Bosch or Panasonic motor system?

[musicbooks]

Hi folks, Picking my way through the options on a new e-bike purchase. Which is a better option for hills - 2014 Bosch motor or Panasonic Hub system? Or not much in it? I'm looking at replacing my 6 yr old Agattu and currently working my way through the KTM range

 

[flecc]

By all accounts the Bosch, though there have been some good reports of the 36 volt Panasonic system.

Although I've been a long time supporter of the Panasonic crank system, since they've been playing catch-up the differences have been diminishing, losing some of the better Panasonic characteristics. At the same time the small separate motor sprocket has caused some problems in transmitting greater power, so I think the chainwheel drive of all the others is superior.

That aside, the Panasonic has been a little more reliable than the Bosch, but the odd Bosch fault has been repairable, internally the Panasonic is not, a fault means a new unit at circa £500 once out of warranty.
.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

According to a test done by a German Ebike magazine. The Panasonic hub used less battery and gave more assistance during a very steep mountain climb. The Panasonic is lighter and is much more pleasant to change gears. I've ridden both. They're both good, but IMHO the Panasonic beats the Bosch in just about every characteristic, and most important, it's just more pleasant to ride.

 

[musicbooks]

Thank you guys.. all very helpful.. and am I right to be sniffing around the KTM range? I'm looking at Macina Cross versus new ecross.. One Bosch and the other Panasonic motor driven ..Any other recommendations around that price mark?

 

[flecc]

My above post only referred to the Panasonic crank drive units, not the rear hub motor that d8veh speaks of. I don't know that one at all, only the very favourable reports.

Not having tried the latest generation of e-bikes I can't recommend, but KTM certainly do seem to have been attracting much favourable comment. Hopefully others will be able to help more.
.

 

[Wicky]

The Panasonic hub drive (KTM eRace P29) flies up hills with no problem (I'm 13 st and with a backpack of stuff) - Any hills around Colchester I can do at an indicated 14-15mph usually accelerating up em and changing up gear even into headwinds! I wrote my impressions of testing a few different models at Redbridge earlier this year - but get yourself some test rides to see what impresses & suits you.

I got mine in May and fitted more road biased tyres, Big Apple Pluses, for road and trekking and it's a hoot!

 

[musicbooks]

Thanks again folks,
The erace certainly looks the part .. How do you find it weight -wise? And is it worth another £600 + over and above the ecross?

 

[berkobennie]

I'd confirm everything Wicky has said about the KTM, mine is the 26" version. Weight is less that my old Specialized Hardrock hub conversion at under 21kg, so feels quite light. Like Wicky, I swapped out the tyres, but for more puncture resistant offroad. I'm a bit heavier than Wicky by the sound of it but I'm still getting about 40+miles to a charge even on South Downs Way.
My impression is that the eRace P is more mountain bike, whereas the eCross is more hybrid, very capable on road and trails.
I think you have to make a decision on what you are most likely to ride, certainly for me the eRace P has been a revelation and well worth the premium paid.
Try them and see!

 

[Wicky]

Weight is 21Kg (from KTM website) and while heavier than my old Giant Escape hybrid (non powered) once on the move and underpower you don't notice, much like a motorcycle. I have to lift it on & off trains and over pedestrian bridges and up steps sometimes which I can do without giving myself a hernia or getting out of breath. Value wise I got it very significantly cheaper as it was an ex-demo bike, with a full warranty. Apart from it coming with a dinked rear rim, which FLi Distrubution are replacing, it is giving sterling service and I highly recommend it.

Only the other night I was out celebrating in town a friend's 52nd birthday and at the end of the night after a few pints I let a few mates and their partners have a go and there were a lot of manic giggles and squeals of delight like teenagers instead of our usual groans and moans as befitting our ages.

 

[musicbooks]

Thank you everyone for some great advice .. I shall ponder on

 

[TinKitten]

I test rode 2 KTMs, one with the Bosch crank, the other with a Panasonic hub. I fell instantly in love with the Panasonic and went on to order the eLycan P which I am very happy with indeed.

If you can get a test ride it'll help you decide as both systems feel quite different and the crank seemed much noisier. I went to E-motion in Swindon and they were very helpful.

 

[musicbooks]

Great advice, thank you TinKitten