Jure Robič: I feel how it helps me...

Jure Robič

Extreme cyclist
4-time Race Across America (RAAM) Champion

Analisa Cucinotti: E-HUB helps me gain full racing speed...

Analisa Cucinotti

Italian Track Specialist
Multiple World-Cup Champion (ELITE)

Mitja Orel: Noticeable differences during uphill riding...

MITJA OREL

I started the E-hub test with the red, softer version of the hubs. I first tried them out on a hilly 160km long trail from Kazlje through Nova Gorica and Trieste to Koper and across Črni kal back to Kazlje. The sensation was quite weird at first and it felt like riding on ice. The feeling soon subsided however, most probably because I became more familiar with the system as the ride progressed.

Noticeable differences especially while climbing, while pedal rotation is considerably more constant while standing. Acceleration is easier and more linear. It did not seem I was gaining much speed in the first instance but in the end it turned out that I gained 2km/h on the whole trail on the total average speed which is quite a lot.

I tested the E-hub also on other trails and ascents where the results above were further supported. I have also ridden with the black, harder version of the hub, but it did not suit my physique. I am definitely satisfied with this hub and I am confident that it will contribute to better results at this years’ race around Slovenia where I will also take part.

Carlo Calcagni:  E-hub gives much more power...

CARLO CALCAGNI
Athlete: Carlo Calcagni, 40 years old, height 1.75 m, weight 73 k

Test was performed with the Giant TCR bike and Compagnolo RECORD 53/41 – 11/21 shifters on cyclocomputers SPRINTRAINER Technogym.

The best results obtained in the period with good physical condition: 530 watt of power and 170 pulse/min heart rate (Conconi test). The test was performed with two different sets of rims. I compared a set of Mavic rims first, followed by E-hub rims. After a short break and in the same conditions and with the same parameters I changed the order and I first used the E-hub rims and then the MAVIC rims.

• Test 1: A constant heart beat rate app. 20 minutes with medium power on a fairly plane track or trail: in our case 85 rpm, 140 pulse/min. When using the E-hub bike I was able to use the gear ratio 53x12 and finish both of the tests with a better and higher average than with the new MAVIC rim. In the first case: pulse 139, 369 watt, 45.6 km/h. I carried out two tests with MAVIC rims as well. I had to use the gear ratio 53x13 for both tests so that my heart rate wouldn’t rise too high. I concluded the test with these results: pulse 142, 335 watt and 44.1 km/h.
  
• Test 2: 20 minute trail, 4 ascents, 3 minute long with a 4% slope. Between the first and the second ascent there was a 2 minute interval of flat trail (resting). All four tests were carried out in same conditions and with same parameters: the gearing proportion 53x12, on flat parts of the trail (resting) I kept the cycling frequency 75 rotations/min and 50 rotations/min on a 4% slope. While using the E-hub rim during the test I was able to use the gear ratio 53x12 with less power as I carried out both tests with pulse 134 and with 330 Watt. Whereas in the second case, when I used the MAVIC rims, I was using the same ratio with more power in both cases and I concluded the tests with 140 pulse and 322 watt.
• Test 3: number of accelerations - 4, time length of the acceleration - 15 seconds, intermediate 45 second long intervals of rest with 85 rotations/min. I never exceeded the heart rate 155 heartbeats/min with both rims.

Results obtained:

1. MAVIC rim:	2. E-hub rim:
482 watt, 50,1 km/h (worst result)	618 watt, 54,60 km/h (worst result)
522 watt, 51,5 km/h (best result)	685 watt, 58,8 km/h (best result)

CONCLUSION:
According to the results obtained I can conclude that it is obvious that the E-hub wheel (rim) gives you more power and it is also noted that during long-distance cycling I felt that I can push more and that I have more power in my knees (dead angle, rotation) which should not be an overlooked detail as the E-hub rim gives you much more stamina on longer journeys.

The E-hub rim really gives you an exciting feeling during acceleration! I am confident that the rim E-hub is a very useful product.

Igor Peresson: The sense of resistance is much smaller than in reality...

IGOR PERESSON

When I first tried the E-hub I immediately noticed the difference in power. When cycling uphill, the E-hub reduces the sense of resistance and consequently muscle strain is reduced.

I also tried out the E-hub at my first triathlon race and noticed the difference particularly when I was catching up with the best cyclists whilst cycling uphill.

Sašo Rupnik: It will be a major advantage compared to the classic.

SAŠO RUPNIK

Flat area: excellent accelerations from the curves, standing starts, and jumps. It is easier to maintain speed and pedalling is easier/”softer” in general. Ascents: easier to pedal, higher speed with lower gear / higher rhythm with same strain. The only thing I find troubling is when my pedal drops but we already identified where the problem lies (34/27). With lesser inclines, stability is more solid, and it works amazingly. Undulating area: short hills "hoppers" are easier to overcome with e-hub than without it.

