Just got the new 2019 Aurora Evelo delivered a short time ago. Great service from Evelo to have it delivered to my place free and assembled. Said it was the very first bike sold for this new 2019 model year, as the rest will be on their way soon to the USA.
While I was a bit hesitant to buy the first ones in a new model year, at a new factory, since it can take some iterations to get the kinks out, I took a chance and keeping my fingers crossed. Evelo does seem to have a good reputation.
I had a checklist of things I wanted in an Ebike and had a hard time finding a bike that checked enough of the boxes. I wanted a step thru, class 3 that could also be used throttle only and could go over 20 mph, internally geared hub, front suspension, hydraulic brakes, a bigger powered motor that can handle some hills with no issue, good sized battery that could handle longer rides, not too big frame size, fenders, rack, had a good reputation and service, an appealing style, and more of an integrated battery frame design, rather than a design where it looks like the battery is attached to the frame as an afterthought. I found the Evelo Aurora and this bike checked the most boxes for me.
I ordered the upgraded Aurora model with the 750W motor, NuVinci Harmony electronic shifter, and hydraulic brakes, bigger battery.
Some some minor changes in the new 2019 model vs the previous model that I have noticed:
1. Has a different seat that is narrower than the previous model. Looks like a Velo, but not sure on the model. Felt fine so far on a short trial ride, but will have to see how it feels on longer rides.
2. The rear light wiring no longer goes through the rear fender, but is run along the outside of the rear rack tube and frame. I saw in Kort's review where the cable through the fender had broken, so nice to see they changed the design, since the fender will have more vibration and movement.
3. It has a single side mounted kickstand, which is what I prefer, as opposed to the dual center mounted kickstand, which tends to hang very low and takes a little more time/effort to get the bike on the kickstand.
4. Did not see any screw holes for mounting a cup holder on the part of the frame holding the seatpost, but no issue for me, as I prefer not to have a cupholder blocking the step thru.
Only drawbacks noticed so far for me.
1. I already had an idea of before I bought it, but the rear rack tubing is very thick, so while that adds more stability to the frame and strength of the rack, it does not fit many rear rack bags and the clips my expensive Ortlieb pannier bags wont work. I can sort of hook them on with a little pressure that stretches the clips just slightly, but the retractable underclip cant close. And the bottom clip doesnt line up as well to secure the bottom part. But, maybe a chance it is still usable, will have to test it out more. And the rack will also not fit my clip on messenger bag. I will be able to use by MaxMiles top rear bike bag with foldout panniers, since this attaches via velcro straps, but these cant hold as much as my Ortliebs.
2. the speedometer/mileage and informational display is not removable, so I worry about someone stealing this by either just breaking it off or using a screwdriver.
3. the key only unlocks to remove the battery, but does not turn off the power. So, if the bike is parked, anyone can come and turn the power on, lights and even use the bike, if they can cut the locks. So, the key does not add another deterrent. Probably better to detach the battery to discourage theft, but then quite heavy to have to lug around when you are running errands.
4. I did notice the battery life drained very quickly when taking a first test ride, and it made me do a double take with how fast it was draining. With pedal assist on 2, and it was dropping about 1% per minute and even a little faster. Also, noticed that afterwards when the bike sat awhile, then turned on the display, the battery charge pct. climbed back up a bit, but not back all the way to where it was before, and still more of a drop than it should be. Hope this issue was due to the battery needing a first long initial conditioning charge. I did not get the charger with the bike yet, so I could not do a long first charge as recommended, but will do that as soon as I get the charger, which is being sent to me, so probably within a day or two. But, hope there is not an issue with this battery getting drained so quickly.
Overall, first impressions are very positive, except for the battery drainage problem. Very sturdy, and solid feeling. Rides nicely. Love the NuVinci Harmony thus far. In automatic mode, quite convenient for leisurely riding to just pick the cadence you want to maintain and it adjusts the gearing depending on the pedaling speed to try to keep it the same. And when you come to a stop and restart, you dont have to worry about shifting at all, just set it and forget it. And add in the pedal assist and you can maintain the same cadence with little effort. Really convenient for leisurely riding, especially when you have frequent stop and starts.
