Every time we’ve examined out an e-bike from Precedence Bicycles, we’ve been impressed with the standard and craftsmanship. Now the corporate is bringing that dedication to bike store construct high quality to a brand new mannequin at a cheaper price level. Meet the $1,699 Precedence e-Basic Plus.

Precedence Bicycles started as a pedal bike firm and has slowly grown its portfolio of high-quality e-bikes alongside its acoustic assortment. The brand new e-Basic Plus follows the identical recreation plan as the corporate’s different fashions like e-Coast: taking their standard pedal bike fashions and including electrical help for extra “oomph.”

The $1,699 Precedence e-Basic Plus, which is launching with a promotional low cost bringing it down to only $1,399, options a lot of high-end elements hardly ever seen at this worth level.

As Precedence Bicycles founder and CEO David Weiner defined:

Once we initially designed the Basic 9 years in the past, we got down to make a sturdy, on a regular basis bicycle that was simple to personal, trip, and preserve. With the rise in e-bikes, we wished to ship on that very same promise with this new launch. The e-Basic Plus has change into my favourite every day rider as a result of, like the unique Basic, it’s comfy, light-weight, low upkeep, and only a pleasure to trip. If you’d like an easy-to-operate e-bike that may take you on errands, to the park with youngsters, or just get you out of the automotive and off your toes, the e-Basic Plus is the fitting selection.

Precedence prides itself on a low-maintenance design method, and the e-Basic Plus incorporates each a belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes to assist cut back its required upkeep.

Belt drives are extra environment friendly than chain drives over the lifetime of the drive, and so they don’t require oiling to carry out properly. They don’t squeak, rust, or jam like a sequence, however relatively merely proceed to work easily and quietly. Low-cost belt drive e-bikes are sometimes single speeds resulting from the truth that a belt drive can’t hop between gears like a sequence can. However Precedence has fitted the e-Basic Plus with a Nexus 3 internally geared rear hub to provide it a three-speed transmission.

Hydraulic disc brakes, in contrast to their mechanically operated cousins, don’t endure from cable stretch and thus require considerably lowered upkeep. They’re largely maintenance-free till the brake pads finally put on all the best way down and must be changed. The hydraulic strains scarcely must be bled outdoors of uncommon instances similar to the place the bike has been broken in a crash. For many customers, they’re a “set it and overlook it” kind of resolution.

Between the belt drive and hydraulic brakes – the 2 areas of a motorbike usually recognized for probably the most upkeep – the Precedence e-Basic Plus is almost upkeep free.

With a lot of the bike’s price range going towards higher-quality parts, the electrical aspect isn’t fairly as spectacular. It’s nonetheless tremendous for commuters, but it surely’s not going to win any stoplight races.

The 250W entrance hub motor is paired with a 374 Wh detachable battery. The duo affords speeds of as much as 20 mph (32 km/h) and a variety of between 20-60 miles (32-96 km) relying on circumstances. That longer vary is feasible as a result of the Class 1 e-bike doesn’t have a throttle, which means it solely operates with extra environment friendly pedal help.

We’re used to seeing a battle of watts with many new e-bike producers, particularly Asian importers whose e-bikes have begun blurring the strains with mopeds. However the Precedence e-Basic Plus takes a extra European method, providing modest energy and battery designed for commuting across the metropolis as an alternative of laying down rubber snakes on the asphalt.

The bike contains fenders, LED lighting, extra-stable twin kickstand, and upright body geometry with consolation saddle, and is available in each a diamond body and step-through choices.

Electrek’s Take

I’ve been an enormous fan of Precedence Bicycles since I examined their first e-bike again in 2018. The corporate merely operates underneath a distinct mannequin, specializing in the bike half first as an alternative of simply making an attempt to construct flashier, quicker electrics. Which means they all the time carry out nice as bikes, plus have the additional benefit of electrical help. It’s a pleasant change in an business that sees so many low-end choices that look nice at first however can flip into creaky rust wagons after one season.

I’ve been driving round on the Precedence e-Coast as properly (pictured beneath and overview coming quickly!) and it’s merely a dream of an e-cruiser. The brand new e-Basic Plus principally seems to be like an identical method but now in a consolation commuter (and with the additional benefit of an internally geared hub within the rear). That is going to be an incredible competitor within the commuter marketplace for anybody who values high quality over mere efficiency figures. When you don’t thoughts a 250W motor taking a couple of extra seconds to get you as much as 20 mph, then you definitely’ll have a a lot higher-end bike underneath you whilst you get there.