Name: GenZe 200 Series Review
Item: GenZe 200 Series
Author: Court Rye

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GenZe 200 Series Review

Genze 200 Series Shimano Tourney Cassette

Genze 200 Series 160 Mm Front Shimano Disc Brake

A relatively comfortable electric bike that feels well suited for shorter treks through the city thanks to its Selle Royale Free Way gel saddle, Ergon ergonomic grips, and overall frame geometry
The 350-watt geared hub motor is surprisingly zippy and able to drive the e201 to its 20 mph top speed relatively quickly, it's compact and lightweight - balancing out the mid-frame battery
Torque sensing pedal assist and throttle only options expand the roles the e201 can play, giving riders the option to use it as a traditional electric bike or more like a moped or scooter
Integrated GenZe app provides tons of great information and functionality like built-in navigation, but the bike also has some components found on entry-level electric bikes

Make:

GenZe

Model:

200 Series

Price:

$1,899

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

United States, Canada, Mexico

Model Year:

2018

Total Weight:

49.9 lbs (22.63 kg)

Battery Weight:

2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

16 in (40.64 cm)18 in (45.72 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Large Frame Measurments: 18" Seat Tube, 23" Reach, 28.5" Stand Over Height, 26" Width, 69.5" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step, Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Matte Black, Matte Grey

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Steel, 100 mm Hub Spacing, 9 mm Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135 mm Hub Spacing, 11 mm Threaded Axle with Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rear Rack Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano Altus Derailleur, Shimano Hyperglide HG 12-32T Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano Microshift Trigger Shifter on Right

Cranks:

Aluminum Alloy, 165 mm Length, 48T Chainring, Plastic Chain Guard

Pedals:

FP Aluminum Alloy Platform with Reflectors, Black

Headset:

Threadless, Internal Cups, 1-1/8" Straight

Stem:

100 mm Length, Two 10 mm Spacers, One 20 mm Spacer

Handlebar:

Mid-Rise, Aluminum Alloy, 660 mm Width

Brake Details:

Shimano Mechanical Disc with 180 mm Rear Rotor and 160 mm Front Rotor, Four-Finger Levers with Rubberized Edge and Bell on Left and Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Ergon Ergonomic, Rubber, Black with Grey Accents

Saddle:

Selle Royale Free Way Gel, Black

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.8 mm

Rims:

Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Big Apple, 26" x 2" (50-559)

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

35 to 70 PSI, 2.5 to 5 BAR

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Optional OnGuard BullDog LS U-Lock with Mounting Bracket: 4.5" x 11" ($39.95), Planet Bike Beamer 3 Headlight ($24.99)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack, 0.5 lb 2 Amp Charger, Double-Sided Kickstand

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Battery Brand:

Samsung 18650 SDI

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

9.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

345.6 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-Ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

15 miles (24 km)

Estimated Max Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Display Type:

Downtube Integrated, Fixed, Backlit, Color LCD

Readouts:

Battery Indicator (6 Bars), Trip Meter, Odometer, Current Speed, Pedal Assist Level (0-5), Bluetooth Icon

Display Accessories:

Independent Control Pad on Left (Buttons: On/Off, Set, +, -), USB Type A Port on Base of Button Pad, Throttle on Right

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle

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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GenZe has been making electric bikes for a while, having established themselves with their 100 series several years ago – in fact, Court actually covered both the e101 and e102 all the way back in 2014. Now, GenZe has a new lineup – the 200 series – with some improvements over their earlier iterations. The e201 and e202 have more powerful motors, larger capacity batteries, a sleeker design and improved warranties. The e201 and e202 come in either 16-inch or 18-inch frame sizes with two color schemes: white with red accents or black with blue accents. The e201, which is the model I tested, is a high-step frame, while the e202 is a step-thru. I like that GenZe has a variety of frame sizes and types as opposed to a standard “one-size-fits-all” frame. I believe this allows for a wider variety of riders to find the perfect setup for them. In my opinion, the GenZe e201 is a striking bike with a unique frame design and the Ergon ergonomic grips coupled with the Selle Royale Free Way saddle and overall geometry make for a comfortable ride that feels something like a hybrid of a cruiser and a road bike. Priced at $1,899, the e201 and e202 aren’t exactly entry-level price point electric bikes, and while it seems like there are some compromises when it comes to the components, overall there are still a lot of positive aspects to these models and the smartphone app really sets it apart. I particularly like the fully integrated and removable battery that all but disappears into the frame, making these electric bikes pretty stealthy – you really have to pay attention to notice it’s electric because the motor is compact as well. The battery is surprisingly light at just 2.1 pounds, which means lugging it around the city while the e201 is parked at a bike rack wouldn’t be nearly as much of a chore as some of the heavier batteries that way upwards of six pounds. A quick turn of a key unlocks the battery and with a slight tug on the built in handle it slides out of the frame, ready to be charged on the go. I love that the battery has a handle built in too, so you won’t drop it as easily. GenZe estimates the max range of the 200 series is about 40 miles, but given the battery has 345.6 watt hours, I’d venture a guess and say the range will probably be a bit less than that, especially if you’re a larger rider like me (200 lbs) and are using the throttle and power mode a lot.

