Originally Posted by
linberl
If you build it right, there's nothing lighter that can supply the same amount of power. My 1Motor pushes 750w and weighs 4.5lbs including
battery. Not everyone wants or needs a big heavy powerful e-bike motor.
I wouldn't have bought a super light 19lb Bike Friday if I had just planned on adding 10 (likely more) pounds to motorize it. I've got a 23.5lb e bike =). So that's why a friction drive! And it works great. They're ideal for light road bikes, too.
Maybe you can teach me something. Got some examples of some well built friction drives? I've done some research on them, but they always seem to disappoint - like 750w just doesn't pull like a 750 watt hub or mid drive. Maybe you know something I don't?
I guess I'm different then you, because I did what you wouldn't do, lol. I put a 2.1kg hub motor on my 19lb bike. If I found an alternative that could save me 1.1kg with similar performance, I would be interested...