Name: Felt VERZAe Review
Item: Felt VERZAe
Author: Court Rye

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Felt VERZAe Review

Felt Verzae Bosch 350 Watt Centerdrive Gen 2

Felt Verzae Bosch Powerpack 400 Rear Rack Battery

Felt Verzae 6061 Aluminum Seat Post 30 9 Mm Diameter

Felt Verzae Magura Mt2 Hydraulic Disc Brake 160 Mm Rotor

Felt Verzae Schwalbe Energizer 700 38c Tires

Felt Verzae Sr Suntour Sf14 Cts Suspension Fork

Felt Verzae Standwell Ksa 40 Adjustable Kickstand

Deep step-thru frame design for easy mounting, available in four sizes for excellent fit, comfortable ergonomic grips and suspension fork with lockout
Great utility features including quick release front and rear, a welded rear carry rack (capable of up to 55 lb load), full length fenders and partial chain guard, integrated LED lights and a premium cafe lock
Industry leading drive system from Bosch, responsive hydraulic disc brakes, excellent warranty... rear heavy design to accommodate deep-step with less rigid frame

Make:

Felt

Model:

VERZAe

Price:

$3,999

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

Lifetime Frame, 2 Year Drivetrain and Electronics

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

2015

Total Weight:

51.5 lbs (23.35 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.7 lbs (2.58 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.8 lbs (3.99 kg)

Frame Material:

Double-Butted 6061 Aluminum

Frame Sizes:

17 in (43.18 cm)18 in (45.72 cm)20 in (50.8 cm)22 in (55.88 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

X-Small 44 cm (Head Angle 71 mm, Seat Angle 75 mm, Top Tube Horizontal 555 mm, Head Tube Length 115 mm, Seat Tube Center to Top 440 mm, Bottom Bracket Drop 67 mm, Chain Stay 470 mm, Wheelbase 1087 mm, Standover 420 mm, Rake 41.7 mm, Reach 393 mm, Stack 605 mm), Small 48 cm (Head Angle 71 mm, Seat Angle 75 mm, Top Tube Horizontal 570 mm, Head Tube Length 115 mm, Seat Tube Center to Top 480 mm, Bottom Bracket Drop 67 mm, Chain Stay 470 mm, Wheelbase 1102 mm, Standover 420 mm, Rake 41.7 mm, Reach 408 mm, Stack 605 mm), Medium 52 cm (Head Angle 71 mm, Seat Angle 74 mm, Top Tube Horizontal 585 mm, Head Tube Length 115 mm, Seat Tube Center to Top 520 mm, Bottom Bracket Drop 67 mm, Chain Stay 470 mm, Wheelbase 1106 mm, Standover 420 mm, Rake 41.7 mm, Reach 411 mm, Stack 605 mm), Large 56 cm (Head Angle 71 mm, Seat Angle 74 mm, Top Tube Horizontal 600 mm, Head Tube Length 115 mm, Seat Tube Center to Top 560 mm, Bottom Bracket Drop 67 mm, Chain Stay 470 mm, Wheelbase 1121 mm, Standover 420 mm, Rake 41.7 mm, Reach 426 mm, Stack 605 mm)

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Satin Sliver (Dark Grey, Steel Blue)

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour SF14-NCX-D DS LO CTS Suspension with 63 mm Travel, Tapered Steerer, Hydraulic Lockout, Coil Spring with Preload Adjustment

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rear Rack Mounting Plate and Bosses

Gearing Details:

10 Speed 1x10 Shimano Deore RD-M610-SGS Shadow: Long Cage, CS-HG 62 Cassette, 11-32T

Shifter Details:

Shimano Deore SL-M610 Rapid Fire on Right Bar

Pedals:

VP-615 Felt Design, Low Profile Body, Polypropylene Cage and Body, Taper Head Cr-Mo Axle

Headset:

FSA No. 42 1.125

Stem:

Felt VERZAe Design 3D-Forged Aluminum with 4-Bolt Handlebar Clamp

Handlebar:

Double Butted Aluminum, Trekking Style Bar: Ø31.8 mm, 30° Sweep, XS/SM = 660 mm, MD/LG = 680 mm

