A2B Shima Review

A2b Shima Electric Bike Review 1
A2b Shima
A2b Shima 500 Watt Hub Motor
A2b Shima Removable Battery Pack
A2b Shima Computer Console
A2b Shima Brake Light Reflectors
A2b Shima Front Crank Pedal
A2b Shima Hydraulic Disc Brake
A2b Shima Kickstand
A2b Shima Shimano Xt Cassette
A2b Shima Suspension Fork
A2b Shima Electric Bike Review 1
A2b Shima
A2b Shima 500 Watt Hub Motor
A2b Shima Removable Battery Pack
A2b Shima Computer Console
A2b Shima Brake Light Reflectors
A2b Shima Front Crank Pedal
A2b Shima Hydraulic Disc Brake
A2b Shima Kickstand
A2b Shima Shimano Xt Cassette
A2b Shima Suspension Fork

Summary

  • Sturdy step-through frame, strong smooth motor and higher top speed of ~28 miles per hour
  • Commuter ready with front and rear LED lights, fenders, rear rack and lots of reflectors
  • Rear heavy design, display panel is tricky to reach when riding, can feel frame flex when riding

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

A2B

Model:

Shima

Price:

$3,799 USD

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

5 Year Frame, 2 Year Electronics and Battery

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

72.7 lbs (32.97 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

17 in (43.18 cm)20 in (50.8 cm)

Frame Types:

Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Silver, Black, White

Frame Fork Details:

Suntour SF13-NCX Telescopic Suspension 63 mm Travel

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano XT

Shifter Details:

Triggers on Right Bar

Pedals:

Plastic Platform

Stem:

Adjustable Angle

Handlebar:

Low Rise

Brake Details:

Tektro Dorado Hydraulic Disc with 18 mm Front Rotor and 160 mm Rear Rotor

Grips:

Flat Rubber with Lockers

Rims:

Aluminum Alloy with Eyelets

Tire Brand:

Kenda Krusader, 24" x2.35"

Wheel Sizes:

24 in (60.96cm)

Tire Details:

Puncture Resistant

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Integrated LED Lights, Front and Rear Plastic Fenders, Optional Side Bags and Basket, Kickstand, Chain Guide, Chain Guard, Side Mirror Accessory on Left Bar, License Plate Holder on Rear Fender

Other:

Available in a High Speed or High Torque Configuration, Carrying Capacity 242.5 lbs (110 kg), TMM4 Torque Sensor, Magnetic EnergyBus plug, Removable Battery Pack

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Gearless Direct Drive Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.5 ah (Optional 17 ah Upgrade +$200)

Battery Watt Hours:

486 wh (Optional 612 wh Upgrade)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours (Up to 6 Hours for Larger Pack)

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

55 miles (89 km)

Display Type:

Backlit Monochrome LCD Display

Readouts:

Speed, Battery Capacity, Odometer, Riding Mode (1-3)

Display Accessories:

Wireless Key Fob

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)(Up to 12 mph Throttle Only)


Written Review

The Shima is one of A2B’s fastest electric bikes offering a 28 mile per hour top speed in pedal assist mode (which has three levels). It uses a higher end TMM4 torque sensor for smooth acceleration and comes stock with front and rear LED lights, fenders, a whole mess of reflectors and a license plate attachment (for states that require it). It’s a refined ebike that looks great, doesn’t make a lot of noise and is backed by a great warranty. The ride quality is good, though not as smooth as the A2B Octave or Metro which offer full suspension and a padded seat, but all of these bikes are rear heavy with a battery design that is higher up. The fancy Y-frame and weight of the battery reduces stiffness and I could feel a bit of flexing during test rides.

The motor powering this thing is quite strong, though very smooth and quiet because it’s a direct drive (gearless) design. Offering 500 watts of power, it accelerates well and can power up small hills without issue in throttle mode. It really shines however in pedal assist mode when you add to the system by pedaling along. The eight speed Shimano XT drivetrain works well and I’m a fan of the trigger shifters on the right grip that stay out of the way and let you firmly grasp the handles when riding.

While some other A2B bikes come with one battery mounted in the downtube and an optional second “B” battery that attaches in the rear, the Shima only has one pack (though it can be upgraded for increased range). The pack is removable for convenient charging or to make the bike lighter during transport. It uses the fancy new energy bus standard with a magnetic plug that’s easy to insert. The pack itself offers 36 volts of power and 13.2 amp hours of capacity for a solid range of up to ~40 miles per charge. The cells use a Lithium-ion chemistry that’s light weight and more durable for years of use (the two year warranty is also nice here).

