Electrically assisted bicycles (EABs) are all the rage. There’s no doubt about it. Many aim to revolutionise the way city dwellers travel on a daily basis, others dream of being “cargo” and aspire to replace the small vans that once roamed our streets.
They all have one thing in common: they are (often) more expensive than their elders, the “classic” bikes. You have to pay at least 800 Euros to be able to afford electric assistance in a growing “basic” segment. A segment in which many manufacturers are involved.
This is the case of the German company Crivit (Lidl’s sports brand). With its Urban E-Bike X.2, a bicycle designed for the city, the brand promises unbeatable value for money. If its launch price was set at 1,200 euros, it now costs 1,700. How much is this bike really worth? Tech&Co tested it for you.
We love
Its practicality
When we received it in the editorial office, we started to get suspicious. Our bike was then in a box, which foreshadowed a long and tiring meeting. Only when we opened the famous box could we see that the Urban E-Bike X.2 was already (90%) assembled. A very big plus.
It only took us about fifteen minutes (although we are not experts in the matter) to attach the pedals and tighten the two screws that serve to control the handlebar/wheel axis.
The bike comes with approximately 40% charge (two LED bars) and just needs to be switched on. A button integrated into the frame allows you to start the Urban E-Bike X.2’s motor. The road is yours.
Your responsiveness
Once in the saddle, where comfort is not optimal (we will talk about this later in this test), this Lidl bike is particularly surprising for its responsiveness. In particular, thanks to its intelligent torque sensor. This device, which is usually installed on mid-range or high-end electric bikes, instantly assesses the power needed to adjust the motor’s assistance power based on the force applied to the pedals.
Although it only has one gear, its ability to adapt to the force of pedalling makes climbing much less tiring. The Urban E-Bike X.2 also has three assistance modes: ECO (in green); TOWER (blue); RACE (purple) and even a Boost function (activated with RACE mode, in red).
With the engine M080 Rear Hub, from the German manufacturer Mivice, log in the engine of the arrière road, notre mount a couple of 45 Nm…Ce qui permet des accélérations rapides, de 0 a 25 km/h, en quelques seconds only. Very nice.
Its autonomy
The M080 is not a power-hungry motor either, which gives the Urban E-Bike X.2 a good range, despite its small 360 Wh battery. In ECO mode, Lidl promises up to 100 kilometres of range on a full charge.
And after two weeks of driving, we can say that the German brand hits the mark. Ideal for a week of worry-free driving, even when making several trips during the day. Its fast recharging time (about 2h30, from 0% to 100%) will satisfy more than one.
The battery is located under the saddle. To charge it, you have to unscrew it to get an assembled battery/seat tube. Handy so your saddle doesn’t get stolen, but inconvenient if you have to carry the battery around.
In addition, the bicycle’s transmission system is made by a carbon belt. A technology that offers many advantages over traditional chains: it is cleaner, quieter and requires very little maintenance. Lidl promises up to 20,000 km “without special maintenance.”
we do not like it
Its size
This “low-cost” stand from Lidl does not, of course, have all the advantages of higher-end bikes. And it starts with the design. The Urban E-Bike X.2 does not have much of a gender identity and looks like any other bike.
This bike is not a “pocket carrier.” Its long wheelbase and 57-centimeter frame height make it a (very) uncomfortable bike. Which is a shame, even if it is intended for short trips.
your seat
If it’s not very comfortable, it’s mainly because of its seat. On the saddle, the Urban E-Bike X.2 gives the sensation of pedalling on a time trial bike, with extensions. The handlebars seem infinitely far away and the arms are extended.
Another weak point: the bike’s very poor weight distribution. Up front, the Urban E-Bike. A weight distribution that clearly influences overall comfort. Be careful with bumps and rough spots.
Lack of ecosystem
Having a navigation system on board is a must. But on this Urban E-Bike X.2 you will have to do without it. As we mentioned before, to navigate between the different driving modes you only need a single button integrated into the frame.
This control is presented in the form of five small (quite dark) LEDs that change color depending on the driving mode and indicate the battery charge level (1 bar = 20%; 2 bars = 40%; etc.).
There is no small screen or remote control here. But the handlebars offer the user the possibility of placing a phone using a portable SPC+ holder. It is therefore quite easy to place your smartphone there to manage your navigation.
Conclusion
The Urban E-Bike X.2 is a pleasant surprise from the first turns of the steering wheel. Responsive, durable and practical, it is an ideal frame for short daily trips. Ideal if you can cycle to work. But be careful not to leave the beautiful smooth surfaces of the city… Its use is above all urban.
The ride in the saddle should not exceed 45 minutes, otherwise you will have back pain at night. The culprits are an execrable sitting position and poor weight distribution. Also worth noting is the lack of ecosystem.
Source: BFM TV