It just all continues much more fluently. On the top of the hill you gain more speed faster/ with less power. Long tours: lower muscle strain as everything is “softer”, even when the muscles are already exhausted, you can still push 360 easily which is quite difficult without e-hub.

If the feeling is at least similar to this one on the MTB racing trail it will be amazing. It will be a major advantage compared to the classic.

Polona Batagelj: You simply cycle faster with less power.

POLONA BATAGELJ

My experiences with the driving wheel E-hub have been nothing but positive. I tried the hub a while ago, and I admit, like many others, I didn’t understand, or better, didn’t believe that this system really works. But as soon as you start pedalling you can feel the difference between the normal hub and the E-hub.

By overcoming the backlashes the system allows a better and a faster rotation, the rhythm increases and consequently so does the speed. It is also easier to obtain full rotation pedalling. I noticed the biggest difference when cycling uphill where the suspension mechanism, with its rigidity, helps to gain higher speed without extra force. There are noticeable differences even when accelerating out of corners. You simply cycle faster with the same power. Later, when I first tested E-hub, I went to my next practice with the normal rim and there was a big difference; it felt like something was missing. I tested E-hub only on the road bike but I can’t wait till the E-hub team arranges the hub for my mountain bike as I am confident that there will be a noticeable difference on the trail also.

I would warmly recommend to all those who are still doubtful about the usefulness of the E-hub to try it out and then they will see, like all others who have already tried it, that it really works. I would like to thank the E-hub team for their trust and for giving me the chance to use E-hub.

Matej paradiž: I can obtain the full rotation of the pedal with E-hub.

MATEJ PARADIŽ

I am very satisfied with the use of E-HUB as it helps me to overcome the “dead angle” and I am able to obtain the full rotation of the pedal which is every cyclist’s goal. The results are most notable when riding on time trials / triathlons (ironman) where slipstreaming is not allowed on longer climbs.

Aleš Suhadolnik: E-hub is an incredible patent and very effective.

ALEŠ SUHADOLNIK
31 anni, triathlonista e allenatore dalla polizia slovena

31 years old, triathlon athlete and an instructor for the Slovenian Police force.
E-Hub is an incredible patent and is very effective, even though it is such a simple design. The differences are obvious as soon as you start pedalling. It performs really well on long ascents therefore I would recommend it to anyone that practices long-distance cycling.

I would like to congratulate the E-hub team for their technological achievement, and at the same time thank them for giving me the opportunity to test it.

Alan Majeršič: The first feelings on the bike were excellent.

ALAN MAJERŠIČ

The first impression on the bike was excellent. Pedalling and changing gears is very gentle. You can really feel that the e-hub is functioning when you are cycling uphill.

I also performed a test which validates the functioning of the e-hub as I was able to gain 2 minutes per ascent with the e-hub than I would have with normal classic rims and hubs of the same weight.

During the first race, e-hub turned out very positive, as you can accelerate more effectively out of corners. But the most important thing is that you can ride with a lower hear rate as you have a better pedalling usage with the help of e-hub.

 

Peter Klajderič: The backlashes are much easier to overcome.

PETER KLAJDERIČ

I was testing the rim with the E-hub for just over a month. In this period I noticed the difference between the classic rim and the E-hub rim; it was much easier to overcome backlashes. This is especially notable while accelerating from a standing start and when cycling uphill.

At the beginning of the testing I had a few doubts because of the weight of the set; it is a bit heavier than the classic rim, but it allows you to save some energy so the weight is not so relevant.

 

Erik Poljanec: Acceleration from a standing start.

ERIK POLJANEC

I have mixed opinions on the E-hub. I was surprised by its impressive performance on flat surfaces as it works in a similar way as the »muslouf«, but you can stop pedalling. However the E-hub was a bit of a disappointment when cycling uphill especially when negotiating steeper inclines. According to the E-hub team I should have a stronger hub, tailored to my power.

Advantages: overcoming the backlash on the flat surface, acceleration from a standing start. Disadvantages: relatively heavy hubs, ride uphill with an E-hub which is too light.

I would recommend it to all recreational cyclists for a more comfortable ride and to professional cyclists at the beginning of the season to get used to the feeling of correct pedal rotation.

Matias Kumar: valuable innovation which has given me confidence.

MATIAS KUMAR

The E-hub rim appears to me to be an excellent innovation, especially for uphill riding. I believe it helps with reducing the energy used when riding “on pedals” and accelerating. There are barely any differences between pedalling with the normal hub rim or with the E-hub rim.

However, there is a difference during the first few rotations of the pedals. I couldn’t note any differences when cycling on a flat surface except during the sprint and jumps from low speed. The only remark I would like to make is about the rim’s weight though that doesn’t bother me personally as the difference in the weight is so small and is not an issue while riding.

Nevertheless this is a praise-worthy innovation, which has given me confidence at the beginning of the season and I hope to continue practicing with the E-hub rim.

Jaka Kleč: The E-hub rim is a useful innovation.

