Volton has been making the Alation since 2012, it’s an affordably priced, off-road capable ebike with a purpose built frame designed to keep battery weight low and balanced. While older models use 350 and 500 watt geared rear hub motors in 2014 this new mid-drive version was introduced with an 8Fun BBS01 geared center drive. I’m a big fan of the system because it’s quieter, stronger and more sophisticated than some other low end mid-drives but not so fancy that it jacks up the price. Keep in mind, if you bought the BBS01 with a 36 volt ~10 amp hour battery equivalent to what’s used on this bike it would likely cost upwards of $1,000. So with this bike priced at ~$2,300 including free shipping you get enormous value in my opinion. Not only does it include lights, fenders, an integrated battery design and a suspension fork with lockout but you also get a one year warranty. At the time of this review I was told that the bike is completely sold out and I can see why.
The motor driving this electric bike offers 350 watts of power which is about average. However, thanks to its mid-mounted configuration it actually climbs better and can reach higher top speeds than a hub motor would. You can operate the bike in one of three pedal assist modes that use a cadence sensor built right into the mid-motor casing and at any time you can also use the twist throttle as an override. The twist throttle offers as much power as the assist mode you choose so level 1 will feel weak and level 3 will feel strong. One downside with the twist throttle is that the bike does not offer throttle only mode… if you want that type of experience just choose pedal assist level three and don’t pedal, the throttle will still work. That said, if you forget that pedal assist is enabled and turn the cranks at all with your feet the bike may surprise you by activating the motor. Overall the motor is quiet, smooth and fairly powerful. You can use the eight speed cassette in the rear like the transmission on a car to optimize torque or speed but there is no shift sensor built in. This means that if you are throttling the bike hard while shifting you might encounter mashing and grinding. I usually slow my pedaling or activate the brakes momentarily (which cuts off power to the motor) and then shift.
The battery pack used for the Alation Mid Drive is a 36 volt 10.5 amp hour Samsung brick that’s designed to fit right into the downtube. It’s a wonderful design, especially considering the low price of this bike. Aesthetically it’s similar to what higher priced Stromer, Specialized and Easy Motion designs offer but not quite as secure or polished. Older Alation models had a cover that would rattle but that has been solved here with a rubberized edge that also keeps out dust and light exposure to water. The battery pack inside is also more secure now thanks to a canvas tote (complete with handles) designed to make charging and storing the battery away from the bike even easier. Frankly, it’s a great design for what it is and the cells themselves are high quality with Lithium-ion chemistry. The battery weight is kept low and center, very near the motor, and the controller and wiring are also stored in the frame so the overall appearance of the bike is not degraded. All except the front of the bike I guess, where wires from the brake levers and drive system are a bit exposed. I think normally they’d be more wrapped up but the demo bike I tested had just been built for our ride.
Operating the Alation Mid-Drive is similar to other Volton Alation ebikes but uses the stock Bafang display instead of a J-LCD King Meter. Once the battery pack is secure in the frame, you hold the power button on the control pad (located on the left portion of the handle bar near the grip) and the screen activates. It starts out in assist level one (the weakest level) and from there you press + or – on the control pad for more or less power. The display is large, backlit and adjustable (swivels forward or back) to reduce glare but it is not easily removable. that’s a bummer because you don’t want to tempt vandals or alert people to this being an electric bike. I suppose you could get a velcro cover or something to hide it and keep rain off but overall it’s very well sealed and designed to be exposed to the elements without issue. I like the trigger shifters, twist throttle and brake levers in use here. they’re all pretty standard in terms of design but the brake levers do cut power to the motor and include an integrated bell on the left grip which is neat.
I’ve long been a fan of Volton because their founder Joe Marchfield is such a nice and responsive guy. We recently went for a test ride near Chicago and I got to use the Mid-Drive and his 500 watt Alation and both performed well. It’s tough to find any ebikes below $2,500 that offer so many features and even tougher to find one that looks great and is well balanced. This bike is capable of light trail riding but also performs well in urban environments thanks to the suspension lockout and mounting points for adding a rear rack. I like the kickstand, pedals, disc brakes and lights that are included and feel like this is a great value overall.
