Hill climbing ability and range

drago35uk

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jan 11, 2010
16
0
Am I right in thinking that the best ready made bike to achieve the best of both the above is the Wisper 14A?
My commute is 25miles involving crossing the Pennines(2 long climbs each way)
Thanks
Mike
 

alex_h

Pedelecer
Dec 28, 2009
197
4
in terms of range probably is one the best ones but in terms of hill climbing probably not.

I learnt that the best hill climbing hub motor is from Heinzmann, those normally achieve twice as high torque as any other hub motors.

for the range there is now also Ezee Torque that is offered with the 14A battery so the range should be the same as on wisper
 

NRG

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 6, 2009
2,592
10
I recall Flec saying the eZee Torq bikes are probably amongst the best climbers available...
 

Fecn

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 28, 2008
491
2
Warlingham, Surrey
Yes.. and no... Well.. maybe... but possibly not. It really all depends on the maximum gradient you're looking to get up.

The Wisper has a high peak power output which is very good for getting up hills, but with all hub-motored bikes, the motor efficiency drops as the wheel speed drops. Eventually you reach a gradient where you're using lots of current but not getting nearly as much assistance. If you're looking to tackle really steep gradients, then a drive-through-the-gears solution (e.g. Panasonic based) might be a better choice.

It's only really when your speed drops below 7-8mph that the through-the-gears thing makes a significant difference. My Panasonic bike can go up absolutely any hill at about 4mph, but at shallower gradients, it's outperformed by other more powerful hub-motored bikes.

So ultimately.... You need to give a few bikes a try to find out what you like best.
 

drago35uk

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jan 11, 2010
16
0
Trying isn't all that simple. My nearest dealer is 35miles away and there I tried a Wisper. Most of the multi franchise dealers are much further away. I don't want to go ahead with the Wisper,which try as I might cannot justify their price for the components used, if I can get a better allrounder that is worth that type of money.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,163
30,581
I recall Flec saying the eZee Torq bikes are probably amongst the best climbers available...
Not quite!

The old Torq was in fact one of the worst climbers ever, but the new Torq was a great improvement on that. However, amongst all e-bikes it's just a good climber but well short of the Panasonic powered bikes for example.

The Wisper 905se is good for speed as it's slightly biased that way, but has average hill climbing for a fairly powerful hub motor bike.
.
 
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alex_h

Pedelecer
Dec 28, 2009
197
4
over

Trying isn't all that simple. My nearest dealer is 35miles away and there I tried a Wisper. Most of the multi franchise dealers are much further away. I don't want to go ahead with the Wisper,which try as I might cannot justify their price for the components used, if I can get a better allrounder that is worth that type of money.
I actually agree with you Drago, I think Wisper is overpriced for the components they use. The bike has a large battery and good motor but all the other bits and pieces are simply poor components. Shimano Alivio dérailleur its a probably best part they used. the front brake (Tektro or something) is the one of the most basic brakes i ve seen. All othe rparts are the same basic bits.

On the other hand they do provide good service but does not mean that other makes don't provide a good service. I rather think you can get the same quality bike for less, that is my opinion. :cool:
 

eddieo

Banned
Jul 7, 2008
5,070
6
I rather think you can get the same quality bike for less, that is my opinion. :cool:
Can you name one then please, as I am in the market for a new E Bike with decent hill climbing and range. I don't like the Panasonic crank drive though I wanna throttle bike
 

NRG

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 6, 2009
2,592
10
I actually agree with you Drago, I think Wisper is overpriced for the components they use. The bike has a large battery and good motor but all the other bits and pieces are simply poor components. Shimano Alivio dérailleur its a probably best part they used. the front brake (Tektro or something) is the one of the most basic brakes i ve seen. All othe rparts are the same basic bits.

On the other hand they do provide good service but does not mean that other makes don't provide a good service. I rather think you can get the same quality bike for less, that is my opinion. :cool:

Not wishing to rake over old coals but as pointed out in the Cyclamatic thread the value goes beyond just the basic components. When you factor in the piece of mind that comes with Wisper ownership IE: great backup, extended dealer network, strong residuals and above all 2 year warranty on major parts inc. the battery plus 6 years on the frame then it's not overpriced.

If you feel that you don't need all these extras then fine, buy an alternative at a lower cost and pocket the difference. However a lot of people like the reassurance that they are covered if something goes wrong and will pay more to get that piece of mind...heck...even I can see these benefits and I don't even own one LOL! :)
 

alex_h

Pedelecer
Dec 28, 2009
197
4
Ezee Forza

Can you name one then please, as I am in the market for a new E Bike with decent hill climbing and range. I don't like the Panasonic crank drive though I wanna throttle bike
Yes, look at for example Ezee Forza, the Gadget Show's winner. Comes now with the 14Ah battery, Shimano Deore gears, 9 speeds, Shimano disc brakes front and rear.

