Ebikemotion Range Extender test - didn't go as expected
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- čas přidán 1. 09. 2020
- Detailed range test of the ebikemotion main battery and Range Extender battery - but it didn't go to plan.
Note: it is recommended that the range extender be switched on at the start of the ride. However, to achieve the main battery test at the same time, I ran that battery down first and then used the RE to recharge it, which is also a recommended use.
I don’t think you tested this correctly - on reading the instructions you get the best out of the batteries by starting with the extender - this is how the instructions say to use it
Yes, Steve, you are absolutely correct. The purpose of the test was to see how much I could get out of the main battery and then switch over to the range extender for the remainder of the ride to assess its range - so two tests in one. This necessitated using the system incorrectly. It didn’t work out the way I expected as once I’d reached 100 miles on the main battery I didn’t want to ride further to use up the extender. But yes, in normal circumstances, switch on at the start of a ride and it will top up the main battery when the bike is not drawing power.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks Roy - saw another video that pointed out maximum charging times which sounds fiddly but may be critical to battery life - and thank you for these videos - they are very useful
Does it really make any difference which way round the battery's are used?@@wellsyboy
It does, Craig. As it’s working like a power bank it needs to top up the built in battery as you ride, otherwise you’d be waiting for it to recharge the main battery when that’s flat. Unfortunately, you can’t just start using that battery instead of the built in one.
Hi Roy. I’ve been testing my range on my Ebikemotion Cannondale and I’d say the rider has the biggest influence. When I got mine, as an inexperienced/unfit cyclist, I would chew through the battery and potentially get 50miles max. However, after 4 months riding I believe I could now reach 75 miles+ based on the fact I’m now fitter and rely less on the battery. I love the support the bike offers, it’s a game changer.
Spot on David. That’s what this system is all about and you’ve summed it up better than I could 👍
Thanks, very helpfull. I have taken the plunge and ordered my Endurance SL-e, will definitely be getting a range extender when then they come into stock.
Wind is a hill only in gaseous form 😉
Great videos Roy - very detailed and well presented.
I have had E mountain and Road bikes and living in initially France and now having moved to hilly North Yorkshire can confirm that the local terrain has a great effect on battery range as well as rider weight - having ridden on identical bikes to my son who is heavier than me and he ran out of battery when I had about 20% left. On all the bikes I have used on hilly terrain I have found the ECO setting only useable for a smaller part of the ride so the claimed range by the bike manufacturers has to be dialled down somewhat.
Needless to say I love my Ebike and at 80 years young it means I can continue with my cycling life style and not have to choose easier routes. It`s alsoa good incentive to keep the body weight down to extend the range!
Thanks, Gordon. Great to hear that you are still enjoying cycling at 80. I try to ride without power as much as possible, in the comforting knowledge that I can resort to power when needed. I used to keep the motor set to the factory levels but recently used the Mahle App to reduce the eco power setting. This transformed a 40 mile range into 60. I’ve left the amber and red setting alone, as when I need to call on them I want the power.
You have a lovely soothing voice. Nice music too. Thanks for upload
What a top top guy this is thank you Roy for all your help people you need to follow this guy if you have an ebike
Really great videos, Roy. Super helpful.
Great videos Roy, so calm and informative, makes a change from having peeps shouting at you. Got my Ribble CGR Ale on order but not considering the extender yet. As new to cycling I need to get the mileage up a bit more to justify. Be interesting to see how the hills of our home patch, the Ribble Valley and Trough of Bowland impact.
Thanks, Pete. If a Ribble bike doesn’t conquer the hills of the Ribble Valley there’s no hope 😀 I certainly wouldn’t buy a range extender until I knew whether I needed one. I hardly use mine.
Very useful video. I know some of those roads but would like to follow that gpx you've linked to. Thanks for that, very good. I'm currently researching that Ribble e gravel as a do it all bike to make space in my life and it seems to tick all the boxes. Over 100 miles at 20kgs! I'm well impressed even without the range extender. With the range extender I'll definitely be interested in this over the other models I've looked at. Going to do as you recommended and make for the Birmingham store as a fitting and speaking to real people is pretty important to me. Thanks Roy. Great job.
Thank Chuck, I appreciate your kind comments. I’ve had mine for just over a year now and it continues to perform just as well. Good move going to the store. I have lots of routes for the Vale of Belvoir and surrounding area, so if you want these just drop me an email.
Watched a couple of your videos now and loved them. Very useful. I’m retiring next year and I think this Ribble ebike is just what I need. Might get a his and hers. But you’re riding on the wrong side of the road mate (said the Canadian)
Thanks, John. If you watch the one on the Tour de France you will feel at home 😂 As you can tell, I love Ribble and their support. However, I was out with someone riding a Willier, yesterday, and that looked a superb Ebikmotion powered machine. I retired at 58, so 10 years ago. I found it difficult to adjust at first but now I feel so lucky to be fit, healthy and have all this opportunity. I wish you a happy retirement and look forward to hearing which bike you choose.
I just liked and subscribed Roy. Very good video, I enjoyed viewing it, you have a nice easy to watch and listen to style, well done, best wishes, tom
Thanks, Tom, that’s very kind of you to say. I’m currently grounded for two weeks isolation after arriving back from France. I shall be out and about doing more videos as soon as I can👍
Great video Roy - can't beat a real world test. Thanks
Thanks Steve, and thanks for subscribing 👍
Nice one Roy, some great info there.
Just bought the Ribble GCR if that is the name… some conflict in comments… start with the extender !!!!! Very pleased with the bike… today was first ride our… very good with no power and amazing on hills… thank you for your channel…very inspiring
That’s great to hear. Yes, the conflict in comments was due to some people not paying attention 😀 you should turn on the extender before you start as it acts as a power bank, topping up the main battery when you are freewheeling or stationary. My test required it to be started when the on board battery was exhausted.
I really enjoy your videos thank you Roy
That’s very good to hear, Graham, thank you 👍
Just to add my two-penneth to this discussion on the range extender and how far one can go. I have the same bike as Roy and I recently bought the (very expensive!) range extender (Ribble seem to have them in stock at the moment) so that I could tackle longer, hillier rides. I’m 64 and reasonably fit and have been a cyclist all my life. I weigh about 11 stone and, depending on the hills, how late in the day it is and how I’m feeling, I tend to ride using the assist sparingly. I find that the biggest ‘boost’ is felt when going from no assist to the lowest assist and for the bigger hills I just slow down and stay in low if I can. As an example of how different the power usage can be on different terrains and different conditions compare the two rides below.
