Puch E-Saphir SUV D10 at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The D10 in the name of the Puch E-Saphir SUV D10 refers to a Shimano Deore derailleur with ten gears. It is a groupset from the mountain biking world, placing it a level above the seven- or eight-speed systems you are used to on city bikes. You also get a 600 Wh battery, hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension fork, and 28-inch wheels with a low step-through. Twenty-nine kilograms.

Shimano Deore with ten gears

Deore is Shimano's mountain bike groupset for serious use: more precise shifting, sturdier components, and a wider range than the usual city-bike groupsets. Ten gears provide fine steps, so whether you're riding into a headwind or along a dike, you can always find a gear that lets you pedal comfortably. Components are widely available, and every bike mechanic knows how to work with them, which will still matter years from now. What seems minor on paper is often noticeable on the road. Small differences like these become more significant the more often you use the bike.

Range of the E-Saphir SUV D10

The 600 Wh battery is rated for up to 130 kilometers, measured in the lowest assist mode on flat terrain without wind. Realistically, expect seventy to ninety kilometers, which is more than a week's worth of commuting for most people. Charging takes about five hours, so you can do it overnight. For someone who rides ten kilometers each way every day, that means charging about once a week. You can charge it from a regular wall outlet, so no special setup is needed. A battery lasts longer if you don't routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter.

SUV design with suspension fork

The SUV designation refers to the sturdier construction, including a suspension fork and wider tires than a regular city bike. You notice the difference in your wrists and shoulders on cobblestone streets and along forest paths. The hydraulic disc brakes require little squeezing force and maintain their performance in the rain because they grip a separate disc. At 29 kilos with luggage, this is noticeably more comfortable than rim brakes would be. What seems minor on paper is often something you can feel on the road. Small differences like these matter more the more often you use the bike.

Low step-through frame with 28-inch wheels

Large wheels roll more efficiently over long distances and handle bumps better than small ones. Combined with the low step-through frame, they make it easy to get on without sacrificing rolling comfort, which is unusual for a sportily equipped bike. The recommended rider height ranges from approximately 1.70 to 2.05 meters, and the maximum total weight is 150 kilos, leaving plenty of capacity for luggage or a full rear pannier. You can see details like these within a few minutes in the showroom.

Who is the Puch E-Saphir SUV D10 for?

For commuters who make longer trips, do not stick to asphalt exclusively, and value a good drivetrain. At 29 kilos, this bike is necessarily equipped this way, meaning daily lifting is not an option. A derailleur is also more exposed than an enclosed hub, so rain and road salt affect it sooner, and it occasionally needs adjustment. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only goes for an occasional ride. Consider where you will store the bike, as that often matters more than the specifications.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A Deore derailleur with ten gears shifts differently from a hub, so take it for a test ride. You can schedule a test ride at ten showrooms. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. When ordered online, the bike is delivered to your home ready to ride, assembled and adjusted. Insurance can be arranged when placing the order. There is a three-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the components and battery. You can pay in full or in installments. Upon delivery, the bike is assembled and adjusted at your door.

See also: PUCH bikes | e-bikes | electric city bikes | e-bikes for adults