Weighing in at 49 pounds, the GenZe e201 isn’t the lightest electric bike in the world but the 350-watt geared hub motor in the rear and the integrated battery in the middle of the frame, it felt like it was well balanced. There are two different operating modes for the e201 – “Normal” and “Power” – and the power mode provides a decent amount of, well, power. Even at 350 watts the e201 felt pretty zippy, even when only using the throttle. The motor can bring this bike up to 20 mph with the throttle or with pedal assist, and even though I weigh 200 pounds I found I was able to easily reach top speed. The e201 also has a torque sensor as opposed to a cadence sensor – one of the areas where I feel GenZe opted for an upgraded component. The torque sensor felt relatively responsive and the power came on quite quickly once I applied pressure to the pedals, and perhaps more importantly power cut off just as fast when I let off the gas. I always appreciate electric bikes with quick power cut offs as having the motor continue to provide power once pedaling has stopped can make traveling at low speeds a bit tricky, and sometimes even dangerous. Imagine trying to weave in-between cars or pedestrians on a busy street at slow speeds and having the motor cranking out full power when you don’t want it to… not that I’d advise anyone do that of course. :) Thankfully, that’s not an issue with the GenZe bikes. Additionally, the 200 series have motor inhibitors, so anytime the brakes are depressed the motor instantly shuts off, even if the rider is still pedaling or twisting the throttle. The Shimano Tourney derailleur offers 8 gears to cycle through, another slightly upgraded feature.

Braking power for the e201 was ample, though the mechanical disc brakes did require some extra pressure compared to hydraulic disc brakes. I think one of the upsides of having mechanical disc brakes is the ease of maintenance and adjustment. Generally speaking, they’re easier to fine tune than hydraulic disc brakes for the end user. Interestingly, the e201 has two different sized rotors for the front and rear disc brakes. The front has a 160 mm rotor while the rear has a 180 mm disc rotor. Given that the majority of stopping power comes from the front wheel (as your body weight shifts forward), I feel like it would make more sense for this to be reversed, with the larger rotor in the front and the smaller one in the rear. Still, I was able to bring the bike to a full stop pretty easily. During my brake testing I also put the motor inhibitors to work by trying to pedal while braking and also using the throttle while braking. In both instances the motor inhibitors worked as intended and power to the motor shut off as soon as I put pressure on the brake levers. I should probably note the brake levers aren’t adjustable in terms of reach, which could make grasping them difficult for those with extra large or small hands, or those wearing gloves. Maybe not, but just something to keep in mind.

One of the areas the e201 really shines is the integrated LCD control center and its corresponding app. The control center on the bike itself probably has enough information to satisfy most riders – a 6-bar battery level indicator, current speed, tripometer, odometer and pedal assist level – but the app has an incredible amount of additional information. And because the main display is integrated into the top-tube, you have plenty of room on the handlebar to mount your phone! On the smartphone app homescreen, you can see battery level in precise percentages, as well as a range estimation based on the current pedal assist setting and the ambient temperature. On the “Trips” tab there’s a built-in navigational tool where riders can input a destination and then get turn-by-turn directions. Very sweet. The app can diagnose the bike if there’s a problem, tracks all activity and displays it in graph form and also provides an overall synopsis of the bike. I really dig the app if you can’t tell. That being said, the display’s location on the top of the downtube makes viewing stats while riding somewhat difficult. I had to tilt my head down quite a bit in order to read it, obscuring obscuring my view ahead, and while I was in a safe area this could be dangerous in busier locations. The display is also non-removable, which means it’s going to be constantly exposed to the elements and possibly scratched at racks.

