By eBikeLink Publisher on Wednesday, 03 April 2024
Category: Electric Bike Report

Vvolt Releases Alpha 2

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The next generation of their popular model gains new features and upgrades.

After the success of their original Alpha, Vvolt has introduced their updated Alpha 2. Much about this e-bike will look familiar to previous visitors to Vvolt’s site, but there are some notable changes that make this new version an exciting evolution ofthe original Alpha.

Let’s start with what hasn’t changed, or hasn’t changed much. Vvolt kept the 350W, 45Nm brushless, geared hub motor powered by a 375Wh battery (though that battery now carries UL 2271 certification). This is still a city e-bike with low-profile tires and a single speed (50x22t) drivetrain featuring a Gates belt. And it still has hydraulic disc brakes. Its weight remains nearly unchanged, ticking up from 43 to 44 lbs.

So what’s new? For starters, a new frame design. This low-step frame now has a substantially lower standover height (25-26.5 in. depending on size) and it now comes in three sizes, not two. There aren’t many e-bikes retailing for less than $2000 that come in three distinct frame sizes. Vvolt says they will cover riders from 5 feet up to 6 feet 3. The new frame also has an integrated headlight which gives it a very stylish look.

The Vvolt Alpha 2 now comes with a wider handlebar with more sweep, which will give riders a more upright position, making it easier to look around, whether those views are of nature or traffic. They also spec a longer stem on the medium and large sizes than they do on the small, further dialing fit.

Vvolt also gave the brakes an upgrade, moving from little-known CStar hydraulic disc brakes to Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, still with 160mm rotors, but the levers now include brake cutoff switches, always a nice feature for e-bikes with hub motors governed by cadence sensors. Another nod to rider comfort is the move from 27.5 x 1.95-in. tires to wider 27.5 x 2.4-in. tires.

The big change that will be most exciting to many shoppers is the addition of a throttle. Previously the Alpha was a Class 1 e-bike with a top-assist speed of 20 mph and no throttle, but the addition of a throttle brings the Alpha 2 into the Class 2 fold, giving it a feature that many shoppers don’t want to do without.

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We liked the original Vvolt Alpha; the combination of two sizes, low weight and an attractive frame for less than $2000 won us over. But there is no denying the way the Alpha 2 will enjoy an even broader appeal. The value of a lightweight e-bike is easy to underestimate, and the fact that they offer three sizes will be especially helpful to smaller and taller riders.

The addition of a throttle will no doubt increase this e-bike’s appeal. Even when riders don’t use the throttle, many want it for insurance against tired legs.

The fact that it has but one gear will make this e-bike less suitable to hilly neighborhoods, but the reason it has only a single gear—the practically maintenance-free Gates belt—makes the trade-off worth considering.

According to Vvolt, the small size is already available. The medium will become available on April 15 and the large will begin shipping in late May. To learn more, visit Vvolt’s website.

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Original author: Patrick Brady

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