JAKA KLEČ

I think that the E-hub rim is a very useful innovation. I immediately noticed the difference especially during acceleration, sprint and vertical position of the pedals.

In comparison to the regular-classic rim it is most valuable for the ride of criteria. I didn’t notice any significant differences during the uphill riding. I had some troubles getting used to the E-hub rim when cycling “on pedals”.

Nino Cokan: E-Hub rims are the jackpot!

NINO COKAN

E-HUB rims really are something special. I immediately noticed the difference as I was riding 1-2 gears harder transitions during longer and harder practices, even though my pulse was getting lower. I couldn’t believe it and I was attributing the progress to a better physical condition, being in shape, rest...

But later I just had to admit that the E-hub really works, almost like magic. I find it easier to run as well and my knees do not feel so much strain anymore which is the essential thing for the IRONMAN triathlons. I believe my results will improve and the progress on my bike and during the running will be even more impressive.

In addition, for competing in extreme cycling events like CAPE EPIC and XTERRA (off road triathlon), E-Hub rims are the jackpot!

www.ninocokan.com

Franci Horvat: I could reach higher speed with less power.

FRANCI HORVAT

I tested the green model E-HUB rim n. 3. I was slightly sceptic because of the rim’s and hub’s weight.

I was pleasantly surprised during my first ride though. I noticed the difference during the transit from the flat surface uphill – these were much easier to overcome.

The system allowed me faster and better pedalling. Thanks to the suspension system and its softness, I could reach higher speed with less power.

The sense of resistance is much lower. As a long-distance cyclist I think that E-HUB is a great innovation and I warmly recommend it to everybody

Jožko Čebulec: I am astonished about its utility.

JOŽKO ČEBULEC

I have been a recreational cyclist for many years now. I found out about the E- HUB innovation from my friends.

I was more than pleased to try it out and I later bought it. I am astonished about its utility, especially when cycling uphill (longer slopes).

Cycling is much easier when you get used to the E-hub system.

I simply cannot imagine cycling on the classic hub anymore. Why not use the extra 8-10% of energy saved for a longer cycling tour…

Well done guys!

Matevž Lapanja: cycling uphill truly is a lot easier with E-hub.

MATEVŽ LAPANJA

When you get used to the E-hub innovation, cycling becomes an even bigger delight.

It convinced me whilst cycling uphill as I tried it on one of the steepest climbs in Slovenia – the climb on the Mangart Mountain.

I would recommend it to cyclists who dislike ascents; cycling uphill truly is a lot easier with E-hub. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to ride and use the E-hub for the Slovenian tour DOS.

Matjaž Mraz: Gives me some power for the backlash.

MATJAŽ MRAZ

I notice the main difference between the classic hub and E-hub when climbing steep hills - above 10%.

When riding with a lower rhythm 50-70 /minute, during the Auf-sits, the suspension gives you some power for the backlash.

I used the rigidity 3 E-hub for the Tuš Climb to Celjska koča. I could have used the rigidity 4 for my physical condition.

Nejc Egerlič: I could ride faster with less power.

NEJC EGERLIČ
The youngest participant at DOS EXTREM 2008

I tested E-hub wheelsets at the time trail in Solkan. I noticed that I could ride faster with less power and had the soft feeling of pedal rotation which is not the case with the classic hub.

After the time trail, when I swapped E-hub with my classic wheelset, I acknowledged an even “crazier” fact; I was no longer cycling straight.

The bike was pulling towards one side and the ride was crisscrossing. These were my first impressions riding a 50mm E-hub carbon wheelsets.
 

Nenad Gregec: Much smoother and faster acceleration.

NENAD GREGEC

The E-hub team was kind enough to lend me E-Hub for testing purposes (yellow road model), which I had the pleasure to test at the organized events (Franja marathon, climb on Celjska koča, climb on Vršič pass, Alpe marathon) as well as riding on my own and in recreational group rides.

I could notice the functioning of the E-hub mostly when riding uphill; the suspension system allowed me higher rhythm and speed with the same strain. When I became familiar with a slightly different feeling of pedal rotation, riding uphill was improved and average speed increased. When riding on a flat area, pedal rotation is much smoother, acceleration is faster and this is very useful for group cycling. Accelerations out of corners increase as well on flat surface and descents, which enables keeping up with better cyclists during the races.

I believe that E-hub’s biggest added value is minor knee pain after long and demanding tours, thanks to levelled distribution of power throughout one whole pedal rotation. I would recommend E-hub to all those who want to improve their speed or cycling technique.

Robi Jenko: E-hub really works on slopes.

ROBI JENKO

I tried the rim/hub E-hub n. 4. I couldn’t feel any differences when cycling on a flat surface due to low power.

During acceleration and jumps on a hopper I could feel the backlash only in the first few rotations.

E-hub really works on slopes where you can feel each push – each rotation. It did not bother me that the pedal pushes forward without any power in the backlashes.

For me it means some extra energy without major differences or any kind of adjustment.