The Benelli Classica is a beautiful, well put together electric bike that would be perfect for neighborhood or city cruising. It offers four levels of pedal assist, a trigger throttle mode, eight gears to choose from and a bunch of extras like fenders, lights and a carry rack all at a pretty good price. I was intrigued with the double grip shift system (eight speed gear changer on the right and four level pedal assist changer on the left). The cockpit is clean and the electrical systems just sort of blend in… and that includes the front-mounted hub motor and frame-mounted battery pack. I did have some issues with the way the battery clicked into the frame (it took a bit of extra finness) and I did drop the battery pack once while removing it for the video review and that was a big bummer. I think these are minor issues but wanted to point them out so you can avoid doing the same thing. The Classica electric bike comes in two very similar frame sizes with 18 inch seat tubes, the big difference is wheel size with one offering 26″ and another offering 700c ~28″. The standover height is slightly higher at ~19″ for the 700c model and those tires are a bit narrower which improves efficiency but isn’t quite as comfortable. Both models are easy to mount and come in white, cream or black with beautiful Guyes leather grips and saddle.
The motor powering the Benelli Classica is a front-mounted 350 watt internally geared hub by 8Fun. I like that it’s painted silver to match the battery pack and that it’s relatively small and light weight (being geared). Some larger motors add too much weight when mounted in the front wheel and that can impact steering but was not the case here. Usually I’d opt for a rear-mounted motor for improved traction and reduced strain on a suspension fork but this bike has a rigid fork and an internally geared Nexus hub in the rear so the motor almost balances it out. Given the flat, smooth terrain that most riders will be encountering with a bike like this, I’m sure it will perform just fine. The motor does make a whirring noise under power but isn’t especially loud. I noticed that while accelerating, if I hit cracks or bumps, the motor would sometimes cut out momentarily. This isn’t the kind of thing you’d want to take off-road or on excessively bumpy terrain. In general, it’s not super peppy or powerful… more smooth and efficient feeling with solid range in excess of 20 mph depending on rider weight and terrain. My favorite part about the drivetrain on this ebike isn’t the electric motor, it’s the internal gearing system. You can shift at standstill and should have fewer dropped chains thanks to an integrated guide on the front sprocket and a shorter, tighter chain. Internal gearing seems to stay true longer and is just cleaner and quieter overall.
Powering this electric bike is a very standard sized 36 volt 9 amp hour Lithium-ion battery pack… that’s packaged in a very deluxe style casing. I like how clean the battery looks, the fact that it can be charged on or off the frame and the low and even way it distributes the 5.3 lbs of weight housed inside. It is a locking design (the key slot is on the right side of the bike) but you don’t have to leave the key in while riding. I made the mistake of trying to film and remove the battery simultaneously and based on the leftward lean of the bike (while stabilized with the kickstand) the battery fell right out and hit the concrete, scratching the nice casing. When trying to put the battery back on the bike I found that it didn’t always click the first time and that it took a bit of extra pressure. For something that’s so delicate and expensive, I feel like the battery mounting design might have room for improvement. On the left side of the pack you can see a five LED level indicator which comes in handy if you store it inside and want to know whether it has been charged or not. You also have a charging slot and an on/off toggle switch concealed under a plastic flip cover. This is the first time I’ve seen a design like this and I like how professional it feels.
Once the pack is charged and mounted and the toggle switch is flicked to on you can activate the display LCD at the left grip. This is another unique and intelligently designed interface. First, you hold the magnetic key fob near the display to get it to activate, then you use a half-grip twister to select from four levels of assist. There is also a level zero here which keeps the display active like a cycle computer and lets you use the headlight (the rear light runs on its own batteries). You can enter walk mode by holding the twister forward and activate the lights by holding it down for a few seconds. While I like how clean the grip system is (and that it matches the right half-twist gear shifter), I found that it didn’t always respond on the first “twist”. Several times I flicked up or down but the assist level didn’t change and I had to try again and sort of look down at the tiny display to confirm my level. I found that it worked best when twisting more purposefully and holding for a half second. If this was more of a performance ebike intended for off-road or high speed use I’d make a bigger deal of this but on a neighborhood style electric bike it’s almost nice that the display is minimal and the systems blend in. This bike is actually very stealthy and would likely go undetected as an ebike in many situations.
