Tomos EB 15 Matte Army Green at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Matte army green gives the Tomos EB 15 a subdued look that you rarely see on city bikes. On a lightweight frame with a low step-through, the color feels understated without becoming boring. Otherwise, this is the same bike as the black version: 23 kilograms, a 626 watt-hour battery, 28-inch wheels, a three-speed hub, and V-brakes. One of the lightest in the EB range—and that is its main selling point.

Why three gears are enough

In flat terrain, three gears will take you a long way, especially with assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour. One for setting off, one for your regular pace, and one for when you have the wind at your back. What you get in return is simplicity: fewer parts that can go wrong, and a hub that you can shift even while stationary. If you regularly ride over dikes or in hilly areas, a wider range is more comfortable, so you should look at another model.

V-brakes instead of disc brakes

This version uses rim brakes. They are lightweight, inexpensive to maintain, and easy to adjust yourself. You notice the downside in the rain: rim brakes take slightly longer to grip a wet rim, and they wear the rim as well. On a 23-kilogram bike ridden mainly on flat asphalt, that remains manageable. If you want hydraulic disc brakes, the EB 18 and EB 19 from the same range are the obvious choices. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding; otherwise, they require little maintenance.

Tomos EB 15 range

With 626 watt-hours, the stated range is up to 140 kilometers. That figure applies to the lowest assistance setting on flat terrain and is optimistic, as with almost every manufacturer's claim. In practice, expect seventy to ninety kilometers, which for most people means more than a week's worth of commuting. The low weight works in your favor: 23 kilograms takes less energy to keep moving than 30. A full charge takes six hours. You can charge it from a regular wall outlet, so you do not need a separate setup. A battery will last longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter.

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 design, this makes it easy to get on the bike without sacrificing a smooth ride. The frame is 50 centimetres, and the recommended rider height ranges from approximately 1.70 to 2.05 metres. The maximum total weight is 150 kilos, leaving plenty of capacity for luggage or a full rear pannier.

Who is this version for?

For anyone looking for a lightweight, simple city bike in a colour that stands out from the usual black and grey. At 23 kilos, it is light enough to lift over a bump occasionally. Keep two things in mind: rim brakes and three gears are noticeable in the rain and on hills. Matte paint is also more prone to scratches and harder to touch up than glossy paint, which matters when the bike is parked in a busy rack. Unsure about the size? Measure your inseam and compare it with the listed values. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only goes for the occasional ride.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Matte colours look different on a screen than they do in real life, and you only notice the difference between rim brakes and disc brakes once you are on the bike. You can assess both at one of the ten showrooms, where the EB range is displayed together. 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 years' warranty on the frame, and one year on components and the battery.

See also: Tomos fatbikes | e-bikes | electric city bikes | e-bikes for adults