Product news: Bafang, one of the leading Asian manufacturers of e-mobility components and complete e-drive systems, is presenting a compact mid-mounted motor for e-racing bikes, e-gravel bikes and e-cyclocrossers for the 2019 model year. The M500 and M600 mid-engines are also now available. The well-known M400 system gets an upgrade to the M420 system.
Are e-road bikes becoming the new trend now? More and more engine manufacturers are following suit and developing a mini engine for such purposes. Just a few years ago, the idea of an e-road bike would have been almost unthinkable, and many cyclists were downright shocked by the idea. Too big, too bulky, too heavy...
But then new bike categories emerged, including gravel bikes, which are ridden at lower speeds and on hillier terrain. Since the pedelec has reached almost every niche, both consumers and industry still want to crack this last bastion. And with the right technology, the e-racing bike and all of its variants could actually become the next big trend after the e-mountain bike.
Bafang M800 Mini Mid Drive System - an ultra compact mid drive
Functionality is key - paired with smooth and friction-free operation, controlled by dual torque and speed sensors. The engine offers single and
Double chainring compatibility (chainring size 44T or 34/50T). One of the main advantages of the new drive unit is its low weight of less than 2,3 kg. It offers a nominal power of 200 watts and a maximum torque of 55Nm. The electronics and the 200Wh inTube battery weigh just another two kilos. This means that the total weight of the system is less than 4,4 kg, including the display and control unit. The pedal assistance has five levels - controlled by one or two small switches that can be placed individually on the handlebars. The 2,2 inch TFT color display offers up to 10 presets.
Since the maximum permissible supported speed of 25 km/h is very quickly exceeded with the e-racing bike, the drive was tuned for optimal performance when starting and accelerating as well as for short sprints and steep climbs. Wherever the respective support limit is - the most important thing is that when the limit is reached the drive unit switches to almost resistance-free operation. This means that the pedaling power of the driver is not affected beyond the limit speed. This is typically the case when riders pedal at speeds above 25 to mid 30's.
The battery with a capacity of 200 Wh initially sounds a bit undersized. However, since the energy is only used within the support limit on climbs and when starting or accelerating, this battery capacity is also completely sufficient for longer journeys (up to 150 km or more). So there are compelling arguments for putting a small motor on a road bike. It makes sense if you want to climb hills at higher speeds, develop more acceleration, or keep your heart rate below the "red zone."
As with all electric bikes, this offers the great opportunity for both trained and less trained riders to complete rides together at the same pace. This approach also clearly describes the concept that Bafang and e-road bike manufacturers are pursuing: The motor support is only designed for longer or steeper climbs and less for continuous support than with "normal" riding.
Bafang M420 – Clean and dynamic facelift for modern city and trekking bikes
The facelift of the proven M400 system (formerly Max Drive) offers new possibilities for modern city and trekking bikes. The new version fits into the same frame mount for the engine as before and works with a nominal output of 250 watts and a maximum torque of 80Nm with EU-approved assistance up to 25 km/h. It is compatible with the 450Wh InTube battery or various luggage rack batteries as well as a number of new displays (with Bluetooth and USB-out function).
Bafang M Series: M500 & M600
Last year Bafang presented a platform with three mid-motors to cover the full range of the world's speed and power limitations. The M500 system is rated at 250 watts, while the M600 has 350 watt and 500 watt motors respectively. These motors offer a maximum torque of 95 Nm (M500) to 120 Nm (M600).
Bafang F-Series Batteries
The new F-Series InTube batteries with 450 or 600 Wh can be inserted into the down tube from above or below. A partially integrated battery with a maximum capacity of 1000Wh is also available. The 450Wh battery is the first battery to be produced at Bafang's new battery factory in Suzhou.
Bafang H800 rear hub motor for E-MTBs and speed pedelecs
The Bafang H800 rear hub motor has an output of 350 or 500 watts and scores with a maximum torque of 55 Nm and MTB thru-axle design according to the Boost standard.
Bafang MINI hub: for front or rear wheel drive on lifestyle pedelecs
The currently lightest system (only 1,7 kg for the version in the front hub) with the smallest diameter (front and rear hub each with a diameter of only
100 mm) and a torque of up to 45 Nm is aimed at a lifestyle-oriented urban audience.
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Peter says
Hallo,
They write that ………..“The already known M400 system gets an upgrade to the M420 system.”
What does that mean? What needs to be changed? Who can change that?
Dieter Jansen says
How do I get my M400 system loaded onto the M420?