AndrewJ

Never put pressure on the pedals before you turn on the screen. I would disconnect both the battery and the sensor; reconnect the sensor, then the battery and turn the screen on; wait for the screen to be steady which only takes a few seconds, then start pedalling.

I've hauled a trailer around with up to 80kg load, using a TSDZ2 motor for 3 years; it's a torque sensor crank drive. It works with a 68mm BB. I've tried the motor on two 3 wheel recumbents and one 4 wheeler; whilst it's a pedal assist, there are kits with a throttle; useful if one is injured or starting from a standstill up a hill to get going again; might come in handy when riding a cargo bike (not very often but useful if you need it).

I've used both 36V and 52V TSDZ2 kits; the 36V has been in use for almost 3 years and pulled up to 100kg of load (inc trailer); the only thing that has needed replacing is the VLCD5 screen. On the standard 36V the support tails off when spinning at higher cadences (over 90RPM) so surprised to hear reports saying that one needs to pedal fast as in my experience the reverse is true. The 52V tails off at a higher cadence, circa 100RPM, and now you can get overdrive versions, whereby a 48V or 52V controller is matched to a 36V motor for support at an even higher cadence, albeit with a drop in torque. Eco setting on the 52V is a bit too much for me especially as one uses that from a standstill, but on ES they are working at being able to reprogram the controller so that one can adjust the default settings. The BBSHD is over 2kg heavier than the TSDZ2 52V but the HD is of course a lot more powerful; depends what you're after. I don't use e-assist for 20mph+ riding as I purchased it in order to go up hills at a faster rate with cargo.

I've got an iPhone and it only says Android supported.

How do you adjust the current control? Via the tongsheng software? Or do you mean the 'power adjustment selection'? I haven't wired up a watt meter yet so haven't tested whether that makes any difference if you change the figure in that menu; I remember reading on ES that it didn't affect it. What do you mean 'there's no throttle cable..." I've got a throttle on mine - are you saying it doesn't have it's own cable?

I've got a new model with 8 pin and throttle. I guess one can attach Anderson connectors to either side of the shunt - one to battery and one to controller. The aim is to adjust the torque PAS and be able to gauge power and consumption to understand existing PAS level power levels (Eco etc) and range through Ah and/or Wh readings. I understand I can do the latter with a low cost watt meter but not the former. My question is if I use the shunt with the CA can I do the former and where do I attach the throttle and speed wires? Can I wire them into the throttle cable and speed cables respectively or intercept them earlier on, just before they enter the VLCD5 screen or do I have to solder the wires on the controller board itself? I don't use the brake lever cutout ability.

I am trying to find out how one installs a Cycle Analyst (CA) to a TSDZ2; has anyone tried this? I remember seeing someone on a video online that already had a CA installed on their bike but can't find the video. I understand one has to run wires from the CA to the controller. Thanks, Andrew

D How did the Bafang Max compare with the BBS02 in terms of the power and the torque sensor?

Is the BBS02B any better at climbing hills compared with the BBS01B (i.e. more torque) or the same?

Nuvinci is also one of the lowest efficiency drivetrains; hopefully a Rohloff with the new e-shifting unit will give a fairly seamless shifting experience at much lower loss of energy, at a lighter weight and with greater gear range.

Are you on the order list then? There's a BBS02 branded 250W motor here http://www.brightonebikes.co.uk/store/p69/Bafang®_BBS02B_mid_drive_conversion_kit_36V_250W.html

In that case, could you not use a belt drive in lieu of the chain leading to the hub motor sprocket?

This is a link to the webpage of the same type of recumbent I am getting, in terms of their stokemonkey type layout. If it doesn't take you to the right page it's page 19 about half way down considered and disregarded a Bafang BBS. http://velorizontal.bbfr.net/t21269p450-pederrodek-skoul-ar-pevarzek

As you know, amongst other things, I am looking for the quietest drive; if this arrangement makes it noisier then I'll have to reconsider. I can't put hub motors in the wheel of the faired recumbent that I am getting. It's also why I'm trying to source very quiet crank drives. I haven't had the opportunity to try out a Bafang BBS of any kind. That seems to be the only other real alternative drive out there, bar the Bewo at the moment. There is the possibility of attaining a mainstream crank drive without the rest bike as it were, although it would be more expensive. I test rode the Brose on a mtb yesterday and the drive was the quietest of any I've ridden; it was also the most natural power response that I have experienced, and my current setup isn't bad in that respect as it's the TSDZ2 which has a torque sensor.

Finally had the chance to test the Brose earlier today; very quiet; quietest mid drive I've ridden. Very natural pedalling cadence and as such smooth power delivery. Looking forward to the Brose S version which will have a wider power delivery in terms of torque, but very impressed with this system on the short ride I had with it (tipping it down today; no waterproofs). The place that stocked a Steps system didn't allow me to test ride it as it was raining...it also wasn't a e8000 but the urban version. Trying to find an e8000 locally to Herts to compare...

Hmm; if I do try this out, it would not be dissimilar to the Stokemonkey layout but on a recumbent, so would need to find or get someone to fabricate a mount unless anyone knows where to source something suitable; I think the boom where the existing BB mount is installed is 40mm. Would you be able to run a belt instead of a chain from the motor to the left crank?

Thanks d8veh and I appreciate your advice, but hearing is personal to oneself. Also, would I not have to get a 48V battery with the 48 version; I currently own a 36V battery.

Does anyone here own one of these motor controller combinations? Would be really helpful for me to try one out. I'm based in Hertfordshire but can cycle a bit further afield or train it to London/Brighton.

Thanks David. I will be trying out both Steps and Brose this weekend, so should have a better idea if either are worth pursuing.

I don't know if you've seen the news about the Brose S model which will be out shortly - same chassis and top end torque, but the power band is much wider across the cadences: https://electricbikereview.com/forum/threads/ebike-motor-power-curve-comparison-chart-bosch-yamaha-shimano-brose.14085/

What's pcg, and are you talking about the Brose? If so, are you saying you can buy the motor separately?

Thanks David. The reason for the drive for quietness is due to looking for an e-system to add to an enclosed (faired) recumbent where sound is amplified, and the Brose looks nearest to it. The only other option is finding someone to custom build a system. I currently have a TSDZ2 motor which isn't too bad, but still noisier than I would like. Best, Andrew

Hi David, how did you find the Brose compared with the Shimano in terms of noise and natural pedalling motion? I haven't had a chance to try the Brose or Steps system yet. Were they similar in price?

Regarding voltage and cadence, will a 36V battery powered Bafang BBS02 provide the same power as a 48V Bafang BBS02 with the same amp controller as I read somewhere that the higher voltage will affect the cadence? Will attaining a Bafang with a higher amp controller provide be suitable or is it the voltage? I ask as I currently run a TSDZ2 and as I ride a recumbent with shorter cranks I spin at a higher cadence and the motor fails to support at higher cadences. Thanks.

I'm interested in the Vello, for me but more for someone else; having ridden many e-bikes, weight is an issue if the battery fails; even if it doesn't, carrying them up stairs (20-24kg) is hard work, especially if you are not that strong but want to be more mobile and also use the train. I realise there are a few 20 inch folding bikes coming in nearing the 16kg mark but that's still a big difference in weight. My current folder is a Dahon, non-electrified and only 8kg but being able to have assistance for short trips with hills for only 3.4kg more (including Schlumpf) with a stiffer, easier to fold and more comfortable frame is enticing. Having small hills and sudden stops, traffic lights, regen would be useful, albeit providing small amounts of energy, but better than nothing and reduces the reliance on brakes.