Heybike Villain VS Nova X
Posted by SkibbyBoboLink@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Hello to everyone in the e-moto hobby. I recently got into the hobby, and was looking for an e-moto from $1,000-$1,400 and found 2 bikes. The $1,100 Nova X, and the $1,300 Heybike Villain. My main grasps on them are as such:
Heybike Villain:
Around 220-240 torque (this is a rough estimate after modding the FarDriver, which is one of the only mods I would make to the Villain, other than maybe occasionally decreasing or increasing the size of the sprocket for for torque or speed)
For someone of my stature (5,9 + 130 pounds) the Villain roughly pulls 43-45mph with an un-modded FarDriver, meaning it should pull around 45-48 with the FarDriver modded (with stock sprocket btw)
The main 2 technical difference between the 2 e-motos is that the Villain comes with a 52V, 26Ah battery, and a 4160W peak mid drive motor, while the Nova X comes with the basically standard 48V, 23Ah, 4000W peak mid drive motor.
The Villain is fairly comfortable, and slim, which is to my liking, and to many tall owners of the Villain, and seeing as I’m gonna gain a few inches in the next few years (rough estimate of around 2-4 inches), I think it’ll be nice to grow into
To cut the yapping, rough lay down of the rest.
Hydraulic disk brakes, hydraulic suspensions with the fork suspension, good tires, magnetic kill switch, not “street legal” as it only has a headlight, no rear brake light, turn signals or a horn.
As far as I know, the Nova X is basically all in the same, except it has no FarDriver to mod, but in turn, has a higher stock torque. The max speed of it (when 100% unlocked in settings) is around 44-47mph for someone of my stature. Basically the same form factor, brakes, suspension, except it sits a little lower to the ground compared to the Villain.
In summary, the Villain is good. Very good actually, but I just don’t know if the extra $200 to maybe $300 dollars is worth the same, if not barely better torque (after modding), roughly the same top speed (2-4mph difference), barely different motor and battery, and overall same build quality and features. Oh yeah, and the villain can reverse. Forgot to mention that. lol.
Any advice at all will be heavily appreciated, and if you made it this far, thanks a lot.
okaythisisalot@reddit
I have a Heybike and the components are all very common and reliable, at least on mine which is a Ranger 3.0, so replacing them will be easy. See what brands the parts/components are like brakes and gearshifters etc for both bikes, and whether or not you can easily find them. Also call around to local shops and ask if they do work on either of the brands. That’s what I did and it really helped me out in deciding. Plus if you can order the parts easily, it also helps with learning how to work on the bike yourself.
SkibbyBoboLink@reddit (OP)
Good point, but I’m looking for as low maintenance as possible. I know it’s a pretty big ask in the e-moto hobby, but I’m mainly just modding the FarDriver, and occasionally fixing the tires and chain. The sprocket replacements is kinda unnecessary. I think based off of the other comments, I’m starting to lean towards the Villain anyways, but if you could give me concrete opinion on which one you’d rather me get, I’d really appreciate that!
okaythisisalot@reddit
I’d say as far as low maintenance, I’d go villain as the parts are easy to get, and are long-lasting because they use the industry standard, and name brand components. That way when/if maintenance/a fix does need to occur, you could walk into an e-moto shop and they will likely service it. I know many shops that work with Heybike, not sure about the Nova. Good luck, and I hope you have a great time on whichever bike you choose!
SkibbyBoboLink@reddit (OP)
Thanks!
SeparateArtichoke458@reddit
As far as i understand, the Nova X uses a Hobby Wing L series controller. Don't know much more about it, as I just got an RT-X, which uses the next size up from them.
HobbyWing E bike controller
SkibbyBoboLink@reddit (OP)
Speaking of which, is the RT-X a good bike too? 2k is for sure out of budget for me, but soon I can get a part time job, and money will be a little more available. So should I consider the RT-X later down the line?
SeparateArtichoke458@reddit
I've only had it a little over a week, so I haven't really had a lot of time on it. It wants to pull the front up in mode 2, so I feel like it'll do all of the the 53+ it claims. It's very responsive, feels well built. The customer service seems to be pretty good so far... I'm not sure if it was damaged in shipping, but the left peg is missing a big chunk so they're sending out a new one. If you need a 19/17 size dirt bike, it seems worth it. Several people seem to be calling a surron killer... Remains to be seen. 😅 I used Affirm to spilt it into payments.
VariousAd5939@reddit
No pedals
supervisefishfuckr99@reddit
Mirror mirror on the wall who's the most insufferable redditor of them all
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
I have the nova mini. The peak numbers are not accurate. The same probably apply for the x
SkibbyBoboLink@reddit (OP)
I figured as much, but what about the villain? My main purpose for posting this is to find out if the Villain is worth the $200-$300 more than the Nova X.
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
I have the Yozma in10 (same company as heybike). The in10 has way more torque than the nova mini even though the nova has way better numbers.
So yes I think the villain is worth the extra $