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Angell, the brand of electric bikes launched by Marc Simoncini, presented the Cruiser M and S. These two models take up the basics of the initial VAE while adopting a curved handlebar and wider tires for more comfort.
Angell held a press conference during which its founder, Marc Simoncini, presented a new model, the Cruiser. This electrically assisted bike is based on the foundations of the first models of the French brand, while making minor modifications. The Cruiser is available, like the Rapide – which seems to come from what was previously called the Angell Bike – in a closed frame version, the Cruiser M, and another with a lower frame, the Cruiser S The first is intended for cyclists measuring between 1.65 m and 1.90 m, while the second is for the little ones (1.55 to 1.75 m). A duo that was already part of the Rapide family, also available in S and M.
The Angell Cruiser M electric bike.
The Angell Cruiser is intended to be less dynamic than its predecessor, and therefore probably less divisive. The French brand has chosen to take the aluminum frame already used, but associates it with a much more curved handlebar. By bringing the elbows closer to the chest, the Cruiser forces a less engaged position. However, a very quick start did not make us feel such a noticeable difference. The geometry of the bike is unchanged and the position is still more dynamic than on a “Dutch” type VAE.
Corrections more than new
Among the reproaches that could have been made to the original Angell bikes, that of certainly rolling tires, but too uncomfortable was heard. The manufacturer opts with the Cruiser for 26-inch wheels shod in 42 mm wide tires against 35 mm on the Rapide. This greater volume of air aims to better absorb defects in the road surface. In short, a good duo with the carbon fork which also filters vibrations.
For an urban electric bike, the first Angell of the name forgot some fundamentals or at least reduced them to the state of options. The Cruiser integrates for its part of series mudguards – whose design seems more in tune with the reality of water splashes –, a crutch and a rear pannier rack. The front basket and the front pannier rack remain available as options. This equipment mechanically increases the weight of Cruisers, which stands at 18.6 kg for size M and 18.1 kg in size S.
This concludes the meager list of new features offered by the Angell Cruiser compared to the first version of the French electric bike. Because for everything else, the Cruiser relies on the existing. It thus takes up the motor placed in the hub of the rear wheel, a battery of the same capacity, a transmission single speed by chain and a hydraulic disc brake system.
Connectivity unchanged
Connectivity obviously remains a central axis of the technical sheet at Angell. The Cruiser retains the refinements already crossed such as the screen placed on the stem, the vibrating handles or the system of front and rear indicators. The electric assistance relies on a torque sensor to deliver power proportional to the force applied to the pedals, and four levels can be chosen to be more or less assisted by the motor.
The smartphone app authorizes the location of the bike and detects a possible theft attempt if it is moved. The Cruiser can lock itself automatically to slow down any malicious people. Note that Angell guarantees its bikes for two years against theft, at the rate of one event per year. The first year, the Cruiser (or the Rapide) is replaced with new, while it is replaced by a reconditioned model if the theft occurs during the second year of the guarantee. During its presentation, the brand claimed that its bikes were stolen three times less than the average pedelec. The fleet of Rapides already sold has 5,000 units, a figure that the French manufacturer hopes to double every year.
Overall, the new features are fairly measured and one would have hoped that the Cruiser would remain in a price range close to that of the Rapide. This is not the case, because these small additions increase the bill to €3,490 for the Cruiser M and S, against €2,990 for the Rapide S and M.
Good news for early adopters
Good news for owners of first generation Angell electric bikes, the brand offers a maintenance visit for their machine. Visit during which a classic maintenance is carried out and sometimes even a replacement of the battery, some of which have experienced connector faults.