What's the Q128C like at low speeds?

rilot

Pedelecer
Jul 16, 2017
70
24
48
Wargrave, UK
I'm still trying to decide whether to go with a BBS02/01 or a Q128C for my MTB. I prefer the simplicity and clean build of a hub motor but I've read on another forum that the Q128C will bog down at low speeds or on hills (not very steep on my usual rides. Maybe 15%).
What's it like at low speeds say, 5mph?
I think the problem is that I'm trying to build for two different scenarios. 1 is when I'm towing my son with a Trail-Gator to get to the park when I won't be going very fast at all, 2 is when I'm riding on my own to get to work and I want decent speed.
 

anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
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The European Union
When you want to go slow you use low gear and low assistance level. 15% is starting to get pretty steep, my steep test hill is 13-14%.

Having both types of motor: a 15% hill in low gear with the GSM is more comfortable than with the Mxus which requires more pedalling assistance at the same assistance level.
 
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Deleted member 4366

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I can go up my 14% test hill at 15 mph with my Q128c at 48v. That's with moderate/hard pedalling and about 100kg all-up weight.

Mine's the 36v 201 rpm version at 48v, which gives speeds around the mid 20s. The 48v 201 rpm one maxes out at 19 mph, so is better suited to hauling heavy loads
 
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Woosh

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May 19, 2012
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anything over 12%, you are better off on a CD kit.
 
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rilot

Pedelecer
Jul 16, 2017
70
24
48
Wargrave, UK
I just checked the actual incline on my route and it's only 10% so I'm probably still good to go with a Q128C. Still considering a BBS02 but it works out significantly more expensive.
 
D

Deleted member 4366

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I just checked the actual incline on my route and it's only 10% so I'm probably still good to go with a Q128C. Still considering a BBS02 but it works out significantly more expensive.
A Q128c won't have any trouble with a 10% climb. It would probably beat the BBS02 at 15% too, and it's a much better motor.

There's 4 versions so you pick the one that suits your needs:

  • 36V 201 rpm. It'll do about 19 mph flat out, but is quite efficient at climbing. At 48v, it gives speeds in the mid 20s, has good climbing power, but might lack the efficiency needed for long steep climbs.
  • 48v 201 rpm is the ultimate climber. It has good torque and efficiency, but 19mph maximum, which will drop to 15 mph when the battery runs down.
  • 36v 328 rpm. If you don't weigh too much so you can get away with less power, this one will get you into the mid 20s, but with 33% less torque than the 48v one at the same current.
  • 48v 328 rpm. I'm not sure if this one is different to the 36v 201 rpm one. It might well be identical but I haven't tried it.
The Q128H has a slight bigger rotor and stator, so can handle a bit more power than the Q128C.

All these motors will run with 1000w from the battery (20 amps at 48v). I run my Q128C with only 14 amps at 48v. You'll probably find that's all the power you need. It'll do my 14% test hill without pedalling (just) with 100kg all-up weight. I also have a 201 rpm Q128H at 20 amps and 48v. It's complete overkill for what I want.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
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Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
the advantage of a CD kit on steep gradients is gearing. You fit a BCD adapter and change the supplied 46T for a 40T ring to the BBS02B 25A, you can improve the climb by about 12%.
 

anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
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44T and 32 tooth on a 104 BCD spider. The 32 tooth will climb just about anything including the living room wall with an 11-40 cassette.
 

topographer

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 13, 2017
559
216
Mid Yorkshire
A Q128c won't have any trouble with a 10% climb. It would probably beat the BBS02 at 15% too, and it's a much better motor.

There's 4 versions so you pick the one that suits your needs:

  • 36V 201 rpm. It'll do about 19 mph flat out, but is quite efficient at climbing. At 48v, it gives speeds in the mid 20s, has good climbing power, but might lack the efficiency needed for long steep climbs.
  • 48v 201 rpm is the ultimate climber. It has good torque and efficiency, but 19mph maximum, which will drop to 15 mph when the battery runs down.
  • 36v 328 rpm. If you don't weigh too much so you can get away with less power, this one will get you into the mid 20s, but with 33% less torque than the 48v one at the same current.
  • 48v 328 rpm. I'm not sure if this one is different to the 36v 201 rpm one. It might well be identical but I haven't tried it.
The Q128H has a slight bigger rotor and stator, so can handle a bit more power than the Q128C.

