Couple of queries after my first rides this weekend:
1- The eLyte has the Bosch display that just shows battery capacity. I quite like it, nice and simple and the colour change to show when you're half way through a bar is great. However, I do also like the Kiox 400 my riding bud has. Especially seeing how much power you're putting in.
Option is to get a new little GPS like the Edge 540 as Bosch (have finally) opened up the API so I could get all those stats and a nav 'puter for about the same cost. I do have a rather venerable 1030 edge but obv that's not on the compatibility list. Not quite sure of which way to go. Shame it won't talk to my Epix2 either.
2- The bash guard for the motor has been, er, bashed a few times already. Whyte's obsession with low CofG is a fantastic thing right up until it isn't! I need to modify my riding style a bit when I know something is coming up (a bit more lifting, a bit less ploughing) but I'd like a spare skid plate. Currently not available from Whyte but will be available at some point. I can't find any 3rd Party options for this bike. Bad google-fu or not sold enough to make it viabke?
3- If you're riding with non Es, I read/heard that running a dynamic mode (I have tour plus detuned by -2) is actually better for the battery as you're only getting what's needed. Since we do a lot of long 20 min + climbs (hence the ebike!), I wondered if anyone had real world experience of this. I mean it's fine as I've plenty of batt left after a very big day yesterday but still interested.
I do have a rather venerable 1030 edge but obv that's not on the compatibility list. Not quite sure of which way to go. Shame it won't talk to my Epix2 either.
A few people on emtbforums are using this which lets you get the data onto non supported Garmins.
https://github.com/Nilogax/SmartBridge
oooh that looks interesting. I shall investigate later. Thanks!
Protect E-MTB make bash guards for Whyte, I have one on my E160 that fits over the battery cover and works well. I assume they make one for the elyte
Cant see one on the website, but I'll drop 'em a note. Thanks.
Hi Alex
1) Personally, Garmins are an absolute effing nightmare on an MTB, and any way of keeping one off the bike is a bonus for me... Get the Kiox 400 display (gimme a shout if you need one, just about to order one for my Elyte too) or alternatively a Purion 200 instead (though nav is much more limited through Purion 200). The only times I've ridden with a Garmin on an MTB, I've damaged them or they have come off the bike whilst riding, causing me to have to go back, spend time finding it, then stick it in my pocket anyway... BIG no in my book...
2) Increase the travel on the fork by 10mm, and/or a fork upgrade to something with more mid-stroke support... Similarly on the back end, run a touch less sag and/or swap to full 29er...
3) Dynamic modes do use a bit less battery power yes... It's not massive, but anything you can do to increase the efficiency is a bonus in my book... I noticed that changing from Tour to Tour+ when it was announced, the bike felt more dynamic (mostly cos it was giving less assistance most of the time I guess) and wasn't any slower, but also the battery usage went down a bit too...
2) Increase the travel on the fork by 10mm, and/or a fork upgrade to something with more mid-stroke support... Similarly on the back end, run a touch less sag and/or swap to full 29er...
And remember to check this at least weekly. As you’re an ebiker now you will rapidly gain weight.
Find the lowest rolling resistance tyres that suit your needs, go tubeless or get latex tubes. Your motor will require less battery to reach motor cutoff speed.