I feel like the Benelli Classica is a refined and upgraded version of the generic mid-level ebikes I test so often. Many of those electric bikes sell for just a few hundred dollars less and come no where near the same level of comfort, balance and style seen here. The matching fenders and chain guard are awesome for rainy or wet days and while the rear rack uses slightly larger tubing (which may not work with all clip-on panniers) it feels sturdy and doesn’t have to support any battery weight. The bike is balanced and the cadence sensor is very responsive and well integrated. The reflective sidewall stripes on the tires contribute to an improved visual footprint along with the traditional reflectors on the wheels and pedals and LED lights. It’s comfortable to ride, comes with a generous two year warranty and utilizes proven components. I’m not a huge fan of roller brakes (as used on the rear wheel here) but for the application it’s just fine and the front v-brake is solid. This is the type of product you can get and not have to mess with or upgrade. It’s very capable and utilitarian but also visually pleasing… and I like that.
Pros:
- Internally geared hub protects shifting mechanisms and allows the chain to be shorter, lighter and tighter for fewer drops while riding (the front chainring even has a built in guide to keep the chain on track), you can also shift at standstill thanks to the Nexus hub
- The unique patented TWISTSHIFT selector lets you keep your hands on the bars while riding and contributes to an overall clean cockpit
- Beautiful overall aesthetic with three classic colors (white, cream and black), Guyes leather grips and saddle, matching aluminum alloy fenders and chain guard and LED lights (the rear light requires its own batteries which is a con)
- Comfortable upright riding position, adjustable angle stem, swept back “gull wing” style handle bars and a nice sprung saddle to reduce bumps
- Internally geared hub s
- The LCD panel is sleek and small, you can change assist levels using the twist mechanism on the left without compromising your grip and I like the integrated bell and motor inhibitor brake levers, clean cockpit
- The battery pack didn’t always click in securely when mounting to the frame, when un-mounting it I noticed that if you don’t hold the pack it can sometimes flop out and fall off of the bike
Cons:
- The tubing diameter on the rear carry rack is a bit larger than average which might not work with some clip-on panniers
- The rear band brake or “drum brake” doesn’t offer as much stopping power as the front v-brake but it will stay cleaner and perform better in wet conditions
- The grip twist for changing assist levels (and using walk mode) doesn’t always respond, I had to be more intentional to get it to change modes and often had to try twice
- There is a low-speed walk mode on the bike (if you hold the twister on the left up) but there isn’t really a throttle only mode using the trigger throttle on the right, you have to be in one of the four pedal assist modes
- I noticed that while under power, the motor would sometimes cut in and out as I traversed cracks and jolting bumps, in general it felt less powerful and fluid than some ebikes I’ve tested
Resources:
- Official Site: http://www.benellibikesusa.com/
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/TmB5rK2j8rZMghgh7
Trina says
Hi there – I am 5’5″ – do you think this bike would be too big for me?
Court Rye says
Hi Trina! No, I think this would work very well if you can get the smaller 18″ frame size. It’s a step-thru so mounting and standing over the bike before you start should be comfortable. It also has swept back handlebars and an adjustable stem so you can really dial in the comfort and fit… You want to feel stable so it would be ideal to test ride the bike and get it tuned just for you but honestly, even the larger 19″ frame would probably work if you can get that support, setting it up. I hope this helps you! Would love to hear your thoughts if you get it or go for a test ride :)
Laima says
Hi, I am only 4’10” – will this bike be too big for me? I recently rode an electric in Europe and it was a wee bit large but mostly because it was not a step-through.
Court Rye says
Hi Laima! The step-thru frame should help a lot and since the Benelli Classica comes in two frame sizes that makes a difference too. Go for the smaller frame and then adjust the seat height and even seat position (maybe slide forward) as well as the handle bar angle and stem. The seat tube on this bike goes fairly low and the wheel size is 26″ vs. 28″ so that’s all good. I think it would be a decent choice but the best way to know for sure is visit a local shop and take a test ride :)
Kathleen says
Hi Court. I’m new to e-bikes and looking to purchase for my commute to work (25km/day with some steep climbs), as well as possibly using it for longer trips during holidays. I’m looking at the Benelli Classica N8 8-speed (on sale $2000 CAD) or the iGo Metro Ergofit SE (on sale $1600 CAD). I’m female, 5’9″ tall and weigh 145 pounds. I looked at the 2 review videos and details, and comparison chart (thanks for all the great resources) – wondering if you would recommend one over the other?
Court Rye says
Hi Kathleen! At this stage, having narrowed down to two models, I’d emphasize the customer experience and shop availability more than anything. The Benelli sounds like a great deal, are both bikes available from the same seller? iGo has been around for a long time but I’ve heard mixed feedback on their customer service. On the other hand, I have never spoken with a rep from Benelli, just saw one at a shop once. Hmm, difficult decision! I’d love to hear more or which one you’re leaning towards and why… and how you like it if you just buy one.
Nic Klein says
Have you come across any way to switch the display to Kilometers? I just purchased this bike and I love it in every way except that it seems to only display the odometer in miles. Its not the biggest problem by any means but I would prefer the readouts in Kilometers. If you know of a way to switch this I would greatly appreciate the advice.