Brake Details:

Magura MT 2 Hydraulic Disc with 160 mm Rotors, 6-Bolt Rotors, Magura MT2 Levers

Grips:

Felt Ergo Grip Dual-Density Kraton Rubber, Wing Style

Saddle:

Comfort Gel, Unisex Fit with Dual Density Base

Seat Post:

Twin Clamp Micro Adjust, 6061 Aluminum

Rims:

Alexrims MD19 Double-Wall Aluminum, Single Eyelets

Spokes:

Double Butted Stainless Steel, 2.0 x 1.8 mm

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Energizer, 700 x 38c

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

KevlarGuard, Reflective Sidewall

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Extended Chain Cover, Standwell KSA 40 Style Kickstand on Rear Dropout Mount, B&M Lumotec IQ Eyc DC 50Lux Headlight, B&M Custom Rack Fit Rearlight, Linetec ABUS Amparo Frame Lock (Single Key System for Battery Lock)

Motor Brand:

Bosch

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Peak Output:

550 watts

Motor Torque:

60 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

396 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

60 miles (97 km)

Display Type:

Removable Backlit Grayscale LCD

Readouts:

Speed, 4 Assist Levels, Battery Voltage, Odometer, Estimated Range, Clock, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Time

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Combined Torque, Cadence and Speed), (Eco 50%, Tour 120%, Sport 190%, Turbo 275%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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The Felt VERZAe delivers comfort and utility at a reasonable price (considering it uses the high-end Bosch drive system). Compared with its sister bike, the SPORTe Step-Thru, it’s heavier and less stiff but also easier to approach and much more feature rich; delivering lights, fenders and a sturdy rear rack. Though, to be fair you can get a “city kit” for the SPORTe. The VERZAe is one of the only electric bikes I’ve seen in the US that offers a rear-mounted Bosch Powerpack battery (most opt for a downtube style pack) and this design decision completely opens up the middle of the frame. The drawbacks are increased battery weight (though only .2 lbs) and a heavier downtube as well as some flex when you really pedal hard and maneuver the steering… it’s almost like crack the whip. Of course, the big upside is a much lower standover height. I honestly don’t have many complaints with this bike, it’s using high end battery technology, a beautiful and intuitive display, a super-responsive motor, a nice suspension fork with lockout and quality hydraulic brakes with quick release on both wheels for easier tuneups and transport. I would have liked a bottle cage mounting point on the seat tube or downtube but this might have compromised frame integrity and thanks to the beautiful (and standard-sized) rear rack, there should be plenty of cargo options to choose from. I absolutely love the integrated LED lights (that run off of the main battery) and the fenders are great (though mine squeaked a bit during the video). With four frame sizes and a gender-neutral color scheme, this bike would be a great choice for a wide range of less-aggressive riders who want a product from a mainstream company with a solid warranty and quality components.

The motor powering the VERZA-e electric bike is a 350 watt nominal Bosch Centerdrive that senses bicycle speed, rider pedal cadence and rider pedal torque. Each of these signals is computed up to 1,000 times per second to activate or de-activate the motor. This kind of precision sounds great on paper and it also truly delivers in practice. I’ve tested this motor on dozens of bikes and I never cease to be impressed. Not only does the mid-drive mounting point keep weight low and center (for improved balance) it also enables the quick release wheels I mentioned earlier and it allows the motor to pull the same chain that you do as a pedaling rider. The real win here is that as you shift gears from low to high, the motor benefits from a mechanical advantage and can run more efficiently. When operating the VERZAe on the lowest of four assist levels, you can seriously get 60+ miles per charge on flat smooth terrain. The motor runs fairly quiet but there is a high pitched whir as seen in the video. The plastic shell you see in the photos is just there to protect the metal interior and the whole thing is sealed tight against water (water resistant).

