Pedelec plus Throttle - my way to go
A specific best one I don't know John. A to B haven't been impressed with any they've tested, usually having at least one criticism. There's been a few complaints in here about them, mainly on two issues. The sudden application of full power on some systems, or the feel of the pedal sensors that I mentioned before.
I suspect the most satisfactory are those on the lower powered bikes like the new hub motor Twist or the new Sparta Ion, since any power surge on those will not be strong enough to be disturbing. The direct drive motor that the Ion uses is a type which starts to deliver it's power in a very gentle fashion by it's nature, so ideal for pedelec, though not so good if the punch of some real power is needed as for steep hills.
I can see widespread disobedience of the European law in Britain, since the sudden restriction will be resented. Doubtless people will find ways of bypassing pedelec and implementing throttles where not already fitted.
.
I have followed this discussion without really understanding why the fuss (if any) with having the dual system on one bike (or tri-modal as on the Torq).
As far as drive systems are concerned, I am quite happy with what the Torq delivers and how it delivers it. There are other issues I wish were less of an impediment for me but I put that down to my weight and lack of fitness and being too ambitious with Terrain. I wish the advertising had not been so 'glamorous' about the grades it would conquer without any reference to rider input. (1 in 7 and much, much more: easy-peasy! I ask you). They went for the best, the very best view and not a qualification is sight.
(I'm off subject and diluting the value of this thread - sorry!)
For me the pedelec (which I very, very seldom use) does 'just what it says on the tin'
(There should be a 'smiley' for 'corny').
When I start off, even on a serious hill (that's 7% to me), I press on the pedal in say 39 or 50 inch gear, turn the throttle and away I go. I get the feeling i'm 'going off the back' (maybe that's the steepness of the hill). That's more than enough for me. I can beat most cars away from the lights, on the level, without trying too hard: in fact they are a pain, getting in the way on narrower roads which have no dedicated cycle 'reserve'.
If they made cycles Pedelec ONLY then I would have to consider 'my position'. I would certainly consider bending the law to stay awheel. Without the throttle I would not be able to rest at the top of each hill and, from time to time, on the flat.
Of course, in cases where old law has been allowed to predominate, those e-bikes will not be banned from the road. AND I will certainly hang on to them - might even offer mine up for a King's ransom (I'll have 3). I expect the small print will scotch that loophole.
Peter
