Total Weight:
37.2 lbs (16.87 kg)
Frame Material:
Carbon Fiber, Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
18.5 in (46.99 cm)Geometry Measurements:
(Seat Tube 450 mm, Top Tube 580 mm, Wheelbase 1030 mm, Stand Over Height 675 mm)
Frame Types:
Compact
(Y-Foil Design)Frame Colors:
Polished White, Cyber Yellow, Blazing Red
Frame Fork Details:
SR Suntour XCT JR-20 Suspension with 40 mm Travel, Coil Spring with Preload Adjuster
Frame Rear Details:
Kindshock A5-RR1 Air Suspension
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses
Gearing Details:
7
Speed 1x7 Shimano AltusShifter Details:
Shimano Triggers on Right Bar
Cranks:
LASCO RGF2148AGA1
Pedals:
MARWI SP-600 Aluminum Alloy Platform
Headset:
BESV
Handlebar:
MJCYCLE MJ-027BT Riser
Brake Details:
Tektro Auriga E-Sub Hydraulic Disc with 160 mm Rotors and Integrated Motor Cutoff
Grips:
Propalm PRO-1950EP1 Ergonomic
Saddle:
VELO VL-1200U D2
Seat Post:
MJCYCLE MSP-268A
Seat Post Length:
300 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
35.6 mm
Rims:
A-RIM DM241 with Eyelets, Black
Spokes:
179 mm Black SUS304
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Big Apple Balloon, 20" x 2"
Wheel Sizes:
20 in (50.8cm)Tire Details:
Performance Line, RaceGuard, LiteSkin, Reflective Tape
Accessories:
Aluminum Alloy Fenders, Front LED Light with Reflector, Rear LED Light with Reflector, Quick Release on Front Wheel, Side Kickstand
Other:
Maximum Weight 220 lbs (100 kg), Removable Battery with Key to Activate Drive Systems, Integrated Wiring
Derek
9 years agoHello Court
Just thought I’d post my experience since I’ve owned a PS1 since January 2016 and there are very few user reviews out there, if any.
Firstly, a bit of backstory: my first e-bike was a Gocycle (do they sell these in America?). It’s very similar to the BESV in that it’s primarily intended for city use and looks very attractive. However, the similarity ends there as it wasn’t pedal assist (you used a small and slippery Boost button near the grip) and it had no suspension to speak of whatsoever which manifested itself as probably the worst-riding bike I’ve ever ridden. It was light, though!
I then bought a BH E-Motion Neo Extrem, a hard tail MTB with front suspension and rear motored hub. This was pedal assist and worked brilliantly in that you had INSTANT power on tap at all times – fantastic for hill climbing and standing starts. The front suspension was also a blessing after the bone-shaking Gocycle too, but the downsides were the bike was so much heavier and a lot of the weight was at the back – absolute murder for carrying up three flights of stairs to my flat!
The BESV seemed to tick all the boxes I wanted: light weight, pedal assist, full suspension, small frame (I’m only 5’3″). And it’s mostly been an absolute joy to use. For a start, the suspension really does work for 95% of road conditions and only bottoms out on deeper potholes. The light weight means you can ride it without any assist at all and it feels just like a regular bike. The small frame makes it easier to carry up stairs and around corners. And the pedal assist is very quiet and efficient – as you said in your review, this thing really does just sip battery power and the range is far greater then both the Gocycle and the BH E-Motion.
I made a few changes: I swopped out the stock saddle as I didn’t find it comfortable at all. Unfortunately, this meant losing the equipped rear light as I like to have my saddle as far forward as possible but the bracket for the rear light, which attaches to the seat rails, prohibits this. I’ve now got a Cateye attached to the seat post instead. Also, I found the standard pedals absolutely useless in the wet, if not positively dangerous, so I attached some half clips and this makes pedal grip much more secure in all conditions. And talking of grip, I do find the Schwalbe Big Apple tyres a bit strange. My other bikes have Marathon Plus/Plus Tour tyres equipped and they feel very reassuring, the Big Apple seem very skittish in comparison, very sensitive to differing terrain and not confidence-inducing at all. I also can’t see what the point of the Smart mode is: it comes on briefly and then turns itself back off again spontaneously! So I’ve hardly used it.
No bike is absolutely perfect but I can honestly say the PS1 is the best e-bike I’ve owned so far. I do miss the instant power delivery of the Neo Extrem and the BESV does make you work harder as a cyclist as the power doesn’t kick in until a few crank revolutions, but maybe this isn’t such a bad thing. There were some stormy conditions in the UK recently and the PS1 was a real life saver getting me to work and back safely in 70 MPH gales.
