Mapfour Roam ST at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Roam ST is the step-through version of the Roam: the same drive system with 100 newton-metres of torque and a 720 watt-hour LG battery, but with a frame you can step straight through. For anyone who wants the Roam’s power without swinging a leg over a high frame. 180-millimetre Tektro disc brakes, full suspension and 27.5-inch wheels with a five-speed Shimano Nexus hub.

What makes the ST version different

ST stands for step-through. You step straight through the frame instead of swinging your leg over a top tube, which is more convenient with luggage on the back, in a long coat or when you want to spare your hip. The drive system, suspension and brakes are the same as on the regular Roam. What you sacrifice is frame stiffness: a step-through frame is slightly less rigid, which you may notice with 100 newton-metres of torque and a heavy load. What seems minor on paper can often be felt on the road. Small differences like these matter more the more often you use the bike.

One hundred newton-metres of torque

You notice torque when accelerating and climbing, not at top speed. One hundred newton-metres is exceptionally high for a bicycle: you feel it immediately when setting off from a traffic light and on a bridge or dike. The motor is located at the bottom bracket and sends its power through the gears, making pedalling itself easier rather than pushing you from behind. For a route with elevation changes, that is the key advantage.

Full suspension with genuine damping

Up front there is a Zoom fork with 100 millimetres of travel, and at the rear a DNM shock absorber with 60 millimetres. These are components from the mountain-bike world, not simple springs. On cobbled streets and over speed bumps, they provide comfort you do not get on a regular city bike. Combined with the low step-through, this is a bike that is easy to get on and keeps you comfortable, even on rougher surfaces. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding; otherwise, they require little maintenance. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery.

Range and Brakes

The 36V LG battery with 20 amp-hours, totaling 720 watt-hours, is rated for up to 150 kilometers. That figure applies to economical riding on flat terrain; with 100 newton-metres in the highest assist level, you will get considerably less. Realistically, expect 80 to 100 kilometers. The Tektro disc brakes have 180-millimeter rotors front and rear, providing more braking power and dissipating heat more effectively on a long descent. You can charge it from a standard wall outlet, so no separate installation is needed. A battery will last longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter. A torque sensor determines how much assistance you receive based on your own pedaling force, allowing the motor to engage gradually instead of switching assistance levels in steps.

Who Is the Mapfour Roam ST For?

For riders who want plenty of torque and comfort and consider easy mounting and dismounting important. Assistance continues up to 25 kilometers per hour, so under Dutch regulations this remains a standard electric bicycle. If you only ride short distances through a busy city center, this model is more heavily equipped than you need, and a simpler city bike will be more than sufficient. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than adequate. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the stated values.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You can feel 100 newton-metres at the first traffic light, and the difference between the ST and the regular Roam becomes apparent when mounting. Come and try both at one of the ten showrooms. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. 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 will be assembled and adjusted at your door.

See also: ENGWE Mapfour N1 | all fat bikes | hydraulic fat bikes | premium fat bikes