Two drives that couldn't be more different: Fazuas Ride 50 Evation stands for gentle thrust and limited maximum power, the Specialised Turbo Full Power 2.2 for maximum torque and high power delivery. The only thing they have in common is that both drives are mid-motors and are at the top of their class in terms of quality. So-called minimal-assist drives such as the Fazua Evation are the first choice on lightweight urban pedelecs, style bikes, gravel bikes and also mountain bikes for sporty trial specialists. The inconspicuous drives have a maximum power output that is around 20 to 40 per cent lower than their powerful counterparts, but they are significantly lighter and consume less energy. The associated batteries can therefore also be designed to be smaller. This saves even more weight and costs. Drives such as the Specialized Turbo Full Power 2.2, on the other hand, are designed for maximum power delivery and high maximum power. They are ideal for heavier and more stable everyday, trekking and touring pedelecs.
What's inside the Specialized Turbo Full Power
While the Ride 50 Evation is an in-house development by the Munich-based drive manufacturer Fazua, the Specialized Turbo is based on the Brose Drive S-Mag. With its maximum torque of 90 Nm, the unit is one of the most powerful mid-drive motors on the market. At its heart is a steering motor produced by the German automotive company millions of times over. As Brose largely opens up the software of the pedelec system to third-party manufacturers, bike manufacturers such as Specialized can extensively adapt the motor control to their own ideas. In contrast to closed pedelec systems, such as those from Bosch or Panasonic, Brose drives are therefore available with a wide variety of running characteristics and performance characteristics. What they all have in common is that they run very smoothly, are quiet and provide a very natural riding experience despite their high performance.
This is what lies behind the Fazua Evation
The Fazua Evation allows the rider to choose whether they want to use their bike as a pedelec or as a driveless bike. The relatively lightweight motor unit with freewheel and the flange-mounted battery can be easily removed from a recess in the down tube without the need for tools and then reinserted. This turns a pedelec into a normal bike in no time at all - and vice versa. Only the permanently installed bottom bracket gear remains in the frame node; it automatically connects to the drive unit when inserted and transmits the motor power to the chainring. A freewheel in the motor gearbox disengages the drive at speeds above 25 km/h. The motor brakes even when installed. The motor therefore brakes barely measurably even when installed after it has stopped operating above the cut-off speed.
Because the maximum available power is significantly lower than with motors from Bosch, Shimano and others, the Fazua conveys a very natural riding experience. Freewheeling, smooth disengagement and the higher pedalling power that the rider has to invest before reaching the disengagement limit result in a smooth transition to pedalling without drive. Despite or perhaps because of the limited performance data, the system has great potential. The slim design, which can be integrated into the down tube, and the possibility of easy removal give the Fazua Evation an interesting unique selling point. With the Fazua Ride 50 Street, another model with a little more torque and even less weight has been announced for 2022.
How the engine test works at MYBIKE
DRIVE TEST
Not everything that a drive can do can be measured on a test bench. How sensitively an engine reacts to pedal pressure and how strongly it accelerates can only be seen on a test drive. This also applies to response and cut-off behaviour. The drive must be controllable and start up as quickly as possible when travelling uphill. When you stop pedalling, the motor should switch off immediately and not push on.
TEST STAND TEST
We measured the maximum continuous power of the motors on our test bench. It varies to a greater or lesser extent depending on the pedalling frequency (cadence). Measurements were taken at 20 km/h and, depending on the gear gradation, with cadences close to 60, 70, 80 and 90 revolutions per minute. We simulated the rider's pedalling power with 100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 watts. The curves on page 52 show the power curve as a function of cadence and pedalling power. We measured the maximum power in the support levels at 70 crank revolutions per minute.
You can download the complete comparative test, including all test results and individual evaluations, as a PDF below the article for a fee.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in MYBIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, thousands of euros every year.
