EVELO Atlas Review - $4.2k

[@charlienyc1]

I realize it's been many months since this review and most comments were posted, but I feel like I need to clear up a few things. The first is that the Bafang M600 is super quiet now. I've read elsewhere it was noisy in the beginning of the Atlas run. Nearly a year on that is no longer true. I can only hear the slight whine when there's no traffic around. In fact, in a city where ebikes are starting to appear for more and more commuters, this is the quietest I have heard. The second is the customer service. Three are two horror stories in these comments. In one of those the OP did not follow up so we have no info as to how it turned out. It's possible Evelo swooped in and helped the situation right after they posted. My experience has been very positive so far, with my pre-sale questions in addition to a slew of post-sale questions answered. I've been happy with my Atlas so far. It is very powerful and responsive, feels good once you replace the seat ($20 if you can forego the suspension seat post), and I get compliments on it's looks. The only issues I have are range with the single battery. I may have an isolated problem here. The second is there should be a PAS level between 0 and 1. No assist means I'm pedaling a heavy bike, so that doesn't work in traffic. However, 1 launches me more than I would've thought it actually need. 2-5 for me are not practical to use around other bicyclists. While you can adjust the PAS levels for a finer difference between levels (1-9), you cannot modify where level 1 sits without changing the physical bike. Some people are experimenting with the latter in the EBR forums. I'm not the only person to notice this! I wish there were a way to undervolt the motor, thus helping reduce the power PAS 1 provides and helping with my range issues. Maybe Evelo will release an update. Oh, this reminds me there's no phone connectivity. You handle all of the settings on the screen. If an update were to come, perhaps it would get uploaded from a flash drive connected to the screen. For all I know, though, that port may only only support charging, not data. (Kudos if you actually read this entire novel of a comment!).

[@charlienyc1]

Point of fact about noise: I took a long ride on trails through forest preserves yesterday. All the bunnies (I saw ~30) didn't hear my bike until I was within 6'.

[@_skud]

i appreciate this review. this seems extremely value packed. lots of features that are on bikes $1-2k above it. Downsides like only one sized frame, less precise/premium manufacturing, online only, etc. Hearing from the designer helped a lot to hear what they did to work within the downsides, like the extra gasket to support a wider range of riders, thicker bolts and purpose built frame. Been around for 12 years so not some pump n dump or startup. Some cheaper parts like the zoom forks and brakes, I'll have to ask around about those. You get some premium features in return like more than a killowatt of battery(!), the gates drivetrain with CVT, a 4 year warranty which includes frame, battery, motor, controller, and display panel (dunno how easy it is to get it fixed/use the warranty yet). I never thought i was going to consider an online only ebike but a lot of the upsides are what I'm looking for and the downsides are things I won't mind or might not mind once I do some research. The 21 day trial helps a lot too. I do prefer american ebikes because they have much, much more powerful motors and I am going to be pushing the weight limit with me, gear, and cargo. Thanks again 🤙

[@emma70707]

Yeah, they used to have a shop in Seattle, which was nice, but they've been great and really accessible by phone if that's useful. They're also knowledgable about which repair shops will do the work if you live in a larger metro where they've had previous customers and need some work done for a warranty claim (though you do pay for that work yourself in the case of a warranty claim, but I think this is industry standard). I had to swap my motor on my Aurora Limited and they shipped it quickly. I ended up needing to just swap the bike and they were really cool when it took me longer to get my old one all packed up because of some life stuff (and they have UPS pick it up so you don't have to drag it to a store).

[@MHH3180]

Actually light weight considering the IGH, extra battery, heavier motor, big downtube battery and suspension fork (a carbon or steel rigid fork would make a lot more sense as would more sensible tires and a single battery). It must have a butted, hydroformed frame to br that light. Even with the buzzy square tubing, it will be less buzzy and more responsive! Switch to more urban tires, comparable to 28-40c and you could see most people getting amazing range with just the main battery. BTW, the light sensor does work on that 860c display. I have used it on other Bafang motors. Perfect motor choice, but kind of surprised they messed with brake inhibitors on a torque sensing motor. Also, the loudest Bafang I have ever heard. Bafang is kind of known for being The King of Quiet. I love the realistic headlight too! Most factory headlights are only passable at letting motorists see you, but not too good for actually seeing anything. Looks like it could be moved to the fork crown. If this had The Automatique it would be a Reise & Mueller killer. I'll save the money and shift it myself. It is good to see at least some common cycling sense finally being incorporated in to e-bikes.

