A2B Octave Review

A2b Octave Electric Bike Review 1
A2b Octave
A2b Octave 500 Watt Motor
A2b Octave Extra B Battery
A2b Octave Spedometer And Keys
A2b Octave Front Shock And Light
A2b Octave Rear Light Fenders
A2b Octave Battery End Cap
A2b Octave Wide Tires Disc Brakes
A2b Octave Electric Bike Review 1
A2b Octave
A2b Octave 500 Watt Motor
A2b Octave Extra B Battery
A2b Octave Spedometer And Keys
A2b Octave Front Shock And Light
A2b Octave Rear Light Fenders
A2b Octave Battery End Cap
A2b Octave Wide Tires Disc Brakes

Summary

  • Smooth, strong ride with solid frame, dual suspension and large gearless hub motor
  • Beautiful design featuring integrated cables, matching fenders and front and rear lights
  • One of the heaviest ebikes around, rides like a scooter, no pedal assist on base model

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

A2B

Model:

Octave

Price:

$3,399 USD

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

5 Year Frame, 2 Year Electronics and Battery

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

87.5 lbs (39.68 kg)

Frame Material:

TIG Welded 6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Types:

Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Black, White, Brushed Aluminum

Frame Fork Details:

Telescopic Suspension with 75 mm Travel, KS-290 Hydraulic Damping

Frame Rear Details:

2.36

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Alivio

Shifter Details:

Grip Twist on Left Bar

Pedals:

VP-550 Aluminum Alloy Platform

Brake Details:

Tektro Aurigia E-Comp Hydraulic Disc

Grips:

Flat Rubber

Saddle:

Ultra Motor Comfort

Rims:

Alex DX32

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kraze, 20

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)

Accessories:

Double Leg Kickstand, Aluminum Alloy Chain Guide, Two Chain Tensioners to Support Long Chain, Oversize Plastic Fenders, Front and Rear LED Lights, Bar-End Mirror, Optional Second Battery for Rear Rack Arm, License Plate Attachment Point on Rear Fender

Other:

Main Battery is Not Easily Removable, Maximum Weight 325 Pounds

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

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

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

750 watts

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.2 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

475.2 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Display Type:

Backlit LCD

Readouts:

Speed, Odometer, Battery Level

Drive Mode:

Twist Throttle

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The A2B Octave is an upgraded version of the iconic A2B Metro, one of the first mainstream stylish electric bikes. Not a lot has changed on the bike (besides the name) but that’s a good thing. In 2011 A2B merged with F4W and is now a part of the Hero Eco group. The re-released and renamed “Octave” features improved tires, better positioning on the speedometer and key slot and quieter chain guide. Even though this is a full suspension bike, it’s designed more for city riding and rides like a Vespa scooter.

Driving the Octave is a gearless 500 watt rear hub motor that is nearly silent! Gearless motors offer a bit less torque but last longer and coast more efficiently than their geared counterparts. Since the Octave uses a 500 watt motor, power and torque really aren’t an issue even if you’re a larger rider. Since this bike only offers throttle mode (no pedal assist) it’s great that the motor is very capable.

This bike comes with one battery labeled as “A” but can accommodate up to two batteries for increased range. The second battery fits beneath the rear rack and is labeled as “B”. To switch between batteries you just turn the key from A to B. Depending on your weight and the conditions this bike can get upwards of 50 miles with two packs! The batteries consist of Lithium-ion technology that is capable of withstanding over a thousand charge cycles before degrading and they are much lighter than some other technologies. In terms of capacity each pack offers 10 amp hours and runs at 36 volts which is pretty standard. The A battery is built into the downtube and isn’t easily removable and A2B offers a one year warranty in case you have issues.

Running off the same battery that powers the electric motor on this bike are a front and rear light! This is a welcomed feature on any ebike but especially one that’s designed for urban and city riding. The front and rear fenders also work well and are wide enough to shield the entire front and rear tires without getting in the way of your feet when turning. They are also attached well and do not rattle when riding which is great.

This bike is heavy when compared with most other ebikes, weighing in at nearly 90 pounds! That means it will be very hard to lift if you live up or down stairs and probably won’t work with most bike racks for cars. What’s more, the tires are extra-wide so they won’t fit in most bike racks or on the front of busses. On the positive side, this bike rides very solid and doesn’t jitter as much as some smaller lighter bikes. The dual suspension adds to the ride quality and an oversized motorcycle style kickstand offers lots of stability when parking. The biggest hurdle besides stairs and transporting the bike is locking it up. I mention this in the video review but you’ll want to use a cable or extra large U-lock to secure the frame.

