Total Weight:
66.3 lbs (30.07 kg)
Battery Weight:
5.7 lbs (2.58 kg)
Motor Weight:
8.8 lbs (3.99 kg)
Frame Material:
Aluminum
Frame Sizes:
19.5 in (49.53 cm)21.5 in (54.61 cm)22 in (55.88 cm)Geometry Measurements:
21.25" Seat Tube, 23" Reach, 31.5" Stand Over Height, 75.5" Length
Frame Types:
High-Step
Frame Colors:
Oyster White, Solar Orange Metallic, Urban Grey Metallic
Frame Fork Details:
SR Suntour Aion LO-R Air, 100 mm Travel, Lockout, Rebound Adjust, 100 / 15 mm Thru Axle with Quick Release
Frame Rear Details:
X-Fusion O2 Pro Air, 100 mm Travel, Rebound Adjust, 135 / 10 mm Threaded Axle with Nuts
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses
Gearing Details:
1
Speed 1x∞ NuVinci N380 CVT with 380% Ratio Range, 28T CogShifter Details:
NuVinci C8 Grip Twist on Right
Cranks:
Riese & Müller Branded FSA Alloy 170 mm Crank Arms, 26T Cog for Gates CDX Belt Drive
Pedals:
VP-191 Alloy Platform with Rubber Tread
Headset:
Acros AZX-220 with BlockLock, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"
Stem:
Humpert Ergotec Charisma, Alloy, 90 mm Length, 20° Rise
Handlebar:
Humpert Ergotec Ergo XXL, Low-Rise, Alloy, 31.8 mm Diameter, 26" Length
Brake Details:
Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Rotors, Shimano Levers with Adjustable Reach
Grips:
Ergon GP1 Ergonomic, Rubber, Locking
Saddle:
Ergon SMC4-L, Sport Gel
Seat Post:
Satori, Aluminum Alloy
Seat Post Length:
400 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
34.9 mm
Rims:
Alexrims MD40, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 32 Hole Front, 36 Hole Rear, 40 mm Width
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Black with Silver Nipples
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Super Moto-X Reflex, 27.5" x 2.40" (62-584)
Wheel Sizes:
27.5 in (69.85cm)Tire Details:
Reflective Sidewall Stripe, 30 to 55 PSI, Performance GreenGuard
Tube Details:
Presta Valve
Accessories:
Flick Bell on Left, ABUS Bordo 6000 Folding Lock Keyed to Match Battery (90 cm Length, 2.4 lbs), SKS Plastic Fenders (65 mm Width), Riese & Müller Alloy Suspended Rear Rack with two Bibia Adjustable Rubber Straps and Child Seat Approved (44 lb Max Weight), Pletscher ESGE Comp 40 Flex Adjustable Kickstand, Rubberized Slap Guard, Two Fabric 600 ml Water Bottles (Head Tube Mounted), Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ-X Headlight (100 Lux), Busch & Müller Toplight Mini LED, Optional Second Bosch Powerpack 500 Battery ($759)
Other:
Locking Removable Battery Pack, 1.7 lb 4 Amp Charger, Compatible with Optional Second Battery by Default
Tommi Stough
8 years agoWait/delivery time for over engineered e-bikes.
I’ve ordered the R&M Charger GX Touring in Curry. Last word from dealer is I have to wait up to six friggin’ weeks to get it. And I only live a few KMs from Darmstadt. “Just in time” manufacturing my aging *Hintern*! (That’s German for rear-end.) I guess I wouldn’t be so upset with having to wait so long if the engineers over engineering these bikes would at least polish my friggin’ shoes while I wait… But enough about all that before I get into living (as an American) in Germany for too long. The joke is, I’ve actually ordered a second Charger Mixte for my wife. She’s getting the one with the Nuvinci hub–which, btw, I don’t like. By-the-by, I decided against the Rohloff (spelling?) because 1) too expensive and 2) didn’t like the feeling of all those gears churning and chewing on each other like little girls in spring-time (that’s a pun on an SNL skit with Dieter–google it!). Since I’m riding more than my wife, I thought it would be OK to get her a R&M, too, and thereby I can use her battery when I’m on long, lone rides. We’ll see how that works out. The dealer did tell me that I can eventually add a second battery to my Charger GX. Again. We’ll see how that goes. All in all, so far, I’m pleased with my order but this review of the Delight does make me think once or thrice.
