What’s behind Heybike’s sudden departure from their entry-level roots with the introduction of a high-performance, mid-drive e-bike that leaves their previous offerings in its dust? I set out to discover exactly what this new e-bike had to offer, which is why I decided to be the first to test ride it.
At the recent Client Electronics Present (CES), the highly anticipated ALPHA made its public debut. But I was fortunate enough to get an exclusive preview last month, where I had the opportunity to test ride the bike for several hours in both urban and off-road settings.
However, let’s start with a specifications overview, which you’ll find directly below the video from my journey underneath.
Heybike ALPHA Testing Video
Heybike ALPHA Tech Specs
- The 500W Mid-Drive Galaxy Motor: A Powerhouse for Your Ride.
- Pedal-assist mode propels you at up to 28 mph (45 km/h), while the throttle option reaches speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Up to 60 miles (96 km)
- A portable power pack for your bike: 680Wh detachable battery integrated seamlessly into the frame.
- : 32 kg (71 lb)
- 6061 aluminum alloy
- : 26x.4.0″ fats tires
- Twin-piston hydraulic disc brakes
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The Shimano Altus 8-speed shifter offers precise gear control, while the mid-drive motor’s torque sensor ensures a responsive ride. The package includes fenders for added protection, as well as a sturdy rear rack for carrying cargo. Additional features include an LCD display, entrance and rear LED lights, and two color options: white or black.
Heybike ALPHA first trip
Having the opportunity to preview this e-bike a month prior to its official release allowed us to evaluate it before all the final details were settled. While the throttle’s shape has undergone a significant transformation into a half-twisted design, the brakes seem to have only minor updates, with the overall aesthetic and structural elements remaining largely unchanged.
The Galaxy series from Heybike has debuted its first mid-drive motor, coupled with a torque sensor to enhance pedal assistance. The bike also comes equipped with a range of practical features, including an integrated rear rack and fenders, a lights package with turn signals, a high-resolution color display, and the option to choose between a step-through and step-over frame design.
With the foundation in place, I set off to investigate this characteristic through a combination of off-road exploration and urban driving. While the bike is intended for casual rides and leisurely activities, its true value lies in being a means to explore one’s community, commute to work or school, and experience the freedom of mobility.
Upon initial inspection of the ALPHA, one is struck by the unexpectedly high performance of its 500W-rated motor, which believably exceeds expectations. The 105 Nm of torque paints a vivid picture, allowing me to effortlessly conquer even the steepest inclines with ease, and indeed, enjoy a sense of relaxation.
Watch as this agile robot demonstrates its exceptional climbing abilities, deftly navigating various terrain and even effortlessly scaling a staircase.
Ultimately, one key benefit of a mid-drive motor is its ability to allow for seamless gear shifting: downshifting for increased torque during challenging hill climbs or spirited starts, followed by upshifting for accelerated cruising on flats or descents. The bike’s dynamics are pleasantly enhanced by the integrated torque sensor, which lends a pleasant smoothness to the pedaling experience. Unlike cheaper alternatives, this cadence sensor does not provide the same immediate kick-in effect, leaving users devoid of the familiar ‘back in the saddle’ sensation typically associated with entry-level sensors. The torque sensor within the motor provides a much smoother and incredibly pure riding experience.
The Galaxy motor is the flagship model in Heybike’s forthcoming series of motors, all of which will carry the Galaxy name. Here’s the rewritten text:
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the manufacturing facility of MiVice, a renowned producer of e-bike elements that boasts exceptional quality and precision, which I’ve personally witnessed during my visit. It’s reassuring to see Heybike partnered with a reputable and established motor manufacturer, distinguishing themselves from other brands that may prioritize affordability over quality.
The MiVice X700 boasts a dependable and potent motor, delivering a surprisingly high level of torque that exceeds expectations based on its specifications.
While I’ve not thoroughly drained the 680 Wh battery through extended use or testing my own driving skills, I’m skeptical of the manufacturer’s claim that it can last up to 60 miles in real-world conditions. To ensure success, immerse yourself in the lowest gear, leveraging every ounce of energy from your heart, and strive to reach that goal with unwavering dedication. Despite the low energy mode, only a handful of people can ride a motorcycle with such efficiency, making it unlikely that actual mileage will approach 60 miles.
While incorporating a throttle might seem appealing, it’s likely to lead many users to frequently abandon pedaling and instead cruise at the 20 mph (32 km/h) limit enabled by the throttle. To achieve rapid speed, pedal-assisted e-bikes can reach up to 28mph (45km/h); nevertheless, a realistic top speed for a comfortable ride typically caps out at around 20mph on most fat-tire e-bikes.