The GenZe e201 feels like it would be a great electric bike for shorter trips around the city. There’s rear rack bosses so riders can throw on a rack and stow their gear, and also fender bosses to attach fenders to help keep riders dry and clean. The Selle Royalle Free Way saddle, Ergon ergonomic grips, wide pressurized 2-inch wide tires and overall frame geometry make for a relatively comfortable ride. But since there’s no suspension, longer treks could prove to somewhat uncomfortable (I definitely felt this when riding through some grass off-road). The e201 feels like a responsive electric bike that’s enjoyable to ride and I want to thank GenZe for partnering with me on this review.

Pros:

Motor inhibitors instantly shut off power when the brakes are activated, ensuring riders can safely come to a stop without fighting against the motor
Selle Royale Free Way saddle and Ergon ergonomic grips make for a relatively comfortable ride experience, even without suspension, the overall geometry of the e201 adds to this comfort in my opinion, the mid-rise handlebars and stem spacers keep you upright
Small hub motor and fully-integrated battery make for a stealthy electric bike that can fly under the radar, you really have to look closely to realize it’s actually electric, though the motor does produce some whirring at the higher levels of power
Schwalbe Big Apple tires are highly pressurized and responsive, making the bike feel nimble, they also have a double layer of nylon fabric for increased protection against punctures and a reflective sidewall for increased visibility in low-light conditions
Torque sensing pedal assist is responsive and more fluid (matching the power you apply when pedaling, not just measuring an on/off that you are pedaling or not)
Having a twist throttle means the e201 can be used like a traditional electric bike by using the pedals or more like a scooter or moped by using just the throttle, expanding the roles the e201 can play
Double-sided kickstand keeps the e201 securely in place when deployed, which is especially important if riders are using a rear rack (which you have to buy separately, make sure it’s disc brake compatible like this)
Front and rear mechanical disc brakes offer adequate stopping power and will stay cleaner than most rim brakes… even though this is more of an urban style bicycle, they make it easier to take the wheels off the bike too
Built-in display offers a good amount of information, but the GenZe app provides tons of extra functionality like navigation, a more accurate battery indicator, and a lot of overall stats
The battery is lightweight and easy to carry around, and even has a built in handle so you’re less likely to drop and damage it by mistake, batteries tend to be one of the most expensive parts of ebikes (store it in a cool, dry location for best results)
2-year comprehensive warranty means GenZe will take care of any issues should they arise, this is a small unit of a much larger company that has been around and feels reliable
Available in two frame sizes and two styles (high-step and low-step) so you can optimize for stiffness and performance or approachability, great if you have a sensitive knee or hip
Great pedals, they are large and stiff with plenty of traction, I also like that they squeezed bottle cage bosses onto the downtube!
Most of the wires and cables are routed through the frame, this thing is purpose built to look good and reduce snags if you’re lifting it or hanging it on the back of a car rack or on some busses
You can switch from Normal to Power mode to increase the feeling of zip and achieve higher speeds more quickly… or go with Normal to help the battery last longer and take you further, it’s a neat little extra
The battery pack is super light which makes it easier to toss into your backpack and charge off the bike, I also like how integrated it is into the frame, it looks really nice and streamlined
The crank arms, chainring guard, motor, rims, and spokes are all black and blend together nicely, most of the time you get silver spokes or different colored pedals… but even they are black here

Cons:

The front disc brake rotor is smaller than the rear, and since most stopping power comes the front wheel it seems like that should be the other way around
No integrated lights means riders who want illumination for night riding must buy and attach their own aftermarket lights
No suspension, and the 30.8 mm seat post diameter is not super common, which could make finding an aftermarket seat post suspension difficult
Brake levers aren’t adjustable so riders with extra large or extra small hands, or those wearing gloves, may find it difficult to grasp the levers… but at least the mechanical brakes are going to be easier to adjust for most owners than hydraulic
The double-sided kickstand does provide stability, but when folded up still hangs down pretty low and could get caught on debris while riding
At 9.6 amp hours, the battery capacity is a little lower than some other electric bikes, which means the range will also likely be a little less than electric bikes with larger batteries
With a price of $1,899, the 200 series aren’t overly affordable, and the bikes also have a few components that are found on most entry-level bikes, like mechanical disc brakes vs. hydraulic, Shimano Tourney derailleur, no-name hub motor
The tube-integrated display looks neat and keeps the handlebars clutter-free but it requires you to look further down to get to the readouts vs. something up higher and more forward where you’re already looking as you ride, the good news is, you now have plenty of room on the bars to mount your phone with something like this

Resources:

Official Site: https://www.genze.com/e-bikes/#–SIL-350-SKD
More Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3aOvNDlq5WFTM1iy1

January 29, 2024 (3 months ago)

GenZe Recreational e102 Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2014, 2015

A good balance of affordable options (weaker motor, entry level parts and one color) with a thoughtful custom design (mid-mounted battery, multiple frame sizes, integrated wires). Large display panel is easy to read but not removable, independent button pad is convenient…...

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Mike

6 years ago

That’s a very nice way of putting it – “aren’t overly affordable.” Very true, and in fact their price point at $1899 is a very crowded price point, and the competition at that price point is delivering far more value. Usually you can find much more stylish ebikes at that price point, that also have integrated front and rear lights, larger battery capacity, front shocks, and 500 watt motors. Also, their choice of torque sensing is likely to be a very costly one for them, as ebikes that have had torque sensing in this price range, generally have many warranty issues, and failures with that device. It’s not worth the trade-off of some modest difference in ‘feel’ during assist, for something that ends up causing the user headaches, return of defective stuff, or replacement of a usually hard to deal with mechanically item. In my opinion, at this price point, buyers should expect no less than:

48 volt, 10 ah to 13 AH Samsung or Panasonic batteries, integrated on the frame or center mount just behind the seat post, such as on a Blix
10 speeds, and preferably a SRAM derailleur, or something better than Altus
500 watt, 48 V motor
Integrated front and rear tail lights
Adjustable stem
Rear rack
50 mile range
LCD type display
halfway decent front suspension
Metal pedals, that are wider than average
Mechanical disc brakes
2″ or wider name brand tires (Kenda or Schwalbe)
13G spokes
USB port on the battery
Kickstand mounted away from the crank
Comfortable seat
20 amp controller with waterproof connections
comfortable grips
Local support via a dealer network (not on-line where you have to do your own trouble-shooting and repairs -which is where a 2 year or 4 warranty even is senseless)

Many of These e-bike OEM’s are really not getting their price points right, which is in part why sales are so much lower here than other countries. (a few like Juiced or Rad are getting the price points closer to what they need to be)…. Americans are going to demand more value and lower price points, because they don’t use these ebikes for primary commuting as much as is done in other countries. Bike use in general is still largely recreational here, so justifying prices above $2,500 or $3,000, results in a very low percentage of the population wishing to ebike, no matter how exciting they may be to ride. Thus, we end up having too many brands of ‘me too’ ebikes, all competing for a very very very tiny niche market with prices mostly between $3,000 and $5,000, and with too many brands, each brand has a very weak dealer network, and not enough volume each to justify investment into a better trained and more knowledgeable network. The few like Genze who do price ebikes below $2,000, aren’t establishing decent dealer networks, and/or are providing margins too small for dealers to survive. Selling ebikes through places like Costco, or Dick’s, won’t cut it either. The sales declines in regular bike business continue to be steep, year over year, with notables like Accell getting their teeth kicked in and completely re-structuring, (many like them so not just picking on them). Now is the time for the major brands to step up and offer really high quality ebikes at affordable price points below $2,000. That is, if we want to see ebikes become more mainstream.

Court Rye

Well said Mike, I enjoyed your thorough suggestions and pricing discussion. I have been doing my best to cover the space and present data here so people can compare products back to back and then discuss them (as well as in the forums) and comments like yours go a long way toward that. I do agree that Juiced and Rad Power Bikes have made a splash and are tapping into a good balance of quality and affordability. Do you own an ebike? Have you been thinking about getting one or replacing yours? I’d love to hear which models you are really excited for :)