DAY 1: from Bristol to Minehead - up over the Mendips through Bridgewater and across the top of the Quantocks. About 3500 ft up/down against a 15mph headwind nearly all the way. When I got to Minehead I had 37% left in the bike battery and the extender was empty. DAY 2: from Minehead to Bideford - up the back of Porlock Hill and down through Exmoor through Barnstaple and around the estuary to Bideford. About 53 miles and 8500 ft up/down with a lot less wind. When I got to Bideford I had just 10% left in the bike battery with the range extender empty. There were a couple of 25% hills on day 2 that I couldn’t cycle up even with maximum assistance (well I probably could have but it was late in the day). I didn’t have any problem with the way the range extender works, charging the main battery (whenever you are going over 15mph, stopped or freewheeling), it kept the main battery topped up until it’s exhausted then switches itself off. One thing I did really wish for was a ‘walk assist’ mode which some of these X35 system bikes have (those with the iWoc trio handlebar controller), when you’re carrying lock, charger and the extender battery as well as a change of clothes, it’s quite heavy to push up a steep hill! I can’t understand why they don’t all have it. I actually asked Mahle about this and they told me that if you hold down the iWoc one button for five seconds it would activate walk assist but it doesn’t. Maybe, with a firmware update, it might (but that’s another story!). My wife uses the range extender on her Ribble too and she will only get 50 miles out of it even on an easy ride (she doesn’t eek out the power like I do).
Thank you Roy - I've watched your videos a couple of times now which convinced me to go for it 😊 (switch to ebike). I will probably find it hard to saddle back up on my mtb 29ner once I get this though. Soon I will be placing my order to your recommendation. Like you said your energy changes depending on the day so this is ideal for me. My only disappointment though is my employer will not entertain a cycle to work scheme which would have saved me 25% off my purchase 😭. I wish there was another way.
Hello, Madz. I also have a 29er (Cube hardtail) and haven’t ridden it in months, so I’m thinking of selling it. I don’t do anything extreme so the gravel bike does it all for me. Shame about your employer not being enlightened about the cycle to work scheme. Good luck with whatever bike you choose and do keep us updated 👍
Excellent information Roy. I'm not sure if you mentioned it but the Emotion motor in the wheel has some big benefit. That being it doesn't chew through your drive train as a mid mount motor would.
They aren't as powerful as some but as a helper motor for that sort of distance who could complain. My wife rides an ebike and one is going to be my next purchase.
Thanks, Rick. I didn’t mention it as I didn’t know that. Good information for those considering both types👍
Easy watching with Facts I was searching for about the range extender
In August my Ribble Gravel ALe will arrive. I am so excited
I would be too. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine.
Thanks Roy
FYI..I ordered the Range Extender from Ribble last Friday 22/10 and received it yesterday 25/10! Seems there is a supply right now but not sure how long supplies will last, lucky I guess😊now looking forward to trying it out🤔
Wow that's a big charge increase - something to think about ......
Well done great video
Thanks, Francis.
I am about the same age as you, alltho not as handsome and in good shape as you, but I just bought a Cannondale bike with X35 drive train, and so far it has been an absolute blast. I just love the way it works.
So ...
Hopefully, when it gets a bit warmer, I will get the extender, and it is then good to know that you confirmed the 80% increased range.
Thanks, Lars, but I think you need to have your eyes checked if you think I’m handsome 😂
I watched these two Ribble videos several times as I have a CGR ALe on order. My chosen spec is almost identical to yours and I was greatly influenced towards the Ribble rather than Orbea/Scott/Bianchi by your very helpful videos. I only have one question - how do your Road cycling mates feel about you being on an ebike when out on group rides?
That’s good to hear, OJ. When I’m with a group most are envious, especially in hills. I do ride an unpowered road bike as well, and will always use that if we are doing a century or above, purely as I want to challenge myself. In many ways a group will appreciate the e assistance I get on a steep hill as they won’t be having to wait for me at the top😂. My son is a very accomplished rider and it means I can keep up with him, so I don’t feel a burden. Enjoy the bike!
Just got mine after waiting a year and a half. Bikebling out of San Diego, Ca. USA
Hello Roy, good to see you out and about with you latest excellent rear light/radar review.
I wonder if you can give any further information regarding the operation of the range extender.
At what point will it top up the main battery, can it automatically top up, assuming it is connected, whilst riding and if so during what conditions, ie above 15mph or in a particular setting or do you park up to allow the process to operate? My Ribble now due next month🤞. Best wishes, Rod.
That’s great news, Rod. Let’s hope some better weather arrives with it. The range extender recharges when power is not being demanded by the main battery. So when you are stationary, freewheeling or over the cut-off speed of 15.5 MPH. This is why it is recommended it be connected as soon as you start a ride. The only reason for me switching on at the end in this video was so that I could measure the main battery performance as well. It’s also possible to use as a power bank, to recharge the main battery if mains power is not available. If you leave it connected, you can plug your charger into the top of the range extender and it will charge both batteries at the same time. One thing to mention, remember to use your gears effectively along with the motor. Using a big ring gear up steep hills will see the motor struggle. The idea is to balance your pedalling with gears and motor. Keep in touch and let us all know how you get on 👍
@@RideWithRoy Many thanks Roy, a great help. Yes like you I still intend to ride my bike and have the confidence that some help is always there. Living in Weardale we have a climb in any direction to get out! 3” of snow at present so sticking toTacx rides on iPad , it works well for me and it’s difficult to fall off 😂. Rod.
As well as enjoying the informative, friendly and so well done videos, I am on some familiar roads with Roy, having previously lived in Lincolnshire for 30 years or so. Now having moved to somewhat hillier Cornwall, and with some post-injury issues, I am waiting for a Ribble Hybrid AL-e which I am hoping will give me more cycling scope and therefore enhanced enjoyment. In the videos the Ribble seems to get a very good overall review. I'm attracted to the idea of the e.motion range-extender .... which do not seem to be available at the moment ..... but which seem unusually expensive ? Are they good value for money? Anyway, thank you to Roy, keep the quality and keep riding!
