The Evelo Aries offers a cool aesthetic and comfortable “full suspension” ride that’s best suited for on-road and light trail riding. The frame is relatively heavy, somewhat bouncy and limited to a medium size. It’s meant to offer the benefits of mid-drive (improved climbing ability, balance and range) at a value price but suffers from a couple of technical issues (slower pedal cadence and rougher shifting). These issues can be be addressed if you’re willing to pay a bit extra for the 500 watt motor and NuVinci continuously variable transmission (CVT) but that will also add extra weight to an already solid 59 pound bike. The core of this bike hasn’t changed since version one but in 2014 several improvements were made including the addition of a large backlit LCD display panel with included USB charger, tighter battery case that no longer rattles, stiffer front fender that reduces bouncing motion in the headlight and a 12 magnet cadence sensor with smoother assist activation.
The stock motor on the Aries is a 250 watt mid-drive canister that pulls the same chain that the rider does when pedaling. By doing this, it is able to leverage the rear cassette cogs to improve mechanical efficiency when climbing or gaining speed. The logic here is “why make the motor only use one gear when there are eight available” and it makes a lot of sense. The downside is increased stress on the chain and rear chain ring teeth. It also doesn’t work very well if the motor speed range is limited (which is the case here) because it changes the way you have to pedal in order to “match the motor” vs. having it just work for you. This issue can be somewhat addressed with the upgraded 500 watt motor and 48 volt battery (that will also improve power for climbing) but it’s still not perfect.
You can also improve the ride by upgrading to the NuVinci N360 hub which doesn’t rely on gears and can thus be adjusted at standstill or on the fly without any grinding. I love these “upgrade” options that Evelo offers but together they will cost over $1,000. There are other drive systems available on the market like the Bosch centerdrive that actually sense when you shift and cut the motor off. Many of these systems spin at higher RPM’s by default for a smoother more natural ride. Another more affordable ebike called the IZIP Peak actually senses your cadence, torque and speed to direct the motor while the Evelo Aries mid-drive system only uses cadence. If you’re planning to actually go off road, the Peak is also rated for trail riding and has a more rigid frame in part thanks to the hardtail setup. A future full suspension Peak is planned but will cost more.
The battery design on the Aries has been improved from the first generation and no longer rattles when riding which is fantastic. The pack consists of either Samsung or Panasonic Lithium ion cells in a 36 volt configuration at 10 or 17 amp hours respectively or 48 volt 10 amp hour with the upgraded 500 watt motor. These packs are high quality and come with an 18 month warranty which is great. I love that you can charge the pack on or off the bike and that removing it reduces the overall weight of the unit for transport. Still, the way it’s mounted high and in the rear isn’t my favorite in terms of balance. This is especially true for a full suspension design where the rear end bounces around when traveling off curbs due to the lack of rebound and extra weight of the battery. I like that they’ve included a basic metal rack on top of the battery rack for a bag or panniers but there aren’t guards along the sides so make sure your panniers aren’t too long or they could bump into the tire and spokes.
One of the biggest areas of improvement for this version of the Aries is a large backlit LCD display panel mounted right at the center of the handle bars. It’s easy to read and offers information about speed, distance, pedal assist level and battery capacity. I’ve seen this display (made by King) in use on other ebikes and am a big fan, you can even swivel it forward or back to reduce glare. As mentioned before, it includes a USB port along the backside to make charging your portable electronics easy and the main battery is also wired into the front and rear light so basically you can run everything from one central location. Reaching the display panel is simple thanks to a small control pad located near the grip on the left handle bar. From here you can turn the bike on and navigate up or down through different levels of assist. All in all the cockpit on this ebike is easy to use and the grip shifter on the right compliments the twist throttle on the left. I appreciate the Tektro brake levers which activate the mechanical disc brakes and simultaneously cut power to the motor (which can be useful when shifting gears). If you do end up going off road, the disc brakes will stay cleaner than rim brakes might and that will improve stopping power.
The Aries isn’t a perfect bike, it only comes in one size and costs a bit extra to really get right, but it’s one of the few lower-end full suspension ebikes available. The RockShox suspension fork really smoothes things out and includes a lockout for improved efficiency by reducing energy loss through “bobbing” as a result of heavy pedaling but there are no such adjustments at the rear. The ergonomic grips add a bit of comfort but don’t have lockers at the end and may spin if you grip them tightly when riding. It’s great that they offer black and white color options and the oversized Wellgo platform pedals are stiff and grippy… This is one of the more affordable mid-drive ebikes (especially if you pass up on the NuVinci and motor upgrades). Most mid-drive ebikes aren’t as immediately satisfying as a hub motor design but they do offer that increased range and climbing ability and Evelo offers excellent customer service. They are very responsive and committed to ongoing improvement (as evidenced through all of the improvements shown here).
