5MV-X2035 – Mahle X20 v X35 ride feel comparison.
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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fiveminutevelo
I recently managed to test a bike fitted with the Mahle X20 ebike system. In this video I compare what it is like to ride the X20 (Mondraker Dusty) verses my own X35 (Orbea Gain) based bike. The video concentrates on the ride feel of the two systems and some of the technical details that influence the ride feel. I also mention the new X30 ebike system that has recently been announced; I’ll cover that system in a separate video.
I have no financial or other connection to Mahle or the bike suppliers. You can find out more about the Mahle ‘X’ systems here:
X35+ https://mahle-smartbike.com/x35/
X30 https://mahle-smartbike.com/x30/
X20 https://mahle-smartbike.com/x20/
My thanks go to Tekmotive (https://www.tekmotiv.co.uk/) in Saffron Waldon for allowing me to test the bike; I have no financial or other association with the company.
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About the 5MV channel
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My name is Terry and I love cycling. I have named my channel “Five Minute Velo” (5MV). I have called it 5MV because the videos I upload will (mostly) last no longer than five minutes. Each video will cover just one subject that is described in the title. Although the channel is mainly about cycling on the road, I will also cover some light (gravel) off road riding and cycle touring from time to time. No matter what, much of the advice will be pertinent to many branches of the sport/pastime.
I am new to posting videos on YouTube (May 2020) and I have much to learn, particularly in terms of presentation style and production quality. As such I welcome constructive comments that will help me improve the videos that I produce and upload.
There may be some dry humor in some of the videos, so dry it may not always be obvious :-).
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My strava profile can be found here:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/7723982
Cambridge Cycling Club website:
http://www.cambridge-cycling-club.org.uk/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/fiveminutevelo/
Photos of 2019 Tour of low countries:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3ierczDfurM1gTGi7
Random cycling photos (will be updated from time to time):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VZBhCWcQZtynsJF1A
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Terry
7 Comments
The X35 is the older system in spite of having a higher model number? Or do I misunderstand?
Great stuff, thanks for sharing.
Try going up a steep gradient.
…. Then you see torque differences.
Sorry but surely one of the main benefits that you mention in the dialogue but not in your summary of the benefits is the connection system of the X20 allowing the rear wheel to be dropped out easily if you get a puncture.
Best x35 vs x20 content I have seen, thank you for your insights
I'm glad you referenced the torque based bottom bracket. This for me has been the biggest differentiator between the X20 and X35 systems (also the X30 and X35). Though the rear through axle is also near and dear to my heart. I contacted Mahle regarding the torque sensing bottom bracket and they identified that it is not compatible with their X35 system (I had hoped that one could swap the chain sensor for the torque sensor prior to receiving that news). I then asked them if one has an ANT+ power meter if that could be used in lieu of their torque sensor, but did not receive a response. One other differentiator is that the X35+ system requires a hard wired connection to a computer via a special dongle to install firmware updates. This requires all to go to a bike shop for each update. The X30 and X20 systems are able to receive firmware updates via the mySmartBike app. I'm currently using the MySmartBike app connected to a heart rate monitor chest strap in order to control the assistance level of my X35 system. I've been curious if this feature is still available on the X20 and if so what this might look like. Could a combination of rider input and heart rate be used to determine the assistance provided by the bicycle? Would that be beneficial? Thank you for the video.
Interesting take, thanks. I have one of each and frankly can't tell much difference at all when RIDING 'em. In my case the larger battery spec'd with X20 kind of cancels it's lighter weight over X35. As to power delivery I wonder if the settings used made the difference? Both of mine are set to provide just 30% of the system power at assist level 1 and unless the climb is steep I ride both of 'em with assist at level 0 that is easily controlled by the Pulsar "brain" unit that works with both. I DO like the X20's simpler rear wheel setup and not having to have a big wrench in my saddlebag just-in-case, but that's a minor + IMHO.