In the saddle ! The Belgian start-up Cowboy is launching the fourth version of its electrically assisted bicycle (VAE), the Cowboy 4. This mount comes at the right time at a time when bikes are invading the streets of our cities. In 2021, 660,000 VAEs were sold in France, compared to 515,000 in 2020, an increase of 28%! At a time when one in four bikes bought by the French is electric, what is the Cowboy 4 worth? “20 Minutes” tried to tame the young colt.
A stallion dress
First, the “Wow” effect! Apart from the brand’s competing bikes VanMooththere are hardly any rivals with such beautiful aesthetics as that of the Cowboy 4. Available in two versions (with a straight frame that we tested, or an open frame), the frame is, according to its Brussels manufacturer, optimized for people between 1.70 and 1.95 meters tall.
A 100% connected bike
But before setting out to attack the plains of far west urban, it is necessary to connect your bike. Account created, so here we are, smartphone in hand, facing the Cowboy application. This allows you to lock/unlock the bike, turn its lights on/off; to take advantage of its GPS, to know its speed and to access the statistics of its outings. But also to contact Cowboy assistance, and to make any updates on the bike.
Be careful, if you want to attach your smartphone to the center of the handlebar of the VAE, you will have to take care to buy a shell from the Quad Lock brand (sold for 30 euros on the Cowboy site). Robust, the attachment system fitted as standard on the Cowboy 4 will allow you to securely attach your phone, but also to recharge it wirelessly (QI standard, in 15 W).
50 kilometers of autonomy
The bike’s 360 Wh battery is located at the back of the saddle. Invisible, it locks with a key, arises and deposits in no time. The formula is very practical and obviously avoids having to ride your bike to your apartment or office to recharge it. 360 Wh is not the best on the market (where you can find bicycles with 400, 500 or even 625 Wh batteries), but the promise of a range of around fifty kilometers is held. 3 hours of charging are required.
A flawless level of comfort
Once riding on the VAE, we notice the real comfort of our mount. No problem on the buttocks side, the saddle is firmly seated, but not too much. The handles are pleasant to touch, and the brake controls very accessible. The pedals have a non-slip coating. Appreciable for city shoes! The integrated mudguards will be welcome in case of rain so as not to get dirty.
Light, flexible and manageable
On trial, the Cowboy 4 catches the eye with its beautiful fuselage. But for its user, it is first of all its convenience in town that is revealed. Light (barely 20 kg, a challenge for an e-bike!), flexible, easy to handle, it is not too wide to squeeze through traffic jams. Its wide 47 mm diameter tires absorb the jolts of the bitumen and cobblestones well. The lack of front fork suspension is ultimately not a handicap.
Efforts, but just in the odds
The torque of the Cowboy 4 of 45 Nm corresponds well to the needs in an urban environment where you often have to restart. Here, nothing to sweat during a journey. When the way is clear, the lightness of the mount allows you to quickly reach a speed of 25 km/h. Beyond this, and in accordance with the legislation in force, the electric assistance is interrupted.
Please note that this bike only offers one level of assistance. This worried us a bit. But in the city, where flat arteries dominate, this bias was not a problem. The 250 W motor, which automatically adapts to the demands, has also proven to be sufficient for our daily journeys. On the other hand, it is difficult to recommend the Cowboy 4 for outings with more elevation.
If you have to grind at a good pace, the engine thus lacks a bit of torque uphill. On the braking side, we have known firmer, but the feeling of security, reinforced by the hydraulic brakes of the Cowboy 4, is there. Finally, we appreciate the carbon belt, maintenance-free and very quiet, which does not risk dirtying pants. Small downside: the integration of the front light in the stem does not properly illuminate the road when cornering.
Locatable remotely
The bike’s connectivity (which can auto-lock/lock when in proximity using Bluetooth), proved to be very valuable. The app provides excellent visibility during a journey, with handy GPS routes to follow. In addition, it is possible to locate the bike in case of loss or theft. Alerts can be received when the bike is moved, provided you take out theft insurance with the manufacturer. In the event of fall detection, the application is responsible for automatically alerting a loved one.
Offered only for sale online, the Cowboy 4 is worth 2,790 euros. This is a significant sum which places this bike in a fairly high price range. But it is a very good VAE, beautiful and very well thought out for city trips, which knows how to be very pleasant and comfortable to drive.
Remember to check if your municipalities or department of residence offer assistance with purchases. This can represent several hundred euros! Depending on your conditions of resources, the State can also put your hand in the basket with a bonus of up to 400 euros. For any order of a Cowboy C4 until November 30, 2022, two years of insurance (value 240 euros) are offered. In addition to the alerts offered, it allows you to be reimbursed 90% of the purchase value of the bike if it, stolen, is not found. A reassuring proposal. In France, every year, 400,000 bicycles are stolen. Which, for many potential cyclists, inevitably remains, alas, a brake on the purchase.