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George Sears
10 years agoI am trying to sort out this review and the earlier review. The video on YouTube is dated 2014, but this review is dated 2013, but I assume both are about the updated 2014 version. I was surprised by the original review because the people who bought bikes and posted reviews on the Evolo site seemed pretty happy. It seemed like an older crowd.
I don’t really think that the low-end mid-drive offers that much. If you can go with NuVinci it’s obviously better, but so many people ride 500w hub motor systems and never complain about hill climbing or shifting. Some people don’t use the gears. I ran my X3 up a 5% grade and it goes around 15mph without much pedaling. (ProdecoTech rates the battery case on the back to carry less than 10 pounds on top. No rack.)
I’m sure a Bosch system would be completely refined, but it’s just in a different price segment. I appreciate what Evolo is trying to do but I wonder if they could just make a nice rear hub system with basic gearing, quality components, etc, and then work their value pricing magic. It’s under-spec’d at the published price, and it you add what you probably need to make a good system, it starts to leap in price over other ebikes, maybe the E3 Dash or Neo Jet.
It’s always great to see comprehensive reviews. Thanks.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi George! Thanks for the tip about review date. I just missed updating the year, it was shot in early 2014 and published this July.
I love the great marketing, iterative improvements and support that EVELO offers but agree that the cost benefit loses some punch with the added price of the NuVinci, 500 watt motor and 48 volt battery upgrade. They’ve been around for a while now and are doing a great job as a company, excited to see how their technology improves or shifts with the next generation of products :)
ReplyBoris Mordkovich
10 years agoDear Court and ElectricBikeReview Readers:
My name is Boris Mordkovich. I’m the co-founder and CEO of EVELO Electric Bicycle company. I really appreciate the comments brought up in this review and just wanted to let you know that if anyone has any further questions, concerns or other feedback, I’m available to address it personally – so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. To reach me directly, just call 877-991-7272 or email at [email protected].
I realize that some of the readers may be concerned about the rating in this review. To provide a bit more context, we just wanted to share some of the feedback that we’ve received from our customers over the years:
http://www.shopperapproved.com/reviews/evelo.com/
http://www.facebook.com/iloveevelo (see Reviews section)
More importantly, we encourage anyone considering an electric bike to connect with another EVELO owner through our Ambassador program: http://www.evelo.com/find-dealer/#ambassador – either in person or by phone. It’s a great way to hear more about different people’s experiences with their electric bikes.
If there are any questions or issues that I can address, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team and I are here to help! Look forward to hearing from you!
Best Regards,
ReplyBoris Mordkovich | CEO & Co-Founder
http://www.evelo.com
LARRY ZIMMERMAN
10 years agoI choose the white Aurora from Evelo because its style of frame allowed me to get on the bicycle easier. It has the NuVinci 360 drivetrain, thank goodness. After receiving the bike it was assembled and ridden within 15 minutes, even the battery had a partial charge. Once able to ride more frequently I made a few personal changes for my comfort. Evelo supplied me with a taller bar stem and a credit for a more comfortable seat. I’ve had a few minor problems which Evelo addressed immediately. They have excellent customer service. I started out slow and now ride 15 to 20 miles a day, six days a week. I don’t know how it compares with other electric bikes but this bicycle fits my needs perfectly. I even mounted a speaker for my ipod to have even more entertainment on my rides. Without the Evelo bike I doubt that I would even be riding. Thank you sincerely, Larry Zimmerman, Alta, CA
ReplyTodd
10 years agoEvelo is an amazing bike and company. Everyone at the business has been great. I bought the aries with all upgrades. I have owned e bikes in the past, I love this bike. I can’t drive and hardly walk because of disability. This bike has set me free. I am amazed every time I ride. Thank you for making a great bike, Boris Mordkovich! We had several discussions, I do appreciate the help. All off your associates are great! Todd Matousek
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoThanks for sharing your experience here Todd. I agree that EVELO offers great customer service. I’ve met Boris and he’s a smart, hard working individual :)
ReplyJack
10 years agoHello Court, Im looking at the <http://www.evelo.com/electric-bicycles/luna/“>Luna model from Evelo for a more sit up straight style ride and easy to get on and off plus waiting at a light its easy to just stand and hold the bike and then get back on the seat. The full fenders good to for when we have wet raod from rain here in Bradenton, Fla:) I would get their upgrade transmission system for it and also the larger battery and might even carry an extra one in a saddle bag that they are including I think free for a special too plus a discount on the battery upgrade. Its all flat ground around here and will right just on pavement and sidewalks. Not sure if there are any dealers near me here in 5007 Lorraine Bradenton, Fla 34211. The people I read about seem to like the company. Im new to the electric bike world:)
ReplyBoris Mordkovich
9 years agoDear Jack,
My name is Boris Mordkovich. I’m the co-founder and CEO of EVELO Electric Bicycle company.
