Earlier than the newest pattern of eMTB motors battling for the most-power-award, the competitors was extra heated round compact dimension and low weight. In 2022, TQ was main the cost with its then-new and revolutionary HPR50 drive system. Constructed across the model’s Harmonic Pin-Ring Transmission, this motor was pivotal within the improvement of a brand new breed of light-weight e-bikes just like the Trek Gas EXe and others.
Not content material to relaxation on its laurels, TQ is launching its brand-new HPR60 drive system, which builds on the success of its predecessor and claims to enhance upon it in a number of methods. With a claimed 20% improve in torque, a 17% improve in energy, improved cooling, a brand new show, and extra battery choices, the HPR60 goals to redefine light-weight e-bikes once more.
In line with TQ, “the event of the HPR60 has by no means been about peak torque or energy. It’s at all times about feeling empowered. It’s about climbing sooner and driving longer to get pleasure from extra of what’s most enjoyable with out being held again by an enormous weight penalty and cumbersome bike.” Let’s dig into the small print.
TQ-HPR60 Upgrades
In the event you’re simply within the fast hits, right here’s what TQ has upgraded in comparison with the prevailing HPR50 drive system.
+10 Nm of torque — leading to a 20% improve in energy
+50 W motor energy — leading to a 17% improve
Improved cooling idea for greater thermal stability
Elevated effectivity
Decreased noise emissions for even quieter operation
Excessive-resolution shade show with prolonged capabilities
New battery choices: 290 Wh and 580 Wh


TQ-HPR60 Drive Unit
The brand new HPR60 has the identical compact kind issue as its predecessor. The truth is, the fitment is similar, so riders with HPR50 motors might swap these out for the brand new HPR60 in the event that they select. Moreover, it weighs in at a claimed 1.92 kg, which is impressively light-weight. For reference, that’s simply ~70 grams heavier than the HPR50, however it boasts a 20% improve in torque and a 17% increase in peak energy. Now with as much as 60 Nm of torque and 350 W of peak energy, TQ says that the HPR60 has the very best torque density of any drive system available on the market.


Just like the HPR50, the HPR60 employs TQ’s Harmonic Pin-Ring (HPR) Transmission, which TQ says “is the results of decades-long expertise within the engineering and improvement of electrical motors for robots, satellites, area stations, and Mars rovers.” In comparison with the cog programs extra generally utilized in e-bike motors, HPR makes use of two spline rings that interface collectively, with only a single step to attain its low discount ratio. This implies fewer components, a smaller dimension, and a decrease weight. As such, the complete motor system is constructed concentric to the underside bracket surrounding the crank spindle. You may be taught extra about the way it works on this article concerning the HPR50.
That decrease discount ratio leads to a motor that TQ claims is quiet and “barely audible.” On high of that, they declare that the motor response is nearly prompt, drag-free, and really natural-feeling. The HPR60 options three pedal help modes, that are customizable by means of the TQ app. With a Q-factor of simply 135 mm, it affords a stance width that’s extra akin to analog bikes than bulkier motor programs.


Extra Battery Choices
Whereas the HPR50 was solely supplied with a single battery dimension — 360 Wh — TQ now affords a complete of three totally different sizes. Along with the 360 Wh, the 290 Wh and 580 Wh sizes have been designed “to ship the most effective ratio of weight to capability of their class because of that includes the very best power density available on the market.” The truth is, TQ claims that the HPR60 motor and 290 Wh battery (plus distant and show) mix to create the lightest e-bike system in its class, with a weight of simply 3.53 kg.
With compact dimensions and claimed weights of 1.46 kg (290 Wh), 1.83 kg (360 Wh), and a pair of.70 kg (580 Wh), these batteries ought to permit producers to make bikes that feel and appear extra like analog bikes. Riders hoping for extra vary might be completely happy to know that the battery capability will be elevated with an elective 160 Wh vary extender. Weighing a claimed 960 grams, the vary extender is reportedly the dimensions of a 500 ml water bottle and attaches by way of a Fidlock mount or licensed bottle holders.


New Show
TQ’s new 2-inch O-LED full shade show is designed to seamlessly combine into the highest tube of the bike body. The show’s location ought to assist shield it from harm whereas being comparatively straightforward to see whereas driving. TQ states that it ought to be “completely readable underneath all gentle circumstances” with your whole pertinent experience information out there at a fast look. Moreover, the show button additionally powers the system on and off, riders can hook up with the system by way of the TQ app, and it’s suitable with all ANT+ bike computer systems.
Distant
The newest HPR60 distant doesn’t look a lot totally different than the prevailing distant for the HPR50. This low-profile unit mounts discreetly on the handlebar subsequent to the left grip with a easy and easy-to-use button structure. In contrast to some wired remotes, the TQ distant will be unplugged from its cable, which ought to make it simpler when swapping bars or altering out different parts.


What About TQ-HPR60 Geared up Bikes?
The TQ-HPR60 launches at present, and it’s honest to imagine that we’ll be seeing a number of new light-weight e-bike fashions that includes this new drive system very quickly. Launching concurrently with the motor is the brand new Yeti MTe light-weight e-bike within the picture above. The MTe is a model new mannequin in Yeti’s lineup, and it has 145 mm of rear journey paired with a 160 mm fork. We’ll comply with up with extra particulars on this bike quickly.
TQ has beforehand teamed up with manufacturers like Trek, Scott, Rotwild, UNNO, BMC, Canyon, and extra to provide numerous light-weight eMTB, e-road, and e-gravel fashions. Primarily based on the photographs offered by TQ, we’re seeing some not-so-subtle hints about one other bike we will in all probability anticipate to see within the not-too-distant future. Keep tuned, and we’ll hold you posted about new, TQ-HPR60-equipped e-bike fashions as they arrive out, and add some evaluations as soon as we’ve had the possibility to strive a few of them out.
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