I carried out our Pace Take a look at by driving the Vvolt Alpha II on a flat part of our native bike paths and recording my most pace in every pedal help setting. I maintained a reasonably informal – and constant – stage of effort all through the check to look at the impact of every improve in energy.
When beginning with no pedal help, the Alpha II pedaled pretty simply, although the single-speed drivetrain was considerably troublesome to get transferring initially. I reached 11.6 miles per hour on leg energy alone.
Then, when stepping up by means of the bike’s 5 pedal help system (PAS) settings, I recorded 14.1 mph in PAS 1, 18 mph in PAS 2, 19.6 mph in PAS 3, after which 19.8 mph in each PAS 4 and 5. It’s price noting that I used to be preventing a average headwind; the bike was in a position to attain its most pace of 20 mph successfully outdoors of the formal check when the breeze had settled.
When graphing this knowledge (see above), the general form and the cluster of comparable speeds beginning at PAS 3 stood out as considerably uncommon. We often count on a way more evenly-balanced distribution of speeds and energy ranges, and consequently, a way more linear form on the graph.
As a motorbike with a single-speed drivetrain, nevertheless, the Alpha II had an anticipated limitation; this kind of setup is notoriously troublesome to stability, because the chainring and single cog should be sized accurately to permit for efficient pedaling on each flat floor and on hills. With this in thoughts, the bike’s programming made extra sense. Its low energy settings gave the impression to be geared towards use on flatter terrain, whereas PAS 4 or 5 appeared higher suited to climbing. Because it occurs, that is precisely how Vvolt markets the bike, and general this stability labored properly.
Beginning at round 15.5 mph however turning into unavoidable at round 17-18 mph, I skilled a phenomenon referred to as ghost pedaling, the place the bike’s pace exceeded its gearing, and my pedal effort was not in a position to contribute to transferring the bike. This impact means that the Alpha II would profit from a bigger chainring, which might permit the rider to remain engaged at greater speeds. The bike’s present setup with a smaller chainring helped out on hills (see the Hill Take a look at part of this Vvolt Alpha II evaluation for extra element), however we would like to have the ability to step as much as not less than PAS 4 with out ghost pedaling.
I additionally examined the bike’s “SafeSpeed” throttle, which had a reserved really feel with gradually-building acceleration. This was not surprising, as A) the bike’s 350-watt motor is comparatively low-powered (although applicable for its dimension, weight, and magnificence); and B) Vvolt programmed the throttle to make use of 80% of the motor’s most output. This was an intentional choice with a number of targets together with the encouragement of pedaling, the conservation of battery energy, and general security for getting older and youthful riders. The unique model of the Alpha didn’t embody a throttle, so we appreciated its look on the Alpha II, and we respect that Vvolt programmed the bike with security in thoughts — however we wouldn’t thoughts some extra pep sooner or later.
To stability out this critique, it’s price mentioning how a lot I loved the bike’s zippy really feel. Personally, I choose energetic pedaling, so I discovered PAS 1 to be essentially the most enjoyable when driving on flat floor, and I appreciated the additional energy of PAS 5 when pedaling uphill. General, whereas considerably unconventional, the programming of the bike’s 350-watt motor felt applicable for its supposed function.
