Last week, after having an amazing ride on the Stromer Electric Bike I vowed that I would return to my regular ole’ road-bike and abstain from the  electric bike craze that has taken a hold of the biking world. But then I saw the BionX Conversion Kit, and I thought, what the heck, that looks totally awesome.

The BionX electrifies virtually any bike

The BionX system is able to convert virtually any bike into an electric bike. The bike I ended up riding was a Cannondale Adventure that had been suped-up with a 350 watt BionX motor.

Right from the get-go I noticed some great features about the bike. First, the seat is among the most comfortable seats I have ever had the opportunity to sit on. Just get this, in addition to being very cushy, it actually has suspension. That’s right the SEAT has suspension. Maybe that doesn’t shock the well-rounded bikers of the world, but I was totally delighted— made my road bike feel like sitting on a golf-club.

The BionX enhanced Cannondale also had very sophisticated handlebars that can be easily adjustable to virtually any height and angle. This is a great feature as I become annoyed with the arc of the overly curvy handlebars that are so often used on electric bikes. Being able to lower the handlebars a bit made the bike feel a bit more sporty and, unless it was my imagination, I felt like I cut through the wind a bit more easily.

The BionX Conversion Kit’s greatest strength:

Both of the features described above (the adjustable seat and handlebars) are, of course, not specifically benefits of the BionX system itself, but rather of the bike enhanced by the BionX Motor. But really, that is the greatest strength of the BionX Conversion Kit— you can choose a bike with the features that suit you and add on electric assistance as an accessory. Indeed…

(Some inspirational last words about BionX…)

…no longer must you suffer on a frame that isn’t to your liking just to harness the advantages of electric power. Using the BionX Conversion Kit, you can enjoy the power of electricity on any design of your choosing, custom fit to your own desire, limited by nothing but the outer regions of one’s own imagination and creativity!

Ok… maybe I got a bit ahead of myself, but still, the BionX Conversion Kit is amazing and I encourage everyone to learn more about it, and if you can, come by and try it out!

Jack

Today I got the chance to ride a Cannondale Adventure that had been converted into an electric bike using a 350 watt BionX Motor. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would a bike converted by the BionX system perform as well as a regular electric bike?

Could the BionX Conversion Kit compare to a real powerhouse like the Stromer Electric Bike?

Last week I rode the Stromer Electric Bike around the Central Park bike paths, and I couldn’t imagine that the BionX Conversion Kit would compare with a bike of that caliber. I set off on the road, just me, the BionX Conversion Kit, and my inhibitions, and, to my surprise, by the end of trip my opinions had gone through a “conversion” of their own.

The BionX can hack it with the big boys.

The BionX Conversion Kit does a great job of providing all of the perks of a traditional electric bike. Like the Stromer Electric Bike, the BionX system provides four levels of electric assistance, as well as four levels of increased resistance for those type-A personalities who want to get a little more exercise. Also like the Stromer Electric Bike, the BionX system integrates a throttle that can be used when you get tired of pedaling.

Benefits of the BionX

There are actually many benefits to riding a converted electric bike, in place of a traditional electric model. First, a bike converted by the BionX system has the potential to be much lighter than a regular electric bike.

The Stromer Electric Bike, for example, weighs in at 62 pounds. That means that when you turn off the electric assistance on the Stromer, the bike is fairly difficult to accelerate at a fast pace. In contrast, the Bionx Conversion Kit can be as light as 15 lbs! The enhanced Cannondale Adventure I rode is in no way a light bike, but even with the BionX System attached I had no problem pedaling at a good pace when the electric assistance was turned off.The other benefit to using a BionX Conversion Kit, is that the battery is removable.  This comes in handy if, like me, you live on the sixth floor walk up, and want to put the battery in your backpack when you carry your bike up the stairs.

By the end of my ride, I was convinced that the BionX Conversion Kit is a truly wonderful addition to the world of electric bikes.  Definitely anyone who is thinking about buying an electric model, should try out the BionX Conversion Kit for themselves, and prepare to be amazed!

Jack

In a relaxing bay setting, Turbo shows-off his E-Brompton

By Turbo Bob

When the subject of this post came to light, the title came even quicker. Just like these two fruits are similar, they are so very different. And so it is with the E-Brompton and the BionX E-bike conversion kit. Both are good, good for you, and serve a very utilitarian purpose. Yet they are very, very different.

