Advice please

[Jhw]

I am looking to buy a good quality hybrid and am new to the world of electric bikes. The Scott E-Venture and Storck Multitask are similar prices. Both are available from local dealers so would seem a good choice. The bikes would appear to do much the same thing but one has a crank motor and the other hub. Would this make a big difference in function?

In terms of limiting assist to 15mph I can understand how a hub motor would know how fast the bike is travelling but how does a crank motor tell? Probably a daft question but would be interested to know!

 

[flecc]

The Scott uses the Bosch motor unit which includes a rear wheel magnet and pickup sensor, the rotation of the wheel giving road speed. Some crank units like the Panasonic one have the speed sensing internally, older units also using a magnetic sensor, newer ones reading the hall motor pulses so deriving speed from the motor rpm. The "defect" with the latter systems is that the legal speed can be changed by altering the bike gearing via the rear sprocket(s).

Functionally the crank drive Scott is a good choice if the hills are very steep since it gains from using the bike's gears for the motor, climbing better though slower in lower gears. If the hills are more moderate, say up to 10%, the hub motor bike will have slightly faster average speeds on trips since it won't lose speed so often in the lower gears.

However, it's best to try both before buying since personal preference on crank versus hub motor is very important. They are quite different and either can be a "marmite" thing for some.
.

 

[Trevor@Storck]

Hi JHW,

As Flecc says, a test ride is really important when it comes to feeling the features and benefits of the different systems.

If you have any questions about the Storck Multitask that I can help with then please get in touch, my contact details are below.

Kind Regards

 

[rog_london]

Some crank units like the Panasonic one have the speed sensing internally, older units also using a magnetic sensor, newer ones reading the hall motor pulses so deriving speed from the motor rpm. The "defect" with the latter systems is that the legal speed can be changed by altering the bike gearing via the rear sprocket(s).

Some would call that a 'feature' rather than a 'defect'! I'm advised that the latest 36V Panasonic legal e-bikes have 3:1 assist on max up to almost the cut off point, so they would lend themselves admirably to a spot of tweaking in terms of gear ratios.

Of course this is just a bit of engineer rambling, and I wouldn't suggest for a moment that anyone should do such a thing. Oh no. Heaven forefend. Perish the thought.

Rog.

 

[JuicyBike]

I'd be interested in your opinion of our Merlin. Good features, distinctive styling, which is either liked or not.

 

[eddieo]

If you demo a Bosch bike and like the system, there are other bikes to consider from KTM and Haibike in fact there are 35 european manafctures now using Bosch drive

The storck is not 36v where other bikes using the go swiss drive are.

 

[flecc]

Some would call that a 'feature' rather than a 'defect'!

That's why I put defect in inverted commas, only a defect in law!

Many see it as a benefit.

 

[rog_london]

That's why I put defect in inverted commas, only a defect in law!

Many see it as a benefit.

Yes, I got the message!

Rog.

 

[Cakey]

Not found a hill yet my storck cannot get up.
I have both types of bikes hub and crank . The storck is silent and very light for an ebike.
The storck is a road bike no suspension . Also it's rain proof .
My crank bike is a bit loudish and heavier. It's not the Scott another make.
Climbs very well and has a suspension.
Not sure where you live but lots of good dealers selling both .
I would not get too concerned over the 15mph. On a down section or good flat road you will be travelling a lot faster . My average speed is 20mph, for me it's just more fun having assist up the hills.
Battery wise the crank is a but more thirsty 28 miles on the storck I have 3 lights out of 5.
The storck is also not like any other hub I have rode. It seems more of a push rather than a drag.
You do need to pedal though it's not a sit and ride like say a wisper. But for cardio workout and improving fitness without tooooo much pain it's the mutts nuts .