Thanks, Christopher. The range extender value is a tricky one to answer. It really depends on what you want to do on the bike. I can happily achieve 40 miles with with power on all the way round and with climbing. As you saw in the test, on a flattish route I got 100 miles. It really depends on how much power you personally put in. I have to say that most rides I do are without power, but then I’ve just completed a 100 mile ride on my manual bike. You also need to factor in the weight of the extender. I would strongly recommend trying the bike for a while before deciding as you may just find you don’t need it. A friend has just received his Hybrid AL-e so I will be reviewing that shortly. Weight wise is looks about the same as mine, so should be easy enough to ride without power. I hope you enjoy the bike and I look forward to your feedback.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks for your quick reply Roy ..... and all the best to you for this New Year. Eventually, all being well, I hope to use my soon-to-be-delivered Hybrid AL-e for some longish rides. Your 100 mikes was impressive. Three years ago I did, for example, the French Entre Deux Mers route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean (on a 'manual' bike) and have some similar adventures in mind for the helpful e-bike. For which a range-extender could be useful - the extra weight and the high cost notwithstanding. I aim to keep as fit as possible with the e-bike .... and hope it will neither have me neglecting my old 3-speeder nor getting too lazy! I shall look forward to your review of the Hybrid Ribble. Best wishes. Keep safe. Christopher.
@@christopherquayle4849 I have a house in France so do a lot of riding there. I love the French attitude to cycling and their respect for cyclists. Given your plan, I’m sure the RE will be essential to provide that extra assurance. You probably picked up from the video that I was packing an overall 20kg for that test, which would be my bike touring weight. Let’s hope we are soon cleared to have these adventures again.
Great video, Roy. Pretty unbiased and clearly explained as always. My doubt, that i've been looking and can't find anywhere, is do any of these range extender brands are interchangeable given that are all for the same motor? I mean, i'm waiting for my Merida eSpeeder to be delivered, so can i use the ebikemotion or the Orbea range extender? Cheers
Thank you 🙂 Some manufacturers would have you believe that their range extender is the one you must buy. I have previously checked this with Mahle and they confirm that the range extender is made by them for all brands using their X35 system. I had a look at the Merida you have on order and the electrical socket is the same, so you can shop around. I can’t speak for the new X20 system, but I believe that’s only being fitted to Scott bikes currently.
@@RideWithRoy thanks so much for answering!! Yeah, it's the X35+ system. Cheers
Hi Roy enjoying your videos. The Ribble ebikes look good as I like the idea of a not too heavy bike I can pedal at times without assist. Now for my question at the moment if I was to buy aRibble I would need to bring the bike into my house to charge, which appears to be the only downside to the internal battery. Would the extender be a way around this by charging it indoors and then using to charge the internal battery. Not a perfect solution and would not do it that way all the time. Also if that worked I could go touring and not worry about having to find somewhere to stay where I could bring bike in to be charged. Cheers John
Thanks, John, that’s an interesting question. The range extender can be used as a power bank but, as you saw from the test, it will only provide 80% charge to the main battery. I’m sure you have thought of this, but could you use an extension lead to charge it where the bike would be stored? I’m guessing that’s not a practical solution for you. If you tour with a range extender it’s best to use it as recommended and switch on at the start of the ride, as this will keep topping up the main battery as you ride. I just used it as a power bank for the test. I’m not sure I’ve been much help but I hope you can find a solution as it’s a great system. Bear in mind that the Ebikemotion system is used by many brands, so worth looking at the market. There are also even lighter versions than the CGR, so if you are riding mainly on roads you can benefit from this.
@@RideWithRoy thanks Roy, what a speedy reply.
Interesting video, thanks.
I've got an Orbea gain F35. Helps me at age 68 around hilly Crystal Palace!
Disappointed at the ebikemotion reliability - had two warranty repairs in only 14 months! Two faulty iwoc trio's, one faulty cable harness.
The range extender looks useful, but expensive. What did you pay for it?
That’s bad news. I had a few problems at the start but it just turned out to need a firmware update. I did find Ebikemotion to be a supportive supplier, which helped. Range extenders seem to be £550 from all suppliers, so I agree, expensive. It’s certainly useful on very long rides, but in hindsight I could manage without it due to the relatively light weight of the bike.
Have enjoyed your videos. Being in my 84th year am considering an e bike conversion kit, the e bike proper being a tad expensive. Would appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons. Thank you. Spencer
Thanks, Spencer. Unfortunately I have no knowledge of conversions so I hope someone else will come along with an answer for you. I’ve certainly heard nothing bad about them. If you have a good bike to start with then it seems an ideal solution. I was recently asked to review a Chinese supplier’s option but turned it down. Great to hear that approaching 84 you are only just considering some assistance.
Hallo Spencer. Understand your thoughts perfectly. When I got to 87, when the hills around me were inexorably incresing in length and severity, I began to think about e-bikes. Being a died-in-the-wool roadie, the looks, and weight, of ordinary e-bikes did not appeal. Bikes such as the Ribble being out of the question, I struggled on manfully for another three years, during which period I did quite bìt of research into various kit systems.. Fiinally, I decided to buy myself a kit as ninetieth birthday present. I wanted a light kit which would keep the weight down, and change the appearance of my road bike as little as possible, and settled eventually on a Revos friction drive kit. This is made by a Bristol company, and full details can be found on their website at revolutionworks.co.uk. It is a very simple kit weighing only 2.7kg, was easy to fit, barely changes my bike's appearance, and results in an all up weight of bike and kit of 13.5kg, which compares very favourably to Ribble and the like, at a fraction of the price. I have so far done about 900km on it, and it has been excellent - does exactly what it says on the tin, even to hitting pretty well exactly the manufacturer's claim of 40km range of continuous use. This is ample as I basically only use it for hills - very good - or headwinds, as with the power off it rides normally on the flat with no discernible drag from the motor. I would reccomend checking it out. Hope this is helpful.