To start out, neither of the bikes I will discuss were designed with a electric motor-assist in mind. My BionX 48 volt (Special Edition Kit) was installed on a mid-priced Diamond Back mountain bike. It was spec’d fairly nicely, had an aluminum frame, and rode well. It offered 21 speeds, a decent front suspension fork, and 26 inch wheels. My Brompton H3L is a top-end folding bike that has 3-speeds, steel folding frame, and just a hint of rear suspension. It has 16 inch wheels and a more up-right seating position than the mountain bike.

Two different ebike kit mounting systems

The BionX motor mounts in the rear, as opposed to the E-Brompton that has the hub motor in the front. As far as riding is concerned, I like both front and rear mount hub motor layouts. They both drive the bike without any adverse handling changes. The front to rear balance of the BionX is closer to 50/50. Part of that is due to the center mounting of the battery. There are other issues about which end the motor is mounted, but I won’t go into them here.

The E-Brompton does have a higher percentage of weight on the front (the motor and battery are up there), but during a ride, it is all but un-noticeable. Part of that is because the battery (mounted in the ’C’ bag) is secured to the head tube and not the handlebars. The only time when you notice the front being heavier is when you are moving the bike about or lifting it up onto a curb (or rise of some sort).

Total cost of ebike conversion

Another key point worth mentioning is the ratio of the price of the bikes to the price of the conversion kits. On the E-Brompton, the ratio is about one to one. On the BionX, it is (or can be) way different. Do consider I bought the 3 year-old Diamond Back used. The ratio here is about twenty-five to one. This speaks in many directions and I will leave it up to you to decide what those are. The total value of each complete E-bike is close to the same.

What you really want to know about is performance, range, and controllability. I think we can consider the reliability to be the same. Both bikes have a very professional look and neatness in the installation. The total weight is about the same (both under fifty pounds). And both bikes have a stealthy, non-E-bike appearance. The battery on the BionX does give away some of the fact that it is an E-bike. Plus the hub motors are visible, but not over-obvious.

Turbo takes on some rays on his BionX equiped mountain bike

The E-Brompton is a throttle-control only bike. It does offer three-levels of assist, but when on the high setting, the throttle has the complete range of control. The thumb throttle is at your left hand grip, and you must manipulate it continuously when you want the motor-assist. It is a simple set-up, uses a simpler and less expensive ECU (electronic control unit), and many people prefer this type of control over the motor’s power.

The BionX bike motor has a dual-control, intelligent pedelec system. It incorporates an integral load sensor that knows how hard you are pushing on the pedals and adds the motor’s assist automatically. With four levels of assist available and an energy regeneration ability, it is the king in using the available power wisely. A thumb throttle is included, along with a display panel that shows many important things. Those are– power used or regenerated, level of assist, battery power remaining, bike speed, distance traveled, and other cool things.

Riding an ebike, Brompton or BionX…

Riding with either control system is fine. The BionX motor is completely silent and noticeably smoother. The E-Brompton is a close second. Using the assist from a dead stop on the E-Brompton will bring on a little roughness and should be avoided. The BionX’s complex electronics won’t allow the motor to kick-in until you have reached a couple of mph. They have a fairy equal amount of power and acceleration, but the higher wattage of the BionX (350 watts vs. the E-Brompton’s 290 watts), does give a bigger boost at the higher speeds.

Range is a tough number to nail down. It depends on many factors. If you never pedal and count on the motor for all your movement, the battery will deplete pretty fast. If you only pedal, the battery will never run down. Of course, you won’t be at either of these extremes. I have taken both these of these bikes on 30 mile plus rides without running out of power. I’m sure I could have gone farther if I had wanted to. Keep in mind that my E-Brompton does have the 10 Ah battery option.

So who is the winner here? Apples or Oranges, which do you like best? I can’t choose either. I love the quality and smooth feel of the BionX. I love the ability to fold-up the E-Brompton and the convenience that it brings. Both bikes take me where I’m going and push me up the hills with a smile. Both bikes ride great and give a feeling that nothing can stop me from having fun. They are exactly the same and yet completely different. Go figure. Try them both and make up your own mind.

Got to go, time for a snack, Turbo Bob.