Doug Walton says
Purchased about 3 years ago and am satisfied except that if the power assist is not used for 3 – 4 minutes it switches off and it in then necessary to stop to restart when needed. Can the computer be reprogrammed to remain on as long peddle are rotating? We have another electric assist bike made by the same company which does. Any comments appreciated.
Court Rye says
Hmm, this isn’t something I can answer as I do not know. Perhaps another owner or shop tech will see your comment and reply. Thanks Doug!
Doug Walton says
Thanks for the reply. After more investigation I suspect this is a factory defect on this particular bike. We have a second bike made by the same manufacturer, but a different model, and it stays on as long as pedaling. We purchased these bikes on line from Costo Canada and their source is Kennedy Sales in Toronto whom I am trying to contact. Thanks Doug
Court Rye says
Thanks for the update Doug! Good luck figuring this out, I appreciate you sharing so that others may also learn and find a solution.
liz says
What is this bike like if you aren’t using the power. What is it like for peddling?
Court Rye says
Hi Liz, it has been a while since I test rode the Benelli Classica, but I have ridden many similar models since and they usually feel pretty good when unpowered, just heavier. The gearless front hub motor is small, light, and won’t produce drag, so it should ride just fine on flat, smooth terrain.
Tousignant Richard says
j’ai achete un velo clacica electrique au mois de novembre 2017,l’lnterupter magnetique a fonctionner une fois et ne veut plus actionner.c’est quoi le probleme,
je demeure a salaberry de valleyfield au quebec.
Court Rye says
Je suis tellement désolé d’entendre parler du problème que vous avez avec le capteur. J’ai entendu dire que parfois les inhibiteurs du moteur du levier de frein peuvent empêcher le moteur de démarrer (si le capteur est brisé). Peut-être pourriez-vous essayer de débrancher le fil électrique des deux freins pour voir si cela fixe le capteur. S’il vous plaît laissez-nous savoir si cela aide :)
David Chan says
I just bought one at a Bike Show in Toronto 2 days ago for $1100 Canadian (it was a demo, otherwise it would cost a little over $1700)! It has the bigger battery. After 16 miles including a steep climb of the escarpment it still had about 75% of the battery left. The ride was quite comfortable in this city with terrible road surface condition. The upright position was very good for my arthritic hands and elbows. I love it. I just need to find small panniers that would fit the rack in the back.
Court Rye says
Awesome! It sounds like you found a great deal David, thanks for sharing your experience with the comfort of the bike and the larger battery. I hope it holds up well for you, I really like the style of the Benelli Classica. Some of my friends said they went to the show, did you see anything extra neat or interesting there during your time?
ted thurlby says
Do you have to continueously peddle to have power? Saw to of these new 2016 for $2500 do you think that would be a good buy. He says they were ridden. White. Looking for a nice looking for my wife and I when we go camping or on a level trail. Am looking at the “Black Max” folding bike, they said they have the same batteries as the Rad Mini or they are the same bike? Thinks for any reply.
Court Rye says
Hi Ted, I think you simply set the pedal assist to one of the 1-4 levels, it cannot be in zero for the throttle to function. Once you have arrowed up to 1, 2, 3, or 4, the trigger throttle should become active immediately. I’m not sure that I have seen the Black Max folding bike, so I can’t really say. Whenever you buy an older ebike or one that is used, expect the battery to have some degradation. Even if it just sat there for a year or two, the Lithium-ion cells will lose some capacity. It does sound like an excellent deal. Maybe test ride them and inspect them closely before making a decision because it can be difficult getting post-purchase support on an older ebike or one that is not as mainstream. Will the shop provide any sort of warranty for you?
Cedric Lalonde says
I live in Canada, Ontario and I saw a super big special in the online US Home Depot. I would pick it up, it’s around 1h30 drive.
But there’s a:
Despite that, the specs shows that they have the same range, at 45 miles (70 km). I’m 5″8 – 170 pounds, do you think the 250-Watt motor will be strong enough for me? If not, since they have the same battery, can I change the front hub motor for a 350-Watt? I guess it will not change a lot since they’ve put a 3 speed derailleur on the bike, what do you think? I like it with the full leg extension, will it be better for me a 26 or 28 inch wheel? Thank you for your great work! :)
court says
Hi Cedric! It looks like a pretty good deal to me. The weaker motor will be lighter and they have definitely simplified the design by placing it in the front wheel. Taller 28″ wheels will feel more comfortable when riding over cracks and be more efficient but reduce the mechanical advantage of the hub motor (making it less torquey from standstill). I love the fenders, lights, longer chain cover, lower stand over height, and hidden battery pack. This thing looks more like a bicycle than an e-bike and probably won’t drop the chain or have as much squeaking or chain drops with the internally geared hub. Given your height and weight, I think it would work just fine, but you will have to contribute when climbing steeper hills. I like the reflective tires and unique dropped retro bars. I have not tried this exact model, but I’m guessing that it would feel comfortable and upright. It doesn’t say how wide the tires are and there’s no suspension, so it could be a little stiff on some bumpy sections of road, but I actually think the bike would perform pretty well with the lower 25 km/h top speed, reducing power draw on the battery.
