Blix Bike Dubbel Review – Electric Biking

E-bikes present a sensible option for steering away from car usage, be it for environmental, health, or financial motives. While not every e-bike can entirely replace the practicality of a car, the Blix Dubbel is purposefully crafted to address the diverse spectrum of transportation needs. Whether it’s commuting to work, accomplishing errands with a child, or transporting groceries, this electric bike seamlessly combines considerate design with pragmatic functionality.

However, an e-bike’s excellence isn’t solely determined by its carrying capacity. Loading a child at the back and stocking the front basket with everyday essentials like milk, peanut butter, and pasta sauce can affect the handling due to increased weight. The Blix Dubbel, though, is engineered to manage reasonable loads without compromising its performance.

Yet, it’s not just about its adaptability. The Blix Dubbel also embodies an exhilaratingly enjoyable e-bike experience, delivering a sportier feel beyond expectations.

Overview

The Blix Dubbel represents a versatile cargo e-bike tailored for commuters prioritizing adaptability. Often, the term “cargo” might evoke images of business deliveries or food transport, but it embodies more than that. Some potential buyers might narrowly view it as solely a commuter bike. However, the Blix Dubbel transcends this perception; it’s not just about commuting to work but serves a broader array of purposes.

Rather than pondering what tasks the Blix Dubbel can accomplish, consider its limitations. It might not accommodate oversized items like plywood sheets or an entire basketball team, resembling neither a minivan nor an SUV in that respect. Nevertheless, for everyday activities such as school runs, grocery hauls, or transporting pets to the vet, the Blix Dubbel effortlessly handles these tasks, enabling multitasking.

Crafting a truly versatile cargo/utility e-bike demands more than merely integrating a rack or basket. These bikes must accommodate passengers and groceries, necessitating the ability to bear loads exceeding 300 lbs. Hence, the Blix Dubbel is equipped with a robust 750W brushless hub motor generating an impressive 90Nm of torque, enabling conquering even the steepest inclines.

Uphill performance heavily relies on torque, and the Blix Dubbel boasts an 8-speed drivetrain enhancing its range across various terrains. If you’ve encountered challenges reaching 20 mph on e-bikes equipped with 7-speed drivetrains, you’ll appreciate the increased power and improved climbing capacity.

An e-bike designed to transport more than one person and a backpack demands superior brakes for precise control, precisely what the Blix Dubbel offers.

This serves as a glimpse—let’s delve deeper into the specifics.

The Blix Dubbel cruises smoothly on its 20″ x 3.3″ tires, ensuring stability even when carrying cargo or additional passengers.

The 8-speed Microshift drivetrain performs admirably, granting the Blix Dubbel the necessary gear range to tackle hills and maintain Class 3 speeds.

The option to acquire a second battery eradicates range concerns and serves as a safety net for those prone to forgetting to charge it.

To begin, I find it impressive that our review model of the Blix Dubbel, equipped with two batteries, achieved an outstanding range of approximately 80 miles, in line with Blix’s claims on their website. Carrying out a comprehensive range test is crucial for accuracy, and it’s reassuring to see Blix has meticulously conducted their testing.

Moreover, I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the possibilities this bike presents. As our circuit test displayed, even at PAS 1, the bike delivers substantial assistance, turning those 78 miles into more of a brisk jog than a leisurely walk. Although the wider tires may slightly limit maneuverability compared to narrower ones, achieving 40 miles at a jogging pace is praiseworthy.

Even if you opt not to opt for the two-battery setup, it’s important to note that the outcomes can effectively be halved, resulting in an anticipated range of 20-40 miles. For most riders, this translates to 2-5 days of riding, contingent on the level of motor assistance utilized.

In summary, the range performance of this utility bike is striking. It showcases impressive efficiency in battery usage, aligning well with our expectations drawn from prior reviews of other Blix bikes.

For additional Blix electric bike reviews, feel free to explore more here.

Motor Performance: Speed and Acceleration

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the remarkable speed capabilities of the Blix Dubbel, prospective buyers are encouraged to utilize the Blix smartphone app, which offers two options: Class 2 operation reaching a maximum speed of 20 mph or Class 3 performance with a top speed of 28 mph. For our evaluations, we deliberately restricted the Blix Dubbel to operate within Class 2 speeds.

Throughout our circuit test, our focus centered on the power of PAS 1. Without motor assistance, our test rider maintained an average speed of 12 mph on the route. However, upon engaging PAS 1, the Blix Dubbel showcased an increased average speed of 14.3 mph.

Subsequent repetitions of the route saw gradual increments in average speeds. Under PAS 5, the Blix Dubbel marginally surpassed its previous speeds, reaching 20 mph. Nonetheless, this modest enhancement indicates the speed cap of 20 mph imposed on the Blix Dubbel. In Class 3, we would anticipate notably higher average speeds under PAS 5, given the robustness of its 750W motor.

The Dubbel delivers a comfortable riding experience with its upright position and riser handlebar design. Its seamlessly integrated rear rack provides ample space for both passengers and cargo.

Furthermore, the Blix Dubbel is equipped with mounting points on the head tube, allowing riders convenient attachment of a rack or basket to augment its carrying capacity.

Safety and Brakes Test

The Blix Dubbel is designed for multiple riders, so it requires powerful brakes to ensure a secure stop from high speeds. Blix prioritized the brakes on this bike, using Zoom hydraulic disc brakes, which have proven to be powerful and reliable in our previous reviews.

