Is This The Ultimate Urban eBike? Comfort, Belt-Drive, and Power. The Tenways AGO T Review!

[@EbikeEscape]

What do you think of the Tenways AGO T? What do you think of this combo of drivetrain and motor? fas.st/t/p13oUL4Y If you are thinking about purchasing an AGO T, or any Tenways eBike, doing so after clicking our link is a free and easy way to help support Ebike Escape. Thank you all in advance.

[@MHH3180]

Almost all bike reviewers don't know bikes. Fewer still understand the importance of cadence (60-90rpm pressing no harder than as if you were walking on the same surface). Even fewer understand why powering up from a stop, in the wrong gear, destroys drive trains. Obviously, this is where IGH's really shine. Your review is head and shoulders above others. I am subscribing. One complaint. Most people do not speak, much less listen, at the speeds you speak. When I had telemarketing teams (always in the bike business, but you need a regular job to pay bills), we instructed our team to speak more slowly the further South we were reaching. It is cultural, not intelligence. Speaking slower suggests thoughtfulness. Since my shop is only a few hundred miles from you, in The Quad Cities (Ruby's Beers, Bikes & Brats), it wasn't as big of deal for me, but I definitely noticed.

[@martinkortsmit7353]

I’ve got a Tenways CGO600 for over 2 years, light weight no gearing and also belt drive, a wonderful bike!(pity small battery) ! Now looking out for another commuter E bike fot my wife, this Ago-T is one of the serious candidates

[@diyathomevn]

a,This is the best bike video I've ever seen. so the company should be fine and this combination of components is great for those who like torque sensing or control and low maintenance on the Excellent engine. You could be the next winner! , congratulations, hug tight. As you mentioned,

[@lafamillecarrington]

My favourites too! Actually, pretty much everything about it looks brilliant, and I really want to try it out! I don't understand why so many ebikes have derailleurs.

[@MHH3180]

I sell them. I also do a torque sensing custom conversion every week and I am almost as baffled. Dersileurs sre slightly more efficient and they are lighter weight. I would guess it has more to do with saving money than anything.

[@pacificbob24]

As a 77-year-old senior, I like the idea of the belt drive., the torque sensor and the internal shifter. Where would I be able to get the bike serviced?

[@RhettThanas]

I’ve been able to get my Priority Continuum Onyx serviced anywhere, but the biggest downside is that belt drives are not typically stocked and need to be ordered in. Most bike places stock all sizes of chain, so having a belt can slow your repair time. You can mitigate this by purchasing a spare belt drive in the correct size.

[@MHH3180]

Tenways invites dealers. My tiny shop is located inside a craftbrew taproom and they trest me like a king. The only company with better finish on their bikes is Gazelle at around $1k higher price. The T is out of stock now til November unfortunately.

[@robmaxwell3678]

​@MHH3180 would this bike be suitable for swapping tires with knobbies for light trail riding? Or just choose a different model?

[@MHH3180]

@@robmaxwell3678 knobbies are for mixed terrain like rock to sand to hard pack and roots.

[@kqschwarz]

Thank you for an excellent review. I will use your link if I decide to buy.

[@dh9003]

I have the Tenways CGO600 Pro, its a light weight commuter style, hub drive, very quiet and smooth, nimble and quick acceleration. Limitations are it doesn't have suspension and is limited to 20 mph. But for what its designed for its a terrific bike

[@JURRE43]

Would you recommend it for a 1 hour (2*30min) drive 6 days a week?

