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 »  Home  »  Bike Reviews  »  BionX  »  BionX Owner Reviews
BionX Owner Reviews
By Russell Scott | Published  01/29/2006 | BionX | Rating:
BionX Owner Reviews



Current Rating: 9.5 / 10
Reviewers: 2




Reviewer: Nick
Purchased From:
NyceWheels, NY, USA
Purchase Price:
£1,000
Time Owned:
3 Months
Local Terrain:

Some Minor Hills
Strengths:
Enabled me to keep my original bike, a Trek 7300 (hybrid).
Maintains the 'bicycle' feel of my bike, and can be pedalled sans motor although the hub motor makes its presence felt.
Very easy to install and set up, even for mechanical numpties.
Maintenance free so far apart from charging!
Reliable in cold and wet weather.
Quiet.
Variable performance via the console.
Customisable settings - if you have the console codes.
Both methods of assistance work well - variable thumb throttle and assisted pedalling. Latter works well, despite my having one leg very much weaker than the other - power delivery is smooth.
Top speed with 700c wheels is about right.
Range is enough for me - at full assistance on my commute it's a bit less than the 20 miles specified for a flat, windless ride. Probably get 18 miles ish.

Weaknesses:
None really, as it does what I anted and expected, so just the usual really:
Would be nicer cheaper!
Would be good if available in the UK.
More torque would be good although I do not actually need it on my rides - copes with a half mile 1 in 10 fine.
More range, but again it is sufficient for me, but more is always what we want!

Summary:
An excellent 'bolt-on' jobbie that does just the job for me. I have a weak leg and dodgy knee and this allows me to get and enjoy some exercise over a decent range, and commute to work. Aside from technical advances, I do not see how it could be improved really.
I'd also recommend NyceWheels.

Overall Rating:
(10/10)



Reviewer: Adam Kim
Purchased From:
NyceWheels, NY, USA
Purchase Price:
n/a
Time Owned:
 9 Months
Local Terrain:

Some Minor Hills
Strengths:
Quiet
Light (compared to other systems)
Pedal activated variable assistance
Regenerative braking

Weaknesses:
Cogging effect (due to regen braking)
Battery takes up bottle holder or rack
Motor not too silent (vibrations) at high torque

Summary:
This is the best add-on system available.  Now if only they can figure out how to freewheel the motor without losing regen braking, it'd be perfect.

Overall Rating:
(9/10)


The opinions expressed are those of the authors/reviewers only. They do not represent the views of www.pedelecs.co.uk




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Comments
  • Comment #1 (Posted by AlbertoC67)
    Rating
    Thanks for your impressions.
    Did you talk about the 250 or the 350 W model, with Lithium or NiMh battery?
    Bye

     
  • Comment #2 (Posted by Reiner)
    Rating
    Yes,it's a nice system. I have read, that the top speed is about 48 km/h. Who nows something about that and the programming? Bye Reiner
     
  • Comment #3 (Posted by KEN SANDERS)
    Rating
    purchased Dougs spoke and sport Saskatoon Sask i live in Northbattleford Sask Can . 4500klms since Aug 4 2006 bionx p250 not much better unit than this on the market better to buy the best and not be dissapointed Being a owner actualy led me to become a dealer for this product i would recommend this product to all avid bike riders
     
  • Comment #4 (Posted by BionX not that good)
    Rating
    To be honest, the BionX is nowhere near as good as some of the reviews portray it - sure it is near top end IN THEORY, but it is seriously overpriced, and the spares are ridiculously overpriced. Mine really does about 15kms before you have to worry about getting home; it is neccessary to use 50% power just to overcome the additional weight. There were several quality issues with mine from new as well (missing battery cell internal dampners (battery cells rattled around), faulty cabling, amongst others. I would go for a more customisable, more cost-effective, solution next time around.
     
  • Comment #5 (Posted by DAVE)
    Rating
    BIONX IS JUST A PIECE OF CRAP KEEPS QUITING WHEN I NEED IT THE MOST
     
  • Comment #6 (Posted by js miller)
    Rating
    Owned BionX for 10 months, over 3000 miles. Two bikes/kits. All components work well. Good range and power. Regarding the flutter effect of the regenerative brake, this works like ABS in the rain and snow/ice. The system is great for slippery riding. Traction/takeoff is superb on ice, because of the "fluttering" effect of the regen. Highly recommended, top drawer technology.
     
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