Thanks Scott

 

Just for clarity though I dont have the step-thru Giant, mine has a crossbar and front sus forks.

 

I have made a couple of mods to both these bikes, the Pro-Connect now has the 18T (from 23T) sprocket, and the Twist has a 16T (from 17T) sprocket meaning of course that the Pro-Connect can use the assistance further up the gear range than the Twist, however there is more to it than this.

 

The Pro-Connect is a naturally fast bike. It is perfectly designed as a commuter bike, being fast and light but strong too for carrying your gear. The Twist to me is a perfect utility bike, with its comfort design and practicality throughout, from the handlebars through to the Axa SL7 and the 26" wheels, no maintenance roller brakes and of course its Dutch styling.

 

Both of these bikes are at the pinnicle of the technology, with fantastic build quality, reliable parts and excellent paint jobs. I think the only major differentiator between them is the battery. The new Lithium on the Pro-Connect is just soo light, with an excellent range compared to the bulky NiMH of the Twist. Mind you, I can still get nearly 18 miles out of it, so its lasted very well indeed (I hope I will see likewise from the new version, but we will see).

 

John

Hi all again,

I got some new test results from the today and this time they are good for a change.

 

Conditions.

49cm Pro-Connect.

18 tooth rear sprocket modification.

Sprung stem modification.

Male rider (even fitter).

5ft 11inch tall.

13stone 7lbs.

Pannier with total weight of 14lbs.

Total weight 203lbs (excluding bike).

Power setting used High 20%, Medium 30% Eco 50%.

 

This test run was done in as much level terrain as possible in Sheffield, which was difficult to find. Still clocked up lots of feet ascent though all the same.

 

Battery to 1 LED flashing.

31 miles with 2,101 feet ascent.

 

During the ride I tried to use as little assist as possible.....

Eco= flat

Medium= slight to medium hill

High= steep to very steep hill

 

Im quite surprised by the result by just switching the power levels more to suit the terrain.

The LED's just would'nt go out in the first 10 miles by using this method.

Had a great day out in good weather and learned lots about the system and how I can get better range out of it.

I have been unable to do this during my commute due to time issues.

 

Conclusion.

Dont leave the bike on a single power setting all the time, if not required for the terrain.

Climbing does really lower the range.

 

I have noticed that lots of people talk about mileage, but not ascent. This may give people false impressions of the pedelec's bike range from a flat to a hilly area.

 

Sorry no graph this time as the amount of time I was out would have eaten my GPS batteries.

 

Hope this is of interest.

Bob

Edited September 10, 200817 yr by burncycle

As I've always said with the Panasonic unit Bob, it takes time to learn how to get the best from it in ever respect, performance and range. It's quite unique in the way it operates and I think it's a bit like a horse and rider partnership, the rider's understanding and skill coaxing the best from the steed.

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