The NuVinci is an internally geared hub with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), not a power assist unit, although I can see how its bulk might make one wonder if there was a motor inside.
I work in a bike shop that specializes in cargo bikes, and we have sold a number of cargo bikes with electric assist, an application where it makes tons of sense and can really go a long ways towards replacing the capabilities of a car. BionX is by far the market leader in North America right now, but this is a rapidly expanding market and I wouldn't be suprised if that changes quickly, especially if heavyweights like Panasonic or Bosch bring their products here. I've worked on and installed quite a few BionX kits on cargo bikes, and it really is a pretty slick system, readily adaptable to a wide range of bikes. The batteries can either be mounted on the frame using the water bottle mounts or on a dedicated rear rack. On a Riv, I might be tempted to use the rear rack battery, just so there's no chance of damaging the frame if something happens to the battery--water bottle mounts are often through the thinnest part of the steel tubes. The best part about BionX, for me is that since the whole system runs off a torque sensor in the rear hub, and adds an amount of force proportional to your pedaling force, it still feels like riding a bicycle...you just got stronger. All that being said, BionX is still a pricy proposition, at ~$2000USD depending on the kit, also considering the labor cost involved for the install. And you're right, Cecily, I'm fairly certain BionX doesn't produce a 650b wheel kit at the moment, but a good BionX dealer would be able to re-lace the hub to a 650b rim for you. Considering the rising popularity of 650b mountain bikes, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before BionX offers a stock 650b option. On Friday, January 10, 2014 6:55:28 PM UTC-8, Peter M wrote: > > The nuvinci is the hub is the one I most often see on the ebikes around > here. It's a big unit but they seem to zip around with ease. > On Jan 10, 2014 9:51 PM, "Peter Pesce" <[email protected] <javascript:>> > wrote: > >> As long as you attach it with twine it's Riv approved! >> Seriously though, I think that this new e-bike wheel retrofit thingy >> that's been on the inter webs the last few weeks seems ideal. >> Personally I'd love an ebike if I could afford a Specialized Turbo (and >> Specialized weren't so evil). >> >> Pete in CT >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected] <javascript:>. >> To post to this group, send email to >> [email protected]<javascript:> >> . >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >> > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
