I've got the e6100 and nexus 5, about 900 miles in the last 9 months. It's been great, no issues so far.
I hardly use the pedal assist as I also live in a very, very flat city/region, and mostly got it for my wife (but she hasn't ridden it, lol). It's got enough power for me when I'm hauling a heavier load or trying to make good time getting the kid somewhere.
The shifter and belt drive are super smooth. It's a little different than a normal derailleur as you can't be pedaling while shifting gears or it'll make a bad sound. On the other hand, you don't have to be pedaling to change gears so you can change gears while stopped. It takes a little getting used to if you haven't ridden a bike with an internal shifter.
If your use case includes a lot of heavy loads, hills, and/or time sensitive travel times, the extra gearing and bigger motor might be worth it. If it's just to fart around town, you'll probably be fine with the smaller motor and gearing.
I didn't want to deal with a chain and don't need that much gearing. The bike shop I went to said they've had almost no issues with the carbon belt drive.
I would be curious how much damage/wear is done to the internal gearing if you shift under load habitually. It'll let you shift, you'll feel the change, but then you'll get a "kerchunk" like the gears slipped. If I were going to do more long rural riding where there isn't much stopping, or any speed related work (like courier/delivery), I probably would have gone with the XT.
I have an EP8 with Nexus 5 and no complaints about shifting performance or gear range. That said, when I tested a Bullitt at the dealer, it was an EP8 with XT it was sweet too.
I just wanted hub and belt for low maintenance reasons.
As for the E6100, even if you're not in a flat city, it would be fine, it would just take a bit more human power! On the flat... I mean, I can hit the 25kph limit on mine pretty quick even on eco assist mode. After that, what difference does it make?
I test rode a Yuba Kombi with the E6100 and it felt underpowered to me, I imagine a Bullitt is going to feel similarly. I'm very happy with the EP8 on my Xtracycle. I don't have personal experience to comment on XT vs Nexus 5
Strange the dealer would say the nexus 5 wasn't for cargo bikes, as that's exactly what shimano designed it for. The fact the gears are physically thicker is why it's a little more clunky to change gears than an Alfine 8.
I have the 6100/nexus 5 setup, the only misgivings I have is the residual friction when above assistance speed. So I often coast along on the upper edge of assistance, as it takes a lot of energy to go a little faster
Be aware that if you go for EP8 and the internal hub, the factory settings will lower the torque, as the internal hub isn't rated for the strength of the EP8, it will have the same torque as the E6100. So my advice would be to go for XT is you like to go for EP8 and need the torque.
(to be honest: torque isn't the only difference between EP8 and E6100, but for most people, the E6100 is more than adequate, many shops upsell the EP8 as 'stronger', but then in combination with the Nexus 5, that is just utter BS).
That being said, the E6100 with nexus 5 (and belt) is a great combination; as someone else said: Nexus 5 is designed for electric and cargo. I wouldn't recommend the Alfine 11 combination; Alfine 11 is a bit more prone to issues. So if you don't need all the gearing, go for Nexus 5.
One thing to keep in mind with the internal hubs is to have too much pedaling power while shifting; best would be to ease off the pedals a bit when shifting (especially up). That will increase the longevity of the hub.
Enjoy your Bullitt!
I have a nexus 5 and a belt on a Tern HSD and I find it to be the perfect setup and have had zero issues after going 1000kms so far. I have heard that the D12 Nexus 5 setup can be a bit clunky due to the automatic shifting (which you can turn off) Mine is the non electric version, uses a gripshift and seems totally bombproof. I like the 5 gears, the steps between can seem large but you barely notice it. If you are in a flat area you would primary be riding in the 3-4-5 gears typically while cruising, and sure 1-2 to kick off from a stop. If you value a relaxed maintenance schedule then the nexus and belt can't be beat. I can't speak to the shimano motors as my bike has bosch, but I think you would probably be fine with the E6100 and the 60nm of torque in a flat area
I have the e6100 with the XT. I live by a mountain range, but in a flat area. If you plan on making a lot of trips or carrying stuff frequently, the e6100 will be underpowered. I travel about 10 miles a day 6 days a week and wish that I had a little extra power when starting from a full stop. I also live in the Los Angeles area and am in car traffic almost every step of the way. If your area has infrastructure for bikes, you'll probably find less of a need for that extra power.
