Can a Bafang mid-drive shift an internal Sturmey Archer hub?
07-05-15, 12:12 PM
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Can a Bafang mid-drive shift an internal Sturmey Archer hub?
I am thinking of a Bafang mid drive for my next ebike project and have I a new Sturmey Archer 3 speed internal that takes an 8/9 speed cassette with 24 or 27 speeds I thought would be perfect. The problem is that the 3 speed will only shift properly when back pedaled and the long rundown seems to be the weak point of this mid drive. Has anyone found a good way to "clutch" the motor for shifting an internal hub? Alternatively I'll just do a hub drive again. Thanks in advance!
07-05-15, 12:56 PM
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Bafang is Chinese Right?.
German Mid drives are probably better. Raleigh builds a frame around theirs
Raleigh Bicycles - Tekoa-iE
Pedal-electric-assist is a type which stops Electric-power when you stop pedaling, that may be the "clutch" theme you seek.
Internal gears Just need a Pause in power input, coast for a few feet, and let the gear change happen ,
you dont have to "BackPedal".
A Rohloff IGH is pretty strong if not geared too low , 42:16 in a 26" wheel is probably OK , that is what they recommend for Tandems .
German Mid drives are probably better. Raleigh builds a frame around theirs
Raleigh Bicycles - Tekoa-iE
Pedal-electric-assist is a type which stops Electric-power when you stop pedaling, that may be the "clutch" theme you seek.
Internal gears Just need a Pause in power input, coast for a few feet, and let the gear change happen ,
you dont have to "BackPedal".
A Rohloff IGH is pretty strong if not geared too low , 42:16 in a 26" wheel is probably OK , that is what they recommend for Tandems .
Last edited by fietsbob; 07-05-15 at 01:03 PM.
07-05-15, 01:45 PM
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Thanks fietsbob, there are good and bad products made everywhere in the world.
The German drives I have seen all require a frame made specifically for the drive system; is there a reasonably priced retrofit I haven't seen?
I am looking for an affordable retrofit and the Bafang has generally good reviews and a great price with the gear train wear from the lack of torque sensing for shifting being the most mentioned shortcoming. One of the things I like most about bikes is that most parts can be made to fit most bikes making obsolescence less of an issue.
The Raleigh is a pretty expensive option compared to an $900 complete mid drive system and a bike from the existing fleet, nice clean lines though.
The German drives I have seen all require a frame made specifically for the drive system; is there a reasonably priced retrofit I haven't seen?
I am looking for an affordable retrofit and the Bafang has generally good reviews and a great price with the gear train wear from the lack of torque sensing for shifting being the most mentioned shortcoming. One of the things I like most about bikes is that most parts can be made to fit most bikes making obsolescence less of an issue.
The Raleigh is a pretty expensive option compared to an $900 complete mid drive system and a bike from the existing fleet, nice clean lines though.
08-05-15, 06:53 PM
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The one thing that has always keep me from trying a Bafang, is how do you service the bottom bracket? It has it own shaft and bearings and from what I can tell a pretty big job to replace bearings. And bottom bracket bearings do usually need replacing from time to time.
08-06-15, 04:57 PM
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Silly question about the Bafang. Do the pedals have to move when the motor is engaged, or can they free wheel with respect to the crank. I watched a video, and pehaps it was a a trick of the camera angle, but it sure looked like the rider's feet were not moving when he claimed he was pressing the throttle button.
08-07-15, 05:15 PM
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ba fang mid drive has a both straight throttle mode and a pedal assist mode. Mine should be here any day now, hopefully 
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08-07-15, 06:20 PM
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Silly question about the Bafang. Do the pedals have to move when the motor is engaged, or can they free wheel with respect to the crank. I watched a video, and pehaps it was a a trick of the camera angle, but it sure looked like the rider's feet were not moving when he claimed he was pressing the throttle button.