Will report more after I ride the bike more.
While I was a bit hesitant to buy the first ones in a new model year, at a new factory, since it can take some iterations to get the kinks out, I took a chance and keeping my fingers crossed. Evelo does seem to have a good reputation.
I had a checklist of things I wanted in an Ebike and had a hard time finding a bike that checked enough of the boxes. I wanted a step thru, class 3 that could also be used throttle only and could go over 20 mph, internally geared hub, front suspension, hydraulic brakes, a bigger powered motor that can handle some hills with no issue, good sized battery that could handle longer rides, not too big frame size, fenders, rack, had a good reputation and service, an appealing style, and more of an integrated battery frame design, rather than a design where it looks like the battery is attached to the frame as an afterthought. I found the Evelo Aurora and this bike checked the most boxes for me.
I ordered the upgraded Aurora model with the 750W motor, NuVinci Harmony electronic shifter, and hydraulic brakes, bigger battery.
Some some minor changes in the new 2019 model vs the previous model that I have noticed:
1. Has a different seat that is narrower than the previous model. Looks like a Velo, but not sure on the model. Felt fine so far on a short trial ride, but will have to see how it feels on longer rides.
2. The rear light wiring no longer goes through the rear fender, but is run along the outside of the rear rack tube and frame. I saw in Kort's review where the cable through the fender had broken, so nice to see they changed the design, since the fender will have more vibration and movement.
3. It has a single side mounted kickstand, which is what I prefer, as opposed to the dual center mounted kickstand, which tends to hang very low and takes a little more time/effort to get the bike on the kickstand.
4. Did not see any screw holes for mounting a cup holder on the part of the frame holding the seatpost, but no issue for me, as I prefer not to have a cupholder blocking the step thru.
Only drawbacks noticed so far for me.
1. I already had an idea of before I bought it, but the rear rack tubing is very thick, so while that adds more stability to the frame and strength of the rack, it does not fit many rear rack bags and the clips my expensive Ortlieb pannier bags wont work. I can sort of hook them on with a little pressure that stretches the clips just slightly, but the retractable underclip cant close. And the bottom clip doesnt line up as well to secure the bottom part. But, maybe a chance it is still usable, will have to test it out more. And the rack will also not fit my clip on messenger bag. I will be able to use by MaxMiles top rear bike bag with foldout panniers, since this attaches via velcro straps, but these cant hold as much as my Ortliebs.
2. the speedometer/mileage and informational display is not removable, so I worry about someone stealing this by either just breaking it off or using a screwdriver.
3. the key only unlocks to remove the battery, but does not turn off the power. So, if the bike is parked, anyone can come and turn the power on, lights and even use the bike, if they can cut the locks. So, the key does not add another deterrent. Probably better to detach the battery to discourage theft, but then quite heavy to have to lug around when you are running errands.
4. I did notice the battery life drained very quickly when taking a first test ride, and it made me do a double take with how fast it was draining. With pedal assist on 2, and it was dropping about 1% per minute and even a little faster. Also, noticed that afterwards when the bike sat awhile, then turned on the display, the battery charge pct. climbed back up a bit, but not back all the way to where it was before, and still more of a drop than it should be. Hope this issue was due to the battery needing a first long initial conditioning charge. I did not get the charger with the bike yet, so I could not do a long first charge as recommended, but will do that as soon as I get the charger, which is being sent to me, so probably within a day or two. But, hope there is not an issue with this battery getting drained so quickly.
Overall, first impressions are very positive, except for the battery drainage problem. Very sturdy, and solid feeling. Rides nicely. Love the NuVinci Harmony thus far. In automatic mode, quite convenient for leisurely riding to just pick the cadence you want to maintain and it adjusts the gearing depending on the pedaling speed to try to keep it the same. And when you come to a stop and restart, you dont have to worry about shifting at all, just set it and forget it. And add in the pedal assist and you can maintain the same cadence with little effort. Really convenient for leisurely riding, especially when you have frequent stop and starts.
Will report more after I ride the bike more.