Ride safe.
-t
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Tommi! I do my best to go deep and get a balanced perspective on each bike and I hope this helped you. Despite some frustration around wait time I hope you enjoy the Delite and welcome further comments once it arrives and you’ve had a chance to ride. Hope you and your wife have a blast living in Germany!
ReplyChris@Propel
8 years agoI think you made good choices and you’re going to enjoy those bikes for many years to come. Quick point I would mention to your dealer. I had been previously advised from Riese & Müller as well as Bosch that the dual battery harness is not retro-fittable. I’d check with them. It’s actually different firmware, in theory it should be possible, but the dealer doesn’t have the ability to load new firmware. This might have changed or be changing, but I figured I would mention it. I’ll double check with my sources as well. Let us know what you find out.
ReplyJourneyman
8 years agoAnother fantastic write up and review of a very very interesting ebike. I am extremely glad that you are so passionate about these electric powered bicycles. The part of this bike that I really like the most, is the way the two batteries are both within the triangle independently. It got me to thinking of, in the future, being able to house three of these batteries in a custom made frame triangle, and having them function like my two gas tanks on my old pickup truck (each battery being able to be taken out at any time, like this one you reviewed). Only now, when one battery is going low during your ride, you could quickly press a button on your led screen and switch to the next battery and so on. Anyways, thanks again and take care.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoYeah! I owned a moped as a kid and my Grandfather helped me fix it up. It had a little switch where I could change from the main tank to a reserve like you’re saying and it was pretty cool. Good ideas, glad you enjoyed the review and thanks for your positive feedback :)
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoCool idea! You reminded me of a moped I got and fixed up with my Grandpa as a kid. He got it running and there was a little lever for the gas line that could be turned to reserve (presumably if you ran out of the main tank). Neat to see these things offering more options for range :)
ReplyKevin
8 years agoNice to see the Load there in the background – is a Packster review coming too?
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoYep, just shot that one today but I won’t be able to publish it for a bit (traveling and a family reunion/funeral)
ReplyJohn
8 years agoI’ve been waiting for you to review R&M all spring, and this did not disappoint! Can we expect a Charger review soon? I did a quick test ride at Propel but I’m holding off on purchase until your review. Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi John, I’ve filmed a few more Riese & Müller models recently but won’t be in a position to edit and publish for at least a week. The Charger may be on the list, thanks for the positive feedback and encouragement!
ReplyShaggy
8 years agoI like the tech, but-
- is rubber belt truly better than a chain? The motor may whine so loudly that it negates the belt’s low-noise feature.
- battery is not integrated into the frame which I would expect given the high design of the bike.
- how does the nu vinci compare to Sram’s 8-speed ex-1 or the 11-speed cassette designs?
