Devinci E-Milano Review

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2022 Devinci E Milano Electric Bike Review
2022 Devinci E Milano
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano E5000 Mid Drive Motor 40nm 250w
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano 36v 11 6ah 418wh Battery Pack
2022 Devinci E Milano Handlebar Foam Locking Grips Three Bottle Mount Bolts
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano E5000 Lcd Display Panel
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano Trigger Shifters Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
2022 Devinci E Milano Sr Suntour Spring Suspension Fork
2022 Devinci E Milano Tektro 160mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes
2022 Devinci E Milano Velo Active Saddle 30 9mm Seat Post
2022 Devinci E Milano 38 Tooth Chainring 175mm Shimano Crank Arms
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano Acera Derailleur 11 34t Cassette
2022 Devinci E Milano Kenda 700 50c Tires
2022 Devinci E Milano Ebike
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano Electric Bike Charger 1 8 Amp
2022 Devinci E Milano Abus Keys Charger Battery Pack
2022 Devinci E Milano Mid Step Titanium Silver
2022 Devinci E Milano Electric Bike Review
2022 Devinci E Milano
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano E5000 Mid Drive Motor 40nm 250w
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano 36v 11 6ah 418wh Battery Pack
2022 Devinci E Milano Handlebar Foam Locking Grips Three Bottle Mount Bolts
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano E5000 Lcd Display Panel
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano Trigger Shifters Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
2022 Devinci E Milano Sr Suntour Spring Suspension Fork
2022 Devinci E Milano Tektro 160mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes
2022 Devinci E Milano Velo Active Saddle 30 9mm Seat Post
2022 Devinci E Milano 38 Tooth Chainring 175mm Shimano Crank Arms
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano Acera Derailleur 11 34t Cassette
2022 Devinci E Milano Kenda 700 50c Tires
2022 Devinci E Milano Ebike
2022 Devinci E Milano Shimano Electric Bike Charger 1 8 Amp
2022 Devinci E Milano Abus Keys Charger Battery Pack
2022 Devinci E Milano Mid Step Titanium Silver

Summary

  • A high quality hybrid electric bike with basic suspension fork that's well suited to neighborhood and city riding. Tall efficient wheels lower the attack angle and medium volume 700x50c tires provide some added stability and comfort.
  • Excellent weight distribution with the motor and battery low and center, standard 68mm Q-Factor and overall light weight of just 47.3lbs for the medium frame. Two sizes, approachable mid-step frame, classy silver color appeals to all.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes with adjustable reach levers are easier to reach and actuate. Standard 160mm brake rotors won't get bumped and bent easily at bike racks. Quick release wheels and seat clamp make the bike easy to transport, service, and adjust.
  • Extremely quiet motor offers 40nm of torque and is paired with a minimalist 418wh battery pack that's easy to remove. Basic ABUS key cannot be keyed alike. No compression or lockout on the suspension fork, just preload adjust. No kickstand is included, but it does have a 40mm mounting point, the tires are not reflective or puncture resistant. Only available in Canada.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Devinci

Model:

E-Milano

Price:

$2,700 ($3,400 CAD)

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Years Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

Canada

Model Year:

2022

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

47.3 lbs (21.45 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.7 lbs (2.58 kg)

Motor Weight:

5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Optimum S03, 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

15.7 in (39.87 cm)17.7 in (44.95 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium Measurements: 17.75" Seat Tube, 21.5" Top Tube, 15" Reach, 25.75" Stand Over Height, 32.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 27" Width, 44" Wheelbase, 73" Length

Frame Types:

Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Titanium Silver

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour NVX30 Spring Suspension, 63mm Travel, Preload Adjust, 28mm Steel Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Triple Boss Bottle Cage Mount, Kickstand Mount

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano Acera M310 Derailleur, Shimano HG50-8 Cassette 11-34 Tooth

Shifter Details:

Shimano Acera M315 RapidFire Plus Triggers on Right (One-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever)

Cranks:

Shimano STePs FC-E5010 Forged Aluminum Alloy Crank Arms, 175mm Length, Shimano STePs SM-CRE50 38 Tooth Steel Chainring with Plastic Guard

Pedals:

Wellgo M085, Plastic Center with Steel Surround

Headset:

FSA Orbit 1.5B, Integrated, Sealed Cartridge Bearings

Stem:

