There’s no doubt that eBikes are becoming more and more mainstream. Even some of the world’s top pro mountain bikers use eBikes as part of their training. But while there’s an increasing number of eBikes options available, the price is prohibitive, which is why the Vincent Bikes E04 XC is such a South African success.
Paid partnership with Vincent Bikes
You can get cheap eBikes, but they don’t last. Or they don’t ride like an authentic mountain bike. Or they don’t have any meaningful after-sales service. With Vincent Bikes, you get a highly capable eBike with excellent components, motor and battery from big-name brands and superb back-up.
Here are the features of the Vincent Bikes E04 XC:
Full carbon fibre frame
The Vincent Bikes EO4 XC frame is made from high modulus Toray T700 carbon fibre, which is light, stiff, strong and durable. With a 66-degree headtube angle, it’s relaxed enough to deliver optimal control on descents and technical trails and also puts the rider in a comfortable position for cruising. The rear triangle takes a Boost width hub and can fit either 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, able to accommodate a wide 2.6-inch tyre. The internal cable routing ensures a neat looking frame.
X-Fusion suspension
The Vincent Bikes EO4 XC comes with a X-Fusion O2 PRO RL trunnion-mount shock with 150mm of travel. The new model has increased durability, more linear compression and better small-bump sensitivity. This makes it ideal for long-distance cruising on rough gravel roads or tackling small and medium-sized rocky trails.
The X-Fusion Slide Boost HLR 29” 34mm fork with Roughcut Damper is a fully bled bladder and cartridge system which features high and low speed, independently adjustable compression and rebound damping adjustment and 140mm of travel. It also takes a Boost-width hub and 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels.
Each Vincent Bikes EO4 XC comes with suspension tuning as per BYB telemetry. The tuning is done by RBC, suspension experts based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Shimano groupset
Vincent Bikes EO4 XC is specced with a Shimano groupset. It has a super-efficient M6100 Deore 1×12 drivetrain and Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotor rear and 203mm rotor front. There’s absolutely no compromise on the drivetrain and brakes!
High-end wheelset
With the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC you have two rim options to pair with the Lyne Components EB01 e-Bike hubs – Stans Flow EX3 or Race Face. All brands known for their strength and durability.
Bafang motor and battery
Bafang is one of the most established eBike motor and battery brands, which is the reason it is specced on the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC. The Bafang 510 mid-drive system is smooth, quiet and light. The 250-watt motor delivers 95Nm of torque and supports a maximum cadence of 120rpm. Because ebike motor wattage is heavily regulated in much of the world, most motors use underrated “250W” labels. But the M510 surely puts out several times that level, as hinted by its high torque figures. It has a standard assistance limit of 35kph, but can be set up to 45kph.
The 600Wh Bafang Intube Battery has 14Ah nominal capacity. Used on the Eco setting, it has an estimated range of 110-120km. The Vincent Bikes crew have a Bafang M500/M510 and M600 motor service centre for diagnostics, parts and service and will expand this to the Cape Town area soon, so you know you have direct back-up and support should you need it!
Display/Modes
The large, high-contrast Bafang TFT LCD display shows all the important data, large and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. Its remote control is extremely robust as well as easy and intuitive to use. The USB port supports mobile devices and the Bluetooth communication supports the Bafang GO app. There are nine power assist levels 0-9, including walk-assist.
Excellent pricing
The Vincent Bikes EO4 XC eBike comes either with a dropper seatpost or without. The dropper seatpost is the X-Fusion Manic, which is a closed-cartridge system that comes in 100mm, 125mm or 150mm of travel.
Vincent Bikes EO4 XC (without dropper seatpost): R89 900
Vincent Bikes EO4 XC (with dropper seatpost): R93 000
HOW DOES IT RIDE?
Feedback from the TREAD Media crew is positive:
Control: The Vincent Bikes EO4 XC is very well balanced for a full eBike. It’s relaxed geometry and ample suspension travel give superb rider confidence on technical or fast descents. Although the headtube stack height isn’t too low, it can still rail corners with a bit of rider weight adjustment.
Comfort: With the tuned suspension that delivers impressive small bump compliance, the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC offers long-ride comfort over most terrain.
Power: One of the most powerful full eBikes we have ridden, the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC is highly capable on any gradient climb. To be able to ride at 45kph on a mountain bike can be a little unnerving, but the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC offers ample stability at speed.
Range: We never got to do any range-testing on the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC, but with the brand’s claim of 100-120km on Eco mode, we reckon you could enter most stage races and marathons with one-battery confidence.
Other
Vincent Bikes is known for its exceptional personalised service. The brand’s owners make a personal commitment to your purchase to ensure you are 100% content. It’s possible to test-ride the Vincent Bikes EO4 XC in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
For more information, visit the Vincent Bikes website here.
Paid partnership with Vincent Bikes
