Our second E-Bike prototype with mid drive motor Comp C17 passed 800 km

The mileage of the second Avial e-Bike prototype, equipped with mid-drive motor Comp C17, moved beyond 800 km mark. Initially, we tested our e-bike prototype with the C17 motor, working in mode 48V/350W and giving up to 100Nm of torque. In such drive operation mode, our patented frame showed good ability to cope with a high of torque. We couldn’t record its negative impact from loadings on frame units.

The first 300 km of Avial e-bike prototype tests underwent in the mode of mountain stony rises and descents and also even in the conditions of complete off-road with an abundance of water and dirt. During these tests, our team in the active mode checked rigidness and durability of a frame together with the C17 mid-drive motor, configuration and operation of components and systems, installed on Avial prototype, and also estimated convenience both bicycle washing and availability of places, where dirt can be trapped in.

After off-road terrain tests, a prototype testing continued in the city mode, with trips on park tracks, sandy beaches and city streets. However, this second stage of testing wasn’t simple neither for a frame nor for the bicycle. In case of any convenient opportunity, the movement was carried out with the active sets of speeds, being combined with the most various methods of overcoming city hindrances, such as high borders, rails and hollows on roads asphalt. In such mode, the prototype was tested by 300 more km and as my weight is more than 100 kg, it is possible to point out that there were really loaded kilometres.

As the majority of the European e-bikes models are offered with the 250W drives, we decided to estimate changes in controllability and the bicycle dynamics with the C17 motor, working in mode 250W. On a mileage of 650 km, we received the special programming device and software from our friends from the Comp Company, allowing switching an operation mode of mid drive motor C17 from 350 to 250W. It is pleasant to me to send the appreciation for consultations and the help to expert’s team from the Comp Company and directly to Mr. Vojtěch Mareš. Thanks to him all procedure of updating of the C17 drive software turned out to be simple and took me no more than 10 minutes.

It is necessary to point out that in addition to simplicity, an important point is an opportunity to update a drive software in assembled bicycle actually, needlessly to sort something and only with a connection of a special cable directly to the drive. For many potential owners of mid-drive motor Comp C17 it will be also interesting to know that this procedure is reversible, and in the same way of software changes, the drive can return power 350W again.

The first impressions of a trip with updated drive settings were very nice. Despite power change with 350 to 250W, mid drive motor Comp C17 saved the main advantage – peak torque of 80Nm. Thanks to the impressive thrust, the drive still allowed to overcome rises and to drive on steep hills easily and comfortably, often forgiving some errors in a gear choice.

Till now it is important to point out that a torque is not the only one of C17 drive advantages. The great role in the correct operation of the drive linking with the system of speeds switching is executed by the Gear Sensor. The principle of its operation is rather simple, but at the same time is very effective. When switching speeds on the bicycle the Gear Sensor defines relocation of a gearshift cable and, for a moment, it disconnects thrust on mid drive motor. It allows to the chain, temporarily without load, to successfully change a chainwheel. Right after it, the drive gives thrust again.

On 800 km mileage, my operating experience of mid drive motor Comp C17 together with Gear Sensor, developed in the Czech Republic, showed that such technical solution is capable to make process and speeds change smooth, silent, comfortable and effective. Along with it, the sensor prevents possible chain jumping and shots, while speed switching that considerably reduces chains and gears’ wear.

Baruch Dorfman

Look in detail https://www.compdrives.com/en/