Hi Roy love your videos and Pauls, How do you protect your battery in the winter when not riding, I can take mine off the Bike .( the Main Battery)
Thanks, Richard, it’s comments like this that make it all worthwhile. I don’t take any special precautions during winter, as I use the bike as much as I can regardless of season. I always keep it fully charged, which I believe does help. I don’t appear to have had any adverse affects, but only time will tell. One thing I can be sure of - there is no way I would be allowed to bring it indoors 😂
Would a piece of scaffold tube Protection help on the down tube when storing the bike.
@@richardgodfrey1692 I would imagine it will eventually cool to ambient even with insulation, Richard. This article by Ribble www.ribblecycles.co.uk/blog/caring-for-your-electric-bike-a-ribble-cycles-guide/ says that storage is okay down to -20C, although charging should be done above 10C. I keep the bike on a wall rack on an internal wall, so hope that it will never get that low. Switching on the system and operating the bike should bring the battery temperature up enough to safely charge, and charging also generates heat, so that precaution should save any battery damage caused by cold charging. It’s interesting to note that high temperatures can also cause damage. I know that’s not something we worry about in the UK, but a bike stored inside a vehicle on a hot day could get there. Thanks for starting an interesting topic, Richard, as it could save an expensive battery failure.
Hoping to pick up a CGR Al e for my 40th. My knees aren't great from football injuries
Sorry to hear about the knees at such a young age, Paul. Anything with the X35 system is going to be a great help. I’m going to be doing a 3500 mile update on the bike in the next few weeks, so look out for that.
Hi Roy, thanks for the objective review. I was wondering how big fbe charger is. Is it viable to take the charger along and say charger during lunch break rather than use the range extender?
Terry
I’ve just measured and weighed it for you, Terry. The charger unit is (mm) 145x65x30 and the combined weight of unit, cable and plug is 542g. It’s certainly less than half the weight and bulk of the range extender, so portable enough. The only limitation would be the time to charge. With a total charge time of up to 5 hours. You would only get a partial charge during an average lunch break.
@@RideWithRoy thanks really that's really useful. I don't object long long lunch breaks 😃. I suppose finding somewhere to plug it in where you can also have your bike might be awkward.
I also ride a Ribble the SLe I think from the information I have read the results would have been identical had you had the extender connected all of your ride
Thanks, Roy. I agree, and you’d get even more with your lighter SLe, especially without the load I carried on the test. As I’m sure you appreciated, I did the test that way so I could discover the range of the onboard battery as well as the extender. I would normally switch on the RE from the start.
I saw a video on here where they said to have it work you have bike off and turn on extra battery and it turns on bike too then batterys work together .i got a Merida bike coming so look forward to trying e bike out .
Yes, Rob, that is the correct way to use it. For the purpose of this test I needed to use the batteries independently, but would normally have the two batteries operating at the same time. The range extender operates like a power bank, topping up the main battery as you ride. Enjoy your Merida.
@@RideWithRoy ok cool i may get one when used to bike. Got it cheaper so win win. If your ever in Suffolk come and ride
@@robrobinson420 I’d like that, Rob, especially as my maternal ancestors are from Suffolk. With regard to the range extender, I would always suggest doing as you say and using the bike without it to start with.
How long did it take the range extender to charge the battery and can it charge whilst the power is on? Great video BTW.
The extender will charge the main battery while you are riding, and that’s what it’s designed to do. It tops up the main battery as power is used. It takes several hours to charge the main battery, either with the extender or the mains power. I only used them separately for my test. I’ve not timed the recharge as I do it overnight, but it is quite a few hours. It may be useful to know that when the extender and main battery are connected together, the mains charger can be connected to the extender and both will be charged simultaneously.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks
You can not be that far from us as that looks like our Mark on his penny farthing @ 3:52
I live near Grantham.
I live in Cornwall with lots of pretty steep hills and I am interested in the Ribble electric bike but being quite unfit and not cycled for a while I am curious if it will give me enough extra power on the hills to keep me climbing until my fitness improves or should I go for a more conventional E_Bike? I want to do this to get fitter and lose weight so I don't want the bike to do all the work.
It’s always a difficult question without knowing you personally, Dave. Until I got to your last sentence I would have suggested you go for a crank drive, but as you want to lose weight and increase fitness the hub drive would be best. If you use the gears effectively I would say you should manage with the available power if you select your routes to match you level of fitness. I’ve had days when I have no energy and the bike will get me up a 12% climb with it doing most of the work. On normal fitness days I do the same hill with me doing 75% of the work so faster. My gearing is 11/32.
@@RideWithRoy Thank you that is really useful. I can definitely plan my routes and increase hills as I get fitter that makes sense. I think I will go with the Ribble. Thanks for the swift reply and great videos.
Hi, thanks for the video. So just to be sure I understand - when you were at 5% of the main battery, adding the extender gave you instantly 85%? That doesn’t make sense to me. If it operates like a charge-bank, then it would recharge the main battery. So summarised, I would like to know if the extender acts almost like a second battery, i. e. It recharges the main battery quickly enough so that you can continue cycling (and not wait until the extender recharges it). Thanks!
Thanks for the question. No, it does not operate as a second battery. It operates as a power bank and takes the usual charge time. It is recommended to switch on the extender at the start of the ride so it gradually tops up the main battery as you ride. The reason for my non standard method was so that I could first see how much the main battery could do. I would then switch over to the range extender to recharge, thus finding out how much the extender would add to the main battery. Had I depleted the main battery charge during the ride, I could have continued on the 5% and activated the extender to keep it topped up. I hope this explain it but feel free to ask more 👍
@@RideWithRoy HI, I'm not clear on how long it took to get the main battery back to 85%
Although I didn't time it, it would have been several hours - the same as a mains charge. It won't provide instant full power but after it has put some power back in you could start riding while it continues to charge. This is why it's recommended to switch on at the start and allow it to keep topping up.
on witch mode do you ride this test. Full support (Mode 3) or less ?
It was a flat route so mostly zero assist and then never more than lowest level for a couple of hills. Today I’ve ridden 68 miles and only used power after 57 miles, as the bike is light enough to use without power.
