Introduction
After six months of owning and riding the Tenways CGO600 Pro, I have gathered ample experience to provide a comprehensive review. This e-bike stands out with its sleek design, innovative features, and user-friendly performance. Below, I delve into the key features, personal experiences, and comparisons to other e-bikes in the market.
Key Features
Tenways App
One of the most impressive aspects of the bike is the Tenways App! It significantly enhances the riding experience.
It provides real-time updates on your estimated range as you cycle, making it easier to plan your trips without the anxiety of running out of power unexpectedly.
The app also offers additional metrics and insights, adding a layer of connectivity that’s both useful and engaging.
Belt Drive Motor
The CGO600 Pro features a belt drive, which is a standout element. It’s exceptionally quiet and requires virtually no maintenance. Unlike traditional chain drives, the belt drive lacks greasy parts, so you can ride without worrying about dirtying your clothes.
The belt drive is designed by a company called Gates Carbon Drive, and you can learn more about it here.
This is particularly beneficial for those living near coastal areas, as the belt drive is resistant to rust.
Design and Build
Aesthetically, the CGO600 Pro is a triumph. Its sleek design with a hidden battery makes it look like a regular bike, fooling many into thinking it isn’t an e-bike at all. This integration not only enhances the bike’s appearance but also protects the battery from external elements. The lack of clutter on the handlebar is another plus, making it easy to mount accessories like your phone.
Battery
When looking at the specs, one of the first things you’ll notice is that the CGO600 Pro does not have the biggest battery by any standards. However, I like how the Tenways CGO600 Pro handles battery life and range. Unlike many e-bikes where the battery indicator stays at 100% until it’s nearly drained, the CGO600 Pro offers an accurate range indicator. This transparency ensures that you’re never caught off guard by a sudden drop-off in battery life.
Headlight
I know it might not seem like a big deal, but the CGO600 Pro has the best headlight of ANY bike I’ve tested, ever!
The 35lux headlight is very bright. You can easily see if it’s on from your riding position, even during the day, which adds a layer of safety and convenience. Tenways also made sure to comply with EU regulations, so the headlight beams face downwards, not blinding other riders at night.
Personal Experience
Ease of Riding
This e-bike might be skinny, but the weight, or lack thereof is a big deal! Weighing in at 37 lbs, it’s noticeable how much easier it is to ride my CGO600 Pro compared to a regular e-bike, which typically weighs around 80 lbs and often comes with fat tires. The thin tires and lightweight frame make it possible to pedal without motor assistance, which is a significant advantage for those who enjoy the physical aspect of cycling.
Range and Performance
On average, I’ve been able to get between 35 and 46 miles per charge, using the PAS-1 setting. This emphasis on rider pedaling means you’re engaged and active throughout your journey, making it a great option for those who want to blend exercise with e-bike convenience.
Comfort Levels
The bike’s forward-leaning rider position and lack of suspension mean you do feel a lot of bumps, making it less comfortable than some other e-bikes I’ve tried. While it’s not the most comfortable ride, the benefits, such as the seamless integration of your trip data, remaining range, GPS navigation and battery life in the App, and the smooth belt drive, outweigh these drawbacks for me.
Climbing Ability
The CGO600 Pro’s performance on hills is modest. Although it can handle slopes up to 10 degrees, as noted on the Tenways website, stronger riders may be able to push it further. In my own experiences on challenging terrains, l confirm that while the bike struggles compared to some competitors, it does manage to climb, emphasizing its need for rider participation.
Ultimately, the CGO600 Pro is not designed for steep hills, but rather city rides where it’s lightweight frame and thinner wheels performs admirably.
Comparisons to Other E-Bikes
In terms of top speed and max range, the CGO600 Pro is a class 1 e-bike and falls short in comparison to class 2 and 3 competitors. And while not the best at climbing hills, the CGO600 Pro excels in flat urban riding, which is ultimately what it’s designed for. This bike shines in other areas, such as its quiet, low-maintenance belt drive and its accurate, transparent battery life indicator. It’s also much easier to take on and off a train or bus, due to it only weighing 37 lbs. Many of the class 2 or 3 e-bikes weigh close to 80lbs making them impractical if you plan to make use of public transport on your commute.
Conclusion
Overall, the Tenways CGO600 Pro is a solid e-bike that excels in specific areas while having room for improvement in others. Its sleek design, accurate battery indicator, and low-maintenance belt drive make it a valuable choice for those who appreciate the blend of traditional cycling with modern e-bike technology. While it may not be the fastest or most comfortable e-bike on the market, its emphasis on rider engagement and innovative features make it a worthy investment.
For those considering an e-bike that offers a refined aesthetic, reliable range tracking, and a quiet, maintenance-free ride, the Tenways CGO600 Pro is worth a test ride, and it gets a thumbs up from me as a long-term owner.