It rides well, it brakes well, it handles well (despite the odd Big Apple tyres), it looks lovely, it’s light, it has all the gears you need for town riding, the display is fantastic and it’s hugely energy efficient. It deserves to be a big success and I’m only surprised that there aren’t more reviews about it.
Thanks for your review.
ReplyBest Wishes
Derek
Court Rye
9 years agoWonderful overview of your experience and the bike Derek! Thank you for taking the time to share, I’m sure your words here will aid others and I agree that the PS1 is a unique, comfortable and beautiful electric bike. When you mentioned suspension it made me wonder how heavy you are? Would you mind sharing so other potential buyers could anticipate bottoming out vs. having it be stiffer (did you see any adjustability on the suspension?) I have indeed tried the GoCycle and the G2 model has short-travel bumpers that take off the edge so it might have been a newer version than the one you owned. I enjoyed it thoroughly but as someone with neck and back pains the longer travel on the BESV PS1 with full suspension is hard to beat ;)
ReplyDerek
9 years agoHi Court
Thanks for your kind comments, it’s nice to be appreciated!
I weigh 9 stone 2 pounds or around 58 kilos, I don’t know what that is in pounds overall. I am small and light for a man and the bike was set up specifically for my weight. But looking at it, it does have Preload adjustment for the front suspension (which isn’t so critical in my opinion, as it has an upright riding position and most of your weight is at the back) and the rear shock has a valve for a shock pump, so both front and back suspension could be adjusted to account for different rider weights.
I suspect that there probably is a maximum weight limit, but only BESV would be able to provide that information.
My Gocycle was the G1 (the mistakes of early adoption!) and seemed to offer all I was looking for on paper, but it just didn’t work for me at all in practice. It’s now up to a G3 version and, to be fair, the company do seem to have taken on board some of the user criticisms and made improvements, most noticeably the fact that it’s now pedal assist instead of solely that stupid Boost button. It was all or nothing with that system and if your finger slipped off as you went over a bump (and it frequently did) you would lose all power. A nightmare if you were hill climbing!
But I notice that it is still only three speeds, that it still doesn’t have front suspension and that the rear “shock” has only 1″ of travel! The tyres weren’t puncture proof and the pedals were terrible, and it’s more expensive than the PS1 too.
If there’s one thing I would change about the BESV it would have hub gears not a derailleur, otherwise it is superior to the Gocycle in just about every other way and it’s no contest between them. If anyone is reading this and considering the two bikes, then go BESV!
ReplySonny T Nguyen
8 years agoCan you guys advise me on a good hitch rack for the BESV PS 1?
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Sonny! I’ve owned Kuat bike racks before and they’re really well made, you pay a bit extra but this one isn’t bad and would probably fit the Panther (just be careful with that front fender). If you’re looking for something less expensive, I think this one could work. Curt is a trusted brand but this style of rack is rated for less weight and just not as secure or well made. I have owned something very similar to this before and it held up alright for a 60 lb ebike (but I only used it for one bike at a time).
ReplySonny T Nguyen
8 years agoHi Court, Thanks again.
Derek
8 years agoJust a quick update:
Have used the BESV consistently now for over a year and it just gets better and better. My initial criticisms of the Schwalbe Big Apple tyres were unfounded – they now grip much better and are far less “nervous” in the wet.
The Shimano 7 speed gears work well and the shifter is easy to use, but I’d still prefer the bike to have a rear hub gear for convenience.
Apart from this, there’s not much else to say. It is pretty much the perfect urban or commuting machine. It has a balance of strengths and very few weaknesses. It’s not really built for speed but is nippy enough, and it’s such a pleasure not to arrive at your destination soaked in sweat!
And it’s perfect for stormy conditions. Cycling headfirst into a gale is never fun, but the BESV has enough power assist to make it far less painful an experience than it would be without it.
Highly recommended if your country sells them!
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoSweet! Thanks for the long term update here Derek, glad the tires have impressed you with use and that you haven’t had any major issues :)
ReplyJack
7 years agoI just bought this bike PS1, I install the BESV Smart App, upon turn on the app, I can see my bike instantly, and there is bluetooth connection, when I tap on it, it ask me to Select My Bike, but I can’t find it? Anyone know how can I connect with my bike with this App?
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHmm, I wish I could offer some help with this Jack. Where did you get the bike? Perhaps the shop had paired it with their phone already when trying to demo for a customer. They may have to unlock or unpair the bike or you could contact BESV directly for help. Here’s their customer support page.
Reply