This was posted 2 years 1 month 27 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Benelli eBike Bravo $1,845 + $9.90 Delivery ($0 SYD C&C) @ PCByte

140

First time poster, long time lurker. Saw this price online & also at their Sydney location if want to pick up for no delivery cost. (similar price was offered by Bing Lee as clearance but they are all sold out) Usual online price is between $2.4-$2.6k.

I spent a long time researching for a budget (but still good quality) e-bike, and I can say after riding this around for 2 weeks it has been an excellent purchase (I was really afraid would have buyers remorse after purchasing an E-bike and getting a lemon.)

Key pros I like about the bike after having it for 2 weeks in no particular order:
1. Mid-drive motor (Better performance, control and lifetime on parts instead of rear wheel/hub drive. Also, don't need a special wheel, and all my online research said hub drive motors crap out 90% more often then mid-drive.)
2. Battery built into the frame (i really didnt want a bike with a battery sticking out for both looks, aerodynamics and theft protection. This one is inside the frame with a key to release. You can charge it by plugging it straight into bike frame, or take battery out and charge that way)
3. Disc brakes, with hydraulic fluid for better braking
4. Normal handle bars so I dont have to hunch over (the road bike handles are just less comfortable. Yes, less aerodynamic but so much more comfortable and that's what the battery/motor is for)
5. Front and rear mudguards included (so dont get wet spray on my back or shorts.)
6. Front & rear lights included, built-in and powered by main battery (so I no longer need to worry about lights getting stolen, or taking off to recharge, or forgetting to put back on & then cycling in the dark, such a convenience!)
7. Hybrid build (includes suspension for a comfier ride and not exclusively limited to road surfaces)
8. Thick tires (over a road bike anyway, so I can use on grass, dirt, loose surfaces and not just limited on roads, not that it's an off road bike. Also safer as more contact with ground.)
9. Rear tray included (for whatever exta things you want to take. Though I'm looking at swapping this to a rear seat for small people)
10. Kickstand included, just a nice convenience
11. Range - easily get 80-90km on assist level 1. Though on my actual full assist for max speed daily commute I get 45km, which is really impressive given the speed/level of assist.
12. By changing some settings in the console, motor cut-off speed can be altered from 25km/h to 40km/h (for use only on private property of course)

Cons:
1. Heavy, to be expected for a budget version with all these features. Having lighter components and frame is what starts to increase the price.
2. Off brand motor (i.e. not a bafang) so can't speak to how long it'll last but comes with 12 mo warranty. Will post update if motor ever craps out, but it's a mid-drive instead of hub so I expect some decent mileage.

Hope this saves others about 10-20 hours of online research and indecision.

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  • not bad, for price

  • +1

    This or wait for RTX 4070 to be released… decisions, decisions… :)

    • +7

      This should be more comfortable to sit on.

      • And less heat

        • But this does not give you the glorious Ray Tracing…

  • Thanks for the review and link.

    So what about this little guy? https://www.pcbyte.com.au/p/himo-electric-bike-yellow-h1-230…

    I have 6kms each way, relatively flat and maybe some small inclines. I am a fatty at 90kgs though.

    • +2

      Are you also joining a circus ? :)

    • You'll look the part if you wear a Donkey Kong outfit :-)

    • how about a none ebike? probably good for you, 6km does not sound that bad.

      • +1

        yes it would do me some good to move on my own power than any ebike - but i stand up 8hrs during my shift so I'm getting from a to b as easy as possible

  • +7

    Thanks op good research. I think this brand/parts is still unproven though

    I have been looking into this too and my conclusion was I can get a 3k ebike in 3 diy parts for much less

    My bike has

    750w bafang mid drive bbs02 - proven. Reliable. Strong
    Triangle 20ah 48v huge battery with quality cells from positive seller
    10 speed shimano deore 46-11T - great range of gearing
    Hydraulic disc tektro
    Built on solid Norco XFR 1 = Norco storm 2 but more upright perfect for commuting

    Total $1800
    I’d say finding these specs on a brand ebike would be $3k easy

    • +1

      Is there no option for regenerative braking in this price-range or is it not considered a priority?

      • +1

        Mid drive motors don't allow for regenerative braking. It's only a feature on hub motors.
        That being said, a mid drive will get better range to an equivalent hub motor, making the lack of regenerative braking pretty moot.

  • Kudos for the nice write up

    • +1

      my pleasure. Your name makes me think you hunt Bargain Hunters, and OzB is your hunting grounds

  • If you are pregnant, ride this instead: https://www.pcbyte.com.au/p/benelli-ebike-prego-bnl70c-42478… - Prego XD

  • +2

    105kg weight limit? Who's thin enough for that?

  • My friend said the major downside of the one her husband bought was too noisy. How's this one like?

    • As in their motor is noisy? This one has zero noise, or at least it's so quiet I have noticed zero noise.

  • -3

    What? You think 105kg.is thin?….that's 231.5lbs.or 16 and a half Stone on the old scale.
    You need a real bike not an ebike.

    • +2

      With a toddler on the back and some shopping I can easily go over 200kg. Bikes need to be designed for the real world not thin people.

      • +1

        you'd want a cargo bike then

        • Yeah I used to be 300kg and needed a cargo bike then.

          • @DingoBlue: You need an exercise bike to lose that weight first…

            • +2

              @edfoo: I did have an exercise bike. That’s what got me down from 400kg.

              • @DingoBlue: Brand and model pls

              • @DingoBlue: Well done and keep going. Still some way to go.

                • @edfoo: You should have seen me when I was 500kg.

                  • @DingoBlue: Is the next thing you gonna say is when you were born you weighed 1000kg?

  • +1

    Not bad, but like you say the unknown is the motor and battery performance over long term.

    The hub motor is a bit chunky looking. How well it keeps water out etc, is a risk after warranty expires.

    E-bikes are coming down in price though. The Giant Explore E+ which looks a bit like this one, was a bit over 5 grand earlier this year but can now be found cheaper. For the price you get the Yamaha motor, 17Ah good quality battery, other nice features, and it can be range extended…. and the speed can be boosted (unofficially) via firmware if you don't like the 25km limit.

    In fact, I think I found a bargain on the Giant…. Ivanhoe Cycles has it for $4,159. If that price is accurate, it's a grand cheaper than it was a few months ago. Can't see it that cheap anywhere else.

  • +1

    Another 2 to consider at this price is the Reid Blacktop 2.0 and the 99 bikes Pedal Falcon, both are mid drive 9sp with hydro discs, the Reid has a fixed fork, the Pedal has a shock front fork.

    https://www.reidcycles.com.au/collections/sale-ebikes

    https://www.99bikes.com.au/pedal-falcon-st-teal

    • +2

      Thanks, had a look but key deal breakers for me are they both have 40% less battery at 10.4Ah instead of 14.5Ah, and both don't have built in lights (it's a really nice convenience!). The Falcon also costs 40% more, ouchies.

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