B Bassett
Well-Known Member
The biggest advantage for me (and there are many) for using an after-market mid-drive over a hub motor is simply that you can couple them to an IGH... it takes any bike to the next level and doubly so for an ebike. It also moves the bike into a new price bracket, as does a full suspension so most riders don't even know what they are missing... like being able to ride single-track when you're stuck to playing in traffic. I'm not sure if a mid-drive will provide more range for the same watt-hours for an individual rider but I have never met anyone that can match my range loaded or unloaded... the bike, I'm always loaded.
Other advantages of mid-drives:
If I ever use a hub motor it will be in my trailer wheel and used specifically for regen capability and the obvious reduction in brake wear.
Other advantages of mid-drives:
- Smaller and lighter than similar wattage hub motors.
- Gear ratio. Mid-drives are hands down better at applying torque.
- With a suspended bike all the weight is sprung providing better handling, less wear-n-tear, and fewer broken spokes.
- Far easier to remove the wheel for inevitable flats, especially on the trail.
- If the motor should ever fail it can be replaced in 20 mins with the right tools. Faster if you have a great bike stand.
- Mid-drives put the torque into the chain and are far better at climbing, pulling, and moving large loads.
- A properly installed mid-drive coupled to an IGH has a perfectly straight chain line reducing wear significantly.
- Far better weight distribution.
- The BBSHD can be easily serviced/maintained by an owner with a few basic tools, with the exception of the main bearings.
- Maintenance... not sure, but again I'd stack my mid-drive up against a hub motor with the same mileage any time.
If I ever use a hub motor it will be in my trailer wheel and used specifically for regen capability and the obvious reduction in brake wear.