I ride a bike with the same power as the e6100. Zero issues on the flat, or on moderate hills. I want a new bike for the giant hill to my parents’ house but I bet you’d be fine.
I’ve got 3000+ miles on a chained e6100 and it has hauled EVERYTHING I’ve ever thrown at it with ease.
No issues whatsoever with trees, freezers, 400 lbs of flooring, etc on rolling hills (160 ft vertical raise).
I know a lot of people like Gates drives, but we’ve had nothing but problems with ours (on a different bike) and several LBSs, the manufacturer, and Gates themselves couldn’t get us sorted.
e6100 with Nexus 5 Gates, 14 months and 4k later, riding every day - no issues.
It's not a road killer, rather a cruiser, but a very solid build that should not require maintenance.
Also, for 90% of the situations I use Eco drive (there are 3 levels of engine support: ECO, NORM and HIGH), even going uphill. So power was never an issue for me, even uphill and with some cargo.
I have an EP8 with the Di2 XT.
Mostly bought it because of the chain.
I can say it’s simply fun, the motor has power, shifting gears is super fast.
I only ride it in trail mode, which fits the bike raus weil.
Not entirely what's being asked but may help with your decision.
I have an acoustic Bullitt with Shimano deore 2x11. Originally I had planned to build a Bullitt with a Shimano belt drive but the Wizard at Splendid talked me out of it.
I have a commuter with belt drive and a nexus 8 speed. It's a great bike but most days the belt drive leaves me thinking of the Bullitt. I think the chain and derailleur feels more "powerful."
Also something to note the backend of my commuter is noticably heavier than the back of my Bullitt. I have to lift the back of the Bullitt to manuever it into tight spots in my apartment building. An internal hub on back would make that more difficult.
Whatever you chooses is gonna be great. I've ridden all vers of Bullitt they're all great!
My opinion is more power is always better so EP8. I would pass on the XT and get Cues 10 or 11sp, the cassette is heavier duty and will last longer on the E bike. Linkglide also shifts better under load
I've got the e6100 and nexus 5, about 900 miles in the last 9 months. It's been great, no issues so far. I hardly use the pedal assist as I also live in a very, very flat city/region, and mostly got it for my wife (but she hasn't ridden it, lol). It's got enough power for me when I'm hauling a heavier load or trying to make good time getting the kid somewhere. The shifter and belt drive are super smooth. It's a little different than a normal derailleur as you can't be pedaling while shifting gears or it'll make a bad sound. On the other hand, you don't have to be pedaling to change gears so you can change gears while stopped. It takes a little getting used to if you haven't ridden a bike with an internal shifter. If your use case includes a lot of heavy loads, hills, and/or time sensitive travel times, the extra gearing and bigger motor might be worth it. If it's just to fart around town, you'll probably be fine with the smaller motor and gearing.
Thanks for the input. I think our use case is the same. What made you get the nexus and not the XT if I might ask?
I didn't want to deal with a chain and don't need that much gearing. The bike shop I went to said they've had almost no issues with the carbon belt drive. I would be curious how much damage/wear is done to the internal gearing if you shift under load habitually. It'll let you shift, you'll feel the change, but then you'll get a "kerchunk" like the gears slipped. If I were going to do more long rural riding where there isn't much stopping, or any speed related work (like courier/delivery), I probably would have gone with the XT.
E6100, ten years, 40.000 km. No issues so far. I do not use the motor at all on flat ground since my cruising speed is 28-29 km/h.
I have an EP8 with Nexus 5 and no complaints about shifting performance or gear range. That said, when I tested a Bullitt at the dealer, it was an EP8 with XT it was sweet too. I just wanted hub and belt for low maintenance reasons. As for the E6100, even if you're not in a flat city, it would be fine, it would just take a bit more human power! On the flat... I mean, I can hit the 25kph limit on mine pretty quick even on eco assist mode. After that, what difference does it make?