V2 Pro, Aluminum Alloy, 70mm Length, 17° Rise, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, One 10mm Tapered Base Spacer, One 10mm Spacer, Two 5mm Spacers

Handlebar:

V2 Comp, Aluminum Alloy, 680mm Length, 10mm Rise

Brake Details:

Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic Disc with 160mm Rotors, Dual Piston Calipers, Tektro SM-RT30-S 2-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Soft Comfort, Foam, Semi-Ergonomic, Inner Lock Ring

Saddle:

Devinci Branded Velo, Active

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy, Two-Bolt Clamp

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

V2 Comp, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 17mm Inner Width, ETRTO 17-622, 32 Hole

Spokes:

Sapim, Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge with Nylok, Black with Adjustable Nipples

Tire Brand:

Kenda Hybrid, 700x50c (50-622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

50 to 80 PSI, 3.5 to 5.6 BAR, Nylon

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube Mounted Battery Pack, ABUS Amparo Locking Cylinder and Keyset, 1.5lb Shimano STePs EC-E6002 Charger 42V 1.8A Output with Adapter Plug, 40mm Kickstand Mounting Point, 168mm Q-Factor, KMC X8 Chain, Formula CL-25 Front Hub, Formula CL-2611 Rear Hub

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Shimano STePs E5000

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

40 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Shimano STePs BT-E8014

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

418 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

90 miles (145 km)

Display Type:

Shimano STePs SC-E5000, Fixed, 1.5" Diagonal Grayscale LCD, Buttons: Up, Select, Down, Lights, Walk Mode: Hold Down, Clear Trip Distance: Hold Select on Trip Distance Until Flashing then Press Select Once

Readouts:

Battery Charge Level (5 Bars), Current Speed, Assist Level (1, 2, 3), Range Estimate, Trip Distance, Odometer

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

This review was provided for free, but Devinci did provide a temporary demo bike and accessories for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Devinci products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Devinci electric bike forums.

Pros:

  • The bike is high quality, it reminds me of a Trek, Cannondale, Specialized or other major brand because the frame is clearly purpose built, comes in two sizes, and uses high quality drive systems and components from Shimano.
  • This is a more active electric bike, it uses a narrower saddle, has an 8-speed drivetrain that needs to be used to get optimal motor power and speed, and the battery has limited capacity. It’s fairly light at just 47.3lbs for the size medium frame, but that’s without a kickstand or any fenders or racks. I enjoyed riding it, even without power assist.
  • I love that they sell multiple frame sizes and chose hydraulic disc brakes. The mid-step frame offers a lower stand over height and is very approachable. The brake levers offer adjustable reach for people with smaller or larger hands, and they don’t require a lot of strength to use effectively. The standard 160mm size of the brake rotors means they won’t get bumped or bent as easily at bike racks or when laying the bike down on one side… always lay down on the non-drivetrain side to avoid damaging the derailleur.
  • Both wheels use quick release, which makes the bike easier to break down for transport or wheel maintenance. You can always replace these (and the seat post clamp) with locking hardware if you live in an area where theft is a factor.
  • Since the motor is so compact, the bike offers a standard 68mm Q-Factor, so the pedals aren’t spread far apart like some mountain bikes and fat bikes. With the 700c wheel size and efficient tires, the bike just feels nimble and traditional vs. some of the heavier electric bikes out there.
  • The motor is extremely efficient and quiet, but still smart and zippy feeling. You can really hear how quiet it is in my video review above, but the power delivery is great if you are using assist level 3 and riding in a lower gear. I had no problem starting or climbing when shifting actively.
  • It was interesting to see longer 175mm crank arms on the size medium frame, which I think works well with the taller wheels. You get a natural pedal feel and can contribute more here… like a regular bicycle. Perhaps their smaller sizes use shorter 170mm crank arms?
  • The chainring has a plastic guard to keep the chain on track and reduce pants or dress ends from getting dirty or snagged. The Shimano Acera derailleur is a couple steps up and offers good tension vs. entry-level.
  • Comfortable low-rise handlebar with semi-ergonomic locking foam grips. The short steep 17-degree stem and spacers offer a more upright relaxed body position. This orientation, combined with the straighter bar, suspension fork, and hybrid tires is what makes this a “hybrid” bicycle vs. pure city or cruiser.
  • Even though I complain about how basic the suspension fork is in the cons section below, I still appreciate having it and having preload adjust. I’m a light 135lb rider so I do not pre-load the springs. I might also consider swapping the 30.9mm rigid seat post with a suspension post someday if I had to ride on bumpy terrain frequently.
  • I love how many mounting points there are with this bike, and how nicely they are done. There is a rear rack mount, three bolts on the top tube for perfectly positioning a bottle cage or other accessory, and fender mounts that include bosses on the suspension fork lowers so you don’t have to use plastic cuffs.
  • The battery pack is very easy to reach and remove. The locking cylinder is fairly high on the left side and it tips out to the side vs. up and down which allows the top tube to be lower. I love how it clicks when re-inserting and does not require the key to do so.
  • The battery can be charged on or off the frame and does not require a dongle adapter. The charging port itself is just barely clear of the left crank arm vs. many competing designs that are directly in its path. Best practices are to store lithium-ion batteries in cool dry environments and keep them at least 20% full, so check in every few months.
  • The company offers a great lifetime frame warranty, and the rest of the components are covered against manufacturer defect for two years. This is in line with other major brands.
  • Devinci is a well established Canadian brand that dates back to 1987. Their first ebike launched in 2016 and was called the E-Cartier, and they’ve been able to refine things over the many years. I like that they source local aluminum, design, manufacture, and test many of their products in Canada, and assemble in cases where manufacturing is done abroad. There are some very cool videos to check out on YouTube that show the process here and here.