It's just one example, I'm sure you can find even more of those. :cool:
 

NRG

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 6, 2009
2,592
10
Yes, look at for example Ezee Forza, the Gadget Show's winner. Comes now with the 14Ah battery, Shimano Deore gears, 9 speeds, Shimano disc brakes front and rear.

It's just one example, I'm sure you can find even more of those. :cool:
The Forza is of comparable price at £1450 and only comes with 1 year warranty...just sayin' ;)
 

eddieo

Banned
Jul 7, 2008
5,070
6
Yes, look at for example Ezee Forza, the Gadget Show's winner. Comes now with the 14Ah battery, Shimano Deore gears, 9 speeds, Shimano disc brakes front and rear.

It's just one example, I'm sure you can find even more of those. :cool:
It costs more then a wisper 905:rolleyes:

as for buying anything recommended by the gadget show.........Nothing against Ezee mind they are good bikes. I wonder if the warranty is transferable. Wisper 2 year one is, Kalkhoff are not I believe

"same quality bike for less" was your "opinion" And there is the rub, and reason why a lot of us end up with Wispers......
 
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Conal

Pedelecer
Sep 28, 2007
228
2
Which bike

I have owned an eZee Forza for over two years. I tried out a Wisper at OnBikes a few weeks ago. The Wisper is definately lighter than the eZee but I like the heavier frame of the eZee. I combine a 10amp and 14amp battery and use full assist all the time.

I agree that it depends on individual likes but the quality of the road surfaces matter as well. I always thought this and the recent freeze thaw damage caused to the roads has confirmed my belief. It has left potholes at the side of the roads which are difficult to avoid. I have faith that my bike will survive the rough surfaces.

I would not change my bike and have had the highest standard of aftercare from 50Cycles and, more recently, OnBike. The owner of eZee has also been very supportive. I also have 100% belief that David at Wisper gives the best possible service.

When I visted OnBike I tried out an Emotion and loved the bike.

My advice is to make the long journey to a retailer who supplies a range of bikes and try bikes from at least these three manaufacturers; and that the price is not the main factor - aftercare is at least as important.
 

Mussels

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 17, 2008
3,207
8
Crowborough
Trying isn't all that simple. My nearest dealer is 35miles away and there I tried a Wisper. Most of the multi franchise dealers are much further away. I don't want to go ahead with the Wisper,which try as I might cannot justify their price for the components used, if I can get a better allrounder that is worth that type of money.
Your commute is a bit longer than mine and you have more in the way of hills. I find the 905 has a limited range of gears (not enough difference between top and bottom) and requires quite a bit of maintenance, so I'm looking to upgrade it to one of the new 906 Alpino when they are available in a couple of months. The components seem better on the 906 and it has a wider range of gears from the Alfine hub which will also get rid of the labour intensive derailleur system. It's also got full size wheels and a bigger frame which will be nice.
Unfortunately I think it's only available in the UK on special order so I don't know where you will be able to test ride one.
Ezee bikes have had good write ups in the past but their issues with UK importers are a bit worrying. ETS has them down as having a 10Ah battery which might be a bit small.
 

Conal

Pedelecer
Sep 28, 2007
228
2
14apm battery for eZee

Ezee can supply a 14amp battery - I have one. OnBike will supply this. It works out more efficient that the 10amp.
 

eddieo

Banned
Jul 7, 2008
5,070
6
When I visted OnBike I tried out an Emotion and loved the bike.

Hi Conal, How did the Emotion compare with a hub motor bike? I guess it was lighter and a better hill climber? Basically what did you love about it?

as I like the look of these but have not tried one yet
 

Mussels

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 17, 2008
3,207
8
Crowborough
Ezee can supply a 14amp battery - I have one. OnBike will supply this. It works out more efficient that the 10amp.
That looks like a nice bike then, the 9 speed cassette has a better range of gears and it has decent components. Not enough to tempt me away from the 906 though as it's still too small. :p
 

Conal

Pedelecer
Sep 28, 2007
228
2
Emotion

Eddio

I did not get a chance to try it out on a hill but went for long ride around the industrial estate OnBike is base in. The bike oozed class. It felt substancial but not heavy. There were no creaks from the frame, and I weigh 17 stone and was pedalling strongly. The bike accelerated and moved through the gears very smoothly. My overall impression was that the bike is the whole package with all components integrated. I accept that my trial was brief but it is certainly up there with the eZee and Wisper as a bike to consider.

Conal
 

alex_h

Pedelecer
Dec 28, 2009
197
4
you can argue here what is better, many people like Wisper, i rather think it looks too cheesy. has an awful stem and old fashion headsets which i hate, I really think this sort of headsets and stem should never been used on the mountain bike.

decision is yours, I'm still looking for the electric bike and so far the best choice of main is Ezee Forza