Hitway BK10S PRO at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Hitway BK10S PRO is the more heavily equipped version of the BK10S: hydraulic brakes instead of mechanical ones, front and rear suspension instead of front suspension only, and a 720-watt-hour battery. That comes at a cost in weight: 43 kilograms compared with 34. A folding fat bike with 20-inch tires and a low step-through, designed to be stored compactly rather than carried.

Difference from the regular BK10S

Three things. The PRO has hydraulic brakes instead of mechanical ones, which makes a noticeable difference at this weight and in the rain. It has front and rear suspension, whereas the standard version has to make do with a suspension fork. And the battery increases from 624 to 720 watt-hours. In return, you get nine extra kilograms of weight, which is a real consideration for a bike you move around rather than ride.

Full suspension on a folding frame

Combining front and rear suspension with a folding hinge is technically difficult because both introduce weak points into the construction. Hitway solves this with a heavier frame, which is where those 43 kilograms come from. What you get in return is comfort: on cobblestone streets and over speed bumps, the rear suspension does not transmit harsh impacts to the saddle, which is far from a given on a fat bike with a folding frame. Hydraulic brakes need bleeding occasionally, but otherwise require little maintenance. The lighting is permanently mounted on the bike and runs on the main battery.

Range of the Hitway BK10S PRO

The 48V, 15-amp-hour battery, totaling 720 watt-hours, is rated for approximately 70 kilometers. That is modest for this capacity, which is directly related to the weight: getting 43 kilograms moving takes energy. The advantage is that it is a realistic figure you can achieve in practice. Charging takes five to six hours, so you should plan to do it overnight. You can charge it from a regular wall outlet, so no separate setup is needed. A battery will last longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter.

Low step-through and folding

On fatbikes, a low step-through is unusual; combined with a folding frame, it is even rarer. You step straight through it, which is convenient with luggage on the back or when wearing a long coat. Folding takes place at the frame and handlebars, after which the bike fits in a car trunk or the back of a van. At 43 kilos, however, you slide it rather than lift it; carrying it is no longer a realistic option at this weight.

Who is the BK10S PRO for?

For anyone who wants a highly comfortable fatbike that can still be stored compactly. The maximum total weight is 120 kilos, which is tight for a fatbike with luggage. What to bear in mind: 43 kilos is heavy, even for a fatbike, so you will want to store it on the ground floor. If you are looking for something lightweight to take with you, the standard BK10S is nine kilos lighter, or you may be better off with a proper folding bike. Unsure about the size? Measure your inseam and compare it with the stated values. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only goes for an occasional ride.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You need to move 43 kilos once to find out whether it works with your storage situation. At ten showrooms, you can do that and take a test ride right away, while comparing the PRO with the standard version. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. If ordered online, the bike is delivered to your home ready to ride. Three-year warranty on the frame and one year on the components and battery. Upon delivery, the bike is assembled and adjusted outside your door.

See also: folding bikes | foldable electric bikes | folding bikes for camping | small electric bikes