This is a beautiful bike and I love that it offers both throttle and pedal assist mode with the speed pedelec 28mph top speed. It’s more aggressive than some of the other A2B bikes with a narrower, harder seat but the handlebars and seat hight are still adjustable to get a nice fit. The rear heavy design isn’t perfect and I’ve found it tricky to lock this bike up since the downtube is so thick. The tires are also non-traditional for bicycles which means it might be harder to fit into some racks or find replacements but they do offer good padding. While the key fob thing is neat and may reduce the risk of water damage, I feel like the console is difficult to interact with when riding and would have traded a regular key if the price was lower.

For someone who lives in an urban environment this could be a great electric bike for commuting and grocery getting. A2B sells their own rack attachment and panniers that look great (and cost a bit extra) but the included mirror is awesome for safety. This thing approaches the vespa/scooter look but is decidedly bicycle with the eight speed drivetrain and performance saddle. It’s a joy to ride and the warranty is solid, many bike shops I’ve seen use these for rentals because they are so durable.

Pros:

  • Speed pedelec design allows you to reach ~28 miles per hour in pedal assist mode
  • Beautiful integrated fenders and front and rear lights that run off the main battery
  • Lots of reflectors everywhere (front, sides and rear) more than most other ebikes – also includes a license plate mount in the rear
  • Elegant design with easy to mount step-thru frame and adjustable stem for improved fit
  • Neat wireless key fob activates bike also uses the new energy bus magnetic charging port connector
  • Large Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power
  • Puncture resistant Kenda Krusader tires are large, offering a bit of extra cushion to the front suspension fork

Cons:

  • Tire size and width are a bit untraditional, can be tricky to find replacements at bike shops, consider moped tires
  • Tubing on rear rack is not standard and won’t work with many normal bike bags and panniers, A2B offers their own top rack and bags
  • Frame can feel less stiff due to large battery at rear, I could feel it flexing when pedaling and leaning during the test rides
  • Both lights turn on with the slider switch at the front, would be nice if they were integrated to the main display console
  • Front shock is very basic, no lockout and limited rebound adjustment
  • LCD console is neat but harder to reach when riding, more of a set it and forget it design
  • No rear suspension like the Octave or Metro, considering the higher speeds the Shima can reach and the firm seat it’s a less forgiving ride

Resources:

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Comments (4) YouTube Comments

Chloe Stratton
9 years ago

Hi again Court. So I’m curious, do all of the A2B bikes that you’ve ridden wobble/flex like this one? As I’ve mentioned before one of the bikes I’m really interested in (if I think I can get it up the stairs) is the A2B Alva+ but I’m not so interested if it is going to flex when I ride it. Is this a problem inherent to all Y frame bikes?

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

Hi Chloe! Yeah, many of their frames do flex like this (some of the larger, more expensive ones less so). There’s a trade off in how strong and reinforced the frame which adds weight and cost vs. something like the Shima that’s trying to be nimble and bring the price down. The biggest factor for wobbling here is that the battery is way out back and up high. Their older bikes like the A2B Metro put a pack inside the downtube and gave you the option for a second pack at the rear. Depending on your height, weight and style preferences I’d almost suggest something like the Easy Motion Neo Jet that’s stiff, well balanced, very fast and way less expensive. This was a 2014 model and may not be in stock everywhere, if you get to the point where you need help locating it at a dealer I’ve setup a form here to help.

  Reply
Coran
9 years ago

A2B are the most dishonest, careless companies I have ever encountered. Those bikes are death traps! Literally. They go out of control when the torque sensor repeatedly fails. Lucky I wasn’t thrown onto a busy road. They don’t care about fixing it. You have to pay to send it back, then comes back just as broke. Give a load of guff about their bikes being sold on websites they don’t approve of, eg Amazon, means they can totally void all warranty. Liars. They’re running a dangerous and illegal scam. Cheap faulty rubbish from the far east. Everything on it failed. Literally, everything. At least once.

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

Wow! That really sucks Coran, thanks for sharing your experience here. I had a negative experience with A2B recently myself and it’s disappointing to see one of the earliest most iconic electric bike companies (at least in the US) falling short :(

  Reply

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