My point is, that Rob built the Cheeb because of the responses that he got after the group motor test. So if after building it, you don’t do the same test, you’ve just wasted a lot of time and money. A subjective, “it feels less powerful” is meaningless!
It might have inspired him to think
I wonder if I can actually build a bike which is similar to these bought bikes, but for less money. Agreed, in the back of his head, you'd want your creation to be better than what the world has to offer ! That's the aim. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't - but in terms of usable power, the M500 seems a bit behind the field - but the Cheeb probably has more range than most of the bikes on offer at the moment.
I'm not quite sure you can class his findings as subjective. If it was one of us muppets, yes, it would be. But someone who's riding dozens of different bikes/motors on similar trails on a daily basis has a degree of experience which means their experiences and findings are more than just a passing feeling depending on what they had for breakfast that day. Don't forget the Cheeb has been ridden for hundreds of miles, not just one 5 km jaunt down a car park.
As
@Doomanic says, the original test was far from scientific. It was fun , entertaining and gave you a rough idea of the differences between the motors in that situation. For most of us, this whole thing is about Fun ! It really doesn't matter a dot if one persons motor has slightly more power than the others. We all get to the top - with as much fun as possible - and then the main fun begins.
I guess where people are strugging with this discussion, is why anyone cares ?? If it's more powerful in a lab, great. On paper, great .. In the real world it's not - but who cares, it still makes for a great EMTB motor. It gives people a great option to build their own bike from scratch and end up with something which is as good as many of the off the shelf options.
More importantly .. The CHEEB has less than
16 Hours left in it's auction :
You're chance to own the original CHEEB! Built lovingly by myself and featured in my YouTube videos. - Shimano Deore 4 pot brakes. This bike is not a factory produced bike. Its a little rough around the edges (I painted it with a rattle can!).
www.ebay.co.uk
Rumour has it that if it gets to over £4000 - Rob will print up and sign a T-shirt for the winner which says "I've Ridden Rob's Purple monster" .
(I have a Brose before I'm accused of being a Bosch Fan boy and with bike prices as they are at the moment, I'd need more than a £1M cheque !! 
)
