After reading the customer reviews on the Torq, comments made suggest that some of these reviews are older. I only say this since I have been told by the folks at eZee Bike that they have addressed some of these problems (i.e. the need for front shocks, problems with brake chatter, etc.). For this reason, I am wondering if the company has also addressed what appears to be the glaring problem of poor hill-climbing performance. Does anyone know if the recent models of the Torq perform any better on hills?
Torq hill-climbing problem?
- Thread starter Spauld
- Start date
So to summarise.
The original Torq was fitted with the motor from the Quando originally geared for a 20 inch wheel. Putting this motor in a 28 inch wheel geared it up substantially and gave potential for a high top speed (up to about 22 - 24mph). This was at the expense of hill climbing and legality for the EU market (OK for the USA). So the motor was electronically limited to 15 mph for the EU, but this made for a flawed electric bike, that was neither fast nor a good hill climber. The Torq 2 has a completely new motor, geared specifically for a top speed of 15 mph (there is a different version for the USA) and the bike is now a good hill climber*.
*For a hub motor bike.
The original Torq was fitted with the motor from the Quando originally geared for a 20 inch wheel. Putting this motor in a 28 inch wheel geared it up substantially and gave potential for a high top speed (up to about 22 - 24mph). This was at the expense of hill climbing and legality for the EU market (OK for the USA). So the motor was electronically limited to 15 mph for the EU, but this made for a flawed electric bike, that was neither fast nor a good hill climber. The Torq 2 has a completely new motor, geared specifically for a top speed of 15 mph (there is a different version for the USA) and the bike is now a good hill climber*.
*For a hub motor bike.
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Ok, VERY helpful info. I had read a product description on a web site here in the states that included: "The 8-speed Derailor setup in combination with the electric system will pull you up the steepest hills without much effort, and yes – Torq stands for Torque." ...so, i figured something must have changed. Thanks a bunch for the replies!
I have done much reading on here about both the Torq and the new kalkoffs. It seems to me that the torq might be a better climber than it used to be but is still quite highly geared and is no longer derestrictable. New batteries on the way may also mean its achilees heel is improved.
The kalkoffs seem to be very low geared machines and you will have to change the sprocket unless you live in the mountainous regions or Bath. they also seem to be very comfortable according to most but requre almost equal effort of the rider. The latter does seem to give a huge range though. May have an issue with soft furnishings but i'd change the grips anyway.
arggg, which one to go for. Well its a moot point at the mo cos I cant buy either (in the right size)
. Makes the anticipation all the more exciting but im leaning to the torq curently as I live in a flatter part of the midlands.
wonder when this cyclepoint will kick off? (UPDATE THE WEBSITE IS LIVE)
Dufus
The kalkoffs seem to be very low geared machines and you will have to change the sprocket unless you live in the mountainous regions or Bath. they also seem to be very comfortable according to most but requre almost equal effort of the rider. The latter does seem to give a huge range though. May have an issue with soft furnishings but i'd change the grips anyway.
arggg, which one to go for. Well its a moot point at the mo cos I cant buy either (in the right size)
. Makes the anticipation all the more exciting but im leaning to the torq curently as I live in a flatter part of the midlands.wonder when this cyclepoint will kick off? (UPDATE THE WEBSITE IS LIVE)
Dufus
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Hi DufusI have done much reading on here about both the Torq and the new kalkoffs. It seems to me that the torq might be a better climber than it used to be but is still quite highly geared and is no longer derestrictable. New batteries on the way may also mean its achilees heel is improved.
The kalkoffs seem to be very low geared machines and you will have to change the sprocket unless you live in the mountainous regions or Bath. they also seem to be very comfortable according to most but requre almost equal effort of the rider. The latter does seem to give a huge range though. May have an issue with soft furnishings but i'd change the grips anyway.
arggg, which one to go for. Well its a moot point at the mo cos I cant buy either (in the right size)
wonder when this cyclepoint will kick off? (UPDATE THE WEBSITE IS LIVE)
Dufus
Have you not considered the Wisper SE then? It certainly doesn't come with soft furnishings
Well apart from the very nicely sprung front forks.It also copes with hills okay but I wouldn't consider it a great hill climber although does get me up two very steep one's on my journey too and from work.
May be worth a look at or a trial ride if possible? It is a lovely bike to ride I have to say
Mandy
Hi Spauld,
You are right in that the original Torq was not optimised for hill climbing, but maybe its not quite fair to call it a "problem". The bike was optimised for going fast on the flat - both the electric motor and the rider's gears are set up for this - and it does that job well.
If you keep it above 10 to 12 mph then its lovely. Below that the motor is less efficient and the rider notices that bottom gear isn't that low.
If you can put in some rider effort at the right time, then you can keep it in that speed range on even quite serious hills.
So, to summarise, the bike is really set up for 15 to 20 mph. And as has been pointed out, it doesn't make much sense to then restrict it to 15. Which is no doubt why the later models are set up differently.
Nick
You are right in that the original Torq was not optimised for hill climbing, but maybe its not quite fair to call it a "problem". The bike was optimised for going fast on the flat - both the electric motor and the rider's gears are set up for this - and it does that job well.
If you keep it above 10 to 12 mph then its lovely. Below that the motor is less efficient and the rider notices that bottom gear isn't that low.
If you can put in some rider effort at the right time, then you can keep it in that speed range on even quite serious hills.
So, to summarise, the bike is really set up for 15 to 20 mph. And as has been pointed out, it doesn't make much sense to then restrict it to 15. Which is no doubt why the later models are set up differently.
Nick
Hi MandyHi Dufus
Have you not considered the Wisper SE then? It certainly doesn't come with soft furnishings
It also copes with hills okay but I wouldn't consider it a great hill climber although does get me up two very steep one's on my journey too and from work.
May be worth a look at or a trial ride if possible? It is a lovely bike to ride I have to say
Mandy
It purely an asthetic thing for me.The wisper just does'nt do it for me.
Dufus
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