ebike handling in wet conditions?

[footpump]

hi all had my vita uno for 15 months now and have not been caught in any rain at all until last week.
got caught in some heavy showers, and was not sure how an ebike with its extra weight ,rear hub moter
hard compound tires would handle on wet tarmac roads?

so in fact came of major roads and used a canal towpath instead.

I am unsure if engaging the highest levels of assist how traction etc might be affected in the wet?

and ebikes like the big bear with big powerfull front wheel moters might behave in wet conditions on tarmac

thank you

 

[selrahc1992]

hi all had my vita uno for 15 months now and have not been caught in any rain at all until last week.
got caught in some heavy showers, and was not sure how an ebike with its extra weight ,rear hub moter
hard compound tires would handle on wet tarmac roads?

so in fact came of major roads and used a canal towpath instead.

I am unsure if engaging the highest levels of assist how traction etc might be affected in the wet?

and ebikes like the big bear with big powerfull front wheel moters might behave in wet conditions on tarmac

thank you

main issue in my experienced is underestimating braking distances - on paper my pedelec isn't faster than my highest previous speeds non assisted - but to me there's a worlds difference between averaging 20mph in stop start traffic and only occasionally hitting that on downhill's and straights. main thing for me is to allow more distance between myself and car in front for braking. it's easy to get seduced, much as in a car, into a deluded feeling of control/invulnerability. traction in all other areas (highest assistance etc) for me fingers crossed is fine.

 

[mfj197]

I've had two instances in the wet, one only this morning. The first one was when going round a roundabout flicking from one side to the other and moving the cranks half a turn to keep the inside pedal high (was necessary to avoid grounding out on my old road bike). The half turn caused the BBS01 to kick in and I had a little moment of power oversteer which was entertaining. I've reprogrammed for a quick ramp-up of power so it wouldn't happen with a normal one.

The second instance this morning was on a greasy road with a blind right-angle corner under trees. I started round the corner only to find two cars stationary on the single lane road trying to creep past each other. I grabbed too much front brake and ended up hitting the deck. Bent the crank arm - they really are made of cheese, very heavy cheese at that. I should have been going slower because of the conditions. I don't think the extra weight of the ebike made any difference, but the speed didn't help!

Michael

 

[Fordulike]

The second instance this morning was on a greasy road with a blind right-angle corner under trees. I started round the corner only to find two cars stationary on the single lane road trying to creep past each other. I grabbed too much front brake and ended up hitting the deck. Bent the crank arm - they really are made of cheese, very heavy cheese at that. I should have been going slower because of the conditions. I don't think the extra weight of the ebike made any difference, but the speed didn't help!

Michael

Glad yer alright mate.

Here's a link to replacement crank arms, if you can't manage to straighten yours out:

http://www.alcedoitalia.it/shop/accessori-bbs/pedivelle-per-motore-centrale-bafang-bbs/

Edit: In fact these work out cheaper:

Bafang Crank Arms

 

[mfj197]

Fordulike, that's kind - thank you. Yes, I've already bought a pair of the ebay crank arms this morning. My knees aren't feeling much like bending at the moment so hopefully they will have freed up by next week when I've fitted the crank arms back!

Michael

 

[Fordulike]

Fordulike, that's kind - thank you. Yes, I've already bought a pair of the ebay crank arms this morning. My knees aren't feeling much like bending at the moment so hopefully they will have freed up by next week when I've fitted the crank arms back!

Michael

Don't let any mishaps put you off riding. The twitchy bum moments will only serve to help you be better prepared, the next time you come across that situation.

As for adjusting the power ramp up , I'd hate to think how twitchy a 750w BBS02 would be with less ramp up

 

[mfj197]

Well, at least I'm not alone - they are slipping over like first time ice skaters on the Tour de France at the moment due to the wet and slippery conditions. Just seen another crash where people just touched the brakes and all hell broke loose.

As for adjusting the power ramp up , I'd hate to think how twitchy a 750w BBS02 would be with less ramp up

Indeed! I use the 250w BBS01 on just over half power and like it kicking in as soon as I start pedalling, but with more power it would get to be a bit of a handful under wet or slippery conditions.