Test of the BH Easy Motion Neo 650B: 27.5-inch E-dream

[EasyGallery id='bhneo650b']
(Picture gallery: click on the picture!)

Actually, it is now almost secret, but for our sake, the Swiss importer of the Spanish brand BH, Zollinger Sport AG, has made an exception and we were allowed to take a first look at the novelties of sporty e-bikes 2014, including the new Neo 650B.

by Rolf Fleckenstein

In the meantime, the ugly ducklings of yesteryear have become proud swans. The hideous monstrosities from the early days of the e-bike industry have disappeared and been replaced by attractive electric motorized design companions. A recent example of this positive development is the new BH Easy Motion Neo 650B, a new model in the new 2014 e-bike line from Spanish manufacturer BH (Brothers Hermanos). I've never been a fan of hardtails, but you can't always choose your test object, after all. The hardtails show themselves in bumpy terrain because of the lack of rear suspension as too uncomfortable and nervous, the rear wheel spikes you quickly to the butt or your own bag and that is annoying. Even fullys with rear suspension are still not so comfortable compared to well-sprung motorcycles, which is due to the low weight and the smaller springs that bounce back faster and with less travel. That's why, especially off-road and on gravel roads, we had to pay special attention to pronounced bumps in the road so that we could absorb them with our knees.

Nevertheless, it is also with the new electric hardtail from BH a real pleasure to take a short tour of about 5-10 km through the nearby terrain and thus explore the area. Even if some people talk about cheating - and thus means the assistance of a motor while biking - but fun comes up just when it really goes forward. Personally, I'm a fan of the 45 km/h support, but admittedly a 25 km/h e-bike is sufficient for off-road use, and that also frees the rider from the helmet requirement, rear-view mirrors and all the other bells and whistles that are necessary for the larger e-bike class. One already clicks inwardly with the tongue, if one pulls then the slope up at other Bikern with ease away - equal whether racing bicycles on the road or eingefleischte Mountainbikern in the area -, although one, like me for example with my 85 kg, perhaps no longer the sporty one is, and above arrives, without being therefore immediately completely out of breath. Without sweat and without thick legs, however, it's not even with e-biking, at least if you have some ambition and a sporty basic attitude, but the fun factor is high and the distance traveled is much greater than without a motor. And you also have a reserve: If fatigue sets in on a longer tour, then you can set the motor to maximum support and then it goes almost by itself.

650B=27.5 inch
BH has also discovered the 27.5 inch size for itself and that is a win. The jump from 26 to 29 inches is big and visually not always only happy. The 27.5 measure combines the advantages of both sizes: Great look, higher tempo, better traction and stability, without therefore losing too much in the agility and agility.

The test of the BH Neo 650B
The best thing first: The look of the new Neo is unique. The very stylish color coordination and the dynamically curved and sporty-looking down tube, on which the battery is mounted, make the Neo one of the most beautiful e-bikes on the market. The cables also disappear into the front of the frame and are no longer visible from the outside, which makes for a dignified look. The display is large, clear, easy to read - even without glasses - and easy to operate, which is how a display should be, and it can also be removed, so that you can leave it behind during your lunch break without a working motor. A clever and practical form of theft protection. Sitting up, you sit very far forward over the handlebars, which seems a bit narrow and makes for some unrest. I would choose a slightly wider handlebar and still haggle a bit on the seating position. But the bike is well adjusted, the guys from Zollinger Sport obviously have it. The chain is well tensioned, a Raus-fallen seems to be no issue even off-road, the brakes do not "sing", no grinding, no suspicious noises, everything picobello. The team has done its job. At the disposal of the driver 4 Unter-stützungsstufen, whereby I already out of habit always choose a stronger et voilà, the bike pulls off immediately. At the first pedal stroke, the engine pushes off powerfully, hui there is really 'what off. At the same time I may shift through the proud 30 gears that are available to me, even if I tend to always move between the 24th and 30th gear, because I personally always go to the limit of full Tretun-terstützung. At 26-28 km / h is then also slowly end, the motor does not brake abruptly after exceeding the 25 km / h limit, which is pleasant, there are such e-bikes, and that is impossible, but the BH seems to react here very "human" and tolerant, but as the speed increases, a slight braking effect of the motor also sets in here. Especially in the "Sport" mode, the BH shows itself very an-stiegsfreudig, slopes that are insurmountable with bikes without a motor, are here the basis of a wonderful Sunday afternoon excursion, yes, it goes almost like flying. With 21-22 km/h up steep slopes, when others scramble up with their racers with 10-15 km/h, give the tour the outrageous fun factor. But that's also the crux of an e-bike: If the motor stops, you're all the worse for it. After some time, I experienced irregular pushing of the motor and even a partial dropout, which can be devastating, especially on slopes. In such a situation, you realize abruptly that you have a bike that is much heavier than other bikes. With over 20 kg you are a good 2-3 times heavier than a road bike or a lighter Fully. Therefore, you do yourself a big favor when you look at the display and check the battery status. If three of five bars of the battery display are still visible, you should slowly become cautious and think about how far you still want to go, you still have to go back. And be careful: The information about the range on the part of the manufacturers is often completely exaggerated. In competition with the other suppliers, they always refer to the maximum range, but that also only creates someone who weighs 20 kg, uses the lowest pedal assistance, has legs like Fabian Cancellara and maybe still 50 km downhill. The brakes stop powerfully and work effectively as soon as you pull the grips back. Straight and downhill, the bike rides very smoothly, the lugged tire proves to be smooth, quiet and stable. Once you get home, you take the key and turn it through the bottom of the battery so you can detach it from the down tube and hook it up to the charging station, which starts to whiz and has it recharged after a good half hour to a full hour felt and invites you to the next excursion.

Conclusion
All in all, the makers in Spain have succeeded with the Neo 650B a great throw: Visually a highlight, it has been equipped with a very good mix of high-quality but not too high-end components, which ensures high quality and with Fr. 3,499.00 catalog price an attractive price category. If you are looking for a modern e-mountain bike and can do without rear suspension, you will find the BH Easy Motion Neo 650B probably one of the most beautiful, effective and attractively priced e-bikes that can be found on the market and which, with its 27.5 inch size, is fully in line with the trend. Grade: Recommendable. Last wish: Please bring a 45 km/h variant on the market!

Technical data

Model
Easy Motion Neo 650B

Frame
Aluminum bra Easy Motion Neo

Fork
Suntour XCR MLO, Lockout

Rear derailleur
Shimano Deore

Number of gears
30 (3 x 10)

Engine power
max. 350 watt

Pedal assistance up to
25 km/h

Battery
36 Volt, 12 Ah, 432 Wh

Brakes, brake handles
Tektro Auriga

Rims
Alexrims FR30

Tires
Schwalbe Rapid Rob

Color
black/blue

Price
CHF 3'499.00

More info
www.zollingersport.ch
www.bhbikes.com