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoGreat points Shaggy, I’ll do my best to address each one for you based on my experience and feedback from dealers and owners I have met. Belt drives like this are made from Carbon as well as rubber and offer the same or better response than chains which can slop forward and back. Some mountain bike models use narrow-wide teeth on their chainrings and cogs to reduce this slop and avoid chain drops. This belt technology is the same used on automobiles for timing chains… they are very durable! Reduced noise is one benefit but there are others as well. Belts tend to stay very clean, not needing lubrication. They last longer than chains and hold up better against water and salt water. As for the battery design, I agree that in-frame looks nicer but this also compromises frame strength so often times the bike will be made to weigh more in order to gain back strength. In-frame batteries tend to be more expensive because they are so custom (at least at this time they are) and can cost more to replace. The final consideration is ease of removal and size. By choosing one standard battery pack design, Bosch has made it in high volume and kept it cheaper meaning you can find replacements and have something that is easy to swap between models. And finally, the NuVinci is much smoother and can truly be shifted while pedaling or stopped instantly vs. the small delay that most internally geared hubs produce. They usually cannot shift under heavy load and are “stepped” vs. feeling smooth and dynamic. I prefer the NuVinci but acknowledge that it is more expensive and heavy. The SRAM drivetrains you mentioned sound like standard cassette which means they will be lighter than NuVinci or IGHs and cost less but might suffer from chain, sprocket and derailleur wear as the forces of the motor and imperfect shifting are applied over time. You cannot shift those at standstill which means (on a heavier ebike like this) you need to plan and shift down as you coast to a stop or you’ll be struggling when you start again (or just start very slowly). I hope this helps, there is nothing wrong with cassettes and I prefer them for most high-end mountain bike applications due to the weight trade-off and tight snappy shifting but internally geared hubs and CVTs are quiet interesting and durable for a bike like this Delite model from R&M :)
ReplyTBR
8 years agoI have been riding an earlier R&M Charger HS with beltdrive and the Nuvinci 360 for about 1.5 years and 4000km.
This is my second S-Pedelec, the first was on of the very first Bosch equipped S-Pedelecs to be delivered, a Kalkhoff Pro Connect BS10 (with the “classic” Bosch HS motor). On that one the smalles to rear sprockets (thankfully a separate unit) did last about 1200km, the chain around twice that. This meant roughly 250 Euro of cost per year just due to wear.
With the Beltdrive I am still on the first belt etc., there was no noticeable wear at all! For a S-Pedelec I consider beltdrive a must.
The only thing to make some problems was the Nuvinci 360 which needs some shop attention every 2000km or so. Hope the 380SE is better in that regard. But the Rohloff would not be an alternative since it does not allow for the beltdrive.
Last remark: be sure to change out the brake pads when needed, on an S-Pedelec you will brake a lot.
Rene Schlegel
8 years agoHi. Tks for the comprehensive review. Just to be sure: the range you indicate are with one battery, right?
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Rene, I did a wide range estimate here with a two-battery setup in mind. I’d say one battery would offer 20 to 50 miles with two offering 40 to 100. There are a lot of factors to consider but the weight of the bike and rider, drivetrain choice and average speed ridden all make a material difference. Hope this helps and feel free to ask others in the forums or comments :)
ReplyLynn
8 years agoLove your reviews (you kept me sane during the 2016 election), and the best are when you learn something. This time I learned that belt drives and rear suspensions don’t mix unless the belt can be properly tensioned. Just cannot make my mind up between a Charger or the Delite. So looking forward to more reviews.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoSheesh… I know, it has been difficult to stay focused and positive with so many scandals and negative speech. I’m sorry we have to go through this but appreciate your positive comment and am trying to do something positive here myself :)
Yeah, I’ll have two charger reviews coming out (high-step and the step-thru model with different drivetrains, the HS had the Rohloff). I’ll be pushing hard in the coming weeks to publish a lot. Made me smile, hang in there!!
ReplyGnosisdog
8 years agoThe Sram EX-1 drive train is E-bike specific and uses a heavier 8- speed cassette and chain to deal with the increased torque of a mid-drive motor. Expect it to last far longer than a conventional system like XT. You also shift it less because the ratios go in 30% increments as opposed to 15%. Compared to Nuvinci or Rohloff it will be far lighter and also more efficient.
Replycourt
8 years agoVery good comment Gnosisdog, thank you for filling in the details that I am still learning and coming to appreciate. I’ll keep this in mind for future reviews and am sure other readers will appreciate your expert knowledge :)
ReplyBradley L Coley
8 years agoThanks Court. I’m just trying to stay ahead of the curve here in the relatively early days of DS urban E-Bikes. I test rode several versions of the Delite and came within a whisker of plunking down $6K on a GT HS. Once you ride a dual suspension street bike on anything but smooth pavement you will NEVER be happy without it.
