Cowboy Bikes Review: Are They the Ultimate Urban Ride?

The Cowboy 4 ST electric bike has been turning heads and sparking conversations, positioning itself as a key player against established brands like Vanmoof in the competitive e-bike market. This brand has successfully captured the attention of mainstream media and played a significant role in introducing e-bikes to a younger demographic seeking stylish and contemporary designs. The ‘ST’ designation indicates a step-through frame, enhancing accessibility.

After a brief initial encounter at a press event, Cowboy agreed to extend my test ride of the 4 ST, allowing me to experience this electric bike in my daily routine. This extended test proved insightful for several reasons. While reviewing e-bikes is part of my profession, the choice of which bike to ride each day remains optional. Frankly, there are times when driving feels more convenient. However, my experience with the Cowboy 4 ST, and indeed many recent e-bikes, has drastically shifted my perspective. My car has become a seldom-used liability, primarily reserved for essential trips like MOT checks, as the quality of reviewed e-bikes has been exceptionally high.

It was during one ride on the Cowboy ST 4, while jotting down notes, that a realization struck me: e-bikes are genuinely transforming my daily habits. This shift is largely due to the remarkable advancements in e-bike quality available today.

Reflecting on the evolution of the e-bike market, I, as someone who has witnessed its gradual progression, am continually impressed. This led me to consider how these advancements might be perceived by individuals with limited recent experience with cycling. Therefore, this Cowboy 4 ST review incorporates feedback from several first-time e-bike riders who were curious enough to take it for a spin and share their initial impressions.

Furthermore, my engagement with e-bikes has become self-reinforcing. The more I ride, the more I want to ride. Before immersing myself in the e-bike world, daily cycling was far less frequent. Again, this is attributable to the enhanced convenience offered by bikes like the Cowboy 4 ST. A threshold of convenience has been reached, making e-bikes the natural and preferred mode of transport for the majority of my journeys. I experienced similar sentiments while reviewing the Tern HSD Gen 2, although for different reasons.

“It’s actually easier to hop on this than to call for a ride-share.” This was my explanation to a surprised friend when I arrived by bike after a day already filled with cycling trips. I’ve transitioned into an advocate for using e-bikes for tasks that previously would have been handled by other means. But what’s driving this change?

Cowboy quad lock case

Convenience is King: The Cowboy 4 ST Experience

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The enjoyment factor is paramount when adopting a new default mode of transport. Even more so if it offers seamless convenience from the moment you decide to set off. Irrespective of the broader discussions around micromobility, the widespread adoption of electric scooters in urban areas highlights a crucial point: accessibility and readiness. They are readily available, efficient, and environmentally conscious. Their accessibility is universal; minimal training is required. Unlock and go.

The Cowboy experience mirrors this ease of use. Initiating a ride involves a simple app interaction – open the app, hold the unlock button, and the integrated security system disengages. The intelligent app extends beyond basic functionality, offering weather-based jacket reminders and even monitoring local air quality, enhancing each ride experience.

It’s evident that Cowboy is staffed by riders who deeply understand the cycling experience. This is further underscored by their recent collaboration with Google Maps to provide enhanced navigation. Cowboy isn’t just selling a product; they are offering a lifestyle shift towards sustainable urban mobility. The app ecosystem facilitates service appointments, direct communication with the brand, security subscription activation for bike tracking, and spare parts ordering. Cowboy aims to ensure uninterrupted riding, minimizing any downtime.

All of this user-centric design is apparent even before you physically interact with the bike. You can then choose to keep your phone secure or utilize the integrated Quad Lock mount on the sleek stem and handlebar. Having been skeptical of phone mounts in the past, particularly with my less common Android device, the Quad Lock system instilled confidence. For compatible phones with wireless charging, the mount even offers inductive charging directly from the e-bike battery – a sophisticated touch that surpasses the inconvenience of USB cables found on some e-bikes.

The Cowboy 4 ST’s design clearly originates from a blend of cycling expertise, tech-savviness, and consideration for real-world bike usage, including less-than-gentle handling. This last point is pragmatic. Historically, bike maintenance wasn’t a high priority, especially before average bike prices climbed into the thousands. A quick glance at any public bike rack confirms this. Cowboy addresses this with subtle yet effective details, such as a small rubber buffer where the battery is inserted, preventing paint damage. Continuing this attention to detail, the seat post bolts are discreetly hidden behind the locked battery, a minor aesthetic enhancement that speaks volumes.

cowboy battery 4 st

Riding the Cowboy 4 ST: Performance and Comfort

Actually, it was the extensive riding that brought these details to light. On one particularly sunny day, I utilized the bike for ten separate trips.