“After a time, habituated to spending so many hours a day on my bike, I became less and less interested in my friends. My wheel had now become my one and only friend. I could rely on it, which is more than I could say about my buddies. It’s too bad no one ever photographed me with my friend. I would give anything now to know what we looked like.”—Henry Miller, My Bike and Other Friends.

The Del at Coronado is the backdrop for Turbo and his BionX

By Turbo Bob

The closest thing you can get to flying on your bike is the addition of a BionX E-bike conversion kit. You’ll be gliding along effortlessly with the power and smoothness that normally only comes in a dream. I’ve lived this dream and you can too.

NYCeWheels offers BionX kits in four different levels of power and price. I ridden some of those, but the one I had for an extended test was the 48 volt 350 watt version. The intelligent power-assist makes for the greatest feeling as you cruise and even more so when climbing grades. Like a direct connection to your needs, it knows when to power-up.

How a BionX bike motor works

It ties your choice of four levels of power-assist, to an integral load sensor that can feel how hard you are pedaling. With no other input from you, the motor kicks in silently and helps you roll down the road. A BionX motor kit enhances your acceleration and multiplies your climbing ability.

All this with virtually no drawbacks. The power system offers imperceptible drag and adds little weight to your bike.
The direct-drive brushless hub motor mounts easily to your bike and uses the factory drive system. The lockable battery uses the water bottle mounting holes to secure it to your bike. The wiring is minimal and makes for the cleanest of installations. I particularly like the fact that the ECU (electronic control unit) is enclosed in the motor housing itself. This allows for little electrical power losses and adds to the lack of wires you might notice on most other E-bike conversion kits.

What are the parts of a BionX bike?

The included display unit mounts on the handle bars. It incorporates many great features that impressed me. Like a bike computer, the BionX system registers your speed, trip distance, total distance, and ride time. Like an ammeter, it tells the amount of power being used or regenerated (yes, power regeneration, more on that soon), battery power left, and even has a anti-theft mode. Don’t forget the back-lighting for nighttime use and the built-in programmable features.

Ok, what about this battery regeneration thing? How does a BionX kit recoup your power? When slowing down and descending grades, the ECU will allow the motor to become a generator that will recharge the battery. A small sensor detects your activation of the rear brake and makes the motor send power back to the battery. It is set-up so it happens before the rear brake pads contact the rim and helps to slow the bike down, through drag from the motor. When you are ready for the actual stop, just pull the brake lever a tad more.

When coming down a grade, you can select one of four levels of regeneration. This acts like a drag brake to check your downhill speed and preserve your brakes. You make this selection from the plus and minus buttons that are on the display and the thumb reachable buttons. These are the same buttons that you use to pick the level of motor assist. This does work as I have seen the battery charge level go up more than once on descents.

BionX motors will fit my bike?

The BionX kit can be adapted to many styles of bikes. There are a few exceptions, but generally the installation is easy for someone who can tune-up their own bike. Your local bike shop or a savvy friend can help if needed. The motor comes laced-up to a strong wheel with even stronger spokes. You get your choice of several wheel sizes and custom jobs are on the menu too.

The kit comes with an awesome instruction manual. The customer service available at NYCeWheels is as close as your phone or computer. These E-bike experts have been selling and installing BionX kits for many years. If for some reason you have a warranty issue, they will jump on it like a big cat. And as the years go by, they can be counted on for replacement parts and continued assistance.

There are many good reasons to convert your bike to E-power. Buying an E-bike might be nice, but many people don’t have the room or can’t handle the expense of owning two bikes. Plus the bike your riding now probably fits you well and is like an old friend. Giving it a new lease on life with a electric conversion kit could be the best thing you’ve ever done for it. If your bike is well maintained and you are pleased with it, consider a BionX.

Electric bike kit pricing

Another thing I like about this kit is that you can put it on a bike of most any price point. If you decide to up-grade to a better bike, the BionX can be added to that bike easily. The investment in your bike and yourself will continue to pay for itself for a long time. Not many bike modifications can boast that.

Also, many E-bikes are one size fits all. They might not come with the pieces you like either. With a BionX E-bike conversion kit, you can make all the decisions. You are not bound to what someone else thinks you might like, you can follow your own directions to custom fit your bike for you. Your own custom designed magic carpet E-bike, who wouldn’t want that? Enjoy some high flying.

