Mapfour Ray Air ST from Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Mapfour Ray Air ST designation stands for step-through: a frame you can step straight through. On an 18-kilogram bike with a carbon frame, that is the combination that makes it suitable for a wide range of riders. It features 28-inch wheels, a MIVICE mid-drive motor with a torque sensor, eight Shimano ACERA gears, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and a removable 360-watt-hour battery.

Step-through on a carbon frame

A carbon step-through frame is unusual because, without a top tube, more material is needed to achieve the same stiffness. Mapfour still keeps the weight around 18 kilograms. The benefit: you can step straight through the frame, which helps when carrying luggage on the rear or wearing a long coat, and you can still lift the bike with ease. You rarely find both features in one bike. In the showroom, you can see the difference in just a few minutes. What may seem minor on paper is often something you can feel on the road.

Mid-drive motor with torque sensor

The MIVICE mid-drive motor is positioned at the bottom bracket and delivers its power through the eight gears, making pedaling itself easier rather than giving you a push. The torque sensor adjusts the assistance based on how hard you pedal, so the support increases gradually instead of kicking in abruptly. On an 18-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, with a total capacity of 360 watt-hours, is rated for up to 100 kilometers. That is optimistic for this capacity; realistically, expect around 60 kilometers. For a commute of 5 to 10 kilometers each way, that will get you through a week. Since the battery is removable, you can charge it indoors while the bike remains in the shed or storage area. The stated range is always a test figure, so expect somewhat less in practice. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures; over time, this can reduce its capacity.

Front suspension and brakes

The front suspension absorbs curbs and speed bumps. On 28-inch wheels, it noticeably improves comfort without adding much weight. The rear of the bike is unsuspended, which keeps the weight low. The 160-millimeter Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are easy to modulate and lose none of their effectiveness in wet weather, meaning that on a lightweight bike you can brake with two fingers. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding; otherwise, they require little maintenance. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery.

Who is the Mapfour Ray Air ST for?

For commuters who need to carry their bike every day and want to get on and off easily. The maximum total weight is 120 kilos, which is on the low side for heavy luggage. The battery is modest, so for long daily distances without the option to charge along the way, a larger battery is the better choice. This model is best suited to city rides and commuting 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 adequate.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Eighteen kilos 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. When ordered online, the bike is delivered to your home ready to ride. Three-year frame warranty. You can use our pickup and delivery service for maintenance. You can pay in full or in installments.

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