Stromer ST3 Pinion LE review: a gem that reconciled us with speedbikes


The Stromer ST3 Pinion LE is a special edition of the new Stromer ST3, equipped with a revolutionary gearbox. We tested this superlative speedbike over several tens of kilometres.

Speedbikes and the city are far from being a love story. The dated and infantilizing regulations make these bikes capable of going at 45 km/h hybrids which inherit the worst of the rolling worlds: the Highway Code for cars, the individual equipment of scooters (approved helmet, gloves) and no benefits of cycling. And once we have integrated these inconveniences which may one day be ancient history, the vehicle still has to be good.

Chance: Stromer can ride bikes. The Swiss brand has even put all the precision know-how of an industry at the service of its frames. The Stromer ST3 are brutes of power and safety and the limited edition Stromer ST3 that we tested is an opportunity for us to discover a rare component: the Pinion gearbox. A high-end cocktail that puts a smile on your face with every pedal stroke. We explain why.

Design and components of the Stromer ST3 Pinion LE

The first thing we see when we are introduced to the Stromer ST3 Pinion LE is its frame. Ferrari red, the aluminum sparkles. The welds are perfect and the aluminum fork completes the luxury impression. This frame built for speed straddles two 27.5-inch wheels fitted with huge Pirelli tires designed for Stromer bikes. Approaching, we can see the only cut in these curves: at the level of the rear hub, a screwed notch to let the belt pass – it is so tight that it cannot be installed or changed without a notch.

Stromer ST3 9
Stromer ST3 Pinion LE // Source: Louise Audry for Numerama

Going up this belt, we come across the bottom bracket, which is the second star of this exceptional bike. It is equipped with a component that is not very popular and very expensive: a gearbox offered by the Pinion brand. This jewel of technology from the world of motorcycling allows the bike to have changeable gears when stationary and a 568% amplitude between gear 1 and gear 9. Which means, concretely, that you still feel some resistance under your feet when you’re at 45 km/h. The Pinion system is also extremely robust – the manufacturer gives it 10 years without maintenance – and you can feel the precision of the mechanism under the handles, which never flinches.

At the rear, the huge engine is directly on the middle: the belt drives it and allows it to develop its 820 W of power for 44 Nm of torque as soon as the cyclist gives the order. The association of this engine with the Pinion system gives rocket sensations: you feel propelled on the road. The engine is associated with an on-board computer which connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and allows you to choose between 3 power modes directly at your fingertips (25 km/h max, setting of your choice, max power). The engine is also equipped with an engine brake which engages before the calipers, in order to preserve the mechanics and recover energy.

Stromer ST3 4
Stromer ST3 Pinion LE // Source: Louise Audry for Numerama

If it is necessary to brake more firmly, two hydraulic disc brakes reassure the cyclist, with 4 calipers at the front and 2 at the rear. Beyond these elements, we find on the Stromer ST3 mandatory components for a speedbike: a powerful light at the front allowing to pass in crossing or in full headlights; a rear brake light; a mirror on the left and, of course, a license plate on the sturdy luggage rack.

All of these components are consistent with the price asked by Stromer, even if, on a launch edition model, the manufacturer has increased the already high base price to integrate the famous gearbox. Still, it is difficult to fault this machine: you can choose to buy a suspension fork for more safety and ABS for even more controlled braking.

Stromer ST3 7
Stromer ST3 Pinion LE // Source: Louise Audry for Numerama

On the road with the Stromer ST3 Pinion LE

It is while riding that we understand the enjoyable side of a speedbike. That of Mustache had left us unsatisfied: certainly, the Bosch crankset motor offers an extremely natural reaction to pedaling, but we couldn’t help but see a Performance CX motor that was a bit unbridled. Going over 30 km/h was a pain. Here the Stromer ST3 bombs. The 45 km/h becomes a norm that you get used to – or rather, the range between 30 and 45, so comfortable and so exhilarating on such a bike.

Using the Pinion gear block takes some getting used to. At first glance, we will have the feeling of having a seized speed in the wrist. But once you understand how it works, you understand how to use it. No need to stop pedaling when you use it, you just have to change gear at the right moment in the pedal turn to avoid any friction. In general, you start around 3rd gear in town and go very quickly from 3 to 7 or 8. 9th naturally engages above 35 km/h.

Stromer ST3 2
Stromer ST3 Pinion LE // Source: Louise Audry for Numerama
For further

Specialized Turbo Vado SL // Source: Louise Audry for Numerama

It is precisely these mechanisms that one takes after a short hour of driving that make a trip in the Stromer ST3 Pinion LE so exhilarating. At full speed, you find yourself pedaling again and again, when many bikes, even limited to 25 km/h, give a feeling of freewheeling at high speeds. In addition, the Pinion gearbox, driven by a belt, does not derail. No risk of getting dirty with such a machine: it is literally the gears inside the module that take care of the mechanics.

We find ourselves on the bike taking giant steps, stopped only by other road users and the signs and traffic lights that we must respect like a car. The brakes are excellent and the engine brake provides more comfort: you don’t brake right away with calipers on the disc, which minimizes the brutality of a stop. Pushed to its maximum resistance, this engine brake allows you to sustainably regenerate the battery and descend a mountain pass without even having to touch the brakes. In our test, from the intermediate resistance mode, the bike stopped each time, for lack of slope.

Stromer ST3 5
Stromer ST3 Pinion LE // Source: Louise Audry for Numerama

On such a bike, you always drive in mode 3, the highest, to take advantage of its power. Mode 1 restricts the motor to 25 km/h and would be perfect if speedbikes could ride like bicycles, on the slopes, limited to this speed common with pedelecs. Unlike the car, which can go to more than 200, but is sometimes limited to 30, it is considered that the cyclist is less responsible and that his engine must be restrained to enjoy the advantages of cycling. We can only regret the safety of these urban developments and the freedom of riding a bicycle, which the law refuses to speedbikes, which themselves know how to adapt to them.

Mode 2 is a customizable mode: you can configure a driving mode in your image in the application provided by Stromer. The settings concern the torque, the power, but also the agility of the bike, when it comes to picking up speed after a curve. The app also serves as a connection with the bike itself, which, in hibernation mode, can be geolocated at any time. If it is moved, a powerful alarm will trigger a crescendo in volume and the rear wheel will end up being blocked by the motor. The security device is linked to the smartphone via a 4G chip in the bike. At the front, under the lighting, a USB socket allows you to connect a charging cable to take advantage of the enormous 982 Wh rechargeable battery. It is obviously removable and charges in a few hours. What more ?

We get used (too) quickly to luxury.

The verdict

The Stromer ST3 Pinion LE is an undeniable success. A speedbike that is really fun to ride, safe and equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical or electrical technologies. We enjoy every second on a bike like this. But to drive it, Stromer sells it at such a high price that it will remain a niche product, popular for rural or inter-urban journeys. The driving conditions of a speedbike in France in the city are not yet favorable to the democratization of the format.

But if they are one day, it is clear and clear that the Stromer range will carry the movement.



Source link -100