[@MHH3180]

We agree, but let's remember, e-bikes were meant to make traditional cycling easier, more convenient and accessible, not faster. Class III was only allowed in The U.S. because U.S. csr mfg's Ford and Chrysler wanted to offer something that Chunese and EU companies could not, at that time. The winners of The TDG the last three years have all averaged only 24.5mph. They are riding $10k+ bikes, perfectly maintained, on closed and groomed course, with other freaks of nature. Eve. So, they manage to kill someone about every ten years. Speeding is what has gotten throttles banned (no one enjoys ghost pedaling) and is going to get e-bjkes in general ba Ned from Trails, Lanes and MUPs, if we don't learn and apply a bit more cycling etiquette.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Thanks for the review, JT. As you mentioned, Tenways has been in the EU market for a while, so the company should be okay, and this combination of components is great for people who like the control or a torque sensor and lower maintenance of a belt drive with IGH. It’s good to see more affordable options with this combo. One question: Bafang mid-drive systems often offer the option of a throttle control, unlike Bosch, Brose, etc. Is that true for the Tenways AGO? Something different from most other bikes with a belt drive is the chain stays are designed elevated from the axle so you don’t need to unbolt a removable segment of the drive-side frame to change the belt. I’ve see other frames like that, but it’s more the exception than the rule, and should yield a stronger frame without that removable piece. What I don’t like about the step-thru frame is the lack of seat stays versus the step-over frame. Support for the upper end of the seat tube is through the rack, which is likely not as strong as a straighter seat stay tubing. Time will tell if this will be a durability problem. Perhaps the greater weight of this bike versus something similar like the Ride1Up Prodigy v2 with a similar drive system is put towards thicker walls of the seat tube and where it joins the bottom bracket and chain stays.

[@EbikeEscape]

I am not certain about the throttle. You are correct that Bafang is one of the few manufacturers that allow this on a mid-drive. I will have to check into this, as this is their newer line of motors, and not sure if it is a simple "plug and play" option. EDIT: Just looked through the Bafang Catalogue, unfortunately the m420 cannot use a throttle. The m410, m510, and a couple other motors still maintain the throttle as an "optional" accessory.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

@@EbikeEscape Thanks for the follow-through and report. Disappointing answer but quality journalism!👍

[@terrynelson2385]

I like the idea of a belt drive, internal gearing, a mid-drive, and a step-thru. But I must have a throttle and a more powerful motor if I were to buy another bike.

[@leerjet1868]

Same, no throttle, next.

[@comedyman112]

You lazy bastard 😂

[@MHH3180]

Torque is key. Wattage doesn't climb hills or accelerate. I have a 350 watt Reid Blacktop 2.0 in my rental fleet. It will dramatically out clomb any hub drive, up to 1k watts, on any hill. It has 110nm's of torque. Since a properly programmed torque sensor instantly kicks in power the mome t the pedals are engaged, there really isn't use, much less need, for a throttle. This is especially true with an IGH. Shift to low, put her in to high assist and clear any intersection faster than trying to use a throttle (lag between switch from throttle to cadence after starting). You might want to just try it, to see.

[@terrynelson2385]

@@MHH3180 no need!!! There are times when I don't want to pedal!!$$##

[@MHH3180]

@@terrynelson2385 you just have to move your legs, but you'll learn. There is no motor, controller or throttle designed for throttle riding. After you tesr up a throttle your controller will go. By then your motor will have over heated enough times the magnets will start to delaminate.

[@srobeck77]

Not being able to unlock Type 3, 28mph is a non-starter for me

[@srobeck77]

Dissapointed they didnt put the battery on the bottom side like the Specialized Como so you can have accessories there.

[@rodericknight7116]

I have the CGO step-through and love it. I call it "Wind-cutter" because --well, that's obvious. The AGO has advancements to be sure--esp. the internal hub gears--but it is ugly by comparison to mine, which I call the Tesla of bikes.

[@jmorris390]

Thanks for the very informative video. I looked through Tenways website and couldn't find this info - do you know how much assembly is required once the bike is delivered? Thanks!

[@MHH3180]

My shop found they do require a bit more than most. Like most, shifting and caliper alignment are rarely correct either (then people complain about brake pad wear).

[@bewuga3360]

I have five minutes ago bought the cgo800s

[@MHH3180]

It is a strange bike to ride. It really does feel like a nippy traditional single speed. Darn things really does make you want to get out of the saddle and challenge hills. This will be my wife's next bike.

