Tomos EB 12 at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Tomos EB 12 sits in the middle of the Tomos EB range: a 626 watt-hour battery, seven gears, and V-brakes instead of disc brakes. Twenty-six kilograms on 28-inch wheels, with a low step-through and a 50-centimeter frame. While the EB 15 has three gears and the EB 18 has hydraulic disc brakes, here you get the wider gear range without the added cost of disc brakes.

Where the EB 12 fits in the range

Tomos builds the EB series around a few choices: rim brakes or disc brakes, three or seven gears, and 626 or 748 watt-hours. The EB 12 combines the smaller battery with seven gears and rim brakes. Compared with the EB 15, which has three gears, you have more flexibility in your riding speed. Compared with the EB 16, which has the same battery but disc brakes, you sacrifice braking power in wet weather.

V-brakes instead of disc brakes

The EB 12 uses rim brakes. They are lightweight, inexpensive to maintain, and easy to adjust yourself. The downside becomes apparent in the rain: rim brakes take slightly longer to grip a wet rim, and they also wear down the rim. On a 26-kilogram bike used mainly on flat asphalt, this is manageable. If you want hydraulic disc brakes with the same battery, look at the EB 16. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery. When the bike is delivered, briefly check the brake lever reach; you can adjust it in a few seconds.

Range of the Tomos EB 12

The 626 watt-hour battery is rated for up to 140 kilometers, measured in the lowest assistance mode on flat terrain without wind. Realistically, expect 70 to 90 kilometers, which is more than a week of commuting for most people. The 26-kilogram weight helps, since a lighter bike requires less energy to keep moving. A full charge takes six hours, so plan to charge it overnight. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter. The stated range is always a test value, so expect somewhat less in practice.

Low step-through on 28-inch wheels

Large wheels roll more efficiently over long distances and handle bumps better than small ones. Combined with the low step-through, they make it easy to get on without compromising the riding experience. The frame is 50 centimetres, and the recommended rider height ranges from approximately 1.70 to 2.05 metres, so this is not a bike for shorter riders. The maximum total weight of 150 kilograms leaves plenty of room for a full pannier or a crate on the rear.

Who is the Tomos EB 12 for?

For anyone looking for a lightweight city bike with a good range of gears and who accepts the simplicity of rim brakes. At 26 kilograms, it is light enough to lift over a speed bump occasionally without much effort. One thing to note: the specifications do not mention suspension, so you will feel more on cobblestone streets than with a suspension fork. Rim brakes also make a difference in the rain and on descents. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these trade-offs sooner than someone who only rides occasionally. Consider where you will store the bike, as that often matters more than the specifications.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You only notice the difference between rim brakes and disc brakes when you try them one after the other. At ten showrooms, the EB range is displayed together so you can compare them. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. When ordered online, the bike is delivered to your home fully assembled and ready to ride. Insurance can be arranged when placing your order. Three-year warranty on the frame and one year on parts and the battery.

Also see: Tomos fat bikes | e-bikes | electric city bikes | e-bikes for adults