Buy the V20 Cross: a skinny bike with a motocross look

The QMWheel V20 Cross is one of the most striking newcomers on the bike path. From a distance, it looks like a fatbike, with its high cross frame and chunky knobby tires. When you get closer, the difference is in the tires: they are considerably narrower. As a result, the Cross rides more lightly and responds more directly than the wide fatbikes it is compared with. Below, you can read what that means in practice and who it suits.

Is the V20 Cross a fatbike or a skinny bike?

Officially, the V20 Cross is a skinny bike, not a fatbike. The tires are 17 inches and approximately 7 centimeters wide, while a classic fatbike is around 10 centimeters wide. Those few centimeters reduce rolling resistance: you can start pedaling more easily and maintain speed more easily on asphalt. The motocross look remains intact, because the frame and knobby tires give the bike the appearance of a motocross bike. If you mostly ride through loose sand, you will get farther with a genuine fatbike.

How fast does the V20 Cross go, and is it legal?

The motor is rated at 250W and peaks at 500W. Pedal assistance runs up to 25 km/h and cuts out above that speed, so it will not go faster under its own power. This makes the V20 Cross an ordinary electric bicycle in the Netherlands: no driving license, registration plate, or helmet requirement. It has walk assist up to 6 km/h, allowing you to push the bike alongside you. We advise against derestricting it. Your bike would then fall into a different vehicle category, and the warranty would be void.

Battery, range, and charging

The removable battery is 48V and 22Ah, providing a total of 1056 Wh. This gives you a range of up to approximately 70 kilometers. Treat that as a guideline, not a promise: your weight, the wind, and the assistance level determine how far you actually get, and you will get less range in winter. Charging takes approximately 6 hours and can be done separately from the bike, which is convenient if there is no power outlet in your shed. The LCD display shows your speed, remaining battery charge, and distance traveled while you are riding.

Brakes, suspension and gears

Braking is handled by hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear. They provide more stopping power and are easier to modulate than cable brakes, which makes a real difference especially in the rain. The bike has suspension at both the front and rear, so bumps and rough road surfaces feel less harsh. You shift with Shimano 7-speed gearing. When facing a headwind or riding up a bridge, shift down a gear and keep pedaling comfortably.

Who is the V20 Cross suitable for?

Riders from approximately 1.50 metres tall can ride the V20 Cross, and there is no minimum age. The long saddle is suitable for two people, and the bike can carry up to 150 kg. One thing to consider beforehand: at 44.7 kg, this is not a bike you can easily carry up a flight of stairs. If you live on an upper floor without a lift, a lighter model would be more practical. If you have a shed or storage room on the ground floor, the weight is not an issue.

Difference between the V20 Pro, Comfort and Mini

The V20 range has grown considerably. In short: the Pro, Comfort and Limited models ride on wide 20-inch fatbike tyres and focus on cushioning and stability. The Cross takes a different approach, with narrower tyres, a sportier frame and that motocross-bike look. The Mini is the compact version for smaller riders or those with limited storage space. If comfort on poor road surfaces is your main priority, consider a Comfort or Pro. If you want a faster bike with more direct steering, the Cross is the more logical choice.

Buy the V20 Cross at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Not sure whether to choose the Cross or a wider V20 model? Come by for a test ride. At ten showrooms, you can ride a lap yourself and assess the difference in handling. If you order online, orders placed before 23:59 will be delivered tomorrow. You can choose to receive the bike boxed or fully assembled and ready to ride, and for maintenance you can visit more than 450 service points. The frame comes with a 3-year warranty.

See also: skinny bikes, V20 fatbikes, QM Wheels fatbikes and all fatbikes.