Powerful. Automatic. Lightweight. Smooth. Reliable.
You wake up, another day in the grind. The city’s pulse waits for no one, least of all you. Whether it's the early morning commute or a last-minute dash across town, the Centauri II is the bike that rises to meet you there.
It’s quiet. I mean, eerily quiet. None of the usual chain clanking or annoying little clicks that seem to nag at your nerves when you’re navigating urban chaos. This thing’s belt-driven. A Gates CDX belt, no less, which is about as close to zero maintenance as you'll get. And the best part? It lasts four times longer than those greasy old chains you’ve been wrestling with for years.
The heart of it—this machine packs a punch. Under the hood, you’ve got a 350-watt motor. It’s the kind of motor that delivers 120Nm of torque. That means no waiting around when you hit the pedals. You want speed? You get speed, fast. And it can take you up to 28mph—yes, you’re legally still on a bike, but you’ll feel like you’re cheating.
Now let’s talk control. No gears to fumble with. The bike knows when to shift. It’s got this Autoshift3 internal hub that takes you from 1 to 3 gears without you even thinking about it. No fuss, no clunky transitions, just a smooth ride that adjusts with you. And all of this operates in a sealed oil bath, ready to churn out thousands of miles before you need to give it any serious thought.
What’s the range, you ask? The Centauri II doesn’t blink at 60 miles of real-world riding. That’s freedom—a whole day of dodging potholes, breezing through traffic, conquering the streets without a thought about the battery. And when you need to juice it up, the battery is removable, charge it on or off the bike.
If you’ve ever flinched at potholes or those sneaky cracks that appear in the pavement just when you're not looking, the Centauri II has you covered. Its suspension isn't overkill. You don’t get a heavy, maintenance-sucking mountain bike setup here. No, it’s got a friction-damped coil spring system, enough to smooth the rough edges but without weighing you down.
The little things, they matter. That’s why this thing has tires that grip but roll smooth. They're cushioned, built to handle the bumps without throwing you off. Hydraulic brakes, too. Oversized rotors, plenty of stopping power because you’ll need it when the city decides to throw its worst at you—cars, pedestrians, the unexpected.
I’ll tell you, it’s the attention to detail that sets the Centauri II apart. The lighting alone is worth talking about. Integrated 360-degree visibility, so it’s not just about seeing where you’re going, but making sure everyone sees you. That’s peace of mind when you’re weaving through the city after dark.
And for those who like to carry their lives with them, it’s ready for accessories—racks, water bottles, locks. Everything you’d expect from a bike that’s more than a ride; it’s your daily companion, always ready, never complaining.
The Centauri II isn’t just an ebike; it’s an extension of how you want to move through life—fast, efficient, and always a little bit ahead of the curve. It’s the urban warrior’s steed, taking you where you need to go, with less hassle and more freedom. You’ll get hooked, and then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Pros:
- Automatic Shifting: The Autoshift3 transmission takes the hassle out of changing gears, making for a smoother, more intuitive ride, especially in unpredictable urban environments.
- Low Maintenance Belt Drive: The Gates CDX belt requires almost no maintenance and lasts up to four times longer than traditional chains, which means fewer headaches and a quieter ride.
- Long Range: With a 60-mile real-world range, you can tackle a full day of riding without worrying about the battery dying.
- Powerful Motor: The 350w motor with 120Nm of torque ensures you have the power to accelerate quickly and navigate inclines with ease, while reaching speeds up to 28 mph.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: At 50 lbs, it's relatively light for an ebike, making it easier to maneuver in tight city spaces.
- Integrated Suspension: The Monoshock system provides enough suspension to smooth out rough streets without adding unnecessary weight or maintenance issues.
- Impressive Braking System: The Shimano hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors offer strong stopping power, adding a layer of safety for city commuting.
- Accessory Ready: Plenty of mounting points for water bottles, racks, and locks make it practical for commuters who need versatility.
- Excellent Lighting System: The 360º lighting with an outer diffuse ring improves visibility at night, making it safer for evening rides.
- No Chains to Oil: The belt drive eliminates the need for greasy chain maintenance, reducing mess and upkeep.
Cons:
- Price: At $2,999, it’s a premium purchase that may be out of reach for budget-conscious riders.
- Limited Suspension Travel: The 30mm of suspension travel is fine for city streets but might feel insufficient on rougher terrain or extended off-road paths.
- No Manual Gear Option: Some riders might miss having a manual shifter, especially when they want more control over their riding style.
- Relatively Heavy for a Non-Folding Bike: At 50 lbs, while it's light for an ebike, it could still be a hassle to carry up stairs or onto public transportation for some users.
- No Throttle: The bike relies entirely on pedal assist, which could be a downside for those who prefer a throttle option for cruising without pedaling.
- Automatic Shifting Learning Curve: The Autoshift3 system might take some getting used to, as it decides when to shift, which may feel disorienting for riders accustomed to manual shifting.
$2,999