Velotric Thunder might be cooler than the VanMoof
- Thread starter oavdn17
- Start date
Asher
Well-Known Member
Looks very interesting. The non removable battery is a dealbreaker for many, but it does have its benefits.
Biggest flaw with the bike is that it's class 1. 20 mph is just not very fast for a road or even hybrid bike, so a 20 mph means the assist will cut out right as you're reaching a natural cruising speed. If the limit were say 24 mph, this wouldn't be an issue. I think the Ride1Up Roadster is set up to go 20+ in that way.
Maybe they'll have a secret unlock option to get assist above 20. I'm pretty sure I could get to 28 with 350w assist.
Anyhow, while I get the regulatory reasons for class 1, if you're used to pedaling hard and fast, class 1 ebikes are just a mistake.
All that said, it looks like a very compelling bike for what it is, and this really puts Velotric on the map as a brand making interesting, innovative, useful bikes. Instead of the litany of fatbike and minibike clones. I've heard some bad stories about their customer service and QC, but I think they'll improve and become a dominant D2C ebike brand, a strong rival to Aventon and Ride1Up.
www.velotricbike.com
Biggest flaw with the bike is that it's class 1. 20 mph is just not very fast for a road or even hybrid bike, so a 20 mph means the assist will cut out right as you're reaching a natural cruising speed. If the limit were say 24 mph, this wouldn't be an issue. I think the Ride1Up Roadster is set up to go 20+ in that way.
Maybe they'll have a secret unlock option to get assist above 20. I'm pretty sure I could get to 28 with 350w assist.
Anyhow, while I get the regulatory reasons for class 1, if you're used to pedaling hard and fast, class 1 ebikes are just a mistake.
All that said, it looks like a very compelling bike for what it is, and this really puts Velotric on the map as a brand making interesting, innovative, useful bikes. Instead of the litany of fatbike and minibike clones. I've heard some bad stories about their customer service and QC, but I think they'll improve and become a dominant D2C ebike brand, a strong rival to Aventon and Ride1Up.
Thunder Launch Event | Velotric Bikes
Discover the Thunder 1 series, Velotric's latest smart e-bike line, designed for urban commutes and beyond. The Thunder 1 and Thunder 1 ST are electric road bikes engineered for enjoyment. With Apple Find My integration, you'll never lose track of your ride again. Rediscover the joy of riding a...
www.velotricbike.com
mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
interesting.
pros:
nice and light, 10-20% lighter than a vanMoof
integrated gps/tracking anti-theft
cheaper than a vanmoof
rear hub vs front
app seems decent
cons:
butt-ugly kink in top tube, just why
no integrated rear light
no boost button (one of the best part of a VM)
a bunch of exposed wires at the bars, barf
derailleur vs IGH with automatic shifting
much smaller battery
in short it seems much closer to a traditional bike, which is appropriate given the much lower price.
pros:
nice and light, 10-20% lighter than a vanMoof
integrated gps/tracking anti-theft
cheaper than a vanmoof
rear hub vs front
app seems decent
cons:
butt-ugly kink in top tube, just why
no integrated rear light
no boost button (one of the best part of a VM)
a bunch of exposed wires at the bars, barf
derailleur vs IGH with automatic shifting
much smaller battery
in short it seems much closer to a traditional bike, which is appropriate given the much lower price.
Asher
Well-Known Member
Lol I think the auto shifting on the Vanmoof was the biggest single source of complaints around bike defects, or close to it. How is its absence a con lol
mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
it’s a very nice feature when it works. definitely a core part of the whole VM “experience.” they certainly f’d it up badly initially but it’s long since fixed.
it’s very nice for a city commuter to just ride - you stop, it goes into 1, you go, it gradually shifts as needed. i would never want it for a fitness/sport/road/mtb/gravel etc bike, but automatic IGH for a commuter is perfect. and the chain is completely covered since it doesn’t move.
Asher
Well-Known Member
Apparently it can be unlocked to go 20+ mph.
electrek.co
Assuming the software is well executed, this bike looks very promising, for people who don't mind a non removable battery anyway.
Velotric Thunder 1 launched as fast, lightweight urban e-bikes with torque sensors and Apple Find My
Velotric is back with a brand-new electric bike design, this time focusing on a lightweight city ride. The new Thunder...
electrek.co
Assuming the software is well executed, this bike looks very promising, for people who don't mind a non removable battery anyway.
mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
or for those who prefer a non removable battery!Apparently it can be unlocked to go 20+ mph.
Velotric Thunder 1 launched as fast, lightweight urban e-bikes with torque sensors and Apple Find My
Velotric is back with a brand-new electric bike design, this time focusing on a lightweight city ride. The new Thunder...
Assuming the software is well executed, this bike looks very promising, for people who don't mind a non removable battery anyway.
turbineseaplane
New Member
- Region
- USA
Apparently it can be unlocked to go 20+ mph.
Velotric Thunder 1 launched as fast, lightweight urban e-bikes with torque sensors and Apple Find My
Velotric is back with a brand-new electric bike design, this time focusing on a lightweight city ride. The new Thunder...
Assuming the software is well executed, this bike looks very promising, for people who don't mind a non removable battery anyway.
Turns out the software was not well executed at all.
Such a bummer. The Thunder and Thunder ST both have a jumpy feel and add in power when you don't want it, sometimes even when coasting -- just very unrefined and not what a torque sensor buyer would be expecting in feel at all.