[@charlienyc1]

I agree on all points but the quietness of the motor. I heard the earlier Bafang M600 were noisy. But the Atlas I bought last month is extremely quiet. There's a very slight whir and nothing more.

[@gary7vn]

I wish manufacturers would stop putting lights on bikes altogether. It's just yet MOAR wires, they are always crap, and it's just something else to break. I have my own lights, I picked exactly the ones I want, and if they fail, I can easily replace them. That and century old chain drives and derailleurs are so dead.

[@MHH3180]

@@gary7vn stop reading my mind!!! 😂

[@ScottSchapiro]

Thank you for the clear audio on this review (not that there was any issues with other reviews). This was one of the bikes I was considering (as it ticks all the boxes), but I don't think I could live with that motor noise. My current bike's motor is almost silent and I don't think I would be happy hearing that motor whine day after day.

[@charlienyc1]

For what it's worth, the motor noise was an issue early on. Mine makes a very quiet whir I cannot hear over traffic. What did you end up buying?

[@ScottSchapiro]

@@charlienyc1 I actually have an Atlas on order, expecting delivery next month.

[@charlienyc1]

@@ScottSchapiro Amazing!

[@tacaffey]

just got my atlas and can confirm it is very quiet. also mine has the walk assist mode so it gives some power by just pushing the bike and if you hold minus it engages the motor separately from pushing

[@clayhull4239]

Court, I left a comment about the Serial 1 Rush/Speed I think you demoed. Also the Mosh City 1 speed with the Gates belt drive. You think the Mosh City has enough motor with the one speed to get around and up stepper hills or would the Rush Speed work better with the automatic gears instead of just one gear? Thanks!

[@vlady8me]

Is the charging system UL approved?

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Not sure about the rear battery going off curbs and smacking potholes.. My buddy has one on his Pedego Boomerang ... It rattles like crazy on big bumps. Maybe not all do that.

[@howards8535]

Nice review. Wish it was reviewed without the extra rear battery.

[@clayhull4239]

I enjoyed your review of the Evelo Atlas! You also reviewed the Serial 1 Rush/City and Rush/Speed in partnership with Harley Davidson. These e bikes use internal gearing with the motor located at the bottom of the down tube for better weight distribution and balancing. These bikes are a little lighter than the Atlas or some others reviewed here. The one down side is the Serial 1 is pretty expensive. I guess you get what you pay for. At least I hope so! Thanks!

[@eliwol3789]

The Serial 1 is garbage, you are only paying for the name. Best Buys had reduced the price of them by 70% just to get rid of the them. The bafang motor is superior to the serial 1, and unlike the serial 1, you can add a throttle to the atlas.

[@jeffmpvd7689]

I like the display graphics. Spendy bike but probably worth it if you have the $$.

[@fredricgrethel1717]

160mm in the front? Brakes is a weakness at Evelo. Bummer

[@Matt369oi]

Can you please do a review of the Genuine XS750F?

[@prilep5]

This bike plus solar charging cells and you can go anywhere

[@HackHunter1835]

Ask PEDEGO how "Rack mounted batteries" turned out years ago. That setup may be good for ALL city riding with zero bumps, otherwise its a no go. Tank like weight. All else is great.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

At least the primary battery is inside the downtube :)

[@charlienyc1]

The 2nd battery is an add-on, anyway.

[@jcoats5529]

Too heavy otherwise nice

[@MHH3180]

I don't know. Few bikes under $5k weigh less and none have internally geared hubs. For what it is and all the accessories, as well as an extra battery, it is amazing. Now, if it were this heavy without all the accessories or IGH, that would be unacceptable.

[@rogerhommas9750]

Yamaha, TRD , 700 euro, 4 stroke, seatz 2 .

[@MHH3180]

Can't be ridden most places, requires lisc, insurance, a rediculously heavy and uncomfortable helmet, much more expensive service and fuel. At the same time, because they don't need to meet automotive pollution standards, it spews more of the same than many cars... no thanks!

[@clarkkent4608]

That company's e-bikes are average at best and their customer service is not good I had an experience with them were I had to return an e-bike a e-bike from them that had tons of problems and they had the nerve to charge me $400 for a restocking fee and of course I had a fight that but I would steer clear of that company and go with a company that's good

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Sorry to hear that. I bought an EVELO years ago (before starting EBR) and they were very supportive with questions and customer service. Maybe things have changed or the situation was different. I've always felt like they do an above average job.

[@topspeederalmond]

It is a pile.