As someone who has been cycling for years, I was excited to try out the Evelo Atlas, an e-bike that promises a smooth and powerful ride. With its impressive specifications, including a Bafang M600 motor, Gates Carbon Belt drive, and Enviolo Manual Step-Less Gearing, I was eager to put it to the test. Here’s what I found.
Motor and Drive
The Evelo Atlas features a powerful Bafang M600 motor, which is known for its high performance and reliability. This mid-drive motor provides up to 750 watts of power, making it ideal for tackling challenging terrains and long rides.
The Gates Carbon Belt drive is another impressive feature of the Evelo Atlas. Unlike traditional chain drives, the belt drive is low-maintenance, durable, and provides a smooth and quiet ride. The belt drive is also resistant to stretching and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. It’s an ideal choice for riders who want to spend more time on the road and less time on maintenance.
Together, the Bafang M600 motor and Gates Carbon Belt drive provide a seamless and powerful ride. The motor boosts pedaling easier, while the belt drive ensures a smooth and quiet ride. The combination of these two components makes the Evelo Atlas an excellent choice for riders who want a high-performance e-bike that is both reliable and efficient.
Gearing and Engagement
Evelo Atlas Gears
The Evelo Atlas is equipped with the Enviolo step-less internal hub, which is a real game-changer. This hub was known as the NuVinci geared hub in the past, but after undergoing improvements and rebranding, it has become even more impressive. Unlike traditional gears that require indexing, stepping, or making clunky changes, this hub allows you to easily switch between “gears” simply by twisting the selector on the handlebars. It’s incredibly intuitive and makes riding a breeze, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie.
With this step-less hub, you can effortlessly change “gears” while stopping at traffic lights or while pedaling under a heavy load. This eliminates the stress of figuring out the right gear or preparing for sudden stops. Plus, with the added convenience of the throttle power, you’ll always be ready to get the bike moving. I highly recommend this powerful combination of equipment to any rider, as it makes for a smooth, easy, and enjoyable ride.
Evelo Atlas belt
The Gates Carbon Belt drive on the Evelo Atlas is the real game-changer that sets this e-bike apart. It’s the component that makes the Atlas feel incredibly smooth and effortless to ride. Belt drive bikes are a favorite of cycling enthusiasts, and for a good reason.
Compared to traditional chain drives, belt drives offer several advantages that make them a superior choice for any bike, especially an electric one like the Atlas. Firstly, the belt drive system is significantly quieter than a chain, which makes for a more pleasant riding experience. Secondly, belt drives require far less maintenance than chains. You don’t need to lubricate them as often, and there’s no risk of the belt rusting or seizing up. This means you can enjoy your ride more and less time fiddling with the bike.
Moreover, belt drives are more efficient and durable over their lifetime. They don’t stretch or wear out as quickly as chains do, so you’ll get more miles out of your belt before replacing it. Belt drives also don’t contain grease or oil that can gunk things up, which helps keep your bike clean and pristine.
Finally, on high-torque electric bikes like the Atlas, belt drives really shine. They offer an incredibly smooth and responsive ride, with no slippage or loss of power. With the Gates Carbon Belt drive on the Atlas, you’ll experience a ride that feels like you’re gliding on air.
Evelo Atlas Battery and Upgrades
The Evelo Atlas comes with a powerful 48v 15Ah battery that offers an impressive range of up to 70 miles on a single charge. This is perfect for commuters or anyone who wants to take a longer ride without worrying about running out of juice. The battery is easily removable, which means you can take it inside to charge it up or leave it on the bike to charge.
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Additionally, the Atlas offers an optional upgrade for an extra 48v 14.5Ah battery, which can be added to the bike for $799. This upgrade comes with a second battery rack that mounts onto the frame, allowing you to carry both batteries at once. With this upgrade, you can extend your range even further, making the Atlas an even more versatile e-bike.
The Atlas also comes with an integrated front and rear light system that offers great visibility, especially at night. The bike’s battery powers the lights, so you don’t have to worry about replacing or charging them up separately.
Another great upgrade that you can add to the Atlas is the full color display. This upgrade replaces the standard black and white display with a more vibrant, easier-to-read color display. It shows you all the important information about your ride, such as speed, distance, battery level, and more.
Frame and Shock
The step-over, hardtail frame of the Evelo Atlas is sturdy and comfortable. The Zoom 100mm Travel Air shock added to the smooth ride, and I appreciated how well it absorbed bumps and rough terrain. The 27.5 x 2.8 Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires provided plenty of grip, and I felt confident on both pavement and dirt trails.
Brakes and Extras
The dual-piston hydraulic 180mm disc brakes and 160mm rear brake are powerful and easy to use. I appreciated the added safety features, including the integrated front and rear lights and brake light function. The full-color display was easy to read and provided helpful information, and the full coverage plastic fenders kept me clean and dry. The comfort grips and pedals were also a nice touch.
Price and Value
The Evelo Atlas is not cheap at an MSRP of $4,699 (with periodic sales). However, I believe that the high-quality components and impressive performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious cyclists. The additional upgrades are also a nice option for those who want even more power and range.
Final Thoughts
I believe the Evelo Atlas is a high-quality e-bike that delivers on its promises. The Bafang M600 motor, Enviolo Manual Step-Less Gearing, and Gates Carbon Belt drive provide a smooth and powerful ride, while the Zoom 100mm Travel Air shock and Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires ensure a comfortable and confident ride on any terrain. The added safety features and convenience upgrades make it a great option for serious cyclists looking for a top-of-the-line e-bike.
