Southbound bikes – new gen 5 fat tyre e-bikes – featuring Bafang torque sensors

When it comes to e-bike performance, the type of pedal-assist sensor fitted to your bike changes the overall feel of the ride. With the launch of Southbound’s generation 5 range, our kudu, oryx and dik-dik gen 5 bikes now feature Bafang torque sensors as standard — a big leap forward compared to traditional rotational (cadence) sensors.

Rotational (cadence/speed) sensors

Rotational sensors work by detecting if the pedals are turning. As soon as you start pedalling, the system provides motor assistance at a preset level, regardless of how much effort you are exerting. While this makes for a simple and more affordable setup, it can feel a little artificial. Assistance remains constant even if effort levels change and the motor will do most of the work in getting the rider to a preset speed. This “on/off” feeling is fine for casual cruising but doesn’t adapt well to varying terrain or rider input.

Torque Sensors

Torque sensors, on the other hand, measure how much pressure you apply to the pedals. The harder you push, the more assistance the motor provides, and if you ease off, the support reduces seamlessly. This results in a smooth, intuitive ride that feels a lot more similar to cycling a conventional bike — just with more power when you need it. On sand, gravel, or steep climbs, torque sensors make controlling a fat tyre e-bike easier, giving riders confidence and better control over their battery usage – thereby better managing their range efficiency.

The Southbound Advantage

By equipping all gen 5 oryx, kudu and dik-dik fat-tyre e-bikes with advanced Bafang torque sensors, motors, controllers and displays, Southbound ensures riders experience natural pedalling with uncompromised reliability and performance. The full electrical Bafang drivetrain is a technology upgrade that is simply unmatched in the South African fat-tyre e-bike market today.