New Bigger Wisper is on the way this year

[Wisper Bikes]

I am going to get into terrible trouble for this but here's the buzz from Wisper!!

Having been away from this website for a while I dropped by today to see whether there had been any development with Wisper offering a broader range of frame sizes for the 905 sport. I am 6' 4" tall & had previously been most interested in a Wisper because of it's range, the fact that it had a 'throttle only' option & the positive reports of excellent customer service. The only thing that stopped me purchasing one & ditching my car was the relatively small - one size fits all - frame size.

Hi Rustic

Thanks for waiting!

I have recently finished the final design and specification for the Wisper 706Alfine and 906Alfine models, samples are being built ready for Euro bike 2009 in September. The Alfine range of Wispers will be on a larger frame with C700 wheels rather than the 26" we are currently using. The specifications will be to the same high standard with Alex rims etc and apart form the size there will be two very important differences. The Alfine range as the name suggests sports the fantastic Alfine 8 hub gear box Alfine Disc brakes back and front



and the massively efficient light weight Japanese Dapu 250w hub motor on the front wheel.



We have introduced these bikes to enter the large German and Dutch markets who typically use larger wheels and hub gear boxes. However they will be available in the UK before the end of 2009. The down side of course is they will be substantialy more expensive than the current models, as soon as I have images and prices I will publish on our website and here on Pedelecs.

If you would like to get your hands on one of these beauties early and do some reports and testing for us I could probably arrange for one to be put onto our August container for you.

I have been riding a 905 with the changes to gears and motor for a couple of weeks now and even with my 20 stone the difference is amazing. I have one with a very expensive state of the art torque sensor which is the only thing I don't like so we will be going back to cadence sensor for the production run.

Best regards David

 

[Mussels]

I didn't quite realise the difference when you explained it to me, that does look good. I was never sure if I would like to go to hub gears but that looks excellent for long commutes, the maintenance required for derailers does start to grind after a while.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Alfine

I find the ability to change very quickly from high to low when arriving at junction or when the road suddenly starts a steep incline is a great advantage. As I promised after Wired has finished with the bike I would love you to try it for a few days to get your reaction.

All the best David

 

[flecc]

Always room for announcements of quality bikes David. I'm glad you don't like the torque sensor, I've never considered that type of control suitable for hub motors and especially not for front hub motors. There just isn't the intimate relationship between pedals and motor necessary for them to work in ideal partnership.

Also good to see that this will be in the step through variant as well.

I think the 906 might be a bit too big for this shorty to try though. I suppose I could bring my own pedal blocks!
.

 

[AndyOfTheSouth]

Congratulations, David. This looks very exciting - thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Alfine

Thanks Andy.

That is interesting Flecc I thought I was alone in finding the torque sensor used in conjunction with a hub motor a bit sloppy.

I believe the control that can be achieved with a cadence sensor, a throttle and a hub motor is very much like using a car with gears rather than an automatic. Having all the thinking is done for you by a computer that can only generalise on road conditions can not be perfect. When you add the fitness and weight of a rider into the equation the need for maximum control of the power required by the individual is even more important.

It is true the Wisper and similar arrangements do take a little more practice to perfect, but after a couple of hours the advantages are obvious.

If you like, as soon as Mussells has had a go I will pop round my 905 with the changes for you to give me your opinion, I'll leave an 806fe for you to try at the same time, as they will be in the country next week.

All the best David

 

[flecc]

I make a similar association with hub motor bikes David, they do have things in common with motor vehicles, and I often compare some of their characteristics to motorcycles.

Thanks for the offer, there's no rush, anytime at your convenience.
.

 

[winterdog]

dave you said "the difference is amazing" can you share the detail

ps this is very nice of you to tell us about this but are you not a little worried it will be harder to shift the 2009 905

davidk

 

[flecc]

dave you said "the difference is amazing" can you share the detail

ps this is very nice of you to tell us about this but are you not a little worried it will be harder to shift the 2009 905

davidk

David has said the 905 range continues, the very highly specified 906 with it's carbon composite frame occupying a different and higher price place in the market and running in parallel.
.

 

[Vikki]

Vikki keels over.
Cause: Excessive drooling over new Wisper bike caused severe dehydration.

That bike is going to be triple A class.

Best regards.

Vikki (somewhat shrivelled at the moment but nothing two gallons of water wouldn't solve).

 

[Straylight]

I believe the control that can be achieved with a cadence sensor, a throttle and a hub motor is very much like using a car with gears rather than an automatic.