Hi Roy, very interested in your range extender test. I've just bought one of these for the wife's Ribble as she tends to hammer the assist more than I do and I'm interested if you've had any more thoughts about it. It's a rather curious system isn't it, where the extender battery charges the main battery whenever you're not using it (coasting, switched off or >15mph) and I can see this might be a problem as it can only charge at 2A when you might be drawing a lot more out of the main battery. Sounds like an inherently inefficient system to me with the losses of DC to DC charging and the possibility of using power faster than you can top it up. Have you had any problems in this respect? We haven't tried it thoroughly yet so I'm hoping it will be OK and I haven't heard of anyone having problems. Love the videos and the advice.
Just reading some of the comments and you've answered some of my questions already. Regarding the 'software update' what were the problems you had? I'm trying to get my bike updated so that it will work properly with the PulsarOne computer/controller. The only way I can get this done is to send the bike back to Ribble (Preston) at my own expense for the 'free' upgrade and I live in Bristol! Dischuffed with that.
@@dereksaddington9829 I’m pleased you got most of your answers, Derek. My problem was from new and was down to a faulty batch of batteries that needed a firmware update. It was early days and Ribble seemed lost, so I had to involve Ebikemotion, as they were then. This was all done at Ribble cost as it was under warranty. This episode benefitted me as I gained a great contact at Ebikemotion/Mahle. That contact previously told me that ANY X35 trained dealer can provide any firmware update, so it doesn’t need to go back to Ribble. All it requires is a special cable and the downloaded firmware and takes less than 5 minutes. This would be the easiest method and if you have trouble locating a dealer locally you could contact Mahle Customer Support. If that doesn’t help, let me know and I’ll ask my contact. I am assuming your bike is no longer covered by warranty. Even so, if the system doesn’t support an official Mahle product, the bike does ‘not meet your reasonable expectation’ and would have been supplied in this ‘faulty’ condition. As such you would have a strong claim under the 6 year consumer rule. I would fight them hard to have them pay for carriage, but if you can get it done locally, which should also have to be at Mahle’s cost, that would avoid losing your bike for a few weeks. I’m doing the Way of the Roses coast to coast, next week, so might not be able to reply immediately, but please do come back if you need any assistance with this.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks so much for your reply Roy as it confirms my thoughts about this matter. I'm sure your contact at Mahle is right, of course anyone can update the firmware, the dealer app to do it is available from the app store and the update files should be available from Mahle. I took my bike to my local Pure Electric store and they said they could do it (they update other X35 bikes Orbea etc) but Ribble refused to let them have the update files. Can this be right? Are the files unique to Ribble? Surely not. Would love to be able to chat to your contact at Mahle to confirm this. My last contact with Ribble told me that none of the 'authorised' Ribble repair agents (there are a few around the country) would be able to do the upgrade because it 'required a special cable', I honestly wonder if anyone at Ribble knows what they are talking about! I wrote back to let them know that the special cable was available on the internet for £60 and that Ribble didn't have the only one in the world. They never wrote back again. Have a great ride, I've done Hadrian's a couple of times but not that one. Please do get back to me if and when you can.
I have found that i can only go to about 30% left and then plug in otherwise you don't have enough time to replenish the battery while continuing to ride. Usually I will plug it in at 30% an on top of a hill to give it a coasting time to start the replenish. You cant run the battery out and continue to ride to recharge. What have you found? I also find that if I plug it in and over charge the main battery I get the flashing purple error light. I unplug and restart the iWoc and don't have any issues past that.
I agree totally, that’s what I find and why they advise plugging in the extender from the start, which is what I usually do. I only ran it the way I did for the test. I certainly don’t get the purple flashing fault lamp when I attach the fully charged extender to the fully charged battery. However, I do have that happen when the extender runs out fully and is still connected. Like you, I just unplug and restart.
Hi Roy. Great video. What’s the music? Are you able to share the route on GPX or another platform. Thanks Alistair
Thanks, Alistair. I’m not able to check the music at the moment but I’ll do so when I get near some WiFi. I’ll also add a gpx link here at the same time.
@@RideWithRoy Thank you!!
Hi Roy..am considering getting a Range Extender for my GRL..as I understand it when switched on it sends a trickle charge to the main battery when the motor is disengaged ie when free wheeling or speeds over 15.5 mph. Does this mean that if “0” power mode is selected then it still charges? Also is there any indication on the extender as to how much power is left? Really appreciate your comments👍😊
Yes, Keith, that’s correct. It charges when the system is switched on and the motor isn’t drawing power. So if you stop at a junction you will notice the iWoc lamp pulsing, just the same as when you charge it. The range extender has the same charge indication as the iWoc, so you will be able to gauge the remaining charge. I don’t know what the supply position is but when everyone seemed to be out of stock I found these people that did have stock. bikes-n-gear.co.uk/ Please mention me if you buy from them.
Sorry I didn't understand that: the range extender doesn't charge when riding with power? So one has to wait until it is recharged? Thx.
For the purpose of the test I couldn’t use the range extender in the usual way, so I would have to wait for it to charge. However, the recommended method is to switch on the range extender as soon as you start to ride, which will automatically turn on the bike electrics. Then every time you stop at a junction/freewheel/are above the cut off speed/have a cafe stop/have power set to neutral, the RE will top up the main battery. This should mean that you never have to wait for it to charge.
Nice ride Roy, whereabouts you located. Ric
Thanks, Ric. Based near Grantham, Lincs. About half of that ride was off road on NCN routes.
@@RideWithRoy I may have already messaged you Roy, but would love to have a gpx file of that lovely looking route you took testing the Range Extender battery please
Hello Alex, I made a gpx file for you and added it as a reply to your first message, yesterday. Its a link to Ride with GPS which will allow you to download the gpx file. here is the link again ridewithgps.com/routes/34364223 If you have any problem you can email me at ridingwithroy@gmail.com
@@RideWithRoy Super, thanks Roy. Have downloaded that, no problem (I couldn't find my first message!)
@@alexstefanovic1128 I'm pleased it worked. I have lots of routes for the area, so don't hesitate to email me if you want more.
Good to see, however, I'm not sure this shows the range extender being used correctly. You should have it plugged in and turned on at the start of the ride. It tops up the main battery as you ride. Once it's exhausted, the bike runs off the main battery. I have found charging both batteries separately seem to work better that charging both simultaneously. Thanks, Rod.
