Purchasing an electric bike often involves navigating a maze of components and features. My recent experience with a Costco e-bike took an unexpected turn when, contrary to expectations of an Enviolo system, it arrived with Shimano components. This surprise, however, turned out to be a pleasant one, especially considering the $800 price difference. After putting about 20 miles on this Electric Bike Shimano, it’s clear that this is a noteworthy machine.
Effortless Assembly
Assembling a bike for the first time can be intimidating, but the process for this electric bike Shimano was surprisingly smooth. The provided video instructions were exceptionally clear, and with the included tools, along with a simple screwdriver, the bike was ready to ride in under an hour. The assembly was not just easy but genuinely enjoyable. Fine-tuning the handlebar position required a bit of extra time, and achieving a fully upright, Dutch-style riding posture might need further adjustments.
Ride Quality and Comfort
While the overall ride experience is positive, the saddle on this electric bike Shimano leaves something to be desired in terms of comfort. This isn’t related to it being a hardtail but rather the seat’s design itself. Upgrading to a wider saddle with enhanced cushioning is likely on the horizon. Aside from the seat, the bike is a pleasure to ride, and the Large size frame is an excellent fit for a rider who is 6’2″.
Road Performance and Handling
The road manners of this electric bike Shimano are impressive. Even without any pedal assist, it feels remarkably similar to a traditional bike, not excessively heavy, and quite comparable to a Trek Verve 1 Disc. While higher-end models might offer a more agile and lighter feel, this bike handles confidently. Cornering is secure, though the pedal height is a point to be mindful of. Scraping a pedal during even moderate leans is easy. Consciously keeping the inside pedal raised while cornering becomes a necessary habit. On paved surfaces, the ride quality is excellent, and it handles gravel better than a bike with narrower tires. High-speed stability is where this bike truly shines. Descending underpasses and reaching speeds of 28mph felt remarkably stable, a significant improvement over the jittery feeling experienced on a Verve at just 20mph. Testing the top speed confirmed its capabilities.
Power and Acceleration with Shimano System
Initially, there were concerns that the Shimano system, with its potentially shorter gearing range, might limit the top speed to below 28mph. However, using pedal assist level 5, achieving and maintaining 28mph is surprisingly easy. This electric bike Shimano boasts considerable power, effortlessly sustaining speeds of 26-28mph for stretches of 1-2 miles. Maintaining 25mph on paved roads for longer distances is certainly achievable, with a comfortable cruising speed around 23-25mph. The motor operates quietly, producing a faint whine that is virtually masked by wind noise at higher speeds. While hill tests weren’t conducted, underpass inclines were tackled with ease, maintaining 10mph on assist level 3, where a Verve would struggle at 5mph. On gravel, speeds up to 25mph are attainable, although loose, sandy gravel at 20mph+ requires more effort. This bike truly excels as a speed-oriented machine on pavement. For riders aiming for a sustained 20mph, it’s effortlessly achievable, even for someone with moderate cycling experience. The bike effectively doubles average speeds compared to a regular bike with the same level of exertion.
Achieving 28mph is more limited by the force applied to the pedals than cadence. A comfortable 25mph can be maintained with a normal cadence. Although the bike lacks a cadence sensor, online forums suggest that upgrading to a larger front pulley and belt could potentially increase the gearing for even higher speeds, a possible future upgrade when belt replacement becomes necessary.
Additional Considerations
Upshifting gears on the electric bike Shimano is seamless. Downshifting is best done by briefly pausing pedaling, as recommended. Accustomed to derailleurs, the internal twist shifter feels slightly less intuitive initially, but adaptation comes with time. Gear selection becomes intuitive: gear 2 for starting from a stop, gear 4 for moderate stretches, and gear 5 with assist level 5 for longer, faster rides.
It’s worth noting that the speedometer indicates a speed approximately 7% higher than the actual GPS-measured speed. Adjusting the wheel diameter setting from 27 inches to 26 inches might improve accuracy. Experimenting with an even smaller diameter setting, like 23 inches, raises an intriguing question: could this “trick” the system into delaying power cutoff at 28mph, potentially allowing for even greater speeds? This is something to explore.
The display is bright and large but fundamentally basic, lacking a range indicator, only showing battery level.
Braking performance is adequate, an improvement over standard disc brakes, offering reliable stopping power even from high speeds.
The headlight is functional but underwhelming, insufficient for safe riding at 20mph+ on dark paths. Aftermarket long-range lights are recommended for night riding. A dedicated switch for a constantly on or blinking taillight would be a welcome addition for enhanced visibility, especially in traffic-dense areas.
Final Verdict
This electric bike Shimano represents exceptional value at the Costco price of $2599, particularly considering the inclusion of a belt drive and a powerful motor. More extended use, especially for commuting over the next few weeks, will provide a more comprehensive long-term assessment. However, initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a potent and affordable entry into the world of electric biking.
