This is our second SWYTCH kit, the first being the first available. We found the kit fairly easy to install with the pedal sensor being the most difficult part because the kit doesn't seem to be made for newer bikes. If your bike has wide tubes, or limited space at the pedal crank, expect to make modifications to the kit to get it to fit. Another thing to keep in mind, if you do convert a newer bike, the bike manufacture's warranty will be voided, even though the kit does not require any modifications to the bike's frame. If you have a warranty issue, take the kit off and put the original front wheel back on before taking it back to the retailer.
Our largest complaint is the base display used on the newer kit. The base display indicates a battery level different than shown on the battery power pack itself. When we asked Switch about this, they indicated it was an intentional design to help manage the battery usage. The problem is, I would rather manage the battery's usage myself based on the ride I'm on. The older kit version doesn't use this base display, allowing us to manage the battery usage ourselves. The new kit may shut off the power even when the battery power pack itself shows there are 2 to 3 bars of power left. When this occurs while on an uphill, you are out of luck unless you turn off the base display for a minute or two. When you turn the base display back on, it will show you have power again, but only for a limited time before you have to repeat the process. The response from SWYTCH was "It's important to note that the power level indicators on the power pack and the base display may not always match exactly due to varying power demands. The base display's behaviour, including blinking and temporarily showing a lower power level, is designed to optimize power distribution during intense usage. After a brief rest or downhill stretch, the display might return to a higher power level. This behaviour is intentional and ensures efficient power usage and performance. While the indicators might differ, it doesn't necessarily mean the battery is empty; rather, it reflects real-time power demands."
Overall, the kit makes riding bikes more fun by flattening out the hills or making it easier to ride against the wind. You still can get a pretty good workout (especially when the base display shuts the power off) because you have to keep peddling.
Also, remember this is a conversion kit so it won't be as clean looking as a regular e-bike. The plastic zip ties and extra cable length makes it look like an conversion kit, but that doesn't distract from the fun in riding a converted e-bike.
1 year ago
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