You are absolutely correct, Rob. You probably didn’t see my note in the description where I explain this. It was purely done this way to test how much I could get out of the main battery first. I would, of course, always switch on the extender at the start of the ride so that the main is always topped up. I haven’t had any problems charging both together but, like you, I do normally charge separately. Thanks for your comment 👍
@@RideWithRoy Yes, I should have read all the comments first. I've recently moved to hilly Holmfirth and am using a lot of battery on my Orbea Gain D40 2019. Average ascent on a ride round here is 100 to 120 ft per mile. Using around 150% of the 200% available on a 40 mile ride. I do have it on green (eco) for entire ride, occasionally going up to amber. Age 75, condition tatty.
Regards, Rod
That’s pretty good going for that beautiful part of the world, Rob.
What voltage is your main battery on ur bike please Roy , mine is 36 volt on my e bike , mtb hard tail , thanks Shane , would look into getting a similar device if pos cheers
Hello Shane. It’s 36V 250 Watts. The total weight of the motor and battery is only 3.5kg.
@@RideWithRoy I bet I could get some kind of similar device to recharge my 36 volt battery , it is 417 watt hrs 11 Amp , will look around , thanks for the reply Shane
Hi! Roy. Do you have the information as to the WH draw down per mile on your 250W battery? The general view seems to suggest an average of anything between 10 to 20 W/H per mile but obviously the type and weight of the bike and rider will affect this. As I understand it, a good figure for a lightweight system would be about 5WH/ km or 8WH/mile, which with a 250W battery would be 50km or about 31 miles, yet you acheived 60 miles it seems. What am I missing here?
That’s far to complicated for a simple soul like me, Vince. I think what you are missing is that because the bike is relatively light I am often riding above the cut off speed or with no power at all. On my Range Extender test I actually achieved over 100 miles on the main battery alone. That was possible as it was a fairly flat course. For info, if I am using low power for most of the ride I expect to get around 40 miles. I hope that helps a little.
@@RideWithRoy I must have misread something. I thought you said that one day, because you had an injury, you used power continuously and achieved 60 miles Apologies for my mistake.
No, you didn’t mishear, Vince. But that would have been with me still adding some power. I can’t remember the actual route but it would likely have been fairly flat. As you have said, it really depends on several variables, so I rarely replicate the same performance twice.
Hi Roy nice video except you don't mention any settings your using while riding was you in eco mode mid mode or full power the ride appeared fairly flat would be interested to know
Thanks, Dave. Mostly in eco, because, as you say, it was mostly flat. The only time I used any power was into the stiff headwind and the hills toward the end, but never higher than mid. Also, the bike was very heavy. I had an injury a few weeks ago so needed to ride with power for the entire ride. With 2000’ of climbing and using the full power range, I did 60 miles and had enough charge left to reach 80 miles. Of course, as you will know, there are several variables that will make performance different for each rider. I hope this helps and thanks again for your question.
@@RideWithRoy Thank you very much for replying to my question so quickly i used the bike for first time today but wasn't anywhere near as good as the reviews hills were still a struggle
Any advice am i using the system wrong I understand motor drops out around 15mph so does that mean in each mode the peddle assist is working all the time
one more question Roy where can i buy the extender battery
@@dave84346 it’s important to appreciate that this is e-assist, Dave, so you will have to still put some work in, which was the attraction for me. The other important factor is that you will need to use your gears effectively to assist the motor, otherwise it won’t cope on the steep hills. On the 12% hill in my CGR review, I’m in my lowest gear and working. However, you should still be able to get up such a hill without putting too much effort in, albeit more slowly. My cutoff speed is 15.5 mph. At all speeds up to this, the motor will be assisting, according to your setting. Once you exceed cut off speed, the motor seamlessly cuts out and there will be no drag. It’s worth noting that the accompanying app allows the owner to adjust the power delivered at each level, although mine are all left at 100%. You can buy the Range Extender from Ribble or any manufacturer using the Ebikemotion X35 system. The price seems to be about the same wherever you go. I would be interested to know if this help.
@@RideWithRoy Roy you have provided more help to me in last hour than i have had trying to sift through user manual ,when I'm up in Lincolnshire I will look you up and buy you a few beers thank you very much for helping me
What does it mean when it flashes purple after hooking it up?
That’s an error warning and can happen from time to time.. First action is to try switching off and on again, which may clear it. If not, connect the Ebikemotion app and look for the displayed error code. Here is a list raleigh.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002547637-ebikemotion-error-codes-and-fixes. I hope that helps.
Mine needed a software update and fixed it. Main dealer only
I had the same, Mike. I believe there were a batch of batteries that needed a firmware update. I understand they are cleared now.
Hi Roy! I'm thinking Ribble CGR AL e as my commute and leisure bike. How is the assist power on that? My commute will be about 10km (about 20+km back to back), pretty flat, I'm 41 in ok shape. Thanks!
Morning, Michael. It sounds like the Ebikemotion X35 system is ideal. The assist is perfect for your kind commute. You can work as hard or as little as you like and the assist will seamlessly take up the slack. I regularly ride up a 12% hill and I can decide how much effort I put in. With your flat route and fitness you can decide to arrive fresh by using more assist on the way to work and have a good workout on the way home. The assist power is certainly powerful enough but it’s not a moped, so you will need to use the gears as you would under normal power. It’s also light enough to ride without power. Even when riding without power, I use assist for a sharp getaway from traffic lights and other stops. If you are restricting it to road only, I would seriously consider the even lighter SL. There are other brands using the X35 so worth exploring the market.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks so much Roy for the reply. This might be the bike for me. I'm thinking of frame size M, I'm about 179cm tall and not very long legs, though I don't like oddly small looking frames (ideal around 54'). It's difficult to find gravel e bike under 3 grand. Anyway, have a great day, thanks again!
@@millmoormichael6630 you will find the Ribble size guide accurate. Even better would be to get to a store to be measured. Groupset wise, I would suggest the Shimano 105 if the balance of your riding is tilted more to road use. The SRAM groupset is perfect for off road but slower on road.
@@RideWithRoy Cheers Roy. I was thinking the 105 indeed. I live in Finland so visiting a store is a bit difficult now, thanks :)
@@millmoormichael6630 oops! That’s me making assumptions. The size guide should serve you well. I was on the cusp of the x small and small. Measuring suggested to go smaller for me, as I don’t like stretching too much. Is used to visit Helsinki fairly regularly, to the Rocla company.