Overall this is high quality bike with a solid, durable feel. I like the larger tires and appreciate that A2B upgraded them to thicker rubber. The Octave rides more like a scooter than a pedal-style bike due to the lack of pedal assist and the heavier frame but that’s not a bad thing. The motor is capable and quiet, the look is unique and the accessories are very cool. Just keep in mind that transporting the bike may be a challenge due to weight and the unique frame.

Pros:

  • Built in front and rear LED lights
  • Built in front and rear fenders that are quiet and hug the wheels very close
  • Keyed on/off switch to prevent tampering at the bike rack
  • Integrated cables for a clean design
  • Dual shocks smooth out the ride without creating flex in frame or wobbling
  • Super comfortable seat and upright riding position
  • Powerful, smooth and quiet 500 watt rear hub motor is brushless and gearless
  • Display and key slot are simple and stay out of the way, offer speed distance and battery % remaining
  • Oversized tires smooth out the bumps and provide great traction on city streets

Cons:

  • Harder to attach on bike racks or car racks due to “Y” shaped frame, also fat tires don’t fit into most racks as easily
  • Unique tires may be tricker to replace as they wear over time
  • Pedals don’t offer as much traction as some with spikes, be careful in the rain
  • Heavier bike than most ebikes, harder to lift
  • Low hanging kickstand can bounce and hit taller objects such as curbs when riding up

Resources:

More A2B Reviews

A2B Kuo+ Review

  • MSRP: $1,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

Improves on the standard Kuo with smoother cadence sensing pedal assist, a larger motor and battery and upgraded drivetrain using Shimano Alivio vs. Shimano Tourney. Low weight distribution, removable battery is easy to access, fenders rack and lights look good…...

A2B Galvani Review

  • MSRP: $2,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

High-step urban cruiser with quiet resposive motor, removable battery pack and excellent warranty. Premium upgrades including ergonomic grips from Ergon, fenders with double supports, alloy chain guard and…...

A2B Ferber Review

  • MSRP: $2,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

Relaxed urban cruiser with quiet resposive motor, removable battery pack and excellent warranty. Premium upgrades including ergonomic grips, fenders, chain guard, suspension fork with lockout, rack and integrated…...

A2B Shima Review

  • MSRP: $3,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

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...

A2B Alva+ Review

  • MSRP: $3,400
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

Stylish frame with front and rear fenders, disc brakes, lights and a suspension fork for added comfort. Powerful 500 watt direct drive (gearless) rear hub motor is quiet and durable...

A2B Kuo Review

  • MSRP: $1,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

Light weight, affordable and feature rich with fenders, light and computer. Offers both twist throttle and pedal assist mode for increased range...

A2B Velociti Review

  • MSRP: $2,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013

Elegant design features integrated wires, fenders and lights with matching seat and grips. Front shock and larger tires smooth out the ride, adjustable neck for varied positioning...

A2B Metro Review

  • MSRP: $2,700
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013

Full suspension, forward positioned pedals and comfort seat make this bike feel like a Vespa scooter. High power 500 watt gearless rear hub motor provides torque and speed without a lot…...


Comments (4) YouTube Comments

joepah
10 years ago

Nice review.. My only comment is regarding “Unique tires may be tricker to replace as they wear over time.”

There are several 16″ Moped tires that fit directly on these rims.. Not only are they more puncture resistance, they wear like iron, and cost less..

Anyone who buys this bike should just chuck those Kendas and put a real DOT tire on there.. Flats are the biggest complaint with the Metro.

  Reply
Court Rye
10 years ago

That is awesome advice! Thanks a bunch Joe… I mentioned the tires in the video because I had heard the same thing about flats, it’s great to have a solution for this :)

  Reply
NOEL GONZALEZ
8 years ago

Hello, Please let me know if you do a review of the A2B Obree Ebike in the future?
Thank you.

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

Hey Noel! I didn’t get to spend as much time with A2B at Interbike this year but am excited (and hopeful) to connect with them later on. I’ll definitely aim to review the Obree and appreciate your interest :)

  Reply

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.