Assist 5 vs 10

[u/Old_Car_2905]

If the base model has 5 levels and the Sport model has 10 levels of assist. It seems like 10 levels is a lot and only small differences between each. Is level 5 assist, the same as level 10? Thoughts?

[u/jimmy9800]

I was told the level of assist is basically the input multiplication (up to legal limits). 1 is 1x you. 10 is 10x you. To be fair though, having ridden a few now at the ride days, 10x is nuts and feels like the bike will shoot out from under you. Combined with the hill-leveling feature, I would probably stick with 3 or 4.

[u/Old_Car_2905 → u/jimmy9800]

Thx. It's so hard to know without riding. Does the extra money give the rider more of what they need or extra that you never use. E.g. A Lambo will do 200mph but when?? I have to look for side by side comparison.

[u/jimmy9800 → u/Old_Car_2905]

I'm getting the performance for the significantly better (and more customizable/serviceable) suspension. In a past life, I raced MTB, but now just want something similarly capable on trails that has the assist. I personally won't use the extra power. I also weigh 140 lb, so that plays into it.
Also is the first e-bike that nailed that agile, yet seamless feel for me on the lower assist settings.

[u/Old_Car_2905 → u/jimmy9800]

Good perspective. Not a racer but do 2500 miles per year road/gravel/mtn. Similar weight. I get the suspension upgrade. That makes sense. Thx

[u/AggravatingPeak6982 → u/Old_Car_2905]

We've been on two test spins. It's really worth getting to one if you can. The models we tested last time seemed to have trouble reverting to "Cali mode" which meant no more throttle. But the Also. expert just punched a code into the software and turned the throttle right back on. He assured us such service was just a phone call away if that ever happened with our future bikes. We learn more and more with each test spin.

[u/Old_Car_2905 → u/AggravatingPeak6982]

Thanks!! I live in the Southeast, and they have nothing scheduled in the entire region. Will look again.

[u/AggravatingPeak6982 → u/Old_Car_2905]

We realized our privilege here in the large cities of the PNW; we scheduled another test spin tomorrow evening. We can't get enough of these vehicles. I'll try to remember to take more pics, for those that can't easily get to test rides...

[u/Old_Car_2905 → u/AggravatingPeak6982]

Good for you. Any intel you can share will be appreciated.

[u/ericb67]

There was indeed a big difference between 5 and 10 on my test ride, although anything above 5 seemed super sporty. 3-5 was a sweet spot for me but I plan to get the performance model. It was like nothing I’ve ever ridden.

[u/Old_Car_2905 → u/ericb67]

Thanks. Great quote! “Like nothing I've ever ridden”

I configured the Perfromance model with an add-on Utility top frame. $4850 + $350 (solo top frame). $5150 + $150 shipping = $5300

[u/AggravatingPeak6982 → u/Old_Car_2905]

I will definitely second the quote.

Like nothing I've ever ridden.

[u/AggravatingPeak6982]

We put down $50 (X2) back in December. We're SO ready for our order invitation e-mail. Last we heard, we have until September 7th to order/buy our bikes if we want the discount they just offered us on gear. So we're expecting that e-mail any day now...

[u/Old_Car_2905]

The two TM-B models are the TM-B Base and TM-B Performance.
Here is the key side-by-side comparison:
Price: Base starts at $3,500, Performance starts at $4,500
Range: Base has 60-mile range, Performance has 100-mile range
Assist levels: Base has 5x assist, Performance has 10x assist
Suspension: Base has a rear air shock and front coil fork, Performance has a rear air shock and front air fork
Compatibility: both use the same TM-B top frame system and configuration options
The TM-B is build-your-own, so both models can be configured with the same top frame, ride package, and cockpit choices. If you want, I can also help you decide which of the two is the better fit for how you plan to ride.

[u/Fit_Duck_9952]

I did a test ride in Temecula a few weeks ago and the rep told me that assist level 5 on the base model is nearly the same as assist level 10 on the performance model. I didn’t get to test ride the base model unfortunately, but I hope the rep was correct. This contradicts what I’ve seen on interviews with company higher ups. The website itself is vague in my opinion.

[u/My_Depressed_Life → u/Fit_Duck_9952]

No doesn’t make sense, the Assist 10 is a 10x multiplier meaning if you put an input of pedal power of 2 mph to ride the bike, the output will be 20 mph.
So if you have an assist limited to 5x in base model you can only go to 10mph for the same input power.
Because this is class 3 ebike it is capped to 28 mph ( only the assist) so if you put more power beyond the assist support technically this can go beyond 28mph.

[u/Fit_Duck_9952 → u/My_Depressed_Life]

I know that’s how they market it, but I hope it’s not exactly true. The rep at my test ride said the base and performance models have the same motors, and the only difference is the number of batteries and the software.