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Final Up to date on: sixteenth Could 2025, 08:36 pm
At CleanTechnica, we often evaluation quite a lot of bicycles, noting that 20” and 26” fat-tire e-bikes are notably widespread within the U.S. They resemble the SUVs of the biking world, offering consolation and wonderful shock absorption, particularly on sandy terrains.
Nevertheless, most fat-tire e-bikes we’ve encountered characteristic a single-speed hub motor, which presents some limitations.
Sometimes, you may place an electrical motor both in the course of the bike or within the wheels, which transmits energy instantly quite than by means of pedals. Most finances e-bikes (underneath $2,500) make the most of hub motors.
Whereas these bikes might be pleasant, they lack the flexibility of gears. With a single gear ratio, they could battle at low speeds and have restricted vary at larger speeds. That is notably evident when tackling steep hills, the place sufficient torque is important.
Upgrading to a mid-drive motor typically prices over $3,000. Whereas many agree that the funding is worth it, it may be prohibitive for some patrons. Moreover, most high-end mid-drive fashions are conventional in design, but fans usually search fat-tire variants to navigate difficult terrains.
Heybike’s Modern Answer
Lately, Heybike launched the inexpensive ALPHA, a fat-tire mid-drive bike priced underneath $1,699 when on sale. This bike boasts premium options like hydraulic brakes and a colour show, together with a major 400-pound weight score, perfect for these carrying additional cargo.
We have been excited to check the ALPHA in demanding environments within the Southwest. We took it to Moab, Utah, and in addition explored San Lorenzo Canyon in New Mexico, a gravelly wash surrounded by sandstone cliffs—good for testing the bike’s capabilities.
The ALPHA excelled at tackling steep hills, seamlessly climbing sandy trails that many automobiles would possibly battle with. Its strong energy and grip make it extra corresponding to a UTV than a conventional bicycle. I usually discovered myself holding tempo with side-by-side automobiles on sandy trails.
Path Testing in Moab
As a substitute of detailing my whole expertise, Heybike presents a video capturing our testing journey in Moab, showcasing how the ALPHA carried out.
On the primary day, we tackled gentle trails close to Freeway 128 and US-191, together with a scenic journey on Shafer Path in Canyonlands Nationwide Park. Identical to in New Mexico, it dealt with the terrain with ease.
The following day, after the movie crew had departed, we ventured onto more difficult trails, together with components of Wipeout Hill. Sadly, many mountain biking trails round Moab prohibit e-bikes, leaving solely rugged trails sometimes navigated by vans and off-road automobiles.
But, the ALPHA managed nearly all hills effortlessly, besides the place ledges offered important challenges. For something too steep, I may carry the bike and proceed onward.
Whereas the ALPHA might not compete with electrical bikes, it’s a versatile software for practically any path and may simply be wheeled over obstacles when vital. It additionally serves as a superb city commuter, making it a becoming selection for individuals who need it for each weekdays and weekend adventures.
All pictures by Jennifer Sensiba.
This text was sponsored by Heybike.
