7/27/2023 0 Comments Big kap djPart of this is because I particularly disliked the MicroShift 8-speed shifter. Especially for a commuting bike, where commuters might put additional emphasis toward avoiding the risk of chain grease on their business clothes. The same goes for a belt drive, which would cost more to add than a torque sensor, but which I also prefer. Denago’s fat tire bike has a torque sensor on a $1,799 bike (with bigger battery, motor and tires, but not as many extras), so it can certainly be done. If I’m already spending $1,799 on a bike, I feel like I’d rather have a torque sensor for ~$100 more, since in my opinion a torque sensor just gives a much better experience. I’d prefer throttle for no pedaling, torque sensor for pedaling, and different pedal-assist levels for different speeds. But the throttle already allows for that, so I find cadence sensors somewhat redundant. Some prefer cadence sensors because they can “ghost pedal,” without having to put even a small amount of force into pedaling, which can help for those with injuries or bad joints (see: the aforementioned elderly). Throttle could be used in these cases, but the thumb throttle doesn’t really allow for precise speed control either.īut then, this is a matter of taste. bike moving before the electro-motion kicks in (though the aforementioned “walking mode” can be used in these circumstances).Īnd cadence sensors are tough for group rides too, because it’s hard to exactly pace whoever you’re riding with (unless everyone is on the same bike model). So if you happen to be on a hill or any sort of strange terrain, it takes effort to get this big 66 lb. Neither throttle nor pedal assist can be used from a complete dead stop, both require you to get moving first. The bike’s cadence sensor and pedal assist can lead to some quirky movement. It does come with a taillight, but it requires 2x AAA batteries to operate, and needs to be turned on manually separate from the bike/headlight. Two extras we’d like to see are some sort of water bottle/drink holder (you’ll have to find your own way around this, there are no built-in mounts on the frame) and a taillight integrated into the bike’s battery. The bike comes well-equipped with lots of nice features, like metal front and rear fenders, monochrome digital display, adjustable stem, hydraulic disc brakes, rear rack, headlight, and a sturdy kickstand (rear-mounted, so don’t forget to kick it up like I always do). And the step-through design makes the bike easier to mount, even if it is quite big. I can certainly see how this could be the case. The bike does have a “walking mode” activated by holding a handlebar button, which helps if trying to push the huge bike up an incline, etc.ĭenago says that despite the bike’s name and target market (commuters), it has actually been surprisingly popular among older customers due to its comfort, large size, and upright seating position from the swept-back handlebar and adjustable stem. This size does make for a smooth and comfortable ride, along with the bike’s large 27″ x 2.6″ tires, suspension in both the seatpost and fork and its wide padded saddle. And if you’re too big for most bikes, this might be just what you’re looking for. I wasn’t able to test whether the S/M size would feel better for me on the whole, but definitely consider test-riding if you’re on the borderline of Denago’s sizing chart. But I’m 6′ and still wished the saddle could go lower than its lowest position (38″ from the ground) on the L/XL bike. Denago’s size chart suggests S/M size for riders 5’0″-5’9″ and L/XL for 5’9″-6’4″. I mentioned above that the bike is big, and I don’t say that lightly. Extras: Monochrome LCD display with speedometer, battery gauge, PAS level indicator, odometer/tripmeter and PIN code lock left-side thumb throttle cadence sensor metal front and rear fenders rear rack kickstand integrated headlight rear reflector with battery operated tail light (2x AAA).Brakes: Zoom Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotors.Battery: 48V/13.6Ah (652.8 Wh), frame-integrated, removable, included 3 amp charger.Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) throttle, 28 mph (45 km/h) pedal assist (Class III).Motor: 500 W rear geared hub motor with 50 Nm torque.At $1,799, it’s not quite a budget bike, but it’s still reasonably priced compared to the field given all of its extras, though there are still a few different decisions we wish they would have made. The Denago Commute is a bike that puts a premium on rider comfort and has quite a few built-in features that won’t leave you wanting for much. Denago sent us a review copy of the step-through model of its $1,799 Commute bike, and we’ll take you through what we thought of this big, well-equipped, and comfort-focused bike.
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