Cons:

  • It sounds like the E-Milano will only be available in Canada at launch. I’ve included bot CAD and USD prices here to help position against the other predominantly USD priced reviews I do.
  • This is a minor consideration, but the bike only comes in one frame style (mid-step) and one color (Titanium Silver). I suspect this helps them keep prices down while focusing on the multiple frame sizes. It’s a good trade in my opinion, and I feel the color is universally appealing.
  • I don’t think the bike comes with a kickstand? There is a mounting point for it on the left chain stay, using a standard 40mm hole spacing. This means the bike could be leaned against walls, or just laid on its side more frequently which can scuff the bar ends and pedals… or cause accidental tips. For a neighborhood city type of ebike, I would prefer to have a kickstand.
  • The bike I got was a sized medium demo model, which did have some scuffs and scratches from photo shoots. I’m not a big fan of the pedal style used here because it’s kind of small, and the steel outer cage can get bent and sharpened if the bike tips or is laid down. This can also result in rust. I prefer the Wellgo aluminum alloy platform pedals that are used on BMX bikes, though they do add weight.
  • The mid-volume tires offer a great balance of efficiency and comfort for the 700c wheel size, but the model chosen does not offer reflective sidewall stripes or puncture protection.
  • While the bike itself is fairly light, the suspension fork is a bit heavier because it’s a basic steel spring fork. There’s limited adjustability with preload clickers on both sides of the crown vs. having compression or lockout adjust. The stanchions are standard 28mm and the fork is not paint matched, it’s just a basic setup.
  • The motor and battery are on the minimalist side, which keeps them affordable but doesn’t offer as much power. As an active cyclist who is not especially heavy, I love this setup, but the 250 watt rating with 40nm of torque is at the lower end for mid-drives and the 418wh battery is below the average 500wh seen today.
  • I like the display, but it’s a bit more basic than the other Shimano offerings that have larger removable screens, independent button pads, and deep settings menus. The display has a light button, but the bike doesn’t have any lights wired in.
  • When turning on the bike, you have to press the power button on top of the battery pack vs. having one built into the display button pad itself. This requires some reaching down if you forget to turn it on before mounting the bike.
  • The battery charger is very light and compact, but it’s slower than average at 1.8 amps vs. 2+ amps. For such a small battery pack, it’s not a huge deal. I should say that overall, the bike still goods good range because the motor doesn’t need as much power, so charging intervals might be similar to a 350w motor with a 500+wh battery.
  • The locking core and keyset used for this electric bike are the ABUS Amparo, which is their more basic model. There are no options for getting a lock that uses the same keyset like on the ABUS Plus Code models.
  • This is another minor thing, but the trigger shifter uses a one-way high gear lever that requires the pointer finger to use vs. others that have two way or thumb-only levers. I like the option of using my thumb for shifting high and low because my pointer finger is often on the brake lever.

Useful Resources:

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