Check the BionX bike motor on NYCeWheels website and go BionX, Turbo Bob.

“You begin pedaling–faster and faster and faster. You ease the prop pitch in, which is like shifting into a higher gear on a bicycle. Someone on the radio is shouting, ’Stay close to the center line. Stay close! Move a little more to your right. Keep your wings level.’ And then the wing runner shouts, ’Okay! Looks like you’re going fast enough.’ You gradually ease back on the stick of the airplane. And then there’s that glorious moment when you take off from the runway.”—Glenn Temml, who pedaled the Daedalus Project into flight.

http://www.nycewheels.com/bionx-electric-bike.html

Bob and the BionX at the Coronado Del

By Turbo Bob
What’s it really like to ride a BionX equipped bike? Most every article and post I’ve read about a BionX conversion has to do with technical specs, installation, and hype. None of my own curiosities were satisfied until I got my own 48v BionX kit. Now I know and I will try to tell you what its like.

First and foremost, it is almost no different than any other bike. A quick push of the on button when you climb aboard will power up the display. This works just like a bike computer and with no other actions, you are off and riding. The BionX display head will show your speed, total miles ridden, trip distance and time, and your average speed.
But, you want some power, right? Easy enough. Just push the plus button on the display or throttle unit. You have your choice of four levels of assist. Let’s just go to level four for now (maximum). This simple action allows the intelligence of the system add to your own leg power. It is so noticeable at this power setting. The  BionX motor adds lots of go power and you speed down the path at a never before known pace.

BionX kit modes of power

For most riding you will probably be better at the second or third level. It still offers lots of assist, but it will increase your battery range at this lower assist level. As you pedal harder, the motor adds power automatically to make you feel like you have been working out. If you are just cruising, the BionX motor is just cruising too. It is a great feeling.

At any time during your ride, you have the option of overriding the computer’s decision on the power added. Just push the red throttle button, and you are in control of the motor’s output. And there is a lot of power to control. If you juice the throttle to full at around 10 mph, you can really feel the acceleration. It is a rush that is fun to get used to. You want to do it over and over it feels so good.  The BionX motor kit takes you right to 20 mph and holds the speed at that point.

If you use the push throttle, you will reduce the batteries range distance. I find that holding the button at a mid point and maintaining 15-18 mph is very satisfying. You don’t want to do this endlessly for a couple reasons. One is that it will use up the battery pretty fast. The other is that it will warm up the motor and battery un-necessarily. It feels good, but you are best to pedal and use the auto-assist.

Some interesting BionX motor features

One (two) last things before we talk about open road riding: battery regeneration and the display’s readout of power used and regenerated. When you pull the rear brake handle (not enough to actually activate the brake), the system will go into regeneration mode and slow the bike down. On a hill, you can use the plus and minus buttons to set the regeneration drag to maintain a continuous speed. (More on this in a minute.) On the display, there is a dual bar graph that shows how much power you are using from the battery or adding back in. It is fun to watch and very accurate. Nice touch, BionX.

So let’s take a ride. Push the display on and wait a few seconds for it to go through it’s self-check. I use this time to turn on my front and rear blinking lights. ( I use them in the day and the night.) Set the auto-assist to number two or three. A you pedal off, the BionX motor just works with no other input. Shift through the gears like normal and enjoy the ride. If you pedal harder, your speed increases quicker than your regular bike. As you hit a hill, you can increase the power level to really help cut the grade down to size. It all feels so natural and pleasant.

BionX electric bike motor

If traffic or the road calls for a burst of speed, pop the throttle button, and your BionX bike takes off. I feel so in control of my bike with the addition of the BionX E-bike kit. Normally I just use the pedelec mode and ride like I always do. I love the added strength my legs feel. You ride effortlessly and quietly. The only noise you hear is the hum of the tires and the rush of the breeze. It’s a great feeling and very satisfying.

Multi-function e-bike power

When you are ready to come to a stop, gently pull the rear brake and the motor slows you down, while replacing some of the battery’s charge. When you are ready, use the brakes like normal for the final stop. After a great climb up a hill, you will crest the top and work your way down. Toggle the plus / minus buttons and find the correct level to maintain a safe speed down. The motor acts like a drag brake, and sends power back to the battery at the same time. It saves the brake pads and keeps them cool for heavy use if needed.

