Ebikes on hills.
Posted by koreanfriednoodles@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Hey everyone.
Im new to ebikes. Just started looking into them. I live in vancouver BC and cycle often with friends. Use an old simple 10 gear cycle.
I have been thinking of getting a gazelle medeo t10 or t9. Leaning towards the medeo t9 (cheaper)
One thing I am concerned about it how the bike will do on hills. I live in an area with some hills so I wasn't sure about how much effort ill need to put on hills on an ebike.
My plan was to use the e bike on eco mode most of the time and get some excercise when I use it. I dont mind pedaling harder when there are hilly sections of my route but I am concerned with how much of a strain it would be for me vs doing the same route on a regular cycle. My main concern is since the ebike is heavier im not sure how it would work. If I switch from eco to turbo or sport mode how much of a difference would it be and would it be enough. The gazelle medeo T9 is equipped with Bosch's Active Line motor, providing up to 40 Nm of torque. T10 has the Bosch Performance Line motor, delivering up to 65 Nm of torque.
A friend mentioned that amount of torque might not be enough. But thought if get another opinion. In the meantime im looking for a dealer that has some bikes near a hilly area so I can test them.
Tight_Lengthiness_32@reddit
I’m 70, I have a T10 and have not found a hill it wouldn’t handle. Normally I’m in TOUR but going to SPORT for the long climbs is quite nice TURBO even better
libbuge@reddit
Can you take one for a test run?
Worried_Document8668@reddit
think about it this way, torque is mostly important for getting off the line or getting started. low rpm stuff
If you are climbing and messed up your shifts, a high torque motor can still push the drivetrain ,even with the resistance of too high a gear. Lower torque motors won't be able to do that and will need you to be more mindful of your shifts. When you are pedaling and in the right gear, torque becomes less of an issue.
High torque is also quite practical for really technical mtb, where you often work with short boosts to clear obstacles.
The wattage is the important part for how quick you will be able to get up stuff. Higher wattage means more power to keep those cranks spinning, resulting in more speed up a hill
therealautomoderator@reddit
i own a gazelle ultimate t10, very similar to the medeo, and rode it across the country this year. your gearing will be sufficient to climb 8% grades on eco mode, and i did this with a lot of extra weight on the bike and i also chain smoked the whole time and have organ damage and diabetes. have fun
Professional_Meal103@reddit
I’ve been doing the Cambie hill up to king Edward from downtown with very little effort on a mid drive mec 406. I hear Gazelle’s are a nicer ride.
Kumquat_of_Pain@reddit
I have a 60 pound bike with a Gen 3 65Nm Bosch coupled to a 9 speed 11-42T and 44T crank. 27.5" wheels. I weigh about 205 pounds.
In the largest gear, I can maintain 8-9mph up an average 12% grade with a last push at 20% with medium effort + Turbo/Auto
That's a get off and walk territory with me on a regular bike.
This is according to MapOMeter.com.
So depending on your gearing, hills, amount of effort you're putting in 40Nm send doable, with the 65Nm being ideal.
Note that there's enough low end torque in these settings that I have to be a little careful not to wheelie going up the hill.
richardrc@reddit
If you pedal to climb you will be fine. If you want to climb hills on throttle only, not so good. How much experience does your friend have with Bosch bikes? Lots of people read numbers and have never ridden them. All my eBikes are Bosch and they are perfect for me because I want an electric assisted bicycle, not a dirt bike.
koreanfriednoodles@reddit (OP)
Some but i sont call him an expert. He is kind of lazy and wants something with more kick that he can use to explore the city. Go far and not have to exert himself at all.
In my case I want to explore but also get some workout and have an assist for the hilly sections. Basically a "easy mode" if im tired of pedaling. I want a workout but dont want to come home completely exhausted and covered in sweat. That's what im hoping for with an ebike.
JohnathanThin@reddit
How hilly? An 80Nm motor can make good work against the Gagliardi way climb up Burnaby mountain, which is about 8% grade.
koreanfriednoodles@reddit (OP)
I live in north burnaby near Brentwood. Its not as extreme as garibaldi way climb but I would like to do that climb on an ebike.
JohnathanThin@reddit
It would be harder on a 65Nm bike, but the 80Nm is able to keep me on the 3rd or 4th gear when climbing. You'd just have to go on a lower gear.
koreanfriednoodles@reddit (OP)
Also want to do the bike trail that goes up to the lookout point in Staney Park. And the bike trail that goes from the seawall to the staircase near Wreck Beach. 7-10 % grade according to chatgpt.