[strech]

I am just flip-flopping, I am very interested and from the research I've done it seems you have a quality product. I am 225 lbs and am thinking about buying the "pro-package" and lacing a rim for my 29er mtn bike. I understand that the larger diameter means higher speed but lower toque. Additionally I was planning on buying the SLA battery pack but am uncertain if the 10 mile range would be enough (again considering weight and rim) to assist me to work. I have attached a graph of elevation changes for my commute which is 12 miles one way. I have ridden the route to and from work during mild spring days but in the heat of summer it is too much, I am a puddle when I get in, and in the bleak winter I cant motivate my self to dedicate an hour to freezing my tuccus off. so my questions are these:

Is this unit powerful enough to level the 2 or 3 large hills along my route considering my weight and equipment?
Can I "daisy chain" additional SLA batteries?
Will the combination of my weight and the larger rim diminish the longevity of the motor?

[Chris Clean Republic]

Hey strech,

Thanks for all the info, it makes it easier to answer your questions!

The Hill Topper should be able to handle the elevation that the graph describes. It looks like the longest hill has a 100m (around 330ft) somewhat gradual elevation gain. We have had customers take on longer and steeper hills without any problems to the kit. Even with the larger weight of the bike, the Hill Topper will be able to give you enough electric assist to allow you to get to work mostly sweat free.

You will have some issues with the range due to the higher weight. I would recommend our Lithium kit if you can afford it. The Lithium battery has an average range of 20 miles as opposed to the 10 mile range of the standard.

As you mention, you can get a similar result by using more than one SLA battery. You can run several SLA batteries together, but this would require some extensive modifications on your end. It would be just easier to carry more than one battery, and just stop and disconnect the spent battery and reconnect the new one on your ride.

The hub motor shouldn't be impacted by your ride or weight. The motor is built like a tank and should have the same longevity as your bike frame (15-25 years). It is completely self enclosed and requires no maintenance.

I personally am a bigger guy (6'3" 250lbs) and work in Seattle, which is a city of hills similar to the one you deal with on your commute. I have had no problems with my personal Hill Topper, and have been going strong with the same battery for nearly a year.

Good luck!

[dynodan]

There is an interesting correlation between extended riding with the HT wheel continually powered, into very strong winds, compared to assisted pedaling up very long/steep hills. Both can be VERY hard on lithium batteries, apparently.
The Ping BMS once automatically shut down my 20 AH LiFePO4 after about 3 miles of continuous struggling against a 30-40 mph headwind (was barely making ANY headway). Wasn't disappointed when the battery quit, as I was nearly dead from exhaustion by that time. Never even pedaled (hardly) on the return leg, let alone needing the "E" wheel, so I really don't know how long it took for the BMS to come back on.
Point being, someone who plans that kind of continuous abuse had likely best favor a smaller wheel and trade lower gearing for speed, unless they can afford to buy a new LIB every year.