So there you have it. It rides just like a regular bike only way better. BionX has put together a fantastic package. I don’t see how you could go wrong with this E-bike conversion kit. The motor adds no noticeable drag when not being used. So if you use up all your battery charge on a long ride, no problem. So far I have been able to do over 30 miles on a charge, and believe me when I say I use the power more than I should.

So bunny-hop your bike to the nearest BionX dealer and check it out! Over and out, Turbo Bob.

“Distance measured with a pair of compasses is not precisely the same as when measured by the leg.”—Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men on the Bummel.

The BionX kit comes with a handful of installation manuals and is backed with many videos online to guide you along.   As much as it is an very easy kit to install, I thought a few insights that I have found would be helpful.   Don’t take my word as gospel, but consider my input, question the crew at NYCeWheels, and chose the path that is right for you.   These little details might just answer a few questions that I didn’t find in print.

48V BionX kit layed out

Spacing the freewheel.

The Bionx motor kit is designed to fit a wide range of bikes.   Some special attention to differences in bikes can be helpful.   One is the way the rear hub motor fits in the frame.   You want to make sure that the chain doesn’t rub the frame, and the chain and derailleur don’t scrape the motor.   I found that a quick measurement between the frame and the outer gear on the freewheel before removing the original rim, will allow you a chance to make sure the space is the same when the hub motor is installed.   Most bike shops sell spacers that fit in between the freewheel and the hub.   Try to match the spacing with the hub motor installed to that of the original wheel.   A 2.5 mm spacer worked just right for my bike.

Undoubtedly you will have to make some minor adjustments to the shifting system.   If you are doing your own E-bike conversion, then that is something you should be able to do without thinking twice.   Also, don’t forget that the rear brake and pads will most likely need some minor tweaking.

Mounting the battery holder on the frame.

The instructions say to put some protective tape on the frame under the battery mount.   I don’t think that would protect much and could leave a sticky mess.   I cut a piece of clear thin plastic from the package of a store bought item that most everything comes in nowadays.   I made it a little wider and longer than the battery mount, and drilled two holes to match.  I also noticed that the battery was hard to slide on and off because it was too close to the frame.   So I added a few thin washers between the mount and the frame to space it a little and still give a solid mount.   A little trial and error netted a strong mounting that allows the battery to slide freely on and off.

Routing the main wire at the bottom bracket.

I have installed my BionX 48v Special Edition Kit on two bikes so far.   They were both different and each presented its own special attention.   Chances are, your will too.   The first bike had a bolt-on kickstand that interfered slightly.   It almost made the wires too short to fit to the motor.   It also allowed the front shifter cable to rub on the wires.   Some careful tie-strapping took care of the routing, but I needed to deal with the shifter cable rub.   I cut a small section of cable housing and inserted it on the cable where it hit the wire.   Problem fixed.

The bike it’s on now had no restriction there, but because there was extra cable length, I had to make doubly sure the front shifter guide didn’t hit the wire cable.   Some extra tie-straps and attention to what I was doing, solved that issue.

Make sure the cable runs underneath the frame near the back tire and pedal arc.   Tie-strap the cable well to make sure it won’t come out of position and rub the wheel or pedal arm.   Also, the small cable that runs to the front of the bike for the display unit, needed a couple of extra tie-straps in addition to the two that stick onto the frame.

The magnet for the brake lever to activate the regeneration mode.

The magnet that sticks to the underside of the rear brake lever is in a vulnerable spot.   The book says to rely on the stickem to hold it, but to drill a hole and screw it on for a permanent installation.   I didn’t want to lose that magnet on the open highway, so I figured a little hole drilled in the brake handle was a good idea.   A very small wood screw from my hobby drawer made for a tight fit.

Review the instructions, watch the videos, and ask any and all question that you think matter.

This is one easy electric bike kit to install.   BionX has gone out of there way to ensure that.   Just like any installation or kit, it is a good idea to read and reread the paperwork before getting started.   Bert, Peter, and the rest of the guys at NYCeWheels will back you up 100%.   If there are any problems after the conversion, they have the expert knowledge to make sure your BionX kit gives you years of satisfaction and E-bike pleasure.   And believe me, this is one great kit with the performance to match.   Happy biking, Turbo Bob.

