Tenways, one of the few popular brands of low-cost electric bikes that have appeared in the US and European markets in the past few years, has updated its popular commuter bike. Just launched today, Tenways' new Chain Version CGO600 Pro replaces the single-speed belt we know and love with an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain.
Thankfully, the Chain Version CGO600 Pro retains much of what we enjoyed about the original version, which we covered in an in-depth review earlier this year.
The main update to the model appears to be a new chain drivetrain, which uses a Shimano 8-speed setup. However, the Chain Version also gets Tenways' new motor called the C9 350W hub, which is rated for the same 350W power and 45 Nm torque as the MiVice hub of the belt drive version.
The new engine “has an improved internal clutch mechanism that reduces friction when the engine is idle, ensuring a seamless transition between power and manual riding modes,” explains a statement from Tenways provided Electrek. “This design offers improved energy efficiency, resulting in 50% longer diving distance compared to conventional hub motors.”
Both bikes still feature the same Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 700C wheels, and a MiVice torque sensor for precise pedal assist. The bike does not have a throttle, which combined with its 20 mph (32 km/h) speed, ensures that it enters the Class 1 e-bike category.
Powering that 350W motor is a 36V 10Ah battery using LG cells, though there's no word on whether the battery has achieved UL compliance. The small 360 Wh capacity helps keep the bike's weight down (just 37 lb or 17 kg), yet the fine pedal assist setup still allows for an impressive range. An OLED display on the handlebars gives riders continuous feedback about the battery charge level, among key ride data.
According to Tenways, the Chain Version CGO600 Pro claims a range of 53 miles or 85 km, although that is likely measured while using its lowest pedal assist setting. At around 7 Wh/mile, that level of efficiency is rarely achieved in real-world conditions unless the rider is riding fit and using as little power from the car as possible. Even for more average riders who don't stick to the lowest power setting, at more realistic levels of 15 Wh/mile, the bike should still offer a range of 25 miles or 40 kilometers in high power modes.
The new model is available in Tenways' existing color schemes of Avacado Green, Pebble Grey, Midnight Black, and Sky Blue.
Priced at $1,399, the Tenways Chain Version CGO600 Pro is now available online.
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