expensive but is it worth it??
Milters711@reddit
Middrive fo sho
SnowDrifter_@reddit
Mid drives are king for hills. I've used both, I wouldn't use another hub motor. PNW, also hilly area
uncmmn@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your quick input! I'm big into numbers so couldn't help but be enticed by the higher Watt count on the rear hubs but that's great to know.
Nibb31@reddit
The big difference is torque, not watts.
A hub drive is direct drive and doesn't use the bike's gears. When it runs out of oomph, it runs out. A mid drive uses the bike's transmission, so it provides a better experience.
fasteasyfree@reddit
The 250W is nominal (average) power. Peak power on the new Gen 5 Bosch motors is 750W. It's 1000W on the DJI Avinox motor.
SnowDrifter_@reddit
If you're on flat ground, it's kind of a wash. But even a small 250w mid drive is going to run circles around a 750w hub once you start getting into steeper grades. Like... >8%. Especially if they're long ones where heat buildup is a concern
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
If you are staying on pavement, consider the Priority Current Plus which has a mid-drive motor and a belt. Less maintenance, less worries about grease on pants. It uses a rigid front fork. But has class 3 speed with a throttle (rare for mid-drives) and 140nm of torque. Allegedly it is on sale right now through Costco Next for $2300.
stormdelta@reddit
A hub motor can handle those hills, but you need more power than that with a higher end setup, and ideally you'd want regen braking to offset the efficiency loss.
If you don't want to do that, a mid-drive will work better, at the cost of higher maintenance and wear.
uncmmn@reddit (OP)
You make some really good points, makes sense. Torque output for the Cube is around 65nm for the Gen 3 Bosch Performance (supposedly) Thanks for taking the time to answer
BodSmith54321@reddit
I'd get the Cube if price is no object and you don’t need a throttle.
uncmmn@reddit (OP)
Price difference between the Cube and Rad bike would be about $350 and maybe negligible for Cube against the Aventon Level 3 (Peaks around 750W when unlocked) because of a sale at a local shop for the Cube - which makes sense since it’s an older model I believe. Thank you for your opinion! Appreciate it
Vangruver@reddit
Another vote for mid drive. Also in Vancouver.
You’ll get mechanical advantage with the gearing and assist.
Also easier to repair a flat, if you ever get one.
It’s really like riding a bicycle normally, but with super leg strength!
DarkVoid42@reddit
bosch
Teslamarco@reddit
For Vancouver's substantial hills, choose the Bosch mid-drive; its ability to use your bike's gearing provides far superior climbing power and efficiency than any hub motor, making it worth the premium.
uncmmn@reddit (OP)
That's 2/2 for Mid-drive!! Thanks for your input :)