Comfortable, powerful, lightweight, stylish, practical
Imagine yourself gliding through the bustling streets of your city, effortlessly weaving through traffic, all while getting a healthy dose of fresh air. Ridley, the Belgian bike brand known for its high-performance road and gravel bikes, has stepped into the urban scene with its new Urbx e-bike, a marvel tailored for the modern city dweller.
The Urbx is designed with the urban commuter in mind, boasting a sleek integration of features that make it stand out in a crowded market. At its heart is the Bafang G310 hub motor, a discreet yet powerful component providing up to 250 watts of additional power and 30Nm of torque. Nestled within the downtube, a 360Wh internal battery ensures that you can cruise for up to 80 kilometers on flat terrain, making daily commutes a breeze.
Ridley has taken its experience from the world of performance cycling and applied it to urban commuting. This bike is light enough to carry up a flight of stairs, an impressive feat in the e-bike world. It's not just about shedding grams; it’s about creating a ride that's as functional as it is enjoyable. The handlebars and saddles have been meticulously designed for maximum comfort, informed by user feedback, to ensure that every ride is a pleasant experience.
One of the standout features of the Urbx is its choice between a traditional chain drive and a belt drive. The latter offers the convenience of being virtually maintenance-free, sparing you from the nuisance of oily chains and frequent lubrication. The chain drive version, equipped with Shimano’s 10-speed Deore groupset, keeps things simple and efficient.
The Urbx doesn't skimp on practicality either. Integrated lights in the handlebars and seatpost ensure you're visible in low light conditions, a crucial feature for urban riders. The inclusion of mudguards means that you can ride in any weather without the worry of splashing dirt onto your clothes. Ridley has clearly thought through the needs of city commuters, providing a bike that is as practical as it is stylish.
Available in three sizes, with a step-through model for those who prefer easier mounting, the Urbx caters to a variety of riders. The price point of €2,399 / £2,199 positions it as an affordable option in the commuter e-bike market, making it accessible without compromising on quality or features.
In essence, the Ridley Urbx is more than just an e-bike; it’s a companion for the modern urbanite. It offers a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality that makes commuting not just bearable, but enjoyable. Whether you're navigating through morning traffic or taking a leisurely ride to explore your city, the Urbx stands ready to redefine your urban cycling experience.
Pros:
- Powerful Bafang G310 Hub Motor: Provides up to 250 watts of additional power and 30Nm of torque, offering ample assistance for urban commuting.
- Lightweight Design: Despite being an e-bike, it is light enough to carry up stairs, which is a significant advantage for city dwellers.
- Integrated Lights: Front and rear lights are powered by the internal battery, enhancing visibility and safety without the need for separate light attachments.
- Comfort-Oriented Design: Handlebars and saddles designed with user comfort in mind, ensuring a pleasant riding experience.
- Belt Drive Option: Virtually maintenance-free and eliminates the need for lubrication, preventing oily chain marks on clothing.
- Mudguards Included: Standard mudguards protect against splashes and make riding in various weather conditions more practical.
- Affordability: At €2,399 / £2,199, it offers good value in the commuter e-bike market without compromising on features or quality.
- Versatility in Sizing and Models: Available in three sizes and with a step-through model, catering to different rider preferences and needs.
Cons:
- Limited Motor Power: The Bafang G310 motor, while efficient, might not provide enough power for those needing more torque or assistance on steeper inclines.
- Fixed Battery: The internal battery, although well-integrated, cannot be easily removed for charging, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- Range Variability: The estimated range of up to 80 kilometers can vary significantly based on rider weight, terrain, and weather conditions, which might not meet the expectations of all users.
- Less Known Motor Brand: Bafang, while functional, is relatively less known compared to other more established e-bike motor brands, which might concern some buyers.
- Basic Chain Drive Option: The traditional chain drive model, while reliable, may require regular maintenance and might not appeal to those preferring a more maintenance-free option like the belt drive.
€2,399 / £2,199