Running the motor and LED lights here is a rear-rack mounted Bosch PowerPack 400. It offers 36 volts of power and 11 amp hours of capacity for a true size of 396 watt hours. I’ve weighed this pack as well as the more common mid-frame pack (seen on the SPORTe and most other Felt ebikes) and this one seems slightly heavier at ~5.7 lbs. That’s still relatively light in my opinion however. Inside are Samsung Lithium-ion 18650 sized cells that look like oversized AA batteries. There’s a smart battery management system and a charging port at the end of the pack and on the side of the controller (where the battery connects to the bike frame near the saddle). It’s convenient that you can charge this pack on or off the bike and store it separately to reduce weight during times when the bike has to be lifted and moved. I feel like the battery is very well protected against tips and crashes by the aluminum bars that make up the rear rack and I love how well designed the rack is for use with bags and panniers. It can hold up to 55 pounds which is more than the VERZAe itself! This rack also attaches to the rear fender adding strength and reducing bouncing and squeaking sounds. The whole thing is welded to the main frame and it’s also painted to match, it’s very secure feeling and professional looking and there are two extra reflectors at the rear as well as reflective sidewall stripes on the tires so cars shouldn’t have a problem seeing you at night.

Starting this ebike in electric mode is fairly straight forward. Once the battery has been charged and is connected to the frame (self locking to the dock) you can press the power button on the Bosch Intuvia display. This display is awesome, it’s large, backlit, removable, swivelable (to reduce glare) and even has a remote button pad that’s mounted near the left grip. The most important parts are your speed, battery charge level and assist level. Using the remote button pad you can arrow up or down through no assist or Eco 50%, Tour 120%, Sport 190% and Turbo 275%. Of course, the higher you go the more power you use ;) The display panel also shows you an odometer, trip distance, time and range estimation which is really cool. As you choose an assist level, the range readout estimates how far you can get with the current charge level of the battery. To get to range (or any of these extra readouts) just press the “i” icon on the button pad or the main display. One little extra feature on the display panel is a Micro USB charging port at the top right corner which can be used to update firmware for the display or charge your electronic devices (like GPS, iPods and other portable electronics).

In conclusion, the VERZAe is an impressive bike that shows a softer side of Felt. This is a company that is known for racing type products that focus on performance. I found the VERZA to be comfortable but still high-performing given the design it offers. You get a 10 speed Shimano cassette with Deore (high end) derailleur, a nice set of hydraulic brakes that are easy to activate and fairly responsive, puncture resistant (kevlar-lined) hybrid tires and light-weight ergonomic grips. The lowest price I’m aware of for Bosch powered electric bikes in the United States is $3,999 and that’s how much the VERZAe goes for. Considering all of the extra bells and whistles on this bike (literally, you get a bell), it’s a fabulous deal. The great warranty, wide availability at independent bicycle dealers and size options to choose from make it easy recommend for a wide range of riders. I suppose that’s why it’s called the VERZA… because it’s just so versatile. For me, the bigger question is “do I want stiff performance from a SPORTe model or off-road performance from the NINEe” because both are close in price and weigh more than 10 lbs less. That’s always the trade off for electric bicycles with extra accessories and comfort oriented frames like the VERZAe, but it delivers exactly what it sets out to do and I appreciate that.

Pros:

Four frame sizes to choose from (44 cm, 48 cm, 52 cm and 56 cm), deep low-step frame design is easy to mount and stand over
Felt is a mainstream performance brand known for high quality bicycle builds, strong emphasis on frame and component quality
Gel saddle, ergonomic grips and suspension fork provide added comfort on longer rides and bumpy terrain
Front and rear wheels have quick release which is handy for service and transport, the battery pack is also removable for convenient charging and to reduce the weight of the frame during transport, for security the battery has a built in locking core made by ABUS
Neat cafe-lock for those quick “in and out” moments at the store, it uses the same key as the battery pack and the key is designed to stay locked into the cafe lock until you activate it so you always have the key!
10 speed rear cassette offers good range for climbing or reaching higher velocity on paved tarmac, higher end Deore derailleur from Shimano
Bosch display panel is removable for safe storage, backlit for night use, has a Micro USB port for charging portable electronics while you ride and includes a breakout button pad that clicks when you press down so you don’t have to take your hand off the left grip or eyes off the road to navigate menus or change assist level
Purpose built frame (CNC Aluminum Ferrules) conceals most wires for shifting, braking and motor systems on the bike
Mid-drive motor from Bosch is extremely efficient and powerful! It climbs well as you shift to lower gears and it is capable of 60+ miles per charge if you use the lowest assist level
Pedalec system is extremely responsive (measuring pedal torque, cadence and bicycle speed) so you rarely feel overwhelmed or out of control
Hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power while minimizing hand fatigue, great for individuals with smaller or weaker fingers and wrists
Solid two year warranty on drivetrain, components and electronics with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a good reputation from Felt
Includes a well positioned kickstand so you don’t have to worry about leaning this up against walls or having it tip as easily
Impressive rear rack capable of holding a 25 kg (~55 lb) load, the tubing is welded directly to the frame for strength (and to reduce rattling) and it surrounds and protects the battery pack, the top tubes are standard gauge meaning they work with most clip-on panniers
Battery pack is completely removable and can be charged on or off the bike, taking it off also reduces the weight for transport

Cons:

Less rigid than the SPORTe Step-Thru which features a low-cut diamond frame, the VERZAe flexes a bit if you steer quickly and the weight of the rear rack and battery create a bit of “crack the whip”
One of the heaviest models from Felt for the 2015 model year, at ~51.5 lbs (for the size 52 cm frame) it’s more than 10 pounds heavier than the SPORTe models
Somewhat rear heavy given the battery location (high over the back wheel) but the rack is very functional and this had to be done for the deep step-thru
No throttle mode available here, this is a pedalec only and requires rider pedaling input to activate the motor
Lower end plastic pedals that can slip when wet and ergo grips that don’t have lockers that can spin, also no water bottle cage bosses, consider a saddle rail adapter or a saddle bag

Resources:

Official Site: http://feltelectric.com/usa/?page_id=345
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/3FiniADhZfjGFPtQ9

January 29, 2024 (11 months ago)

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Taylor

9 years ago

Can you please review the Felt Verza-e 30 S?

Court Rye

Hi Taylor! I’ll keep an eye out for this one for sure! I’d love to review it but have been distracted with travel and other reviews (currently sitting on 16 videos to post in the coming weeks!) the Felt ebikes are awesome and I’m excited about the new Verza :D

Cris Jaffe

8 years ago

I have been loving my Felt Verza electric bike! Purchased it in May, and have been riding it all over for fun and errands. I also purchased a trailer to haul my little Westie … as I say, this bike turns an errand into an adventure. You nailed the review! I found your site while looking for a small handle bar mounted pack to hold my phone, etc. Its complicated to mount a front basket on this bike, due to the electronic screen … so far, that’s my only “problem” with this amazing bike :)

Nice! How did you connect the trailer Cris? And which one did you go for? I ask because I’ve been looking at trailers myself and sometimes ebikes are a bit trickier to connect, but since this is a mid-drive it’s probably not so bad :)

Good luck with the bar bag, my Mom actually just bought one on Amazon for her bike and it flops around more than I’d like… The VERZAe has a big tube so I’m wondering which ones will fit? Do you want one with a window to see your phone like this or something larger? Smaller? How about a standard trunk bag like this to put on the rear rack… it would hold more and there’s a spot for a water bottle, it’s inexpensive too.

Emms

I have just got this bike and it is fantastic. So easy to handle. You can ride it without changing your clothes. I now keep up with my husband on cycles and use the car less.

Just a couple of things to add to your great review. You missed that you can add a basket at the back with the black adapter that fell off in your demo. That has a red switch, so you can easily take the basket off. I have put a really big basket on here to carry work stuff or a rucksack and water rather than panniers. Its very secure. Also, it has a walking mode button on the breakout control panel to help you push it. Can’t say I have used this much yet though. I thought I didn’t want a step through but it means I can ride it wearing dresses or jeans with the guard on the chain. And its so easy to handle.

If you are hesitating about this bike, go for it! It is really fun to ride and no squeaks on mine.