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Ron
10 years ago10% restocking fee if you find it is too small. That’s tough. But apparently they have a few dealers now, if you’re lucky enough to live near one.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoBummer, sounds like the frame was a bit small for you Ron? Volton only offers one frame size for most of their ebikes and they are primarily an online company so that keeps the price low but also makes test riding and returning a bit more difficult… and expensive :(
ReplyAJ
10 years agoI’m 6’3″, 190lbs. You think I would fit on this bike?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoYou could make it work but the frame might feel a little tight, positioning your body more upright and possibly not allowing for full leg extension without a longer seat tube. One alternative worth considering that also uses a mid-drive and comes in medium and large frame sizes is the IZIP E3 Peak or the BMEBIKES BM-Night Hawk that comes in 17″, 19″, 21″ and 23″ and uses the same 8Fun motor as the Alation.
Replymike
10 years agoAlso a 500W, 48V option for $400
ReplyScott
10 years agoCourt, have you riden the 500 watt 48v version of this bike? I think this bike looks awesome and has great performance but I am wondering how much better the 48v version might be since I am 5′ 11″ and 250 lbs. Thanks, Scott
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Scott, no I haven’t! At the time of review there was only a 350 watt version and it was decent but did leave something to be desired in terms of power. For anyone who weighs over 180 or plans to transport extra cargo in this weight range I recommend upgrading to 500+ motors and 48 volt systems if they’re available. The bike will operate more efficiently and just be more enjoyable. Volton makes great stuff and I’m sure Joe (the owner) will take care of you if you reach out with questions :)
ReplyMike Leroy
10 years agoCourt, I trust you know Lithium Polymer is not considered a chemistry. I assume the manufacturer gave you that. Info. I explain the details here, for anyone wanting clarification.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGreat feedback as always Mike! Thanks for clarifying this and adding your voice here for people who are considering the Alation and other Lithium Polymer packs :)
ReplyLink Shadley
9 years agoVolton Alation 350 Mid-drive. FANTASTIC ! I received this bike in November, just as the first winter storm hit in the north Idaho mountains. Snow, trees down, only rode 1/2 a mile. Lots of time in the shop to add accessories. Today, 2/8/2016 the snow had melted from the bike trails in Sandpoint, Idaho and we put 7 miles on the bike. It is great. Rarely got above Assist Level 2 and the bike battery indicator still shows full charge. My wife who has good legs was on her bike and often came up huffing and puffing when I stopped for her to catch up. My legs don’t work well due to claudication and diabetes thanks to Agent Orange from ‘Nam. This bike is exactly what I need to get back outdoors and do moderate exercise. Perfect customer service from Joe, well made, works as advertised. Couldn’t be happier.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoSounds like the bike is working great for you Link! Joe has always been good to me as well and I think the 350 mid-drive model strikes a perfect balance between power, efficiency and price. Appreciate your comment :)
ReplyLink Shadley
9 years agoCompleted a mountain bike trek yesterday with the Volton Alation 350 Mid-drive of 20 miles and 1500′ elevation gain near Sandpoint, Idaho on pavement, gravel, dirt and mud. Out Rapid Lightning, up Upper Gold Creek, south on Colburn Culver and back. Used about 60% of the bike battery and 80% of my energy – however, I now believe the bike is capable of 30+ miles with conservative use of the battery so the 72 mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s seems achievable where there is a 32 mile stretch between plugins. I’m going to bring a portable solar panel also in case I get stranded and need to bivouac for a couple of days to recharge the battery.
This bike is fantastic. I think the upgraded 48 volt version this year will be better (might give the 350 to my wife and get the 500 next year).
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoAwesome! Thanks for sharing your experience and the ride stats Link, win-win for you and your Wife if you get the 48, would love to hear back after more rides have been completed ;)