Panasonic crank drive systems

[103Alex1]

Does anyone know if the Panasonic IBS system used by BH is essentially the same as the one Kalkhoff used on their Pro Connect bikes, with similar performance characteristics so max output is dependent on a set cadence ?

 

[Blew it]

Panasonic IBS (Integrated Bottom Bracket System) Technology

I think it's just a bit of description enhancement of the same Panasonic system everybody else uses.

2010 onwards, maximum assist level is 1:1.2 rolling off at a cadence of 72 rpm.

 

[GORDONAL]

Panasonic IBS (Integrated Bottom Bracket System) Technology

I think it's just a bit of description enhancement of the same Panasonic system everybody else uses.

2010 onwards, maximum assist level is 1:1.2 rolling off at a cadence of 72 rpm.

Confusing figures for me ...... surely 1:2 or 200% assist level not wanting to be a pedantic rider of a pedelec !!!!

 

[rog_london]

Panasonic IBS (Integrated Bottom Bracket System) Technology

I think it's just a bit of description enhancement of the same Panasonic system everybody else uses.

2010 onwards, maximum assist level is 1:1.2 rolling off at a cadence of 72 rpm.

The 2012 one certainly doesn't work like that....

Maximum assist is quoted as 1:3 in 'HIGH' controlled by the torque sensor - but roll-off is no longer related to cadence - it's speed directly sensed by a pickup on the back wheel. That takes place between about 16 and 17 MPH irrespective of what gear you happen to be in. Of course you might not be able to pedal fast enough in the lower gears to reach that point, and because you won't be pushing the torque sensor so hard you won't get as much assistance either unless you're climbing.

I suspect that if you disconnect the speed sensor your assisted speed will be limited to just a few miles per hour. That's because the power gets fed in quite smoothly as you pull away and the speed starts to build up.

MUCH better than the original system I suspect, though I only have experience of the 2012 Kalkhoff model.

Rog.

 

[Blew it]

Oops, my mistake. I'd forgotten about the 36v system which samples road speed. I was of course refering to the 26v version which does not.

 

[103Alex1]

Oops, my mistake. I'd forgotten about the 36v system which samples road speed. I was of course refering to the 26v version which does not.

The 2012 BH Panasonic IBS system works via torque sensors rather than speed sensors .. is this like the old style Pro Connect Panasonic system or different again ?

It's confusing - haven't read any comparative reports of this BH offering but Panasonic sport assist mode delivers 1:2.1 (top assist level). Panasonic IBS is being used in the top BH Sport models - the big difference being bike weight, I guess, which presumably means you don't need so much. I was a bit perplexed that the max assist 1:3 system is used in the cheaper BH Neo range, but I guess that's down to the underlying bike cost being higher in the Panasonic Sport range rather than the motor system being better ?

Anyone tried both the BH Panasonic and the BH Neos who can give a comparative report about hill climbing performance and/or riding style ?