Mapfour Ray Air ST green at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Green on a carbon frame is rarely seen, which is precisely why this Ray Air ST stands out among the black and gray bikes in a rack. ST stands for step-through: you step through the frame instead of swinging your leg over it. At eighteen kilograms, that means it is easy to lift and easy to mount. Twenty-eight-inch wheels, a MIVICE mid-drive motor with a torque sensor, eight Shimano ACERA gears, and 160-millimeter Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

Step-through on a carbon frame

A carbon step-through frame is unusual: without a top tube, more material is needed to achieve the same stiffness. Mapfour still keeps the weight around eighteen kilograms. In practice, this provides two things that you rarely get together: easy mounting with luggage on the rear or while wearing a long coat, and a bike you can lift into a car or hallway without help. For those who need both, there are few alternatives in this class.

Mid-drive motor with a torque sensor

The MIVICE mid-drive motor is located at the bottom bracket and delivers its power through the eight gears, making pedaling itself easier instead of giving you a push. The torque sensor adjusts the assistance based on how hard you push, so the support increases gradually rather than engaging in abrupt bursts. On an eighteen-kilogram bike, this feels particularly natural because there is little mass to move.

Range of the Ray Air ST

The removable 36V, 10-amp-hour battery, totaling 360 watt-hours, is rated for up to 100 kilometers. That is optimistic for this capacity; realistically, expect sixty kilometers. For a commute of five to ten kilometers each way, it will last you a week. Because the battery is removable, you can charge it indoors while the bike remains in the shed or storage room. 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. You can charge it from a regular wall outlet, so no separate installation is needed. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter.

Front suspension and brakes

The suspension fork absorbs curbs and speed bumps, which makes a noticeable difference on 28-inch wheels without adding much weight. The rear is unsuspended; this keeps the weight down but means you feel more of the bumps in your saddle on cobblestone streets. The 160-millimeter Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offer precise control and maintain their performance in wet weather, allowing you to stop a lightweight bike using just two fingers.

Who is this version for?

For commuters who need to carry their bike every day, want to get on and off easily, and would rather not ride a bike with a dark frame. The maximum total weight is 120 kilograms, which leaves little capacity for heavy luggage. The battery is modest, so a larger battery is a better choice for long daily distances without the option to recharge along the way. This model is best suited to city rides on asphalt. 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 sufficient.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Eighteen kilograms with a mid-drive motor and a step-through frame feels different from anything you are used to, so take it for a spin and lift it once. You can do that at ten showrooms and compare the ST with the regular Ray Air. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. Three-year frame warranty. You can use our collection and delivery service for maintenance. You can pay in one lump sum or in installments.

See also: ENGWE Mapfour N1 | e-bikes | electric city bikes | adult e-bikes