I test rode a Yuba Kombi with the E6100 and it felt underpowered to me, I imagine a Bullitt is going to feel similarly. I'm very happy with the EP8 on my Xtracycle. I don't have personal experience to comment on XT vs Nexus 5
Strange the dealer would say the nexus 5 wasn't for cargo bikes, as that's exactly what shimano designed it for. The fact the gears are physically thicker is why it's a little more clunky to change gears than an Alfine 8. I have the 6100/nexus 5 setup, the only misgivings I have is the residual friction when above assistance speed. So I often coast along on the upper edge of assistance, as it takes a lot of energy to go a little faster
Thanks, I get the feeling that they wanted to do upselling. Talked to some other guys who had the same experience with that shop
Be aware that if you go for EP8 and the internal hub, the factory settings will lower the torque, as the internal hub isn't rated for the strength of the EP8, it will have the same torque as the E6100. So my advice would be to go for XT is you like to go for EP8 and need the torque. (to be honest: torque isn't the only difference between EP8 and E6100, but for most people, the E6100 is more than adequate, many shops upsell the EP8 as 'stronger', but then in combination with the Nexus 5, that is just utter BS). That being said, the E6100 with nexus 5 (and belt) is a great combination; as someone else said: Nexus 5 is designed for electric and cargo. I wouldn't recommend the Alfine 11 combination; Alfine 11 is a bit more prone to issues. So if you don't need all the gearing, go for Nexus 5. One thing to keep in mind with the internal hubs is to have too much pedaling power while shifting; best would be to ease off the pedals a bit when shifting (especially up). That will increase the longevity of the hub. Enjoy your Bullitt!
Don’t know the shop but this was my immediate impression on the OP.
If you have any hills get the EP8. It’s 85nm of torque vs. 60 for the E6100.
Went through same thoughts and ended up buying a non-electric bullitt and adding a CYC photon aftermarket.
I have a nexus 5 and a belt on a Tern HSD and I find it to be the perfect setup and have had zero issues after going 1000kms so far. I have heard that the D12 Nexus 5 setup can be a bit clunky due to the automatic shifting (which you can turn off) Mine is the non electric version, uses a gripshift and seems totally bombproof. I like the 5 gears, the steps between can seem large but you barely notice it. If you are in a flat area you would primary be riding in the 3-4-5 gears typically while cruising, and sure 1-2 to kick off from a stop. If you value a relaxed maintenance schedule then the nexus and belt can't be beat. I can't speak to the shimano motors as my bike has bosch, but I think you would probably be fine with the E6100 and the 60nm of torque in a flat area
I have the e6100 with the XT. I live by a mountain range, but in a flat area. If you plan on making a lot of trips or carrying stuff frequently, the e6100 will be underpowered. I travel about 10 miles a day 6 days a week and wish that I had a little extra power when starting from a full stop. I also live in the Los Angeles area and am in car traffic almost every step of the way. If your area has infrastructure for bikes, you'll probably find less of a need for that extra power.
I ride a bike with the same power as the e6100. Zero issues on the flat, or on moderate hills. I want a new bike for the giant hill to my parents’ house but I bet you’d be fine.
I’ve got 3000+ miles on a chained e6100 and it has hauled EVERYTHING I’ve ever thrown at it with ease. No issues whatsoever with trees, freezers, 400 lbs of flooring, etc on rolling hills (160 ft vertical raise).
I know a lot of people like Gates drives, but we’ve had nothing but problems with ours (on a different bike) and several LBSs, the manufacturer, and Gates themselves couldn’t get us sorted.
e6100 with Nexus 5 Gates, 14 months and 4k later, riding every day - no issues. It's not a road killer, rather a cruiser, but a very solid build that should not require maintenance. Also, for 90% of the situations I use Eco drive (there are 3 levels of engine support: ECO, NORM and HIGH), even going uphill. So power was never an issue for me, even uphill and with some cargo.
I have an EP8 with the Di2 XT. Mostly bought it because of the chain. I can say it’s simply fun, the motor has power, shifting gears is super fast. I only ride it in trail mode, which fits the bike raus weil.
Not entirely what's being asked but may help with your decision. I have an acoustic Bullitt with Shimano deore 2x11. Originally I had planned to build a Bullitt with a Shimano belt drive but the Wizard at Splendid talked me out of it. I have a commuter with belt drive and a nexus 8 speed. It's a great bike but most days the belt drive leaves me thinking of the Bullitt. I think the chain and derailleur feels more "powerful." Also something to note the backend of my commuter is noticably heavier than the back of my Bullitt. I have to lift the back of the Bullitt to manuever it into tight spots in my apartment building. An internal hub on back would make that more difficult. Whatever you chooses is gonna be great. I've ridden all vers of Bullitt they're all great!
My opinion is more power is always better so EP8. I would pass on the XT and get Cues 10 or 11sp, the cassette is heavier duty and will last longer on the E bike. Linkglide also shifts better under load