Mapfour Ray Air black at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The black Ray Air is the understated version alongside the green one. Its sleek carbon frame with an integrated battery gives it an appearance that does not immediately identify it as an e-bike, attracting less attention in a public bike storage area. The technology remains unchanged: eighteen kilograms, a MIVICE mid-drive motor with a torque sensor, eight Shimano ACERA gears, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and a suspension fork.

Carbon frame and 18 kilograms

With the same stiffness, carbon is lighter than aluminum, which is where the low weight comes from. For anyone who carries their bike up stairs or lifts it into a car, that is the whole argument. One thing to know: carbon reacts differently to a hard impact than metal. Whereas aluminum dents and shows it visibly, carbon can suffer internal damage without leaving a trace. Treat the frame with a little more care than steel or aluminum. That may sound like a detail, but it adds up on your daily route. In the showroom, you can see things like this in just a few minutes.

Mid-drive motor with torque sensor

The MIVICE mid-drive motor sits by the bottom bracket and delivers its power through the eight gears, making pedaling itself easier rather than giving you a push. With 40 newton meters of torque, it is more modest than the Ray Pro's motor, which is more than sufficient on an eighteen-kilogram bike: there is little mass to get moving. The torque sensor adjusts assistance based on how hard you push. Small differences like these matter more the more often you use the bike. That may sound like a detail, but it adds up on your daily route.

Difference from the Ray Pro

The Pro has a more powerful 80-newton-meter motor, ten gears instead of eight, and a high frame instead of a low step-through. This Ray Air is lighter and more accessible. If you mainly ride on flat terrain and get on and off frequently, the Air is the more logical choice. If your route includes a dike or bridge and you ride with a heavy load, the Pro comes into its own.

Front suspension and low step-through

Unlike the Ray Pro, the Air has front suspension that absorbs curbs and bumps. On 28-inch wheels, this noticeably improves comfort without adding much weight. The low step-through makes getting on and off easy, which is unusual for a bike with such a sporty character. The 160-millimeter Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide precise control and maintain their performance in wet weather. The brake pads and rotors use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding, but otherwise require little maintenance.

Who is the Ray Air for?

For commuters who need to lift their bike every day, want comfort, and are looking for a bike that does not stand out as an e-bike. The maximum total weight is 120 kilograms, which is limiting for heavy luggage. The 360-watt-hour battery is modest; the stated range is 100 kilometers, but realistically expect around 60. For long daily trips without access to charging, a larger battery is a wiser choice. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than sufficient. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the listed values.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

At 18 kilograms, a mid-drive motor feels different from anything you are used to, so take it for a ride and lift it once. You can do that at ten showrooms and compare the Air with the Pro. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands, which is reassuring with a carbon frame. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home fully assembled and ready to ride. The frame comes with a three-year warranty. After delivery, you have 14 days to take it for a test ride. You can use our pickup and delivery service for maintenance.

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