The thing that stopped me was the drivetrain options. The Nuvinci is nice but its quiet belt is wasted on the Bosch. The Nuvinci is also heavy and this bike is already heavy enough. It also loses the most in terms of efficiency which was an issue for me as I was going to get the HS. 60 Nm is not going to pull this much bike up the steep hills of San Francisco where I commute to work. In a flatter, place no issue. The Nuvinci version of the CX did okay uphill but felt only a little stronger than the HS with the XT drivetrain. And I’d never get a bike with this much chassis capability that didn’t go 28 mph.
I love the build quality of this bike so I understand its weight. But in a perfect world, I’d want it to weigh 5 lbs less and come with a 75 Nm version of the motor that went 28 mph. Hacking the CX is, of course, an option but it voids the warranty. Hopefully, Bosch will realize there’s a market for such a motor in the US alone to bring it to market next year. And R&M will mate it to the Sram EX-1 drivetrain. Sold!
Replycourt
8 years agoWell said Bradley, I agree with your perspectives and hope you find a bike that can satisfy them all. Did you visit the New Wheel to test ride these? You mentioned SF… I used to live there and am in love with the Bay Area in general. Feel free to post an update on whatever you decide, I’m sure you’re not alone in this search :)
ReplyBradley Coley
8 years agoIt was the New Wheel. Great shop. Brett and Karin are amazing as is their entire crew. I’ve bought an Xtracycle and a Benno Boost there recently and had a great experience. I’ll update as soon as I pull the trigger on a DS city bike. A little curious as to what the big bike companies might bring to the table. Specialized and Trek have DS Mtn bikes that show a lot of potential. Haibike could also create a street version of theirs. But currently the only direct competition for the Delite is Moustache’s Samedi Asphalt. A nice bike but not well supported here in the US. TBC…!
Replycourt
8 years agoCool, thanks for the details Bradley. I’m with you, wondering who will bring a full suspension speed commuter next :)
ReplyAlan_in_Pgh
7 years agoCourt;
I know this review was a while ago, but wanted to let you know how valuable I found it in deciding on my first e-bike.
Placed my order for a Delite with Chris @ Propel late this week. The review really helped he understand not only the product, but whether I was really ready for this type of a product.
I would not have found Riese & Muller, Delite, Propel, Chris without your review, and having found them, got all my many questions answered.
Looking forward to taking delivery, and some slightly warmer weather.
Now I just drive the back way and try to decide if the road is wide enough for the ebike and me to share the road with the cars.
Again, thanks for the review – just what I needed.
Alan
Replycourt
7 years agoWow, thanks Alan! You made my day… I’m in a hotel room in California right now, just working on more ebike reviews. I’m so glad that Chris was able to take care of you (I feel like he does a great job), and I’m excited for you to enjoy riding! Have fun out there, be safe, thanks again :)
ReplyJames A Lawson
6 years agoNot sure anyone reads comments on a review that is a year old, but this review had special meaning for me, so I thought it important to share some results. I am 66 years old. Two years ago, I could barely walk and required a knee replacement. I have been methodically working my way back to reasonable health since then. In my younger days, I did a lot of road bike miles. Living here in western PA, the hills are scenic, but pretty brutal for anyone whose fitness level is below par.
I went through Court’s reviews for quite a while looking for just the right e-bike. This review was the one… Belt Drive, Bosch Engineering, reliability and power, NuVinci sealed and maintenance free gearing, full suspension, Reise & Muller solid and robust design. Dual batteries so that range was unlikely to ever be an issue. Chris Nolte and Propel Bikes impressed me in the video, a practical and non-nonsense advisors – not at all “salesy”
After about 100 questions to Chris at Propel Bikes – he was both patient and very informative – I made my purchase in March. It was still snowing the week the bike was delivered.
