I was recently commissioned to design and build a Mezza Luna Mixte with a pedelec electric assist.
After looking into many electric assist options - the choice of the BionX electric assist was a clear choice. The BionX unit offers superior quality and interface at a reasonable price. The BionX is also available in a compatible form factor to integrate into the Mezza Luna Mixte. To learn more about the BionX unit used a PL350 HT RR M - visit the BionX site
Quick Highlights of the build are:
- 350 Watts of electric assist with a weight penalty of 17 lbs - which includes the rear wheel
- The BionX is a electric assist / pedelec unit that can be set to either multiply the power provided by the rider at the pedals, charge the battery ( for down hill applications this works like a brake), or can be setup to provide up to 350W of electric assist without pedaling.
- The BionX unit utilizes a 9 speed freewheel
- The BionX model pictured above (rear rack mount battery) can also be a 500W unit, or a smaller non rack mount unit can be mounted in the front triangle instead of a water bottle.
- The BionX model pictured also has a integrated rear light and the ability to power an external front light/s. In the bicycle pictured above the front light is powered by the BionX unit so a front dynamo hub is no longer needed. The BionX unit can be set to charge the battery power the lights if the battery is running low.
- Paul Components Racer and Cantilever brakes were utilized - great powerful effective brakes - and great looking - made right here in California.
This bicycle is an example of the Imagination Series bicycles offered by Muse Cycles. The client really liked the looks of the Mezza Luna Mixte but really wanted to integrate an Electric assist into the bicycle.
I look forward the opportunity to integrate the BionX products in further custom bicycles - if another client desires to have a pedalec electric assist.