I hope these thoughts help you and will reply again if you have further questions. If you do get this ebike, please share your experience in the comments or in the Binelli forum section as I’m sure others are seeing the good deal and wondering similar things ;)
Cedric Lalonde says
Thank you very much for your complete and fast reply! :) If I buy this bike I will definitely share my experience in the forum. Thank you, it’s very appreciated!
court says
Sure thing, Cedric. Happy to help, good luck out there and I hope you have fun with whatever you choose :)
Rohn Anderson says
Hi, I’m 6’1″ about 250 and have both hips replaced and a shoulder replaced. Looking for a bike that will work well for casual riding, to get out with my wife and spend some time together. Thoughts on this bike? Seems to have a good price point and reviews. Home Depot sells it for 650.00, and I’m wondering if that is a good intro into E-bikes
court says
Ho Rohn, yeah! Someone else was asking about this ebike recently because they saw it at a big box hardware store as well. Sounds like a few things have changed, but overall, the bike still looks similar. If you have hip and shoulder sensitivity, consider some of the recumbent trikes. They are very stable and some people have had good luck with their leg and hip issues since the leg is forward vs. down.
SHANNON ST DENNIS says
My wife bought one of these in 2016 and loves it. She rides it 18 KM each way to and from work. Do you know where I can get a manual for it? I need to change the rear tire on it and am worried about adjusting the gears and brake.
Thanks
Shannon
Court says
Hi Shannon! Most of the ebike manuals I’ve seen don’t go into bike maintenance and repair so much as overview the motor type, charger functionality, battery tips and warnings etc. For flat fixes, wheel truing, and derailleur adjustment I think that any online guide or video would work. I usually take my e-bikes to local bike shops for tuneups because they have specific tools, grease, and bike-safe lubrications that can be used. A full tuneup should be under $100 and will help your bike last a lot longer. Check out this video to start and use the details in my review here to know what tire size is used etc. since I record most of the details you’ll need to replace parts, or just look at the labels on your own bike parts if it’s slightly different than the one I covered :D
Dewey says
The bike is still listed for sale on the Home Depot website for $1500 or refurbished from http://benellibikes.ca for the same price. I have the Nexus 8 IGH on my bike and really like the wide range for climbing hills.
Court says
Nice! Thanks for the input, Dewey :)
Kevin Montgomery says
There is a traditional diamond frame version of this bike on the Canadian Benelli site. I haven’t been able to find any mention of it in the U.S.
Erica says
Hello, I am interested in purchasing a Benelli Classica N8 from Costco, Canada. I will be using the bike for short trips in and around my town. One hill near our home that I cannot avoid has a steep incline for about a mile. I will want to peddle assist but want to be certain this bike could handle this incline. Is the bike capable of handling a 1 mile incline of approximately 45 degrees?
Erica says
My bike has been ordered and I am looking for pannier bags. What are the dimensions of the rear cargo rack?
Beatriz says
Hi I bought the benelli 28″ classica because the 26 ” was sold out. I am 5’3″ and I have a hard time because its too high for me, is there a way that I can change the tires to 26″ instead? If so where can I order the new tires?
Court says
Hi Beatriz! I’m so sorry to hear that… I think your best bet would be to sell the bike and get one with 26″ wheels, or smaller, because it’s not just the tire but also the rims, spokes, and hubs (including the hub motor) that would be swapped out… or the hub motor would need to be spoked into a smaller wheel. That’s going to cost a lot and ultimately, the rim brakes probably wouldn’t reach or work with smaller wheels :/
baltazar says
I called customer service to ask to replace the battery. They didn’t know how to answer. They are not polite, and they don’t know s***. They should have a person to answer the phone and provide solutions for the customers.
Court says
Bummer, I am so sorry to hear that Baltazar. When I do these reviews, I always strive for detail and bring a lot of optimism, but some companies have provided a better post-purchase experience and actually stayed in business while others have not. I’m sorry that you got a bike from a company that seems to be struggling with their ebikes. Consider reaching out to FTH Power about repacking the battery. I visited their factory in SoCal and they have been very supportive and easy to work with over the past couple of years. Here’s a post I made about them in the EBR forums.