To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Blix. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Blix products.
Today I had the opportunity to check out the new 2019 version of the Blix Sol. The bike is similar to last years model as well as the Aveny, so you if you read that review you may see some parallel information, however, there are upgrades here too, so I will try to call those out as we go along. The Blix Sol is a stylish step-thru cruiser ebike with upgraded drivetrain hardware, a full available accessory package, and a powerful geared hub motor drive system. It’s one of the more interesting models on the market right now because it hits a reasonable price point at $1,499, comfortable geometry, and is still sold through dealers. That means you can go for a test ride, see the 2 different colors in person, and get help with maintenance and support down the road if needed. Anyway, the tires have been upgraded here, they are now thicker at 2.2”; the thicker width means more cushion, comfort, and stability overall. The Blix Sol is very approachable with the 17.25” stand-over height and a frame that is stylish and easy to approach, while maintaining stability at the same time. I appreciated the chain guide, which will prevent chain drops and also keep your pant legs or dress ends clean and snag-free. The kickstand is positioned out of the way on the left, so it won’t collide with the crank arm when walking the bike backwards. The stem offers adjustable angle, so you can really get this bike dialed into your specific geometry. The bike isn’t perfect, they have made some trade-offs to save weight or money, but overall it works very well. Some of the trade-offs that I perceive are mechanical brakes vs. hydraulic, which would be easier to actuate. There’s no suspension fork up front, but the sprung saddle and stitched faux leather locking ergonomic grips felt decent and this keeps the bike more steady and definitely lighter. Blix has added mounting points in the front and rear this year, so you can put baskets, racks or other accessories on the bike. Although the Aveny version of the bike comes with fenders and rear rack, the Sol here does not and that helps keep the cost down. You can however, add them if you like. The optional rear rack is stiff and holds panniers and can fit a Yepp child seat. I should take a moment to mention all of the accessories Blix has available for the Sol. For the rear rack, there are 2 different style single side panniers available, 1 double sided pannier, a Yepp child seat, and large basket attachment. In the front, there is a color matched basket available with a drink holder area, small platform rack that can mount the same basket available for the rear, and a large platform rack. Really a lot of cool options and I love the utility of it all. One thing the bike does not have (and I don’t think you can add from the factory) is battery integrated lights. Again, this was like chosen to keep cost down, but I do see some reflectors here, so that is nice.
Driving this e-bike is a new stronger 500-watt nominally rated Shengyi hub motor, spoked into the rear wheel. It has both pedal assist and a thumb throttle on the left, so it make this bike a Class 2 category bicycle. With the centrally mounted battery pack, the bike is very steady and even front to rear. Hub motors usually offer the advantages of instant power, efficient freewheeling (so they won’t slow you down when coasting), they don’t interfere with the pedaling drivetrain, and they can be used more easily with throttles. With the assist and throttle, you have many ways to ride and eliminates the need for pedaling at all if you get tired or need to focus on balancing. The throttle is live and active once in pedal assist 1-5, but not 0. If you utilize the throttle and the highest levels of assist frequently, it will cut down on your maximum potential range since the pedal assist mode dictates your throttle top speed. Mechanically, the bike uses a Shimano Tourney setup with a grip twist shift on the right handlebar. The gearing uses a 14-28 tooth system in the back with a 48 tooth chain ring in the front. Stopping the bike is a set of 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes from Tektro. It works really well with that small diameter wheel size and is easy to adjust and maintain.
Powering the bike is an upgraded 48v 14ah lithium ion battery pack. The previous battery was a 36v version with just 11ah. So this bike will have more power and more range than the previous model year. Really a big win! This is what I would consider a high capacity battery and compliments the system well… when you are hauling kids around and need to engage that electric motor to the max, a battery like this is just what you want. Although we don’t do range tests at EBR, I would imagine it should easily be able to go 30 miles or so with all the optional accessories and child attached at max power as it seemed to do during my review. It is secured via lock and key and mounts behind the seat post on the bike. This keeps the weight very centered and is appreciated for stability. There is an LED charge level indicator here on the battery too and charging is done through this 2amp charger. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.
Operating the bike is simple. Once the battery is mounted, start by turning the key in the on position. From there, the display will come to life and give you the read outs. The battery is shown across the top in 16 ticks. These ticks are in an infographic that somewhat resembles a ruler. Shown below that is you speed in MPH and the various levels of pedal assist you might be in, 0-5. To change the pedal assist, simply hit up or down on the arrow controls mounted on the left handle bar. Keep in mind, the pedal assist level controls the throttle too. This is great so if you are in a parking lot, or need to take it slow, you can have it… let’s say at level 2, and the throttle will go nice and easy without fast acceleration and keeps the top speed limited. Similarly, if you want to go full out, you can put it in level 5 and the throttle will act accordingly. Anyways, there is an odometer readout below that and pressing the mode button will change that to display max speed, average speed, and trip set. Some versions of this setup allow you to hold the up and down arrows together for a moment and that will unlock the deep drive menu. Here you can mess with top speed as well as other electrical power configurations to really get the setup how you want it. I was unable to check with Blix if this feature was going to be available in the production version on this bike.
