Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
This type of electric bike utilizes a motor system that is positioned at the middle of the frame, usually exerting force on the same chain that the rider is cycling as they pedal. They are known for their balanced weight distribution, unsprung weight advantage, battery use efficiency (because they benefit from gear shifting, just like the rider), and improved climbing power. Because they often require custom motor interfaces, mid-drive ebikes tend to cost more money. They exert more strain on the chain, belt, and drivetrain than hub motor and friction drive, and usually do not offer throttle on demand power. Most high-end and European ebikes utilize mid-drive motor systems.
The SDURO AllMtn 6.0 is a near top of the line model from Haibike running a Yamaha mid-drive motor and upgraded 500 watt hour battery pack… That’s a 25% capacity increase from some of the lower-end models and prior year equipment. What I usually notice first about Haibikes is their beautiful purpose-built frames with angular […]
The BULLS E-Stream EVO 45 FS combines some of my favorite features of electric bikes. It allows you to travel in full suspension comfort without concern for lost efficiency because it’s electric… and has an extra-large battery pack. It allows you to travel faster, in this case much faster, with advanced pedal assist up to […]
Haibike makes beautiful, purpose built electric bikes that tend to cost more but deliver premium components and drive systems. The SDURO line runs on Yamaha mid-drive motors that can accommodate multiple chainrings, two in this case, providing a wider range of gears. Given the all-mountain design, with longer travel suspension and aggressive trail/mountain geometry, those […]
I was told that the Include 8 is one of Kalkhoff’s most popular pedelec models, at least outside of the US. It’s an electric bike that packs in so many features you could literally replace your car for short trips… It’s a complete package, a bike that doesn’t require extra thinking around safety, utility or […]
Benno was a new company to me, I heard about it through my friend Chris who owns and runs Propel Bikes in Brooklyn NY. He’s an early adopter and I always learn a lot during visits to his shop. As it turns out, the founder of Benno Bikes is actually Benno Baenziger who co-founded Electra […]
There really aren’t that many Carbon fiber electric bikes… yet! It’s a combination that makes sense to me but is understandably very expensive. The Carbon fiber dampens vibration and decreases weight which is great for a platform which tends to ride further, maintain higher average speeds and be heavier due to motor, battery and control […]
This was the second time I’ve been able to test ride a Specialized Turbo Levo model and thankfully I got some help from Garret and John at Rock N’ Road Cyclery in Laguna Niguel California and Erik at Peleton Cycles in Fort Collins Colorado where I ultimately purchased one for myself. These shops have some […]
Moustache is a new brand to me, this was the first product I was able to test ride from them but I came away impressed. Apparently the brand has been successful in Europe for several years and 2017 is the first year that they will be selling in the US. It’s a French company with […]
The eVox City is an approachable city style electric bike… Approachable because the frame is lower and the seat post can slide way down to accommodate petite riders. The bike appeared to be very sturdily built but did rattle a bit during my urban test ride. I think the primary culprit was a plastic handle […]
My understanding is that the Cityzen C8 is a carryover from 2016 that has been popular enough to extend into 2017. In the United States, many people would have missed or not even know about this model because Gazelle is just starting to enter the market and pick up dealers (aside from a select few […]