Do I take it that this will cause the power to ramp with pedaling speed, rather than simply switch the motor on as with the 905's pedelec sensor? If so, will the new controller be available as an upgrade for the 905se? I only ask as I've read several comments here saying that this 'surge' effect is a major downside of the standard pedelec system.

I realise this one of the reasons for the High/Low function on the 905, but do feel that having the motor power moderated by cadence, with the option of throttle overide would simplify the control, yet still leave the rider in command.

Good luck with the new bike BTW, from the pictures you've already posted of the frame etc. it looks fantastic .

 

[Mussels]

Do I take it that this will cause the power to ramp with pedaling speed, rather than simply switch the motor on as with the 905's pedelec sensor? If so, will the new controller be available as an upgrade for the 905se? I only ask as I've read several comments here saying that this 'surge' effect is a major downside of the standard pedelec system.

I realise this one of the reasons for the High/Low function on the 905, but do feel that having the motor power moderated by cadence, with the option of throttle overide would simplify the control, yet still leave the rider in command.

Good luck with the new bike BTW, from the pictures you've already posted of the frame etc. it looks fantastic .

It would need a programmable controller to do that properly. Someone who is comfortable with a 90 cadence would want maximum at that point but for someone who likes cadence of 40 that would be a bit rubbish. Kind of like the problem with Panasonic motors but in reverse.

 

[Straylight]

True, but I was thinking of a one size fits all kind of power ramp, say between 0 and 20rpm to smooth out the surge when setting off in high assist mode, low not being a problem as I find it gives barely enough power to overcome the bike's inertia - makes a rather pleasing motor whine though, so you know it's there .

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Cadence sensor

Do I take it that this will cause the power to ramp with pedaling speed, rather than simply switch the motor on as with the 905's pedelec sensor? If so, will the new controller be available as an upgrade for the 905se? I only ask as I've read several comments here saying that this 'surge' effect is a major downside of the standard pedelec system.

I realise this one of the reasons for the High/Low function on the 905, but do feel that having the motor power moderated by cadence, with the option of throttle overide would simplify the control, yet still leave the rider in command.

Good luck with the new bike BTW, from the pictures you've already posted of the frame etc. it looks fantastic .

Hi Straylight and thanks!

Yes the cadence sensor does exactly as you say, the faster you pedal the more power you will get from the motor, but if you need more you can override by using the throttle. This feature has been on all Wisper bikes since the 2009 models were introduced.

Best regards David

 

[Straylight]

Brilliant! I suppose this stresses the battery far less when setting off.

Is there any way of upgrading a 2008 905se to use this system? Possibly with a change of brake levers (as I understand that you're using hall effect sensors rather than simple switches now)?

 

[Mussels]

Brilliant! I suppose this stresses the battery far less when setting off.

Is there any way of upgrading a 2008 905se to use this system? Possibly with a change of brake levers (as I understand that you're using hall effect sensors rather than simple switches now)?

I have ridden old and new 905s a fairly long way and there is not enough difference to make upgrading the old one worth it. I'm back on the old 905 and haven't noticed any drop in battery life.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Power to the people!!

It would need a programmable controller to do that properly. Someone who is comfortable with a 90 cadence would want maximum at that point but for someone who likes cadence of 40 that would be a bit rubbish. Kind of like the problem with Panasonic motors but in reverse.

Hi Andrew, that is the point of the hi/low button and the throttle working together, you can chose exactly the help you need simply by setting to low and adjusting with the throttle. The throttle is fantastic when used as a power regulator and not simply a power only device.

All the best David

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Upgrade

Brilliant! I suppose this stresses the battery far less when setting off.

Is there any way of upgrading a 2008 905se to use this system? Possibly with a change of brake levers (as I understand that you're using hall effect sensors rather than simple switches now)?

I am not certain, I will ask Norman and get back to you.

All the best David

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Its the Vikkster!!!

Vikki keels over.
Cause: Excessive drooling over new Wisper bike caused severe dehydration.

That bike is going to be triple A class.

Best regards.

Vikki (somewhat shriveled at the moment but nothing two gallons of water wouldn't solve).

Hi Vikki,

Nice to hear from you again, how's Bikey doing?

All the best David

 

[Vikki]

Hi, David. SuperBikey is coming up for his next review. I meant to do it at 1500 miles but thought I'd do it at around 1600-1700 miles.

He's stormin' along and is a treat to ride come rain or shine One of the best lumps of cash I've ever spent.

Best regards.

Vikki.