Luna BBS02 install: Mechanical Ebrake Levers with Cutoff optional?

[simonov]

This week I am installing a BBS02 kit from Luna on my friend's bicycle. A couple years ago I installed a TSDZ2 on my own bike and love it so much I kind of what to spread the word. So I'm back at it.

When I assembled my TSDZ2, I never attached the throttle, because I always intended to use the pedal assist. I also never bothered with the ebrake cutoff as I assumed it was for use with the throttle, and so far have been very happy. However, my friend definitely wants a throttle on her bike and so I ordered the Mechanical Ebrake Levers with Cutoff from Luna.

Now looking at her bike, I see the brake levers and gear shifters are integrated units (photo below). So I guess this means I can't use the Mechanical Ebrake Levers with Cutoff on this bike.

Based on my own experience, I'm not sure how important the brake cutoff is. As I said, I never installed it on my bike and I'm doing fine. But I'm putting a twist throttle on this bike, and I wasn't sure whether that made a difference.

So what do you think? Can I just get on with the build and forget about the brake cutoff?

[zmarkjam]

I had a similar problem recently with a new build. I don't have integrated brake and shifter levers but I like the hydraulic brakes on the bike and didn't want to use the (what I consider) clumsy glue on brake cutoff sensors. I found this cutoff button at California Ebike. https://california-ebike.com/product...-button-cutout

As you can see in the pictures, the button is easilly accessible with my left index finger. Motor cutout is immediate and stays off as long as the button is pressed. Silky smooth shifts every time. So far I love it.

[73Eldo]

I like em and used the magnetic hydraulic sensors. You can usually glue them on the bottom of the levers so they don't stand out. Do you have to use them? Probably not especially for an experienced E rider that can sort of thing ahead and mechanically. For a new rider or a person that can't really think mechanically it may be a good idea. Same deal with a gear sensor.

Also note if you are building a 'legal' e bike brake cutouts are often one of the requirements.

[AZguy]

I don't like the brake cutouts... had 'em and first disconnected the rear so I could still use a little throttle and have some rear brake for fine very low speed control... eventually got rid of the front brake sensor too and haven't looked back

I don't really get what they are good for... about the only use I see is when you are slowing down and want to keep pedaling to downshift but even without the sensors it's not big deal

There was another thread where a rider was putting a mid-drive on a recumbent trike and they engage a parking brake for getting on and off and that makes sense to me to have a cutout on not for while riding

[simonov]

I like em and used the magnetic hydraulic sensors. You can usually glue them on the bottom of the levers so they don't stand out. Do you have to use them? Probably not especially for an experienced E rider that can sort of thing ahead and mechanically.

My friend has ridden motorcycles, as have I. We wondered what the utility of these cutoffs is as neither of us had anything like that when we rode motorcycles, and certainly never missed it (maybe modern motorcycles have them, I wouldn't know).

I don't like the brake cutouts... had 'em and first disconnected the rear so I could still use a little throttle and have some rear brake for fine very low speed control... eventually got rid of the front brake sensor too and haven't looked back

I don't really get what they are good for... about the only use I see is when you are slowing down and want to keep pedaling to downshift but even without the sensors it's not big deal

Thank you, good input. So they are definitely optional.

I'm going to install the kit without the brake cutoffs and see if there is any problem. I doubt there will be. If necessary, it looks like there are other solutions.

[AZguy]

That would be my advice - don't spend time on them unless you feel like you'd want them after riding a bit

If they were a five second plug-and-play I'd try them but much more than that doesn't seem worth it

[designerron]

I used the magnetic cut off on my mountain bike, but I'm a newbie and I was just following instructions. Mine are super glued in place and work well. However, they are a bit of pain when climbing switch backs and want to feather the brakes. I mostly pedal, but like AZguy, I disconnected the rear.

[AZguy]

I rode like this for a while and it worked a lot better than with both for that low speed control.. eventually the front one fell of so I just cleaned everything up.. at first the only thing I noticed was the downshifting while slowing but in the end it's just no big deal and the time to fuss with attaching and getting them just right felt like time I will never get back =]