“You want to be like a carpet unrolling.   Get faster as the climb goes on.”—Chris Carmichael

A blog by Turbo Bob

I hadn’t even had this BionX 48v Special Edition Kit a week and already many people have had a chance to see what it is all about. We went on a group ride with the San Diego County Bike Coalition last weekend and were able to bring it along. Unlike our own E-bikes, this one is easy to lift into the station wagon for just such things.

As the riders started to assemble, few noticed this little speedster in disguise. During the ride, it became easy to see it was special. I always bring my point and shoot camera to rides like this. I will swing wide of the group to get shots. I also like to ride to the front, pull over, and take pictures of the riders coming by. Then, I rejoin the pack, and slowly work my way to the front again.

Responses to my BionX electric bike kit

James shares the Bionx fun

With the extra power the BionX kit offers, many people noticed my acceleration and speed passing them to easily take the lead. Many times I passed, stopped, and snapped as I continued the ride. The interest in my electric-assist bike started to rise. Part of the reason Bert at NYCeWheels sent me the kit, was to let people give it a go.

So that is just what I did. At a red light, I traded bikes with one of the riders I had only met that day. I gave him the quickest run-down on the controls and we were off again. He gained control very fast and he was smiling big time. Enjoying the fun with BionX bike kit? I do believe so. I let him ride it for more than a few miles. I could tell he was impressed.

At another red light, I swapped with a guy named James. He too, quickly mastered the few extra controls and powered down the road. I didn’t see him smile because he was flying way ahead of me. Later the thanked me and told me he thought is was great. The BionX 48v kit has a lot of power and will get your attention with even a short test ride. I was glad that was a short one because we hit a grade and I was on his bike with no power assist.

Post ride BionX test rides

When we finished our ride, several of the group wanted to get a closer look at this powerhouse. Everyone interested got a chance to take it for a spin. A few were leary of the electric motor’s power at first, but became accustomed to it almost immediately. You can set the level of assist with the simple push of a button. Plus you can get full power just as easily. The slight extra weight of my BionX bike was only mentioned before the ride, never after.

One women who helped organize this ride and rides a lot, gave it the longest run of everyone. I was beginning to wonder if she planned on giving it up. She rode up and down the hill near the watering hole many, many times. I walked out in the street to take her photo a couple times, but it seemed as if she wasn’t coming back.  She just loved this BionX converted E-bike so much. I think she was still thanking me for the ride after we finally left.

Electric bike kits always a conversation starter

I have gotten this type of response many times when I hand out rides on the different electric bikes I ride and test. The BionX 48v Special Edition Kit has an even stronger effect because of its simplicity, power, and speed. Electric-assist bikes are here to stay. Why not jump on the bandwagon today? Want to try it out? Look me up:  Turbo Bob.

“Cycling is unique. No other sport lets you go like that–where there’s only the bike left to hold you up. If you ran as hard, you’d fall over. Your legs wouldn’t support you.”—Steve Johnson.

A blog by Turbo Bob

Being one of the lucky ones to receive this new special edition BionX kit, I thought some published impressions about it are in order. I understand many people have been waiting eagerly for this package to become available. I guess my timing was right because I had just heard about, asked for it, and in the mail it came. The guys over at NYCeWheels must really like me, or the stars aligned just for me.

Either way, the BionX kit came, I installed it, and off I go.

BionX 48v special edition bike motor

So what’s so special about this kit? 20% lighter is on the list. The longest battery range of any other BionX bike kit offering is another plus. Better power and response are an important feature. It has a redesigned console that has some extra items it monitors and adjusts. The white finish on the motor announces these qualities to anyone keen enough to notice. So far, I am quite impressed.

I ride many different brands of E-bikes to fulfill my own curiosity and to report on them in my bike blog. My wife and I own a pair of inexpensive electric bikes with external motors and SLA batteries. That gives me a baseline to be able to judge the power, hill climbing ability, range, quality and overall weight of each bike I ride. I haven’t ridden the bike I put the kit on enough to report on all these points yet. I will, and the story will be told as time goes by.

I can tell you that this electric bike kit has plenty of power. If you juice it up at anything over 10 mph, it really gets your attention. It has four ranges of motor assist, each one noticeably different. These are tied into the intelligent assist feature that automatically adds power to match your own power input at the pedals. There is also a thumb throttle that you can use to get maximum power output once you are moving a little bit. Smooth, strong power is on tap when you need it.

