After riding mtb only on enough roads to get to the trailhead for over 30 years I found myself for the first time without access to any trail systems that I didn't have to drive to. Found it boring to take my KTM for a "ride" and missed pedaling so I put together what I call my bicyclized motorcycles.
Got the first one together in time for a trip to my old haunts down in CO last fall and found it was a great way to get around the different drainages above town which coming from sea level would have not been an option, although I did make the first group to the sign at PP 40 off of my Townie. But I don't think I would of if I hadn't done the 125+ miles the few days before off of my e bike. A good way to get warmed up for the main event for sure and got to see a lot of country I would have normally missed out on.
Truth be known I have been messing around with motor assist bikes for over 15 years now. Not as any sort of primary mode of cycling but as a way to keep an eye on what I have always felt would end up being a thing someday. As a result my preferred setup is made up of parts and pieces as I feel it is a way of future proofing in case better components come along, mainly in the battery sector.
I like a front hub motor (with torque arm, very important) with a battery in the main triangle because I feel it balances out the ride well. My setups are 1000w, which is legal in the state I live in btw, but mostly I am reading 250w-500w on my meter, which it is important to have a good one I use a Cycle Analyst, when cruising up to 25 mph but do see it peak if I am getting after it or climbing something stupid steep. But the bottom line is that by using Schlumpf drives I have gearing that I can pedal effectively on top of the motor all the way up to top speed and still low enough gearing for steep climbing. Most people don't think direct drive hubs will climb but I beg to differ and mine are loaded with Stator Aid which is a liquid that helps to keep them running cool.
Oh, and btw I use a throttle and don't subscribe to PAS as I prefer to be in control of motor input to pedal input, it just feels more natural to me that way.
I don't subscribe to the e mtb thing btw and although I tend to still get out on some trails and do some exploring with these bikes it is at a mellow pace, but surprising to me sometimes just what it will do, especially climbing with the help of the front motor and the right gear to pedal along with. Goes over logs well also, kind of reminds me of my old Rokon in a way.
A few more of the variety of terrain I have enjoyed since putting these bikes together. A lot of fun, as good of a workout as you want to get and the best way to get around downtown!
