But John, What about Mid-Drives

     Like many of you, I do a ton of research before purchasing.  I watch countless Youtube videos, read tons of articles and ask my cats.  Because, you know, cats.  And, I'm sure if you've looked at the line up, you'll notice all hub motors.  It wasn't until one of my manufacturers asked me, "We're thinking about doing some mid-drive units, what are your thoughts?", that I went to deep work.

     This is where I have to give a shout out to the giants of Youtube and others that I will stand on.  Even when I don't agree.  If you've seen Johnny Nerdout on Youtube, you know, he is a mid-drive fanatic and with appropriate cause.  Mid-drives are more efficient, provide greater torque and are usually lighter.  But there was a series of videos that really stopped me from thinking that these types of drives were superior.  One of these videos was a review of the cost of owning an electric Mountain Bike.  Before I mention the cost, I should point out, that almost all of the major bicycle manufacturers use a mid-drive powertrain for their units.  Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Kona all use mid-drives.  So they must be great.  Well, as it turns out, there is a huge difference in cost of ownership between a hub drive motor bike and a mid-drive motor.  As the previously mentioned video said, without general value depreciation, around $1200 per year.  That blew my mind.  It wasn't till I watched another youtuber's follow up video did it occur to me why.  I've been saying, I don't really like the idea of a conversion, the frame and parts aren't designed for it.  That's exactly what happens with a mid-drive motor.  The chain, derailleur and rear gear cassette aren't designed to take the stresses that a mid-drive motor can produce.  As such, there can be a very high cost in repair and replacement of those items.  

     In that last video there was a gentleman of an engineer.   He pointed to the fact that his hub motor bike costs him basically nothing per year.  He also pointed out in that video that yes, due to general tensions and alignment torsions created by the derailleur and chain, those items will break on mid-drive bikes.  The best setup is to use a belt drive and a internal geared hub, in combination with the mid-drive.  

That was all I needed to hear, I went back to my manufacturers and provided them with the specs.  After some negotiation, we have what will be a truly value for your dollar, belt driven, 5-speed geared, 1000w mid-drive motor, with over 100 miles of distance.  These are in development and will begin production soon.  It'll be close, but we're are targeting getting the first batch here before Christmas.  

     Anybody can sell you a mid-drive bike.  Like I said, they're the main powertrain the big companies use.  I'd rather sell you one you can take out in the desert and isn't going to leave you stranded.  One where you don't feel like the point is to make money on you in repairs.  I'd rather see you out riding, enjoying and feeling.

     So, keep an eye out, we'll be adding the newest member of the stable to the lineup very soon.  It won't be cheap, but because of it's solidity, battery life and how tough a belt drive gearbox system is, we're designating it, "Clydesdale".  It's the workhorse your farm and family have been looking for and we can't wait to get it to you!