Blix is doing a great job growing their dealer network and refining their product line. The Sol is one of their most popular bikes, and I can definitely see why. It’s beautiful but not overpriced, the components are all upgraded, and safety and strength have really been taken into consideration. The step-thru frame is incredibly low but weight is positioned well and the battery is easy to remove for charging or transport because of the flip-up saddle mount. As I was learning about this updated model, I asked Pontus about the name of the company and some history. He’s originally from Sweeden and was inspired by the vintage European bicycle designs that he saw growing up. The name Blix means lightening. It was cool to see how much attention he and his team have paid to user experience here, including a nicer tool set and available accessories. I would like to thank Blix for giving me the chance to check out the new Sol and look forward to seeing the rest of their lineup.
As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own a previous version of the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Blix ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)
Pros:
- Although this is an entry level version of their bikes, you can still get the fenders, rear rack, and other accessories added ala carte, I think that is really cool and you could essentially get this setup just the way you like it
- Great choice on the kickstand hardware and positioning, it supports the rear rack well and is just out of reach for the left crank arm so you won’t get pedal lock
- Riding is very comfy and easy going, it is great for causing at the beach, a neighborhood, or just leisurely riding
- The super wide handlebar is swept back to create a relaxing geometry and I liked the stitched grips and rubberized brake levers, the bike feels comfortable and some of the road vibration is lessened through the bumpers on the saddle and steel fork
- Notice how the fork is swept forward a bit, this creates stability and also moves the fender forward so you won’t kick it when turning, a nice touch
- New drivetrain and powertrain on the bike this year, you get an upgraded 500 watt Shengyi motor versus the old 350 watt, and it now uses a Shimano grip shifter on the right
- The tires have been upgraded, they are now thicker at 2.2”, the thicker width means more cushion, comfort, and stability overall
- This has been upgraded with a high capacity battery, a 48v 14ah lithium ion battery pack, the previous battery was a 36v version with just 11ah, so this bike will have more power and more range than the previous model year
- Easy to read display panel, it’s simple and the wires are wrapped nicely, note the threaded metal connectors with rubber washers vs. plastic press fit
- The battery looks nice, I like how the flip-up saddle makes it easy to remove for safe storage or independent charging
- Blix has been in business since 2014 and I have reviewed some of their earlier products, it’s a company that I trust and they have a pretty solid two-year warranty
Cons:
- The display panel is not removable, this means that it could get scratched at the bike rack or when folding and transporting, it may also take additional weather wear over time if you leave the bike outside, also, it sticks out more than last years, so be careful when folding and carting around
- In order to power the bike on, you need to first press the battery power button and then hold the M button on the display, this two-step process adds time and can require some flexibility or dismounting if you forget the first step
- I wish that lights were available to add here on this bike like all the other accessories, safety is a big priority for me and it would be nice to see something like that, I suppose you could add your own clip on lights if you were concerned
- Hub motors are great for separating electric assist from pedal power, but they add a bit of cabling to the rear wheel which could get bent if the bike tips
- I feel like this ebike offers great value for the price, but it does compromise a bit by going with mechanical disc brakes which have larger levers and require more hand effort to pull… but the levers themselves are some of my favorite because they have motor inhibitors and an integrated bell on the left side
Resources:
Mike
5 years agoThe new Sol only weighs 48.5 lbs per Blix, with battery on it. if you add the rear rack, and fender set, it gets up to 55 lbs.
ReplyMax
5 years agoThey’ve eliminated all references to dealers on their website. Very bad sign, after they were very reliant on dealers. Looks like they are in financial trouble.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHmm, I don’t remember exactly what their website looked like before, maybe they are just doing some updates? I did check it out and did not find a dealer reference or map. I hope they’re alright, I like Pontus (the founder) and feel that their bikes offer something special :)
ReplyPontus
5 years agoHi Max,
We’re doing some updates to our dealer network that we will announce soon, the conclusion you draw almost make me think that you are intentionally trying to spread false rumors?
ReplySabrina
5 years agoHi Max, if you are still interested in learning about Blix showroom locations, the updates are finished and now show on their website here. Search for “Test Rides” and you’ll find it :)
ReplyCourt
5 years agoThanks for your help here, Sabrina :)
Tiernado
5 years agoI am confused about handlebar measurements on this bike. The website says it is: Cruiser Bar 660mm, 25.4mm clamp. This review says 1000mm with 40 degree sweep angle. Is the 660mm measured straight across from handle to handle, and is the 1000mm measuring the actual length of the handlebar (like measuring with a string and then comparing that to a tape measure)?
The measurements are similarly different when comparing the review of the Blix Aveny ebikereview to the Blix website (750mm on EBR vs 620mm on website).
Thanks!
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Tiernado, I can see how these measurements would be confusing… and frankly, I think our spec is incorrect. I personally measured the older Blix Sol and got that the bar was Zoom, Alloy, Cruiser Style Swept-Back, 720mm Length. One of our recent reviewers did the 2020 Blix Sol and got 1,000mm so I’m not sure exactly how he measured it. I would trust the website our the older review I did… perhaps call Blix to confirm. Sorry about that!
Reply