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 lower cost 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 sport plan as the corporate’s different fashions like e-Coast: taking their well-liked 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 simply $1,399, options a variety of high-end elements not often seen at this worth level.

As Precedence Bicycles founder and CEO David Weiner defined:

After we initially designed the Basic 9 years in the past, we got down to make a sturdy, on a regular basis bicycle that was straightforward to personal, trip, and preserve. With the rise in e-bikes, we needed to ship on that very same promise with this new launch. The e-Basic Plus has turn out to be 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. In order for you an easy-to-operate e-bike that may take you on errands, to the park with children, or just get you out of the automobile and off your toes, the e-Basic Plus is the correct alternative.

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 scale 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 series, however slightly 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 series can. However Precedence has fitted the e-Basic Plus with a Nexus 3 internally geared rear hub to present it a three-speed transmission.

Hydraulic disc brakes, not like their mechanically operated cousins, don’t undergo from cable stretch and thus require considerably decreased upkeep. They’re largely maintenance-free till the brake pads ultimately put on all the way in which down and have to be changed. The hydraulic strains scarcely have to be bled outdoors of uncommon circumstances akin to the place the bike has been broken in a crash. For many customers, they’re a “set it and neglect it” kind of answer.

Between the belt drive and hydraulic brakes – the 2 areas of a motorcycle usually identified 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 facet isn’t fairly as spectacular. It’s nonetheless effective for commuters, however it’s not going to win any stoplight races.

The 250W entrance hub motor is paired with a 374 Wh detachable battery. The duo presents speeds of as much as 20 mph (32 km/h) and a spread of between 20-60 miles (32-96 km) relying on situations. 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 a substitute of laying down rubber snakes on the asphalt.

The bike consists of 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 special mannequin, specializing in the bike half first as a substitute of simply attempting to construct flashier, quicker electrics. Which means they all the time carry out nice as bikes, plus have the additional advantage of electrical help. It’s a pleasant change in an trade 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 assessment coming quickly!) and it’s merely a dream of an e-cruiser. The brand new e-Basic Plus mainly appears like the same method but now in a consolation commuter (and with the additional advantage of an internally geared hub within the rear). That is going to be an important competitor within the commuter marketplace for anybody who values high quality over mere efficiency figures. In the event you don’t thoughts a 250W motor taking just a few extra seconds to get you as much as 20 mph, then you definately’ll have a a lot higher-end bike underneath you whilst you get there.