Frebike
Single-speed e-bikes are wonderful choices for anybody seeking a light-weight, simple e-bike that merely works. And among the best choices available on the market within the US has confirmed to be the Propella V4.0.
This new replace to the Propella line brings a number of upgrades over the last version of the bike I tested nearly 18 months ago.
The most recent Propella V4.0, which additionally accessible in a 7-speed setup for those who need to cope with annoyances like hills, stays one of the affordably priced commuter e-bikes on the market.
The one pace model is a reasonable $1,099, which makes it simply shy of breaking into the coveted sub-$1,000 e-bikes category. However that additional $99 might be value it when you can swing it.
Simply take a look at my video overview of this new e-bike beneath to see it examined in a commuter position, then learn on for the complete overview.
Propella V4.0 electrical bike video overview
Propella V4.0 electrical bicycle tech specs
- Motor: 250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
- Prime pace: 30 km/h (18.5 mph)
- Vary: 32-61 km (20-38 mi) relying on pedal help degree
- Battery: 36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
- Cost time: 2.5 hours
- Weight: 15.9 kg (35 lb)
- Body: Aluminum alloy
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
- Extras: LCD show with speedometer, battery gauge, PAS degree indicator, odometer, tripmeter, 5 pace settings, mounting factors for racks/fenders, alloy bar ends, steel pedals, compact charger
Two bikes for 2 forms of riders
First off, I’m solely protecting the single-speed e-bike right here since that’s what I examined. As I discussed, there’s a 7-speed model too, do you have to really feel the necessity for additional gears. It’s largely the identical because the single-speed bike, however prices an additional $200.
At an inexpensive $1,099, I like the only pace.
The motor is highly effective sufficient for all of the flat land driving I do and might even show you how to up medium hills, although this isn’t an excessively highly effective e-bike.
There’s no throttle although, so that you’re all the time going to be including your individual pedal energy as effectively.
With the single-speed setup, the considerably taller gearing mixed with the slight lag of cadence sensor-based pedal help means you’ve obtained to place slightly extra oomph into getting rolling. However after that first half pedal stroke or so, the help kicks in and also you’ve obtained all of the increase you’ll want.
On Stage 1 pedal help, the motor provides only a good little tail wind however isn’t very noticeable. When you click on it up into Stage 4 or 5 the enjoyable actually begins as you blast as much as 18.5 mph (30 km/h) decently shortly. Once more – this isn’t a motorbike so don’t count on loopy acceleration. But it surely does its job of serving to you’re taking the sting off as you carry out your individual pedaling.
The battery is kind of small at simply 250 Wh, however there’s no throttle to empty it shortly and so you may nonetheless get fairly first rate vary. I discovered that 20 miles (32 km) of vary is well achievable, and you may go a lot farther with solely gentle pedal help.
The battery itself was truly redesigned for the 4.0 and has a nicer, smoother removing mechanism to lock and unlock the battery from the body in addition to improved waterproofing. There’s additionally a brand new, smaller charger to go together with it. I really like these compact chargers as a result of they’re simple to toss in a bag with out giving up half of your cupboard space. And for a small battery like this, a charger which you can tackle the go is a superb function for infrequent top-ups at your vacation spot. Even higher: purchase a second charger to maintain on the workplace and also you’ll by no means have to fret about carrying a charger with you for longer rides or on mornings the place you forgot to high up the battery.
One other improve to the V4.0 might be discovered within the tires. They’re premium CST with a deeper tread and at the moment are puncture resistant. That’s an necessary element that always will get missed, particularly on these finances e-bikes. You by no means know in regards to the flat tire that you simply didn’t get as a result of your tires held up, however simply keep in mind how a lot it sucked fixing your final tube that popped on the facet of the street. You possibly can keep away from that with some first rate tires.
The saddle on the Propella V4.0 was additionally upgraded. I’m not an enormous fan of tiny saddles, however this one appears to separate the distinction between consolation and staying out of the way in which of your pedaling. With these pedal assist-only Class 1 e-bikes, a correct saddle that permits for good pedaling type is necessary. It’s nice to see the Propella V4.0 get a extra comfy seat.
I do know that I typically complain about e-bikes that don’t include racks or fenders. And it’s true that Propella costs you additional for these equipment. However I additionally perceive that some individuals merely gained’t want these parts and so the choice of including them implies that everybody will get a decrease beginning value.
I do want that the bike would come with lights although. I see commuter e-bikes as private autos – not within the motorcar sense (again off, DMV!) however of their excessive utility as full transportation alternate options. Constructed-in lights on my street-oriented e-bikes simply appear to be a minimal requirement to me. It’s one factor to depart them off of mountain bikes, however I believe avenue bikes ought to embrace them as commonplace gear since they’re security options.
Aside from that, I can’t actually complain about the rest right here. It’s a stable e-bike that feels sturdy whereas remaining light-weight, and all of the design selections really feel applicable for the worth class.
The Propella V4.0 looks as if the right metropolis e-bike for a each day commuter. If you happen to want suspension or mountain bike tires, then this isn’t the e-bike for you. However for anybody that feels comfy on a hipster bike, the Propella V4.0 will instantly really feel at residence beneath you.
When all you need is a light-weight, easy, and reasonably priced choice to get to high school or work, Propella delivers with a well-made resolution.
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