The ST5 is out there in three body sizes: a Medium made for these beneath 5’10, a Massive becoming riders between 5’9” and 6’2”, and an XL for riders above 6’1”. Potential patrons ought to count on a suggestion from their vendor when procuring, however we count on the broad match vary to resemble 5’5” to six’6” throughout all three sizes. At 5’11”, I discovered our Massive check bike to be well-suited to my construct, although it’s value mentioning that, had I wanted some adjustment, the bike’s customized monocoque (single piece) stem and handlebar may need been a limiting issue.
As I anticipated, the bike excelled by way of consolation. Its using place, whereas pretty sporty and forward-leaning, felt accommodating and fulfilling. The Ergon SMC 40 saddle was slim however supportive and comfy. I used to be thrown off barely by the comparatively slick prime floor of the grips, however their textured underside was comfortably squishy and simple to carry on to.
The bottom mannequin of the ST5 doesn’t embrace a suspension, although our check bike included an appreciated, non-obligatory Kinekt energetic suspension seatpost with 65mm of journey. An non-obligatory Wren Sports activities suspension fork with 30mm of journey can also be accessible, however I discovered myself not lacking it, because the bike’s general trip consolation was enhanced significantly by the large tires; by decreasing the tire strain barely, the tires grew to become a cushion that absorbed bumps and vibrations.
By way of dealing with, the bike’s dimension and weight had been noticeable; it felt higher suited to using straight and at pace than at weaving by visitors. It responded nicely when cornering, although its agility was considerably restricted.
E-bikes with rear-hub motors often give the sense of being pushed from behind, however this appeared much less outstanding on the ST5; its propulsion felt extra pure. Clearly, it’s not a mid-drive, but it surely felt nearer than most rear-hubs I’ve examined. Along with the motor being basically silent, its output by the PAS felt easy and adaptive.
Most of the ST5’s premium options contributed significantly to its trip high quality. All the following components had been spectacular additions to the bike’s performance:
Along with providing snappy, responsive shifting when transferring, stopped, or pedaling uphill, the Pinion gearbox significantly reduces upkeep wants and put on. For the reason that system is totally sealed, the one upkeep wanted is a change of the inner oil tub both yearly or after 6,200 miles (whichever passes first). With the included Good.Shift module, the system downshifts robotically to the beginning gear of your selection when coming to an entire cease. Customers may also customise the habits of the digital shift levers.
The Gates carbon belt is one other extraordinarily low-maintenance element; it’s endorsed that riders clear any mud, dust, or mud repeatedly, however the belt is rated to final twice so long as a sequence. An included computerized pressure wheel maintains the right amount of resistance ought to the belt stretch. Mixed with the Pinion gearbox and the rear-hub motor, this drive system is extremely straightforward to make use of and worry-free.
The ST5 Pinion additionally consists of a complicated onboard safety system to discourage theft. It makes use of an inner SIM card for location monitoring (and navigation, however we’ll get to that) that makes use of the Swisscom community in Europe, and the strongest native 4G community relying on the proprietor’s location within the US. The ST5 additionally encompasses a locking system for the motor that provides a particularly uncomfortable degree of resistance to the motion of the rear wheel, stopping a thief from pedaling away with it. This technique could be deactivated manually by a 5-digit PIN or the Stromer OMNI app, in addition to by a “Smartlock” system that robotically unlocks the bike when the bike’s proprietor approaches it with the app open. Like an car, the ST5 has a loud, wailing alarm system that prompts if the bike is ridden whereas turned on and locked. If this occurs, theft mode is robotically activated – and an e mail is distributed to the bike’s proprietor to inform them.
The bike additionally consists of numerous customization choices by the OMNI app or the bike’s top-tube-integrated touchscreen show. Customers can regulate the sensitivity of the torque sensor, the tuning of PAS Mode 2, the habits of the regenerative braking system, and extra. I’d have most well-liked the inclusion of a full navigation system by the app, however the capacity to get turn-by-turn instructions to a service middle was appreciated. I’d additionally wish to see Stromer increase the tuning choices to all using modes as a substitute of simply Mode 2, however it is a minor critique.
There have been numerous different further options that enhanced the person expertise, together with the flexibility to eject and simply take away the battery, the magnetic charging port that effortlessly guided the charger into place, the quick charger itself that refueled the huge battery in 5.5 hours, and many others. The bike features a aspect mirror for security and consciousness, an digital horn that’s not possible to overlook, and a cargo rack with a 50 lb capability. Customers may even use their telephone as a secondary show by the SP join receptacle that may be connected to the bike’s stem.
There’s a reasonably steep studying curve to get essentially the most out of the ST5 – determining what the entire settings and capabilities do, and what your private preferences are will possible take a while – however the funding is worth it. It rides like a dream proper out of the field, however I can attest that when it’s tweaked and tuned to your liking, it’s powerful to place down.