It plugs into your charging port not directly into the battery
So it's a portable bike charger
not really a range extender as such
It’d be better than Spec’s Creo though their extender is just 1Kg. Probably the battery wattage differ…
Hi Roy - please can I ask what level settings you have the battery on - are they all set to 100% as I've dropped my green down to about 60 in the hour or will give me more range
Hi, Gill, I was always an advocate for leaving the settings at 100%. However, I decided to try the green setting at around the 60% you mention and it has given me about 10 miles more range. Obviously that’s subjective as it depends on the route, as I’ve left amber and red at 100%, as if I need them I need them! So I would suggest giving it a go and see what you get.
@Ride With Roy Thanks - I'll try it. I wouldn't drop the Amber or Red either- like you say, they are the ones you need!
Can you advise how long range extender took to charge main battery by 80%. Thanks
I didn’t time it to 80% but It takes about 3 hours to fully charge, Clive. This page from Orbea is particularly good for specification info www.orbea.com/downloads/products/manual_range_extender_EN.pdf
Apologies, Clive, in my haste to reply to you I realise I didn’t answer your question correctly. The main battery takes between 2 and 3 hours to fully charge so I would guess it took around 2 hours to reach 80%. Of course, for that test only I didn’t use the extender correctly. In normal use, the extender would be switched on at the start of the ride, so initiating a top up charge each time the main battery is not providing power to the bike. This means there will be no wait for it to charge the main battery as it’s a constant top up.
Hi Roy
Seriously considering an e-bike plus range extender. Very similar bike ( different brand ) but exact same power unit and battery. Just wanted to make sure I’m understanding the using of the extender.
Here’s the scenario - Leave for a day ride, both bike battery and extender fully charged. Extender plugged in to main battery at start. Stop around half way at cafe or pub. Assume extender is more or less depleted and maybe main battery say down to 50% Ask the people in cafe to allow charging of depleted extender then re apply to main battery in order to replenish main battery to approx 100% and continue ride. Is that a correct assumption ?
The extender acts like a power bank, so it charges the inbuilt battery every time the motor isn’t drawing power, so yes, you are correct. The only difference is that you would reattach the extender and continue to ride immediately, so no need to wait for the extender to charge the inbuilt battery. I suggest you try the bike before buying a range extender, as you may find you can get plenty of range with both e power and ‘you power’ due to the bike being relatively light. Also, the charger is big and bulky so not ideal to carry with you.
And the range extender takes 3 hours to charge.
When you say you achieved 100 range can you give an indication of what levels of assistance you utilised and for how long and do you ever switch off the assistance
I had the assistance turned off for about half of the ride, Mike. I only used assistance into the strong headwinds on the way out and for the hills near the end. Even though the bike was well loaded, I used eco for most of the powered sections and only mid a few time on the final hills. If I’m having a lazy day and using power all of the time, and with around 2000’ feet of climbing, I would expect 40 - 50 miles.
@@RideWithRoy I group ride so I have tour (2) most of the time and turbo (3) on most hills and I get 40ish but the extender battery on the Creo does not recharge the main battery but a separate 20 miles in its own right and as most of my rides are 50-70 I needed to buy a second extender battery. Also because I have 26 in wheels dialled in to the computer I get assistance to about 17 which makes group riding easier but decreases range by 10% and my understanding is that I am still on the right side of the law with regard tolerance in the same way that you have 10% allowance on car speeds
How long did it take to charge the battery to 85% please
That was a long time ago but I would estimate 3.5 hours
what do you think of your ribble cgr al e
I love it. The only negative is that the paint chips easily and despite two requests for touch up paint, Ribble have failed to supply. But that's a minor issue with a working gravel bike. The main benefit for me is that I can easily ride it without power if I choose. Last week I rode 57 of a 68 mile route without power. It has performed faultlessly and, apart from the paint, Ribble have supported me well.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks for your message Im thinking of getting your bike or the Orbea Gain d50 just that its hard to find a Discount on them I even thought about buying one from USA and getting it shipped to UK to save some money
@@markthoughtswithukrainemas2072 no wonder you’re angry 😀 Sadly, with bikes being in such demand, they don’t need to discount. Interesting idea with shipping in from USA. I also think it worth looking for good second hand bikes. It seems that some people don’t understand e assist and are expecting more power. These do turn up for sale, occasionally. Good luck with whatever you do.
@@RideWithRoy my paint did the same. Really really easy and I went for custom paint too. Ribble are just scraping the barrel of value on components these days. Maybe its the ex halfords men bringing accross their knowledge of tricking you I to buying budget parts
Maybe need one as i like to ride with power and heavy too and norm get 40miles . But im going take 46t 30t rings off and fit 40t so can spin better and then maybe can use eco . Which setting do you use.
It depends how I’m feeling, Rob. I use no power most of the time and eco when needed. I’ll only go into amber and red on the steeper climbs.
@@RideWithRoy ok cool. I think bike heavy and if dont use power why have it but then its there when need it . I will keep playing about with stuff
At 15kg I find it rides well without power, but there are also days when I will use power all the way. Like you I expect to get about 40 miles.
@@RideWithRoy i find it hard work plus im 6'3 and 18stone maybe .
That’s the great thing about e assist - we can do it any way we like. As you find it hard going without power, you may well benefit from a range extender as it will reduce any range anxiety. Unlike the way I needed to do it in the test, just switch it on at the start of the ride and it will top up the main battery as you ride.
Hi Roy, For the life of me I can't find a range extender battery anywhere! Today I had delivered a Cannondale Topstone Neo SL Gravel bike (Ribble waiting time is now late October!) and my searches for the extra battery go nowhere. Not actually true as I can click and collect from a shop 120 miles away...... but online no luck at all. You must have been lucky getting yours when you did. I wonder if this is a usage issue or just a Brexit holdup?
Hello Claire. I have a contact at Mahle so I’ll ask what the situation is and get back to you. The new bike sounds great.