All these motors will run with 1000w from the battery (20 amps at 48v). I run my Q128C with only 14 amps at 48v. You'll probably find that's all the power you need. It'll do my 14% test hill without pedalling (just) with 100kg all-up weight. I also have a 201 rpm Q128H at 20 amps and 48v. It's complete overkill for what I want.
Nice info. In fact, I've photographed your tabulation for future reference.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
20,379
16,876
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
I wouldn't want to contradict d8veh because I have the 201RPM Q128H running at 48V but I would say this: don't buy a kit on its ability of climbing hills alone. As far as I know, you will have to buy the Q128C or Q128H from bmsbattery. That means from China with all the difficulty when you need to send something back there. Plus, you need to choose the right controller, battery and pedal sensor for your circumstance.
I sell hub kits, XF08C for cassette, SWX02 and BPM for freewheel. I don't think my offerings are inferior or less sensible to bmsbattery's Q128C and Q128H. I will also make sure that your conversion is a success in as little time as possible. I have a 3D printer, so I can fix problems like pedal sensors when a plastic piece would solve a fitting problem.
 
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awol

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 4, 2013
1,216
374
A Q128c won't have any trouble with a 10% climb. It would probably beat the BBS02 at 15% too, and it's a much better motor.

There's 4 versions so you pick the one that suits your needs:

  • 36V 201 rpm. It'll do about 19 mph flat out, but is quite efficient at climbing. At 48v, it gives speeds in the mid 20s, has good climbing power, but might lack the efficiency needed for long steep climbs.
  • 48v 201 rpm is the ultimate climber. It has good torque and efficiency, but 19mph maximum, which will drop to 15 mph when the battery runs down.
  • 36v 328 rpm. If you don't weigh too much so you can get away with less power, this one will get you into the mid 20s, but with 33% less torque than the 48v one at the same current.
  • 48v 328 rpm. I'm not sure if this one is different to the 36v 201 rpm one. It might well be identical but I haven't tried it.
The Q128H has a slight bigger rotor and stator, so can handle a bit more power than the Q128C.

All these motors will run with 1000w from the battery (20 amps at 48v). I run my Q128C with only 14 amps at 48v. You'll probably find that's all the power you need. It'll do my 14% test hill without pedalling (just) with 100kg all-up weight. I also have a 201 rpm Q128H at 20 amps and 48v. It's complete overkill for what I want.
I wish they did a version about 260rpm. I am going to be trying the 260rpm version of the Q100H soon.
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,917
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West Sx RH
I wish they did a version about 260rpm. I am going to be trying the 260rpm version of the Q100H soon.
In another way you can have 260rpm approx. in a Q128. Over volt the 201/36 @ 48v you get approx. 30% more speed so it runs at 265/268rpm, or run the 48v at 36v to get a similar result but not quite as efficient.
 
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awol

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 4, 2013
1,216
374
In another way you can have 260rpm approx. in a Q128. Over volt the 201/36 @ 48v you get approx. 30% more speed so it runs at 265/268rpm, or run the 48v at 36v to get a similar result but not quite as efficient.
I've only got 36v or 44v option and was thinking given the Q128 good power a 260rpm would be powerful enough for me at 36v if they did one. I will post how my Q100H 260RPM @36v test goes when I do it.
 
D

Deleted member 4366

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The 201 rpm Q128 at 12S will give you the speed you want. It'll give power to about 24 mph and easy cruising at 20 mph.
 
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Spaceystud

Finding my (electric) wheels
Oct 21, 2017
8
0
54
Hebden Bridge
I wouldn't want to contradict d8veh because I have the 201RPM Q128H running at 48V but I would say this: don't buy a kit on its ability of climbing hills alone. As far as I know, you will have to buy the Q128C or Q128H from bmsbattery. That means from China with all the difficulty when you need to send something back there. Plus, you need to choose the right controller, battery and pedal sensor for your circumstance.
I sell hub kits, XF08C for cassette, SWX02 and BPM for freewheel. I don't think my offerings are inferior or less sensible to bmsbattery's Q128C and Q128H. I will also make sure that your conversion is a success in as little time as possible. I have a 3D printer, so I can fix problems like pedal sensors when a plastic piece would solve a fitting problem.
Did your (woosh) new switchable kits arrive yet