Is is now July – I have over 400 miles on the bike – I am riding about 50-60 miles a week. Recently started a once a week commute from home to downtown Pittsburgh that is 40 miles round trip. The commute has about 900 feet of climbing so it is definitely a commute I would not attempt without my ebike. Average speed is 14.5 mph.
I added a few things
Very pleased to be back into the bike community on a nearly daily basis – could not have done it without a good e-bike, Court’s great reviews, and Chris/Propel’s guidance through and beyond the purchase.
Alan in Pittsburgh
Replycourt
6 years agoAlan! You made my day, thanks for taking the time to sound off about your experience with Chris and filling us in on the accessory additions and custom fitting. I’m so glad to hear that the bike is working well for you and hope that continues. Thanks again for your positive remarks about EBR :)
ReplyJohn Stenglein
6 years agoCourt, Just found the time to let you know that your review of the Reise and Muller Delite GT Nuvinci HS with Chris Nolte was outstanding. I’d been researching ebikes back in August and it was just by chance that I happened upon your review on Youtube. That’s where I found out about the EBR website and read your expansive review of this bike. Incredibly, the week before seeing your review, I was ready to purchase what I thought was the ebike for me. Well, thank goodness I waited. I purchased my R&M Delite from Propel Bikes in Brooklyn in September and have never looked back. I began riding the Delite on September 9. As of Friday October 19 I have ridden 712 miles on this incredibly engineered bicycle. Mind you, I am 70 years young, been riding road bikes and recumbent bikes for a long time and am enjoying long rides again for the first time in years. Clipped -in pedaling had reduced my rides to 12 miles or less due to pain in the ball of the foot. Forget hill climbs with standing and full weight on the pedals. Well, that’s all changed since purchasing the Reise and Muller. I use a large, plain, flat bed pedal with pins that accommodates my size 15 street shoe. I ride in complete comfort being able to shift my foot around on the pedal. On hills, I remain seated upright using the fantastic Bosch assist to revisit climbs I hadn’t attempted in years. On the flats, I cruise and pass up roadies slunk over the drops like myself in years past. Startled looks and surprise as I go by at 24-28 mph. With no assist, I’ve topped out thus far at 44.82 mph dropping like a stone on steep hill with 20% gradient. I had just conquered this gradient going up so I just wanted to see how the Delite would handle at speed. No surprises! Held the road and at at no time was I fearful of losing control. Quite unlike similar drops on 700×23 tires affixed to a 19 pound carbon bike. The Schwalbe 2.4 tires can’t be beat. This bicycle has been a life changer for me. Thanks so much for providing reviews with insight and valuable information to consumers like myself who are seeking out ebike information. Regards, John
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHow wonderful! Thanks for sharing this testimonial, John. I’m so glad you waited and found the perfect bike… and I’m sure that Propel will take good care of you. Feel free to share updates over time, as the bike gets more use or you consider upgrades and accessories. Just awesome, thanks again!
ReplyJohn Stenglein
6 years agoCourt, I had spoken with Propel personnel back in October about logging over 500 miles in the first month of Delite riding. They agreed to extending the first checkup to 1000 miles since I was piling on the miles. Well, it is now October 31 and with today’s ride the odometer is reading 876 miles. By November 9, the second month of owning the Delite, I should be at 1000 miles. These are impressive miles for me that never would have been achieved without the R&M Delite. This bike is so enjoyable to ride that even when you’ve gone 25 miles you just want to keep going. I’ve had only two rides under 30 miles and one extended 45 miler. And with the coming of Fall and the changing colors of leaves what better time to be out on the roads viewing the scenery at a bicycle pace. This bike is safe and stable on straightaways, leaning into and rounding corners, or taking evasive action from wayward squirrels. The wide balloon tires and weight of this bike give you a solid feeling of control unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Wow, Reise and Muller have really dialed this bike in for riders like me. Needless to say I am one very happy ebike owner, regards, John