>>1107940The technology is incredibly promising, but the bike industry is going to play the nickel-and-dime incremental upgrade planned obsolescence game with it SO FUCKING HARD it is going to be horrific.
Existing, readily available aftermarket kits can put 1500 watts through a standard 68mm bottom bracket with a 48v 500 watt hour battery for under $1000.
The bike industry is selling last year's 250w mid-drives with 36v 500 watt hour batteries for $4,000. That price is coming down a bit on some of the promising 2018 models, but the specs aren't going up to anywhere near where they should be.
Everyone - EVERYBODY who loves riding should by hype as fuck for the technology though. It is the most important step forward since the multi-gear drivetrain.
You go further, faster, for the same effort. If your daily ride is less than 80 miles you can benefit immediately. If your daily ride includes more than a few hundred feet of climbing, you can benefit immediately.
There is room in any serious cyclist's stable for a pedal-assist bike, just like there is room for a trainer, rollers, etc.