What contributed to my positive experience with this electric bike?

The wide, rounded tires effortlessly smoothed out tarmac and light gravel paths, while the swept-back handlebars promoted an upright and comfortable riding posture. The overall ride feel is characterized by comfort and ease. The contact points further enhance the experience, with ergonomic grips providing palm support and a saddle that feels a step above basic.

During the initial press demo ride, I learned that the CEO had taken to heart previous feedback criticizing the bike’s suitability for hilly terrain. Cruising on flat surfaces, the seamless integration of cadence and motor assist is remarkable, almost making you forget it’s an e-bike. This seamlessness, however, raised questions about hill performance, especially considering the approximately 8% gradient hill near my home.

While the motor assistance remains smooth on inclines, the effort required is undeniably more noticeable. It’s important to remember this is a low-profile hub motor. My exertion was adequately supported, though I anticipate the Cowboy 4 ST might struggle with gradients exceeding the 10% hill I typically use for testing, which are thankfully uncommon across much of southern England. If there’s a minor critique, it would be that a touch more motor torque could be beneficial, particularly given the single-speed nature of the bike, which eliminates the option of shifting gears to tackle steeper climbs.

Beyond my personal experience, a valid point of criticism emerged from a shorter friend (5’2″). She found the frame marginally too large, even with the seat fully lowered. While typically not an issue, the Cowboy employs a single frame size for both step-through and standard models. For riders on the shorter end of the spectrum, this might mean the Cowboy 4 ST isn’t an ideal fit.

Conversely, my two external test subjects (both first-time e-bikers, both female) thoroughly enjoyed the bike during a ride around a grassy apple orchard. While not the intended terrain, this private space allowed them to experience the bike without pressure. Their summary: “I haven’t ridden a bike in ages, I don’t think I could have done that on a regular bike, but that was great fun.”

Newbie approval, smiles all around, and a palpable sense of future e-bike interest. This is a significant takeaway. The market needs more e-bikes that resonate instantly with individuals new to cycling.

cowboy 4 st

Design and Build Quality: Beyond Aesthetics

Final thoughts?

The Cowboy 4 ST clearly prioritizes aesthetics, but thankfully, substance underpins its stylish appearance. Bikes utilizing non-branded components can sometimes raise concerns about long-term serviceability and component reliability.

Cowboy’s recent announcement of partnering with independent bike shops to establish a broad physical service network effectively addresses these concerns. This network provides reassurance that was previously lacking, mitigating potential reservations at the point of purchase.

I never doubted the Cowboy’s build quality; quite the opposite. I intentionally subjected it to some mild stress testing – bumping curbs and riding on paths slightly beyond its intended use case. The only minor drawback is the matte paint finish, which, while visually appealing, requires frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look.

Surprisingly, Cowboy’s design philosophy leans towards simplicity and accessibility, rather than pursuing excessive technological features. The price point feels justified, particularly considering the potential savings from replacing car trips.

However, Vanmoof remains a direct competitor with models like the X4 and S4, which are slightly more affordable and offer an additional gear, providing a backup if motor assist isn’t sufficient.

If I were to offer design input, considering the sometimes-unpredictable urban riding environment, I would suggest exploring the integration of ABS braking technology, which is increasingly trickling down into urban bikes. Sudden braking on slick urban surfaces highlighted this potential improvement.

As for the current features, faults are few and far between. The app is excellent, though further feature additions are always welcome. The integrated locking functionality is a valuable feature at this price point, as is the included accessory package upon delivery. The integrated lighting is elegantly designed, although for unlit rural roads at night, supplemental lighting is recommended for safety.

Despite being a single-speed, the battery performance is commendable. For typical urban commutes under five miles, even with multiple trips, depleting the battery is unlikely. Extended battery drain would primarily occur in hilly terrain, which isn’t the bike’s primary intended environment.

My initial interactions with the Cowboy team revealed their deep engagement with data and user experience optimization. They continuously refine app functionality based on user data, even suggesting routes based on speed, cyclist traffic, or air quality.

They leverage data effectively. While I appreciate the Cowboy 4 ST for its intrinsic qualities, the subtle algorithmic optimization of the riding experience is undeniable. This holistic approach – catering to both tangible and intangible aspects of the ride – represents the future of sophisticated urban e-bike brands, making these bikes an increasingly natural choice for everyone. What’s not to appreciate about that?