The Nimbus 2000

While it might not feature hand-twined hazel twigs or a mahogany handle, The Nimbus 2000 was built to bring a little bit of magic to the daily commute. Built on an accessible low-step frame, the goal of this project was to create a sleeper machine that combines ultimate lightweight comfort with elite, high-performance engineering and safety. At the heart of the build is the Grin All-Axle V3 hub motor. Chosen for its incredible reliability, and universal dropout versatility, the V3 integrates seamlessly into the frame without ruining the bike's clean, approachable lines.

Bike notes

I have had this build and subsequent review of the all axle planned for years now.

I want to see more content and walkarounds of this motor too.

My main use for it is as a commuter.
I chose the all axle because the torque arm and modern axle lockup looked as safe as mid-drive systems where the motor wedges against the frame and the axles are modern without the maintenance and better braking thanks to regen. I just don't trust those bolt on axles to twist and stuff.

The first ride was very rewarding. It felt faster, lighter, and more springy than geared hub bikes I've tested. The range is more too with the same battery I had, probably thanks to regen and light weight.

It only took a few hours to assemble.

I also like that it remembers your speed setting so you never have to guess what the throttle is at.

I love how silent it is. Even the braking is silent. After 12 years of cycling daily and switching to e-bikes I've felt othered from bicycles because of the unnatural noise of the gears grinding. This thing feels like a bike that I love pedaling.

Speaking of little story here I have a bike that used to be a police bike and it had completely silenced freehub that was dead quiet. I called it the murder machine. I would love to see an exploration of silent hubs because I've never valued the clicking noise as reliable measure of anything. To make it silent.

I haven't boosted any speed settings because it's fast enough the way it is, it's not too fast to get to 30mph but it can be if you pedal and it's light, I really like how light it is. The most I see it pull is ~1500w from a claimed 48v 50ah battery from one of the dual motor ebikes.

I think this kit really hits it for a reliable commuter. I think a lot of enthusiasts would appreciate a motor like this and I'm just astonished it works. Thank you for making it so modular. ✌️
(Video overview coming soon when it's sunny)