Hitway BK7S Plus by Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Hitway BK7S Plus rides on 29-inch wheels, larger than the 28-inch wheels found on most city bikes. This makes a noticeable difference in rolling comfort over long distances and makes it suitable for taller riders: the recommended height is up to 2.10 metres. You also get adjustable front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and seven Shimano gears. At 35 kilograms, it is fairly heavy, something to bear in mind when storing it.

Twenty-nine-inch wheels

Larger wheels roll more efficiently and handle bumps more smoothly than small ones, and you notice the difference especially over longer distances. With 29-inch wheels, there is another benefit: the riding position is higher and more stretched out, which is comfortable if you are tall yourself. The recommended height ranges from approximately 1.75 to 2.10 metres, so this is a bike for the taller end of the range. If you are shorter, consider a 27.5- or 28-inch model.

Adjustable front suspension

The front fork is adjustable, which means you can adapt the spring stiffness to your weight and the surfaces you usually ride on. On smooth asphalt, set it firmer so that pedalling energy is not lost in the suspension; on cobblestones, set it softer for comfort. This is a setting you adjust properly once and then forget, but the difference in comfort between a correct and incorrect setting is considerable. When the bike is delivered, briefly check the brake lever reach, which you can adjust in a few seconds. Brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service centre.

Range of the Hitway BK7S Plus

The battery is rated at 36V and 12.8 amp-hours, amounting to approximately 460 watt-hours, with a stated range of up to 80 kilometres. That is on the optimistic side for this capacity in a 35-kilogram bike. In everyday use, expect closer to 50 to 60 kilometres. For a 10-kilometre one-way commute, that still means charging once a week. Charging takes more than five hours, so plan to do it overnight. The stated range is always a test figure, so expect somewhat less in practice. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures, as this will reduce its capacity over time.

Brakes and gears

Hydraulic disc brakes are a good fit for a 35-kilo bike: they offer finer modulation than mechanical brakes and maintain their performance in the rain. Seven Shimano gears provide enough range for the flat Netherlands, with the occasional bridge. On large wheels, that gear range is somewhat more important than on small wheels, because you have to get more mass moving when setting off from a standstill. Check the brake lever reach on delivery; you can adjust it in a few seconds.

Who is the Hitway BK7S Plus for?

For taller riders looking for a bike with plenty of room and who mainly ride on paved roads. The main thing to consider is the weight: 35 kilos is substantial for a city bike, so you will want to store it on the ground floor. If you mainly ride short distances through a busy city center, a model with smaller wheels is more agile and easier to maneuver in a crowded bike storage area. Include where you will store the bike in your decision, as that often matters more than the specifications. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than sufficient.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Twenty-nine inches feels different from 28, especially if you are tall. Take it for a spin at one of the ten showrooms before you decide. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will arrive at your home ready to ride, assembled and adjusted. Insurance can be arranged when you place your order. Three-year warranty on the frame, one year on components and battery.

Also see: e-bikes | electric city bikes | e-bikes for adults | electric bikes with low step-through