Vello’s SUB in its chromoly steel version.
The Vello SUB isn’t exactly original in its approach. It is especially reminiscent of the Tern GSD – a pioneer of the genre released in 2017. Since then, the concept of a longtail electric bike – understand, an electric bike with a reinforced frame and an extended rear triangle that can support a heavy load – has largely democratized. We were able to test the Mustache Lundi 20.5 with its 20-inch wheels, and even Decathlon got into it with the Elops R500 Elec, which we also tested. The SUB from the Vello brand stands out above all from the competition by its reduced weight of 28 kg in the chromoly steel version that we were able to test, while a Mustache Lundi 20.5 weighs 33 kg, a Tern GSD S10 around 35 kg and that the Elops R500 Elec from Decathlon reaches 38 kg.
Smooth stability and power
Many ask the question of the relevance of 20 inch wheels on a bicycle. On a longtail, it’s almost a no-brainer. The use of small wheels makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the cycle and especially of the load on the rear triangle. Even with more than 100 kg of load at the rear, the bike remains easy to handle, including at low speeds. The belt transmission is silent, and the gear change is smooth, even under full load, thanks to the Enviolo variator. Integrated into the rear hub, this allows the gear ratio to be modified with a ratio of 380% in continuous variation, without any jerking. This variator authorizes the use of a carbon belt instead of a chain. The belt requires no maintenance, no oil or grease, and is therefore much cleaner.
Bosch Cargo Line motor, Gates belt transmission, continuously variable Enviolo hub and two Bosch batteries of 400 and 545 Wh.
Our test model is equipped with the Bosch Performance CX motor, but the production version which will be delivered in July 2023 will be equipped with the Bosch Cargo Line motor – the equivalent of the Performance CX reinforced for use with the heavy constraints of a bicycle. cargo. Developing 85 Nm, this engine is well known and still just as pleasant on a daily basis. There are really no surprises. The engine pushes hard in Turbo mode and is already quite generous in Tour+ mode, which is an automatic assistance mode that will adapt the power according to that applied to the pedals. This is probably the most enjoyable everyday mode. The SUB we tested is equipped with Bosch’s new LED Remote, which only has five LEDs to show the battery level and a color change to indicate the level of assistance chosen. Thereafter, it is always possible to add the Bosch SmartphoneGrip, a smartphone holder with induction charger adapted to Bosch motors, for 50 €, or the dedicated Intuvia 100 (80 €) or Kiox 300 (150 €) screens, but, by default, there is no screen.
The handle facilitates positioning on the center stand and can be used by the rear passenger to hold on. On the second photo, we see the two batteries installed.
We couldn’t really test the autonomy, but Vello has planned for it with the possibility of installing two Bosch batteries. Our test model is equipped with two batteries of 400 and 545 Wh, which means that we did not encounter any autonomy problems.
Magura MT5 four-piston brakes.
Equipped with four-piston Magura MT5 brakes, usually found on full-suspension mountain bikes intended for mountain use, the Vello SUB brakes very hard. It is well helped by the Schwalbe Pick-Up tires with 2.35” section. This balloon tire also brings good comfort to the bike, which effectively erases the roughness of the road. The steel frame is also an excellent vibration filter by being less rigid than aluminum.
A tool-free adjustable stem and appreciable compactness
The adjustment of the stem is done without tools. This is very practical, especially if the bike is to be used by two people with different morphologies. It is thus possible to modify very quickly the height of the handlebars and the inclination of the brake levers. For the saddle height, we still regret the absence of a marking on the stem which would precisely allow you to remember its setting in the event of a change of driver. The stem also has a pivot that allows you to put the handlebars in the axis of the frame to reduce clutter along a wall. The pedals are also foldable.
No screen and simply a control box with five LEDs.
An unmatched price in pre-order
Still available for pre-order on Indiegogo until Sunday November 20 at midnight for delivery scheduled for July 2023, the Vello SUB Chromoly Enviolo 400 Wh is displayed at €3,577 with delivery. At this price, it is much cheaper than the Mustache Lundi 20.3 sold for around €5,000. Subsequently, the SUB Chomoly Enviolo will be priced around 7000 €, which makes it a much more exclusive model. At €2,800, the Decathlon Elops R500 Elec remains unequaled in terms of price, but it has a rear hub motor that is less pleasant than the Bosch motor, does without the variator and the belt.