I’ve just noticed the comment you left here a few months ago regarding the Luna. I – and the rest of our team – are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Would you be able to give us a call at 877-991-7272 or shoot us a quick email at http://www.evelo.com/contact-us/? We have friendly customer service team available 7 days a week and guarantee a response within 24 hours (usually just within 2!).
I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
ReplyBoris Mordkovich
EVELO CEO & Co-Founder
Bill G
9 years agoIf I had to describe my New Aries in one word…. ZOOM. I have put over 260 miles on my Evelo Aries in the past few weeks. I have the 500 watt motor and 48 volt battery up grade, and the Nu-Vinci CV Hub. Zoom! Nothing but fun. And more fun. After 25 miles on pedal assist I still have over half a battery left. Hills become flat. I have been riding on pavement, dirt roads and trails in the forest. Riding a regular bike is quite a bit of work in hilly areas like where I live. My Evelo makes riding fun. My bike gets me out of the house going to places I would not go other-wise. When I go to public places like the farmers market half the people ask me about my bike and think it looks pretty cool. It’s a great ice breaker. Evelo customer service is the tops. Real people calling or emailing quickly concerning questions I had. Changing gear ratio with the Nu-Vinci hub…easy…Zoom. Pedal assist power level, push a button….ZOOM. I use my Aries mostly for recreation, in Flagstaff AZ, 60 plus miles of Urban Trails. But I can leave the car at home and Zoom to the post office too. Bill G. Flagstaff, AZ
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Bill! It’s great to hear how much you’re enjoying the Aries, I agree that it’s a cool looking bike and the NuVinci is great. I was disapointed with the weight, frame flex and limited suspension performance for true off-road riding but around town it works well and you’re right about support, I think EVELO puts more into their customer care and marketing than most ebike companies and I really appreciate that. Ride safe!
ReplyBill G
9 years agoHi Court Rye ! The last bike I owned was a Moto Becon… spell that. A street bike. That was thirty years old. I never owned a Mountain Bike. I am not a “bike person” . I am a late 50s guy, I am letting my Aries do half the work. Instead for sitting around and a weekend, I am riding 30 mile a day to…..everywhere. Half my rides are packed gravel paths, Awesome Urban Trails, the rest pavement It is not a mountain bike for sure. I tried our forest ‘Trails”. It is not a Rock Climber for sure. The bike is heavy for sure. And I do feel the flex. I have two neighbors in their 30s. Between them they own two dozen bikes, street and mountain. They build bikes from parts. They have light, strong mountain bikes. Those bikes cost more then my bike. Just a bike frame is pricey. They gave my Aries a once over and a test ride. They laughed at the weight. They laughed more when they rode it up a steep hill at 15 plus MPH with power assist pedaling. They commented in the positive of the Rock Shox and Breaks. I would not know a “good” bike from a “poor” bike. I do know I am having FUN. Zoom. Grins. Ride On !
ReplyMiguel Maldonado
9 years agoWill it be possible to upgrade this review to a 2015 or 2016 Aries fully upgraded ebike? This is one of the ebikes that I am evaluating to get in the next couple of months. Thanks (the other one is the Easy Motion Evo 27.5 Jumper)
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Miguel! I probably won’t see one of their latest models within the coming month or two, sorry about that… I personally love the Easy motion Evo Jumper but it tends to be more expensive. What I found is that the frame is lighter, stiffer and the motor is more responsive. Easy Motion has a great warranty and their bikes also look good with the integrated battery (and are very well balanced compared with the rear-rack battery on the Aries). I hope this helps you!
ReplyHugo Munoz-Breto
8 years agoFirst about the Evelo Aries: I have no less to say than “GENIUS” !!! The combination of a mid drive and the NuVinci is a match made in heaven. I am able to cruise at 15 MPH and use 120 Watts of power by setting the NuVinci in the right position. The battery holds up great and I know this because I am commuting 50 Miles round trip Monday through Friday. I have gotten a lot of WOW remarks about the bike from people along my commuting route and questions about the bike.
The customer service has been excellent and fast bringing the issues to resolution. Thank you for your help and we will keep in touch. Regards Hugo Munoz-Breto
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoGlad to hear the bike has been working well for you Hugo, I agree that the NuVinci CVT is pretty awesome!
Reply