Additionally, they equipped the bike with 3.3-inch-wide tires on the 20-inch wheels to provide good traction. This allows riders to brake more forcefully without the risk of skidding. Compared to e-bikes with smaller wheels and mechanical discs, the Blix Dubbel stands out with its hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors, making the braking power even stronger.

Ride Comfort, Handling, Cockpit and Accessories

Evaluating cargo e-bikes for comfort poses a challenge due to their variable weight capacity, often fluctuating by as much as 60 to 80 lbs. when accommodating a child and groceries. Achieving maximum comfort on these bikes is not as feasible since they are designed to support diverse loads, necessitating tires to be inflated to withstand the heaviest load of the day. Adjusting tire pressure daily to accommodate varying loads is perfectly acceptable.

The Blix Dubbel’s 3-inch-wide Kenda tires strike a balance between robustness — smaller 20-inch wheels are sturdier due to shorter spokes — and providing optimal comfort. Apart from its moderately upright seated position, the Dubbel doesn’t prioritize additional comfort features. However, compared to the 10-speeds and BMX bikes of the past, the Dubbel offers sufficient comfort.

Solely available in one size, the Blix Dubbel may limit its comfort for a broader range of riders. Nevertheless, its handlebar, offering nearly 6 inches of rise, enables riders to adjust reach by rolling it forward or backward on the stem, catering to both larger and smaller riders. This adaptable handlebar setup is a thoughtful addition enhancing rider fit and comfort, a feature we appreciate and wish to see more frequently on e-bikes.

The 8-speed Microshift drivetrain, though unfamiliar to many riders, functions well and boasts a wider gear range compared to most bikes within its price range.

For passenger comfort, foot pegs can be mounted on the chainstays or seatstays, allowing for adjustment based on the passenger’s height. When not in use, these pegs can be folded up to remain out of the way.

Despite featuring 20-inch wheels, the Blix Dubbel is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes matched with 180mm rotors, ensuring exceptional braking power for a cargo e-bike.

Regarding the display, its minimalist style might not suit everyone’s preferences. While functional, some users might desire a display capable of showcasing multiple data points simultaneously, as the current single-metric display might be limiting for some.

The Blix Dubbel effectively balances a rider’s need for stability when carrying a load with the maneuverability expected in urban environments. Its handlebar, with added sweep and rise, resembles more of a cruiser bar than a mountain bike’s flat bar, enhancing comfort. The Microshift 8-speed shifter operates smoothly, offering familiarity to those accustomed to Shimano shifters. However, the integrated display might not be to everyone’s liking, as separating the selector and display components often allows for easier viewing near the stem while riding.

Blix creatively addresses the space constraint between rider and child by extending the bike’s rear, allowing for added room. While not a long-tail cargo e-bike, the extended distance between pedals and the rear axle creates space for a second battery behind the seat tube and a longer rear rack. This modification also offers two different mounting points for foot pegs, catering to both shorter legs (higher position) and teens/adults (lower position).

Cargo-carrying

Short-wheelbase cargo e-bikes, also known as utility e-bikes, are a relatively new addition to the e-bike landscape in the United States. Compared to long-tail cargo e-bikes and large “bucket” e-bikes, these short-wheelbase models are designed for better maneuverability. The Blix Dubbel stands out with its exceptional frame design, seamlessly integrating the rear rack into the frame for increased strength and higher carrying capacity. Unlike conventional bolt-on rear racks that max out at 50 lbs., the Dubbel can handle heavier loads.

The frame design of the Blix Dubbel is truly exceptional, allowing it to support a rider weighing up to 200 lbs. as well as an additional 150 lbs. of passenger and cargo.

Every aspect of the Dubbel, from its motorcycle-style twin-leg kickstand to its thoughtful accessory selection, emphasizes its ability to accommodate more than just a single rider. Blix offers a range of accessories including various baskets, a pad for a second rider, and a way to secure young children, ensuring that the Dubbel meets the diverse needs of riders.

The Blix website also makes shopping for accessories easy by redirecting shoppers to the accessories page after adding a bike to their cart.

The Blix Dubbel sits at the higher end of the $1500-$2000 price range and the cost increases further with the option of adding a second battery. While it may be pricier compared to some competing bikes, the Dubbel justifies its cost with its exceptional frame design, component selection, and wide array of accessories. Opting for a single battery can save around $500, but investing in the flexibility and insurance provided by two batteries is highly recommended if it fits within your budget.

When evaluating an e-bike and considering potential improvements, it’s crucial to weigh the impact on cost. The Blix Dubbel already offers an impressive combination of features, including a powerful 750W hub motor, an 8-speed drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes. Furthermore, the frame design effectively serves the e-bike’s intended purpose, leaving little room for substantial enhancements without significantly increasing the price.

While it would be beneficial to see additional frame sizes available and a slightly lower kickstand to avoid curbs, there are a few aspects of the Dubbel that warrant sending Blix back to the drawing board.

The bike unquestionably delivers on its promise of utility and more. We wonder if Blix has plans to introduce additional accessories for the Dubbel, as there are mounting points on the frame that currently don’t correspond to any of the offered accessories. This potential for further customization and versatility exemplifies Blix’s commitment to exceeding expectations.

One of the biggest advantages of using an e-bike for transportation is the elimination of logistical challenges when running errands. With e-bikes like the Blix Dubbel, the question of “how do I get this home?” becomes a thing of the past. We hope that e-bikes like the Dubbel gain popularity, as their versatility brings undeniable benefits to riders of all kinds.