Himiway Broadens Its Lineup With A Strong Electric Commuter Bike

Himiway has actually gone far for itself over the last few years with a series of long-range, fat tire e-MTBs that favorably steamroll down the roadway. However it’s all modification for 2023 as Himiway introduces its first-ever “narrow” tire bike. Satisfy the 61 pound. Rambler– a strong electrical commuter bike alternative that’s priced right.

If you recognize with the Himiway Zebra or its higher-spec cousin, the Cobra Pro, you’ll discover that the Rambler has that very same “sturdy” feel to it. The frame, the welds, the pedals– it’s all stout and appears similarly constructed to last, however as it’s intended directly at the commuter market. The concern here isn’t whether the Himiway will depend on the daily obstacles your A-to-B will toss at it, however whether the Rambler strikes that evasive sweet area in between tank and roadway bike that produces a fantastic flight.

IMPRESSION

Himiway Rambler; picture by the author.

While my impression of the Zebra I checked in 2015 was something along the lines of, “It’s so huge!?”, the Rambler appears to be– attempt I state “correctly” sized? Big enough to be comfy, with an upright seating position that will be immediately familiar to European electrical commuter bike fans.

My tester included a 500W center motor coupled with a 720Wh battery that’s allegedly helpful for a tremendous 55 miles of variety, certifying this electrical commuter bike as a real “long-range” e-bike alternative (a Bafang mid-drive motor is offered on the greater end, premium design, with the very same battery). Unlike the Zebra with its Shimano SIS moving and right-hand throttle, the Rambler utilizes more traditional trigger shifters on the best handlebar and a thumb throttle on the left side.

At this moment, I need to inform you that the left thumb throttle is a no go for me. Old injuries and minimal motion on that side suggests that, as far as I’m worried, the Himiway Rambler is a simply pedal-assisted proposal– which’s okay, due to the fact that as pedelecs go, it’s in fact a respectable one!

ON THE RELOCATION

Mid and rear-motors offered; picture by the author.

The bad feature of center motors is that they include mass to the back of the bike, altering the “feel” of the flight. The good idea is that they typically permit numerous chain call front, which suggests more tailoring alternatives, torque reproduction, and variety. Integrated with the 62 Nm of torque that the motor presses out, the Himiway Rambler is more than as much as the job of staying up to date with Oak Park’s 25 miles per hour rural traffic.

This electrical commuter bike has a much shorter wheelbase and considerably lighter weight than the Zebra, too, suggests that the Rambler feels far more active and stylish on the roadway. The narrower wheels, which likewise offer less rolling resistance than the Zebra’s fat tires, just contribute to that sensation– and I ‘d even state that the Rambler feels quicker, in spite of the 50% power benefit of the other bike.

In General, it’s simply a less challenging device than the Zebra or Cobra– and far more available to riders who aren’t devoted bicyclists. Comparing the Rambler to another preferred, the NIU BQi-C3 commuter, it compares precisely the method you ‘d anticipate a Himiway to compare to a NIU. It feels burlier, and the certified suspension provides the impression that you can jam it into curbs and pits with negligent desert, whereas the NIU feels more– let’s opt for “major.” The Himiway’s beach cruiser-style handlebars are more unwinded, putting less stress on the wrists for included convenience, and the brand-new Himiway-standard lighting is considerably brighter.

In a head-to-head contrast, my fundamental Himiway Rambler tester is a lot closer to the NIU than NIU would most likely desire it to be and brings a price $700 lower. The $2199 mid-drive Premium Rambler that’s priced to complete head-on with the NIU? I can just think, however I envision the last option would be down to matters of taste, not quality.

THAT’S CREATIVE

We discussed how the Rambler felt on the relocation– however there’s a couple of methods an e-bike relocations, right? Among those methods is when it’s being brought. Brought up stairs, for instance, and while the Zebra was distinctly not a bike I ‘d wish to need to raise up and down even a couple of actions, the new-for-2023 Himiway Rambler has this fantastic little grab bar in the frame that makes it even much easier to bring than awkwardly well balanced bikes that weight considerably less.

You can inspect that out on your own, listed below.

Get manage, picture by the author.

Another creative function is the high contrast LCD show. It’s quickly noticeable and practical, and I never ever discovered myself missing out on a complete color TFT display screen. It simply works.

Himiway Rambler high-contrast LCD show; picture by the author.

HIGHLIGHTS AND ADVANTAGES

This short article is sponsored by Himiway