Hey Emms! Great comment, thanks for filling us in about the rear rack. I’m glad to hear the Felt VERZAe is working so well for you. Indeed, step-thru bikes can be delightful because they make riding easier. I just reviewed this step-thru mountain bike with my girlfriend and at first she wasn’t so sure about it but after a bit of riding the design made her feel more confident than mid-step or high-step bikes we’ve covered in the past. Hope the bike delivers many more fun rides for you! Thanks again :)

Dave Caldwell

I love my Felt Verza E (called E30 in the UK)! I honestly couldn’t be happier with it, it delivers everything I wanted from my first electric bike, taking all the ‘no fun’ parts out of cycling in hilly Scotland and keeping all the fun stuff. I’m 240 pounds and can climb hills on this without breaking a sweat. Worth every penny and just a joy to ride and own. I use it every day after being away from regular cycling for 15 years, thanks Court !

Awesome, sounds like you’re having a blast Dave! Thanks for the updated terminology from the UK, that’s cool :)

Blake

7 years ago

Just purchased the Verza E today, after reading your review, watching the video, and taking it out for an extended test ride in rush-hour traffic. Not quite as nice a torque sensor as on the Elby, but this one has suspension and is quite a bit cheaper. Plus I got a deal on a demo model that I could not refuse. Having them add a Cane Creek seat suspension, raise the handebars another inch, and replace quick release with axle skewers that require a special tool. Hope to add rack-adapter to pull my Burley Travoy trailer, and still have space for panniers. Won’t really know if it will work until I set it all up. I almost got the Benelli Classica because I prefer the classic European styling (my current regular bike is an Opus Lugano), but I think this will be a better choice for longer rides. I’m a 10 min walk from work, so this is mainly for weekend rides, going up to market, and some extended summer tours. My one concern is that the frame size they had in stock was 48, and I’m 5ft 11in. Is this too small? It felt a bit compact, but I liked that it was therefore a more upright riding position. Thanks again for the great reviews you do Court. Your site is a wealth of information and I’ve consulted it extensively in narrowing down what to get.

Hi Blake! Sounds like you got a decent bike with some great accessories to fit your ride style. Yeah, the frame size you got is probably on the small side for you but still within reason. Usually, when I go to shops for help, they say I’m between sizes and I’m 5’9″ so medium to large. Thanks for your positive feedback about the site and taking the time to share your comment. Have fun out there and feel free to share updates as you use the VERZAe more and more :)

Paul

I have been riding this bike for six months – 3,000 kilometers – and loving it. The Bosch system is very smooth, gives excellent range and is outstanding going up hills. Most impressed with the Intuvia display – I think it is the best one going. Charging the bike is also very convenient.

As mentioned in the review the components – brakes, tires, derailleur etc… are high quality and mesh together very well. (The only minor exception would be the pedals, which as Court pointed out, can get slippery when wet and I think just are not up to the standard of the rest of the bike).

I find the bike to be outstanding for touring and commuting. I was willing to have a little more of a rear heavy bike (which I actually do not notice) for the ease of access of a step through). One of the bike’s best attributes for me is the great ride – you can go all day and be very happy. I added a Thudbuster long travel seat post, as well as a Satori Heads Up to raise the handlebars, which makes things even more comfortable.

All in all – the bike feels solid, handles very well, will go a long way on a single charge, and has presented absolutely no problems – a great ride!

Nice! Thanks for the great testimonial and tips on accessories Paul. I’m glad the Felt Verza-e has been working well for you and that the Bosch motor is strong enough and efficient enough. It’s definitely one of my favorite electric bike drive systems on the market right now and I like how Felt really emphasized approachability with this bike frame. I hope it continues well and you have lots of fun rides in the future :)

Chris Menton

2 years ago

Thank you for the Felt VERZAe Review. It sold us on the bike. We live in Rhode Island and Judy needs to ride it prior to purchase. Can you offer any clues where we might find this bike in a small size? Thank you,

Court

Hi Chris! I don’t know where you’d be able to find this specific model. I think my review is a bit out of date now, but perhaps there’s a new version. Here’s a map of the Felt dealers worldwide that we know about.