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ecat versus add- on e kit

Discussion in 'Gear and Equipment' started by my911, Aug 16, 2020.  |  Print Topic

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  1. my911

    my911

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    SC
    City:
    Johns Island
    Ride:
    Catrike 559
    Name:
    Beast
    I just discovered that Catrike has opted for the Bosch 350(?) watt mid drive and adds $2600 to an unassisted 559.
    Other e assist kits of seemingly high reputation cost a lot less... example....
    Bafang 750w kit including battery is about $900...
    Even if install costs adds another $900, the total is far short of $2600.

    What am I missing?
    Is the lower power Bosch system worth it?
    Should I buy a 559 and have some other e-kit installed?
    Finally, I live on a quite flat Island. is 300w enough? Is 750w overkill?

    All help is welcomed
     
    my911, Aug 16, 2020
    #1
  2. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    Sorry for the tardy response, but Buddy Bishop is probably more able to respond to your inquiry than myself. However, he has had an issue logging onto the board here at RRI. I spoke with him on the phone yesterday and have reset his account, so hopefully he'll be able to chime-in before long.

    Given that, IMO the Bosch 350 would be ample power for flat-land riding. Why the price difference? in my mind Bafang (founded 2003) vs. Bosch (founded 1886) is simply China vs. Germany. Bosch is a top-notch, best-in-the-business manufacturer and is Europe's largest auto-parts manufacturer. One seldomly hears of any concerns/complaints with their line of products. So to me, the decision would be: "Is this just a fancy do-dad I want to try out for awhile?" -or- "Is this something I plan on keeping and using for a long-time-to-come?"
     
    A.D., Aug 30, 2020
    #2
  3. my911

    my911

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    SC
    City:
    Johns Island
    Ride:
    Catrike 559
    Name:
    Beast
    Thanks
    I’m hard pressed to place 3x or 4x value on a name.
     
    my911, Aug 30, 2020
    #3
  4. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    I understand completely. When you can buy two of the Bafang units and have a complete SPARE unit as a backup, for less than the price of a single Bosch unit that's a tough sell. :confused:
     
    A.D., Aug 31, 2020
    #4
  5. my911

    my911

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    SC
    City:
    Johns Island
    Ride:
    Catrike 559
    Name:
    Beast
    I chose to go “RAW?” and decide on e-assist later.
    Seabrook Island is quite flat (*/- 25 ft?), so e-assist should only be needed to help me home if I overdo it?

    Time will tell. Unfortunately all Bafang units are throttled and our wise Island govt has limited e-assist to Class I.
    So, if I decide on e-assist I’ll have to find a different brand.

    Rather than wait 12-16 weeks for a 559, I bought a Road AR that was available.
    It is getting dressed up for delivery this weekend,

    Thanks for the info
     
    my911, Aug 31, 2020
    #5
    bjjoondo likes this.
  6. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    Oh that'll be nice, with the suspension to smooth things out occasionally. :thumbsup:
     
    A.D., Aug 31, 2020
    #6
  7. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    FYI:;Came across an article about it today, as referenced here.
     
    A.D., Sep 5, 2020
    #7
  8. bjjoondo

    bjjoondo

    Region:
    Middle
    State/Country:
    CO
    City:
    Colorado Springs
    Ride:
    ICE Sprint 2 SE
    Name:
    BJ
    You don't need 750W, we only have 350W, 36V, 12 Amp Hr. rear wheel hub motors and it get's us up any hill here in Southern Colorado and we have LOTS of em!! Now if you want to go as fast as your DF bike riding friends, then you might need 750 to 1000W. Ours our just level 1-5 PAS systems NO throttle and we really enjoy having them. BTW cost us $1500 per trike and was "professionally" installed and set up! Look at EBO, Electric Bike Outfitters on the Web, they have several different KITS available, in rear wheel hub motor systems and a couple of inexpensive Mid-Drives. the Bosh like the Shimano STEPS 6 and 8000 are primo systems but I agree very over priced!! :)
     
    bjjoondo, Sep 21, 2020
    #8
    A.D. likes this.
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