The new Bafang G500A automatic hub
Introduction to the G500A
The Chinese manufacturer Bafang innovates with its brand new G500A automated hub, equipped with 5 automatic speeds. This gear shifting system adjusts according to the speed of the bike, making the ride smoother. Previously, we tested the Bafang G300A hub with three automatic speeds on the MoBY bike by C du Cycle. The five-speed version promises better extension, allowing faster riding without excessive pedaling cadence. On the MoBY, the gear change is triggered automatically at 15 km/h and then at 20 km/h, offering notable comfort with the carbon transmission.
Adaptability and performance
The Bafang RG A510.D hub offers ratios of 1, 1.33, 1.81, 2.46, and 3.35 on its five gears, ideal for wheels from 20 to 26 inches which are faster than 28 or 29 inches wheels. Compatible with 175 and 190 mm spacing, this hub accepts a torque of 200 Nm, allowing it to be paired with the most powerful mid-drive motors like the Bafang M620 with its 160 Nm. It is designed to support speeds from 45 to 60 km/h, relevant for Speedbikes in Europe and fast bikes abroad. Bafang highlights the reliability of this hub, each gear having been tested on 10,000 impacts.
Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) Technology
Bafang also introduces its Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology, dedicated to hub gears and hub motor gears. The goal is to simplify use for the cyclist and integration for manufacturers. The hub is autonomous and works without cables, with adaptive gear changes depending on the speed of the bike. In theory, this hub requires little or no maintenance. Hub gears and motor hub gears are still rare on the market. We have already tested the Bafang 3-speed automatic hub on the MoBY by C du Cycle, and the first motors with integrated gears are available on the Eovolt Morning Pro and Afternoon Pro folding bikes as well as the Rivoli from Voltaire.
Competition in the automatic hubs market
Few manufacturers position themselves in the segment of automatic gear hubs. The Shimano Nexus 5 in the Di2 electronic version is a notable exception, capable of changing gears automatically when coupled with a Shimano motor, such as the O2Feel iSwan City Boost 8.1 bike. In direct competition with continuously variable systems such as the Enviolo AutomatiQ, used on high-end models like the Moustache J Auto, the Vélo de ville AEB 800, the Riese und Muller Swing4 Automatic, or the iWeech 24 S+, all bikes sold over 4000 €. The Rohloff E-14, with its 14 electronic speeds, is also planned for 2024 and should be compatible with the Bosch Smart system for automatic gear changing with Bosch motor systems.
Motors with automatic gearboxes
More and more motors now include an automatic gearbox or a continuously variable system. For example, the French Cyclee motor from Valeo with its 8-speed automatic gearbox, used on Radior and Galian bikes, or the Decathlon Owuru motor with its continuously variable system tested on the Btwin LD 920 E. The Pinion MGU motor is also moving towards automation.
