Redmond, Washington-based electrical bicycle firm Propella has simply launched the model’s most up-market e-bike but, the Propella 9S Professional. It builds upon the corporate’s light-weight, messenger-style e-bike design legacy, but provides within the highest-quality elements we’ve seen but on the model’s e-bikes.
We’ve lengthy been Propella followers right here at Electrek, having examined each the full-size 700c fashions and the smaller 20″ mini e-bikes from the model.
Beginning at sub-$999 pricing and providing light-weight, easy-riding electrical bikes for the town, Propella has grow to be recognized for its excessive worth within the city class of e-bikes.
Such light-weight e-bike choices have grow to be much more essential within the face of tendencies over the previous few years which have seen many e-bikes balloon in measurement and weight.
Now the model is stepping out of its funds territory and heading for larger efficiency with the brand new Propella 9S Professional.
Don’t anticipate to be laying down rubber snakes within the bike lane although. The 9S Professional is the very best efficiency e-bike but from Propella, however there’s a restrict to simply how a lot energy you’ll be able to pack into a light-weight e-bike.
These are nonetheless meant to be modestly highly effective commuter e-bikes which can be designed for cyclists that wish to pedal however that need some additional “oomph” added to their trip.
In comparison with the corporate’s current 7S e-bike, the 9S Professional good points 4 lbs. (1.8 kg), rising to a nonetheless svelte 41 lb. (18.6 kg).
That elevated weight largely comes from an even bigger capability battery and a extra highly effective motor.
The battery will increase from 250 Wh to 350 Wh, due to the inclusion of bigger 21700 format Samsung battery cells. A better energy charger included with the bike will see cost time drop to simply 2.5 hours.
21700-format cells have been gaining in recognition for e-bike use during the last a number of years. In comparison with the extra widespread 18650-format, these bigger cells cram in additional capability, which may also help e-bike battery designers provide longer run occasions.
The battery ought to present between 25-45 miles of vary (40-70 km), relying on how highly effective of a pedal help degree is chosen. There isn’t any throttle on these e-bikes; they’re Class 1 pedal help e-bikes.
That Class 1 designation additionally means they max out at 20 mph (32 km/h), which is an enchancment from the earlier 18.5 mph (30 km/h) prime velocity.
That quicker velocity is made doable attributable to each the bigger capability battery that is ready to present extra energy, in addition to the brand new larger energy Vinka motor (now 500W peak-rated, rising from 400W peak-rated) discovered within the rear hub.
It’s not simply the electronics and powertrain that bought an improve on the Propella 9S Professional. There are additionally plenty of attention-grabbing new parts discovered on the bike as nicely.
The mechanical disc brakes have been upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes, which offer stronger stopping energy and decreased upkeep. In contrast to mechanical disc brakes which can be liable to cable stretch and must be sometimes tuned to take care of the right braking drive and pull stroke, hydraulic disc brakes mainly keep completely tuned till the brake pads are lastly worn out and must be changed.
The entrance fast launch skewer has been changed by a stronger and higher-quality 12mm thru-axle, one thing hardly ever seen on e-bikes on this cheaper price degree.
The tire measurement has additionally been up to date with a barely smaller diameter but wider tire. Propella went with CST BROOKLYN PRO 27.5” x 2” tires, which give an city tread that may nonetheless deal with gentle trails. The bigger air quantity will definitely present a nicer trip for extra comfy cruising, matched by one other consolation characteristic within the handlebars which have a slight rise to them. That ought to give only a little bit of a extra upright trip place to the bike.
The handlebars additionally include a brand new colour LCD show as an alternative of the earlier monochrome show. Riders can use the display-mounted buttons to navigate by way of 5 completely different ranges of pedal help.
The pedal drivetrain has been upgraded with a 9-speed Shimano Altus transmission, giving riders a bit extra vary of gears to select from.
In comparison with the present Propella 7S’s value of $1,299, the brand new Propella 9S Professional good points simply $200 to succeed in $1,499 for the primary pre-order prospects. These bikes are estimated to ship in early July, and pre-orders have free cancellation if you find yourself not wanting to attend that lengthy.
Phrase to the sensible although: The bike’s value will enhance to its full $1,699 MSRP after the preliminary pre-order group. So for those who like the larger motor and battery, larger velocity, and nicer elements, chances are you’ll wish to bounce on this new mannequin rapidly earlier than the value goes up.
Although even at $1,699, a light-weight commuter e-bike with this degree of elements is difficult to come back by at this value today.
What do you consider Propella’s upgrades within the 9S Professional? Let’s hear your ideas within the feedback part under.
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