I have an electric bicycle (centre motor, by law limited to 250W and assistance up to 25 kph) With a 7 speed Shimano Nexus internal gear hub. These hubs are notorious for 2 things: high drag and not being suited for the added strain of electric assist.
I find myself driving on flats and downhill faster than the assistance limit (around 27 kph) and only really use the assistance going up a hill. (limited to about 5% in my region). So getting rid of the 80-85% efficient rear hub in favour of a 98% effective derailleur system should be a benefit. 5th and 6th gear are most often used, dropping to 4th sometimes and 3rd maybe once in a blue moon. 7th gear is good till about 40 kph, I could go faster with a taller gear (downhill)
I would need a rear wheel with 7 speed cassette (14/34 seems the most appropriate), a derailleur adapter, a derailleur, a shifter, and a cable. Anything I'm missing? I drive about 2 hours a day / 5 days a week which makes it a worthwile upgrade to me.
The Motinova centre motor has a small sprocket up front, first guess around 28 teeth but will count them later to make sure. The rear sprocket seems to be the same size. If that count is correct the derailleur setup gives me a shortest gear that between 2nd and 3rd on the hub, and 2 gears that are talle than the current 7th gear.
Has anyone done this type of thing and noticed benefits? Did I miss something on the parts list? I really like the Motinova engine so would like to avoid buying another bike.
I find myself driving on flats and downhill faster than the assistance limit (around 27 kph) and only really use the assistance going up a hill. (limited to about 5% in my region). So getting rid of the 80-85% efficient rear hub in favour of a 98% effective derailleur system should be a benefit. 5th and 6th gear are most often used, dropping to 4th sometimes and 3rd maybe once in a blue moon. 7th gear is good till about 40 kph, I could go faster with a taller gear (downhill)
I would need a rear wheel with 7 speed cassette (14/34 seems the most appropriate), a derailleur adapter, a derailleur, a shifter, and a cable. Anything I'm missing? I drive about 2 hours a day / 5 days a week which makes it a worthwile upgrade to me.
The Motinova centre motor has a small sprocket up front, first guess around 28 teeth but will count them later to make sure. The rear sprocket seems to be the same size. If that count is correct the derailleur setup gives me a shortest gear that between 2nd and 3rd on the hub, and 2 gears that are talle than the current 7th gear.
Has anyone done this type of thing and noticed benefits? Did I miss something on the parts list? I really like the Motinova engine so would like to avoid buying another bike.