This BionX 48 volt kit is very lightweight.

I put it on a basic bike that is light, but not super light. Still, the whole package seems easier to lift than most E-bikes I have tried. I will put it on the scale soon, but for now I can tell by the agile feel, that the heft is not objectionable. I am looking forward to this aspect, as I often take my bike on the trolley and load it into my small station wagon for distant rides.

I haven’t had a chance to get a feel for the battery range and hill-climbing torque quite yet. I will be riding it a lot and these things will become more obvious as the miles click by on the built-in odometer. What I have read about this BionX special edition kit leads me to believe the available range will be impressive. And if the high-end power is a clue, it should power up most hills I will encounter in local riding. I am expecting everything good on these two points.

Trust in a BionX bike kit

If all the stories are true, the quality and dependably are a given. I could see and feel the energy BionX has put into their kits. The finish, fit, and ease on installation are a good sign of things I am looking forward to from this package. An easy kit to install, you can tell how much time the BionX bike folks spent to bring this electric motored conversion kit to the public.

There are other kits in the BionX line. This appears to be the flagship offering. I feel very lucky to have in on my bike and be in a position to let you know how I like it. I will let family and friends try it and add there input to mine. So as I learn more about it, I wonder why you are reading this, instead on powering down the road on your own BionX equipped bike.

Thanks, Turbo Bob.

“I mean, you either love spinning the pedals and watching scenery whiz by, or you don’t. And if you love it, not much can sour you on the idea of riding your bike.”—Keith Mills

Easy E-bike? Yes, that’s what the BionX electric bike kit offers, and it’s exactly what it delivers. If you can change a rim and tire, and make simple adjustments, you can convert your bike to an electric-assist powerhouse. That’s what I just did, and I’m loving it.

Within hours of the two boxes arriving, I was powering down the road on my BionX motored bike. The kit is straight-forward, complete in every way, and easy to install yourself. If it seems like too much for you to tackle, you can have a bike savvy friend, or local mechanic do the installation for you. With just a few details that might need special attention, the kit tucked right on and worked just as advertised. Electric-motored biking couldn’t be easier.

What makes the BionX kit so great?

BionX 48V Special Edition Kit on my bike

The intelligent design adds electric push to add to your own leg power. It varies the power to match yours, or you can mash the thumb throttle and move out like never before. It comes with a nice console that easily sets and monitors the electrics, and works like a bike computer too. It’s a complete package that will change the way you think about your bike For the better, no doubt.

I put my BionX kit on a very basic Raleigh mountain bike. What a transformation. This little baby just takes off. What started out as an regular bike is now a hill-climbing road warrior. With virtually no modifications to the bike, if I decide to transfer the kit to something nicer in the future, the bike will be just as it was before.

Jealous of this electric bike kit?

At this point you might be thinking, ‘This sounds great, how do I get what Turbo Bob has?’ Just check your bike to make sure the motor and battery will fit. Make a measurement on your dropout angle (not needed with all kits). Choose the kit that fits your needs. Pick up the phone and dial up the crew at NYCeWheels. Tell them, ‘send me a BionX kit right away’. This will start the ball rolling to get you on track for some fantastic E-bike excitement.

While you are waiting for the parcel people to do their thing, consider checking out some installation videos. You can find them on the NYCeWheels or BionX websites. They will not only help you along, but will let you see just how easy it will be to make your bike better than ever. Any questions or difficulties will be handled quickly by the experts at NYCeWheels over the phone. I didn’t need any help, and I doubt you will either.

Opening your BionX bike kit box

When your BionX kit arrives, expect two boxes. One with the motor and misc parts, and one with the battery. Whip it on your bike and let the fun begin. What will you get? A bike that climbs like never before. A bike that gets you down the road without wearing you thin. A bike that is not much heavier than before. A bike that will go a long way between battery recharges. A bike that will regenerate power on the down hills. A wide smile and a new bike attitude. You will wonder why you didn’t get the BionX sooner.

Have fun, Turbo Bob.

“There is something uncanny in the noiseless rush of the cyclist, as he comes into view, passes by, and disappears.”—Popular Science, 1891