Gates Carbon Drive Belt, SRAM E-Matic Rear Carry Rack, Spring Latch on Rear Rack, Optional LED Lights, Plastic Fenders, Pletscher Zoom Kickstand, Bell on Left Bar
OHM is known for producing high quality bikes that look beautiful and are simple to use. The XU450 leverages the SRAM EMATIC drive system (motor, battery and controller) that do a good job but offer a bit less power than some other kits. While all of the weight from this system is positioned towards the back, overall the bike still rides well and the rear rack is useful for adding panniers or a storage bag. The E2 part of the name stands for “electric” and two speeds which are actually switched automatically based on pedal cadence. Riding this bike is nearly thoughtless, and it’s pretty quiet because of the belt drive system that won’t get rusty and squeak like a chain might. You press the on button, sit down and pedal – the bike does the rest.
The SRAM EMATIC system is designed to be thoughtless and it’s perfect for riders who just want to relax and cruise around. This same system is used on the Electra Townie Go! which has a similar look and feel. My preference is actually for OHM bikes because their frames tend to be more focused on function than style. The XU450 E2 has two water bottle mounting points, the belt drive system, an awesome kickstand and a nice shock absorber all of which the Townie lacks. The motor itself is geared which creates a bit more noise than gearless options but is lighter weight and provides more torque. While 250 watts may not sound like a lot of power, it’s the standard in Europe and is put to good use on this bike with torque sensing pedal assist. It’s not ideal for off road or extreme climbing but works great everywhere else.
The battery pack driving the XU450 E2 uses Lithium-ion technology, keeping it light weight and offering upwards of 1,000 charge cycles before capacity decline. It comes with a 12 month warranty and can actually be bought in three different sizes. The smallest, 36 volt 6 amp hour pack, is enough to reach 25 to 30 miles and keeps the overall weight down. To activate the bike you simply press a large circular power button on the side of the battery pack. It’s a nice system and SRAM is a trusted name in the world of bicycles, traditionally focusing on shifters and cassettes but now exploring electric drive systems.
This bike would perform well as a rental unit or in other situations where simplicity and durability are important. It’s well thought out and uses high end parts that work well together. The low-step frame design is accessible to mount but still looks cool which makes it appealing to all audiences. All the little extras add up and make this bike attractive and fun. From the fenders, metal pedals, ergo grips, solid rack, belt drive, kickstand and bell to the thoughtless drive system and optional lights, this bike is a winner. I’d venture to say it’s one of my favorite SRAM EMATIC designs available and I want to add that the team at OHM are very friendly and supportive.
Pros:
Seamless motor, battery and control system is easy to use
Battery is available in three sizes for increased range: Small 36V 6Ah – 30-60km (19-37 mi) 2.2 kg (4.9 lb), Medium 36V 8Ah – 40-80km (25-50 mi) 2.8 kg (6.1 lb) Add $99.00, Large 36V 10Ah – 50-95km (31-59 mi) 3.3 kg (7.2 lb) Add $189.00
The hollow crank reduces weight and looks cool
Ergonomic grips feel great and reduce strain over long distances
Belt drive is light, quiet and won’t rust over time
Standard bell adds fun and safety to the mix
Lights are available as extras for added safety
Front and rear fenders keep you dry and clean, since the wheels are 26″ vs. larger 29″ the front fender stays clear of feet when pedaling
Disc brakes offer great stopping power in wet conditions
Rear rack uses standard gauge tubing size that works with most bags and panniers
Step-through design is approachable for women and less-flexible riders but the paint job is unisex vs. hot pink making it a bit more guy-friendly
Awesome kickstand that works well and stays out of the way
Automatic switching between two gears in rear hub based on pedal cadence, this keeps riding simple and the gears clean and quiet
Two mounting points for water bottles! or perhaps a pump or other accessory
Front shock and medium sized hybrid tires smooth out the ride
Two year frame warranty, one year on battery and components
Uses a torque sensor vs. pedal assist to smooth out the ride
Cons:
Fewer gears to choose from and weaker motor system means this bike works best for cruising on easy terrain
Does not come standard with front and rear lights but they are available as extras
A feature complete adventure platform with sturdy aluminum alloy fenders, bright integrated lights, and a high quality rear rack. The Quest 2 SUV PRO uses top end Shimano EP8 motor and Deore XT Di2 electronic drivetrain with a 11-speed 11 to 42 tooth cassette. High capacity 630 watt hour battery pack. Available in one color and three frame sizes for improved fit.. High performance narrow-wide tooth chainring reduces drops, aluminum alloy bash guard protects the bottom bracket,…...
