Stromer ST1 Elite Review

The Stromer ST1 Elite is one step down from the Platinum and offers fewer gears, a lower top speed, no front shock option and one less color choice… but you save $600. This is a well designed bike that rides smooth and looks amazing. It does not offer twist throttle mode which means you’ll have to pedal continuously to activate the motor, but that reduces complexity in the system. On the upside, this bike offers regenerative braking and the motor is activated via torque sensor vs. the simpler pedalec system. It truly feels like you’re flying when you ride this bike but the price tag is pretty steep.

Driving this bike is a gearless 500 watt motor rated at 600 watts which basically means you get extra power. Gearless motors coast silently and in this case, offer regenerative braking which extends range and reduces wear on the brakes. The brakes themselves are oversized hydraulic discs that work exceedingly well. The system is clean with minimal wires and cables that are integrated seamlessly below the downtube. It’s easy to fall for the aesthetic of this bike and forget it’s electric at all.

The battery pack driving the motor offers 36 volts of power and 10 amp hours of range in the form of Lithium Nickel Metal Hydride. Stromer offers an amazing three year warranty on this battery and you can also buy a second one to extend range for $700. All in all, this battery pack is average in terms of size and power but that keeps it light and dare I say, more affordable? The LCD computer system that connects the battery with the motor is intuitive, sleek and well protected offering the standard speed, capacity and power settings you’d expect.

The truth about this bike is that it works much better than some of Stromer’s older designs like the Sport but it’s not perfect. For one thing, it’s heavy! weighing in at 62 pounds. That’s due in part to the gearless hub motor which enables the regenerative braking. If you compare this bike with the Easy Motion Neo Race, you spend $400 less and have a 42 pound bike! Now you won’t get regenerative braking and large cushy tires… but the ride will be comparable and you’ll get twist throttle support.

Overall I’m very impressed with the ST1 Elite. It’s fun to ride, looks great, comes in multiple sizes for a good fit and the battery warranty is amazing. Stromer has been around since 2010 and continues to refine their bikes. They now offer a City Kit with integrated lights, fenders and a rear rack + basket system. You can even have your company logo painted onto the frame. If you’re looking for a solid performer and can spare the extra cash this is a great choice.

Pros:

• Clean, focused design with limited clutter and complexity
• Awesome regenerative braking system, extends range and reduces wear on brakes
• Strong 500 watt motor 36 volt battery combination, battery is removable
• Sturdy, oversized tires are puncture resistant and provide shock absorption when riding
• High quality “City Kit” upgrade includes lights, fenders and rack + basket
• Multiple frame sizes, including step-through, and two colors to choose from (black and white)
• Awesome three year warranty on the battery pack
• Ability to customize graphics on the frame if you pay extra

Cons:

• Only offers pedal assist whereas other ebikes also offer throttle mode
• Bike is heavier than comparable ebikes, partially due to gearless hub motor vs. geared
• Expensive as compared with similarly specced electric bikes
• Only available with a carbon fork vs. shock absorber (have to upgrade to the Platinum to get the shock)

Resources:

• Official Site: http://www.stromerbike.com/en/us
• More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/UqaGsrCtzjLFeZbZ7