[@tomv110]

With different tires, would I be able to use this bike for light off roading?

[@MHH3180]

Rail Trails and hard pack should be excellent, but that's about it. That upright geometry can become unstable and that butter smooth rear end isn't the strongest.

[@doncatchpole]

Good one

[@EbikeEscape]

Thanks

[@MumfordJim]

Like these a lot accept the Enviolo CVT. Would rather have a Nexus or Alfine 8 speed IGH by Shimano. I own a CVT and prefer the Shimano IGH. I have ridden Nexus 8 speed a lot and prefer it.

[@EbikeEscape]

This is a system I would love to try on an ebike also. Any idea on a model that uses the Nexus of Alfine on an ebike?

[@MumfordJim]

@@EbikeEscape Yes in the US they are not common. Specialized make Turbo Como SL 5.0 and Turbo Como SL 4.0. And Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite and Gazelle Arroyo C7 HMB Elite. BikTrix make Stunner 6 uses a 5 speed Sturmey Archer IGH and Bafang Mid Drive.

[@deansmits006]

Really attractive design, but i don't find the drivetrain style necessary for commuter, and a chain isn't really that much maintenance. And the integrated headlight is no good if you have a front basket, and the welded rear rack is only 55lbs. Would like to see the Ago T with a conventional tea rear hub and chain, , lower price.

[@EbikeEscape]

Agree. Not a necessary, but really nice. Removes not only the chain, but also the rear cassette and all.

[@suestern2442]

With their front basket accessory the headlight is wired in front of basket

[@MHH3180]

You just described The Reid Blacktop 2.0

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Very nice bike. Not for me but I can see people going out biking on it.👌

[@pennington6253]

what the weight?

[@EbikeEscape]

Comes in at 68.3 lbs (31 kg ) fully outfitted.

[@pennington6253]

@@EbikeEscape there are a demand is lightweith adventure bikes now , weight of the bike is very important 30kg is too heavy specially for older people, the only lightweight bike on a market currently is Specialised turbo levo electric hardtail bike which come at 20kg

[@suestern2442]

50 lbs (although one review said they weighed it at 48 (with battery)

[@suestern2442]

@@EbikeEscape I believe that's a different bike--I read this one is 50 lbs and even if you add front basket would still be under 55 lbs

[@johnminichielli8957]

Mid drive with belt and enviolo hub is a good start, but low power motor and low watt battery make it an overall disappointing bike.

[@justinwhite2951]

You can get a lot more bike for the money elsewhere

[@srobeck77]

Link a mid motor with a belt drive thats cheaper cause I aint seeing it. It definitely isnt from Specialized Como which is alot more expensive.

[@justinwhite2951]

That’s not a mid drive. And there are lots of bikes with more power and range for less money. Belts drive? Maybe but nobody wanted a belt drive until Lectric built this baby-battery bike.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Dutch = low power

[@EbikeEscape]

I think all EU nations have a different opinion on electric bike power vs us Americans. So I can see why that is a valid concern. Heck, I feel like I need a bike that can go 28mph plus, as I live in the country. And while this bike is limited to 20mph. I have seen Mid-Drive Ebikes (Ride1Up Prodigy) that have the same motor power and specs, that can achieve 28mph with ease. So maybe they will give it the ability to go to 28mph in the future.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

The Ride1Up Prodigy v2 with belt and CVT is a good competitor to this. It’s even about the same price! Slightly higher torque Brose motor (90Nm - also quieter due to its final reduction being done via a belt), air fork, can be set to class 3 mode.

[@tristanblaskowitz]

@@EbikeEscape 20mp/h is a lot! In Germany we are limited to 25km/h, which is just 15 mp/h. Everyone above is not a bicycle and you are not allowed to ride on bike lanes anymore.

[@z3ro7o]

so not lazy