A feature complete commuting platform with sturdy aluminum alloy fenders, bright integrated lights, and a high quality rear rack. The Quest 2 uses top end Shimano EP8 motor and Deore drivetrain with a 10-speed 11 to 36 tooth cassette. Available in two premium colors and three frame sizes for improved fit.. High performance narrow-wide tooth chainring reduces drops, aluminum alloy bash guard protects the bottom bracket,…...
A premium, feature complete adventure ebike that would perform well in a wide range of conditions. OHM uses the best brand-name components including the Shimano EP8 motor and Ergon accessories. The Quest 2 is available in three frame sizes with scaled cranks, handlebar, and other matching hardware.. Specced with a durable Shimano Deore derailleur with clutch, ten speed 11-36 tooth cassette, and…...
A fully equipped step-thru cruiser that's sportier, sturdier, and stiffer than most. The tubular aluminum alloy fenders are wide and long, providing excellent coverage. The rear rack can handle heavier loads, is Racktime accessory compatible, and includes bungee loops. Two bottle cage mounts, locking Ergon grips, and a friendly bell complete the package.. Excellent Schwalbe tires offer puncture resistance and reflectivity for elevated performance and safety. Thru-axles are…...
A beautiful premium step-thru city ebike with everything you need for commuting, including tubular alloy fenders, a sleek rear rack with great weight rating, excellent integrated lights, two bottle cage bosses, and name-brand Schwalbe tires that are puncture resistant and reflective. Comfortable backswept handlebar provides an upright body position, stem length varies depending on the frame…...
A high-end feature complete commuter ebike from a reputable company that uses some of the best brand-name components available, everything is here from rear rack, fenders, battery integrated lights, and front suspension fork, OHM has been around since 2005 and stands behind their products with shipping and assembly across North America and a 2 year comprehensive warranty. Mechanically it uses a high-end Shimano Deore Shadow + Clutch derailleur, 11-36 tooth cassette, 46…...
A feature complete commuter ebike from a reputable company that uses great brand-name components, everything is here from rear rack, fenders, battery integrated lights, and ergonomic grips, OHM has been around since 2005 and stands behind their products with shipping and assembly across North America and a 2 year comprehensive warranty. Mechanically it uses a high-end Shimano Deore Shadow + Clutch derailleur, 11-36 tooth cassette, 46…...
A near-silent city electric bike with advanced hub motor drive system, it offers smooth torque sensing pedal assist, variable speed trigger throttle operation, four levels of recoup, and regenerative braking. Premium Racktime brand alloy fenders and cargo rack add utility for commuting, the rack is…...
A sleek, extremely quiet, cross country style electric bike built around a custom hardtail frame that comes in four sizes (including stem, bar, and crank arm differences). 100 mm air suspension fork from Suntour, larger 3" plus sized tires from Schwalbe, longer…...
A trail-worthy speed pedelec with premium accessories like aluminum fenders, integrated Supernova lights, a removable color LCD display, and regenerative braking. Very well balanced, especially for a hub-motor electric bike, the air fork, hollow-spindle bottom bracket,…...
A near-silent, feature rich, urban hardtail electric bike that's available in four frame sizes and can be switched from Class 2 with throttle to high-speed Class 3. Proprietary torque sensor is integrated into the 12 mm rear-axle, it feels fluid and sporty…...
A fatty electric bike with medium sized 3.25" tires, strikes a balance between cushion, traction and handling. Powerful BionX D-Series motor offers good torque and higher top speeds ~28 mph in pedal…...
A high power, high speed, urban style electric bike with nearly every accessory you could, great for commuting or trekking. Extremely quiet drivetrain, four levels of assist and regen with variable speed trigger throttle, removable…...
A feature-complete urban style electric bike with premium rack, fenders and lights, sturdy mid-cut hydroformed aluminum frame available in three sizes. Offers variable speed throttle, four levels of assist and four regen in addition to regenerative…...
A powerful and sturdy city style electric bike with comfortable but slightly more aggressive ergonomics, premium tires and upgraded suspension fork with lockout. 500 watt BionX D-Series motor is near silent but very strong for climbing, BionX DV…...
A premium step-thru electric bike with fenders, rack, lights and suspension fork (with lockout) for under $3k. Reinforced hydro formed aluminum alloy frame is sturdier than other low-step models I've tested, the…...
Sturdy, feature rich ebike designed for efficient commuting with four regen modes and regenerative braking. Uses the direct drive BionX 350 HT (high torque) motor and features 27 speeds for…...
Fully featured, high-end electric mountain bike with great power and thoughtful design. Powered by industry leading BionX battery pack, controller and gearless rear hub motor...
Be the First to Post a Comment