@@RideWithRoy Well, I didn't realise you kept a night shift on as well! Unless I'm conversing with "Frank wot does nights fer'us " and Roy is tucked up in bed in L.A.? Seriously, I see this supply situation so often with bikes that somehow I'm not too surprised. I'm sure I'll meet the same with mudguard when I get to it. Too narrow - Too small - Too flimsy..... But it is my fault for being an adopted child of the Amazon Generation. Want, Want, Want it now! Not next week, Tomorrow. If it is not perfect? Send it back...... Rant finished, coffee cooling.... So, thanks for thinking of Lancashire Lass (emigrated to Shrewsbury) who will get much less than your 100 miles on her Cannondale on her hilly rides in Shropshire. Now, now Claire.... OK, here we go! Why isn't there a way of stepping down the power instead of having to going back to No Assist and starting again? Not good if the gradient only eases from 20% to 10%.
@@CyclingClaire I think the system is kept as simple as possible to make it unobtrusive. I find that when a hill becomes less steep I ease the power used by pedalling harder, so I don’t change the power until at the top. As for the night shift, this isn’t a normal occurrence. I’m up early to start a century ride. I’m helping Wendy make her first attempt. Well, second really but that’s another story.
Hello again, Claire. Ebikmotion confirm that there is no supply problem with Range Extender supply and that any dealer for a brand using the X35 system should be able to supply. I have now found one such supplier for you who can have a unit shipped direct to you. This is their contact detail
Bikes n Gear Ltd
31 King Street
Knutsford
Cheshire
WA16 6DW
01565 750 273
www.bikes-n-gear.com
Thanks Roy. Nice music this time. But please sometimes pit it off so we can hear the motor etc...
Glad you approve of the music on this one. If you watch my Templars & Trails video at 6.35 you will get your fix of motor sound 😀 but joking aside, I am now using a GoPro9 that picks up less breathing when on the chest mount, so I will be able to have more scenes without music. Thanks for your comment.
My version, im in yorkshire and its hilly everywhere. This bike with a 650b build will never ever get Close to 50 miles on a charge. Maybe 50 km at best. Unfortunately too much weight on the back saps your battery power. Amazing for flat ish runs. Not a 3-4 hr climber
I would agree, Dan. Its the old horses for courses thing. Great for gravel and roads up to of 3,000 ft of climbing on a charge but If I was in an area with serious hills I would be going for the lighter SL.
@@RideWithRoy yeah its hard to knock the system it does work. Would like to see the ability to hot swap wheel sets with it to mix up the riding it can achieve. I went with a 1x system and thats probs just as much a limiter on the hills and battery life as anything else is
As an admittedly uninformed observer £550 for a spare battery seems quite outrageously expensive. Can a cheaper DIY version be made?
I couldn’t agree more. Some people have made DIY versions but, they are beyond many people’s capability. I’m hopeful that some enterprising company, most likely from the Far East, will break this monopoly on spare batteries from Mahle. After all, other manufacturers offer e bike batteries at half that price.
D’après Mahle il faut connecter l’extender dès le début de la balade
Oui, je sais que c'est la façon correcte d'utiliser l'extension mais il était nécessaire de l'utiliser de cette façon pour le test. En utilisation normale, c'est ce que je ferais
I’m a bit of a ‘Heavy Treader’ = fat - at the moment Roy ...Yet, I’m thinking 💭 maybe 85 smiles for me!
PS: I’m really enjoying your posts Roy - thank you 🙂
Pocket Rocket, thanks for your support. I have days when I feel less energetic so it’s great to be able to switch on some power’, or use mainly ‘me power’ when I feel like a blast. I’m glad you are liking the posts 👍
Ride With Roy
I’m 73! ...The survivor of a Heart attack, which needed a quadruple heart bypass Operation to make safer - and dare I say, “I’m slightly plump too
Lol 😆
The ‘Extender Ranger Battery’ is really helpful 🙂
Pocket Rocket I’m a little behind you at 67. Blimey!. I’m pleased to hear that you got through that lot. Do you make use of the app’s heart rate monitor to switch the bike on when your heart rate increases to an undesirable level?
Ride With Roy , it’s only recently I decided to get a ‘Range Extender Battery - glad I did mime! 🙂
Bit of a misnomer in terms of the title, but nice to see the extender actually works. Shame you did word it better.
I know what you mean but the title reflects that the original plan for the test failed - not the extender. However, time for a change of title so you’ve prompted me to do just that👍. I recently rode the bike with power on throughout. There was 1750’ of climbing and I switched into high power three times. Due to a minor injury, I wasn’t putting much effort in and still achieved 82 miles with the extender operating.
The problem with internal batteries is the limited charges 500 is rubbish, you only get 3 years and the bike becomes a non e bike.£2k is too expensive.
That’s 500 full charge cycles, so charging from 50% only counts as half a charge cycle. That worried me at first but when I checked the app the cycles were much less than expected. The other thing to note is that the internal battery is easily replaced. It’s accessed by an easily removed cover and is pretty much plug and play. The only downside of an internal battery is that it can’t be removed for charging, which is especially problematical in cold weather. You’d also be hard pressed to buy a decent one for £2k these days.
Un peu grosse et pas très esthétique la batterie additionnelle ....
Je suis d'accord, mais ce n'est pas aussi moche que certaines batteries. Elle est également chère et lourde, mais utile si l'autonomie est un problème.
I know from comments that some subscribers are having trouble sourcing Range Extender batteries. Ebikmotion confirm there is no supply problem and that dealers for any brand using their X35 system should be able to supply. One such dealer I have found is here:
Bikes n Gear Ltd
31 King Street
Knutsford
Cheshire
WA16 6DW
01565 750 273
www.bikes-n-gear.com
Roy, you are a star. Read your reply to me at 3.52pm and Bikes & Gear close at 4pm. Not to worry, quick phone call and I now have 1 battery on order! This will be delivered to me as soon as the shop can get it organised. Well, this child of the Amazon Generation is flabbergasted. So thank you very much for making such prompt enquiries, the guy in the shop knew immediately what I was talking about and knew that it was "Ride With Roy" that had put me onto them. Thanks......
@@CyclingClaire that’s really pleasing to hear, Claire. I’m delighted to help, and help a dealer who is on the ball. He did say that he couldn’t get them from Willier but no problem from Scott. The other enquiry I made resulted in the response that they could get them at all. Enjoy!