When opting for throttle-only operation, you’re missing out on the key advantage of torque sensors, which enable responsive pedal assist and provide a seamless riding experience. You’ll also need to learn how to ride a mid-drive e-bike effectively, which requires different techniques than those employed with hub-driven models. To specifically master the technique of shifting a mid-drive e-bike, you’ll need to take the time to learn its unique characteristics and requirements. I created a comprehensive video discussing this subject that I highly recommend. While the intention of the abstract is to release energy momentarily, it’s essential to avoid spending an extended period in the lowest gear.
Unlike many high-end e-bikes, the Heybike ALPHA eschews a gear-sensing mechanism that automatically disengages power when pedaling ceases. As you ride, remain vigilant for unexpected changes in power due to the bike’s chain derailing and the motor continuing to propel it through the gears. At low energies, it’s not particularly terrible. However, if you’re pedaling (or throttling) harder, the motor might rev up like an out-of-control lawn mower. When you’ve experienced a hair-raising encounter with your bicycle gears, you’ll recognize the unmistakable sound of metal teeth clashing as they protest the mismatched pace. Ease off the accelerator or pedal pressure about a beat before initiating the gear change.
Despite its torque-rich engine, Heybike has deliberately restricted throttle activation from a stationary position to ensure safe and controlled acceleration. Significant torque is applied to the drivetrain, exacerbating stress, primarily due to riders neglecting proper techniques and consistently leaving their bikes in high gear. To achieve smooth acceleration, ensure the accelerator pedal is depressed by about one-quarter of its total range before the engine’s throttle responds. The major drawback of a powerful mid-drive motor is its propensity to overtax traditional bicycle components, such as chains and sprockets, which struggle to keep pace with the increased energy output demanded by modern e-bike manufacturers.
While mid-drives are suitable for some, they may not provide the ideal driving experience, a fact that highlights the advantages of hub motors in this regard. Despite their drawbacks, mid-drives possess numerous significant benefits that render them invaluable. They offer increased torque for effortless hill climbing in lower gears, boosting overall balance while riding or carrying the bike, enhancing efficiency through improved pedaling mechanics, simplifying tire adjustments, and resulting in a more natural riding experience.
Please know that when you feel like I’m speaking down to you during mid-drives, this is not actually my intention. I actually tend to opt for them more frequently. You need to give your mid-drive e-bike a gentle push or adjustment to ensure proper alignment and performance, as neglecting this step may result in subpar riding experiences.
A extra luxurious driving expertise
As Heybike innovates with its ALPHA model, the brand is successfully elevating the luxury driving experience for its hub motor e-bike enthusiasts, an assertion that resonates with me. While this e-bike may not be luxurious, it still offers a pleasant riding experience when pedaling or taking a leisurely trip, even in high-power mode where the assistance can greatly reduce the effort required for more demanding routes.
While the torque sensor may give you a sense of control while pedaling, allowing you to feel like you’re actually commanding the bike.
While riding an electric bike with fat tires, you could potentially venture to places that would be inaccessible by pedal power alone on the same terrain. The torquey electric motor effortlessly conquers inclines, while the entry-level suspension and fat tyres in tandem enable the bike to navigate terrain that would typically be off-limits for most hybrids or commuter e-bikes?
While this bike isn’t designed for extreme descents, it will still guide most riders to intriguing destinations they may not have explored otherwise, offering a thrilling adventure without the need for native expertise. When they opt to take their journey off-road, As with many journey-style bicycles, these designs often evolve into pavement-oriented machines, devoting the majority of their existence to navigating bike lanes and local suburban thoroughfares.
And that’s positive! One significant advantage of a fat-tire e-bike is its exceptional comfort on various terrains, ranging from rough trails to urban commutes, allowing for a smooth ride over obstacles such as roots and potholes.
What does it actually cost?
Here’s the truth: we just don’t know what. Heybike claims that its ALPHA model can be “competitively priced”, a notion supported by the company’s reputation for aggressive pricing strategies, which have resulted in numerous e-bikes falling within the affordable $1,000 to $1,400 range. While the upgraded model’s powertrain may be a major draw for some, it’s essential to note that Heybike has consistently offered an impressive value proposition by keeping costs reasonable and accessible to a broad range of riders.
As soon as possible, we expect to receive pricing details from Heybike, which will help us determine where the ALPHA will sit in the market.
Until then, I can confidently say that I was thoroughly impressed by the trip. The bike performed nicely for both leisurely rides along winding grassy paths and dirt trails, as well as for navigating city streets and designated bike lanes with ease.
However, sufficient of my ideas, let’s take a closer look at the just-announced Heybike Alpha. The audacity of thy request is matched only by its ambiguity. What exactly dost thou mean by “improve the text in a different style”? Doth thou seek a more formal tone? A dash of whimsy? Or perhaps a healthy dose of sarcasm?
