Hitway BK19 Pro at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Twenty kilograms with hydraulic disc brakes and 27.5-inch wheels. That is an unusual combination, because hydraulic brakes are usually found on heavier bikes. The Hitway BK19 Pro is a lightweight city bike with a 374-watt-hour battery and a high frame. It has no suspension, which explains some of its low weight. For anyone who regularly has to lift their bike, that is the main argument.

Twenty kilograms with hydraulic brakes

On a twenty-kilogram bike, hydraulic disc brakes are almost overengineered, and that is precisely the point: you can brake with two fingers, and their performance does not change when it rains. The low weight comes from the lack of suspension and the modest battery capacity. For anyone who lifts the bike over a doorstep, pushes it into a shed, or occasionally puts it in a car, that matters more than the specifications. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery. When it is delivered, briefly check the brake lever reach; you can adjust it in a few seconds. The belt drive replaces the chain and does not need to be lubricated, saving you a series of workshop visits over the years.

Range of the Hitway BK19 Pro

The 36V, 10.4 amp-hour battery, totaling 374 watt-hours, is rated for approximately 40 kilometers. That is a modest and therefore honest figure: you can actually achieve that distance in everyday use. For a commute of five to ten kilometers each way, it will last you a few days. Charging takes six to seven hours, so you do it overnight or during a workday. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter. The stated range is always a test value, so expect somewhat less in practice. A torque sensor determines how much assistance you receive based on your own pedaling force, allowing the motor to assist gradually instead of switching in steps.

Riding without suspension

It has no suspension, neither front nor rear. On 27.5-inch wheels, that is less noticeable because larger wheels handle poor road surfaces better than smaller ones, but on cobblestone streets and sunken paving slabs, you feel everything. That is the price of twenty kilos. If you mainly ride on asphalt and cycle paths, it is not a problem. If you live in an old city center with lots of cobblestones, a bike with a suspension fork is more comfortable. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery. When the bike is delivered, check the brake lever reach; you can adjust it in a few seconds.

High frame on 27.5-inch wheels

The frame has a top tube, making it stiffer than a step-through frame, which you notice at higher speeds as more direct handling. You do have to swing your leg over it. The 27.5-inch wheels are an intermediate size: more maneuverable than 28-inch wheels while offering almost the same smooth rolling over longer distances. This makes it suitable for both city rides and longer routes on asphalt.

Who is the Hitway BK19 Pro for?

For people who regularly need to lift their bike or maneuver it in a tight space while still wanting good brakes. The recommended height is approximately 1.70 to 2.00 meters, with 120 kilos as the maximum total weight. Things to consider: a 40-kilometer range is limited, and it has no suspension. If you ride long distances every day, a model with a larger battery is a wiser choice. Consider where you will store the bike, as that often matters more than the specifications. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than adequate.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Twenty kilos with hydraulic brakes feels different from most e-bikes, so take it for a ride. You can schedule a test ride at ten showrooms and lift the bike yourself. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will arrive at your home ready to ride. Insurance can be arranged when placing your order. Three years’ warranty on the frame, one year on components and battery.

See also: e-bikes | electric city bikes | e-bikes for adults | electric bikes with low step-through frames