Light, practical, agile, with a fluid design and available in four colors, first designed for urban use, the new iRide Pure electrically assisted bicycle from the German manufacturer Winora arrives with its light and dynamic Bosch engine. On paper, many arguments which can appeal to bicycle commuters and other fans of soft mobility and who have pushed 20 minutes to try it.
“Erase” which is reminiscent of the electric bike
“We wanted to erase the codes of the electrically assisted bicycle: screen, visibility of the engine and battery.” The German bicycle brand Winora obviously wanted to play it light for his new mount. In fact, its iRide Pure electrically assisted bike looks (almost) like a classic bicycle.
The screen? It is optional. Instead, the Bosch System Controller which displays with its LEDs the level of assistance (among four offered) and the remaining autonomy is housed on the top of the frame. And is controlled from a Bluetooth control unit on the left side of the handlebars. It is still possible to attach your smartphone to the support provided to benefit from a complete display, with the richness of the Bosch eBike Flow application. Or buy an optional screen (for around a hundred euros).
Engine visibility? It is almost non-existent. Designed for lightweight mountain bikes, gravel bikes and urban bikes, the Performance Line SX is barely noticeable. At 250W (600W peak), its torque of up to 55 newton meters is supposed to be suitable for most uses, even a little sporty.
Battery ? The CompactTube 400 is housed in the frame and is revealed under a cover that simply opens to extract it. Quite discreet, with a power of 400 Wh, its strap is a plus for removing it from its housing and transporting it.
Constrained weight, ideal in town
No doubt that by wanting to erase the most obvious elements of the iRide Pure sound, Winora also gave in to the temptation to erase all suspension. Here, only the front fork offers a little flexibility with a travel of 25 mm. Enough to absorb the relief of the roadway of a large city? Yes, undoubtedly, as our Parisian tests attest.
In addition to the very fluid line of the iRide Pure, what immediately appeals is its weight. Its only 23 kg (compared to often more than 25 kg for an e-bike) certainly does not make it the lightest e-bike in the market (this is the weight of the Monday 27.1 from Mustache Bikes, for example), but these few kilos in less feel instantly.
Not only when driving, with increased flexibility, but also when it is necessary to lift the mount to pass a porch or climb onto a sidewalk. Or even place it vertically in an elevator. On this point, the iRide Pure seems perfectly designed for urban use.
Little effort, even in heavy traffic
The few kilometers that we were able to cover with this new bike attest to its great agility. In Parisian traffic where you constantly have to deal with braking, accelerating, some straight lines, and traffic lights requiring you to put your foot on the ground, the iRide Pure has proven to be a great partner, requiring little effort. efforts.
Its torque of 55 newton meters is actually sufficient to provide the necessary impulse at each restart. Above 25 km/h the Performance Line SX motor gives up (this is, legally, the speed beyond which the electric assistance stops), but continuing to pedal without assistance does not does not prove handicapping for the user. The resistance which typically stiffens pedaling beyond 25 km/h has been reduced by 50% here. Advantages: you can pedal fast, but also pedal well, even when the battery has taken its last breath. Nothing to do with many VAEs that are practically impossible to use in 100% “physical” mode.
A natural driving feeling
As a result, the iRide Pure demonstrates good dynamism, with a very natural and appreciable driving feeling. We were a little afraid that our quintal would alter its velocity, but this is not the case. Its autonomy obviously remains uncertain (depending on the weight of its user, its route, requests from assistance, etc.), but with this VAE, we can theoretically greatly exceed 50 to 60 km.
Offered in two versions: with a classic Shimano Cues U6000 10-speed derailleur (at 2,999 euros); with a belt, a Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub and a telescopic saddle (at 3,699 euros), this bike remains quite minimalist in terms of its ancillary equipment. Here, no luggage rack, but a simple rear structure that can accommodate panniers. “Mik” compatibility remains assured to combine it with baskets, bags of different types… But as it stands, the iRide Pure should be considered more as an individual bike than a family bike. Its absence of rear suspension is, de facto, an unmistakable sign. A baby carrier chair can nevertheless be attached to the saddle.