Journey high quality encompasses many elements that affect how a motorbike feels to trip. We break it down right into a myriad of components, together with sizing/match, adjustability, trip consolation, dealing with, motor engagement, consumer interface, and so forth. We examined the Hauler with and with out cargo weight on its rack to judge its trip high quality.
Starting with sizing and match, I discovered the Hauler to be typically sized nicely. Its single body measurement is meant for riders between 5’3” and 6’6”. To accommodate such a large peak vary, it options an adjustable stem paired with 790mm BMX-style riser handlebars, permitting riders to customise the handlebar peak and attain exactly.
Moreover, the seatpost provides eight complete inches of saddle peak adjustment, although we discovered that the included cargo basket prevented the saddle from reaching its lowest place when put in. The basket additionally prevented us from eradicating the second battery, so we would have liked to take away the basket or cost the battery on the bike.
By way of consolation, the Hauler’s contact factors and suspension labored nicely. I discussed the thick, remarkably supportive saddle, however I additionally appreciated the ergonomic fake leather-based grips. The entrance suspension efficiently softened bumps when using, although its impact on the bike’s dealing with was not at all times optimistic.
When carrying cargo, I skilled a “unfastened” or “divey” sensation when cornering that gave the impression to be a mix of body flex and the fork’s 70 mm of journey. I most popular the bike’s really feel with the suspension locked out, however the body flex difficulty was nonetheless current; we encourage Heybike to stiffen the body sooner or later to enhance the general trip really feel.
Moreover, I observed that one of many Hauler’s two kickstands (a standard chainstay-mounted single-leg and a dual-leg middle stand) would usually drag when cornering. We advocate that the model supply a lower-profile middle stand to keep away from this.
We additionally really feel that some small modifications to the bike’s geometry could be helpful to its total dealing with. By slackening the top tube angle, the trip would really feel extra steady, and its steering could be extra relaxed. This transformation would additionally carry the bike’s attain to a extra comfy beginning place.
One other extra important level of critique facilities across the Hauler’s motor engagement, which was inconsistent all through our testing. At occasions, the motor engaged shortly, whereas at different occasions, it required a number of full rotations of the cranks earlier than the pedal help ramped up. Particularly when carrying cargo, we choose quicker engagement.
On a optimistic notice, we appreciated the motor’s energy and the general ease of pedaling because of its cadence sensor. E-bikes with the sort of sensor don’t require a lot effort; so long as the cranks are turning, the motor output stays constant. As such, transferring heavy a great deal of cargo requires roughly the identical effort as using with nothing on the rack.
Moreover, whereas I discussed some capabilities of the Heybike app, I’ve not lined its full scope. Along with permitting customers to customise the bike’s most pace and the bounds of every PAS setting, it permits customers to trace trip information, entry turn-by-turn navigation utilizing Apple or Google Maps, and verify the present battery cost share.
One last level of critique issues the bike’s cockpit format, which feels cramped as a aspect impact of its handlebars. A few of its modules typically appeared outsized and troublesome to succeed in.
We moved the place of the shifter and throttle lever to keep away from by accident triggering the throttle when shifting, however then its operation turned considerably awkward. There was no different choice contemplating the big (however appreciated) module on the left handlebar for the lights, flip indicators, and digital horn.
By way of equipment, Heybike provides a handrail attachment for baby passengers and a handful of extra basket and rack choices (on the time of writing). We examined the Thule Yepp Maxi baby seat, which locked into place securely on the Hauler’s cargo rack, however not less than now, Heybike doesn’t promote seating choices.
General, the Hauler’s trip high quality was a mix of optimistic and adverse components. We appreciated its consolation and total pedal expertise, however there have been many areas with room for enchancment. Usually, this was not surprising, as it’s not unusual with e-bikes trying to supply plentiful options whereas conserving a low value.
