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PC15: BEZV’s PS1 Compact and Zippy LX1 Cafe Racer, Discussion and First Ride Impressions

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When it comes to user interfaces and electronic integration on BESV’s bike line, it is easy to see its parent company’s consumer electronics roots (its parent company, Darfon Electronics, manufacturers over 30% of the world’s computer keyboards, for example). Where BESV’s product really shines is on battery integration and their user interface, as well as the unique overall visual approach to product. Their current product is diverse, is visually distinct from the competition, and is a bunch of fun to ride. BESV also makes a point to completely assemble and ride test every bike they ship to ensure each e-bike functions out of the box. Oh, and they tune their torque curves on test rides up the mountain behind their facility. More on BESV after the jump. 

All BESV products shown at Press Camp and discussed here feature an HMI on-board computer with back-lit LCD display. While it is not the case at this time, soon apps and programs will be developed so that BESV owners can link to their HMI’s via Bluetooth in order to track their pursuits, routes, etc. At this point, however, it has all the functions of a typical bike computer but with readouts for range and battery status. The drive system features four levels of assist, 0-3, and an additional Smart assist function (S) which automatically adjusts levels according to how the rider input is affected by riding conditions.

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The PS1 is a compact-style, full suspension, rear hub drive e-bike that comes in under 38lb complete. This particular model features a carbon fiber y-beam front triangle, a Suntour 40mm suspension fork, 20in wheels with Schwalbe Big Apple 20inx2.0in tires, a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain actuated by mechanical shifters, and Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes. The complete bike is powered by a 36V 6.6A battery (packaged by Darfon from Sony Lithium-ion cells) which is integrated into the front triangle of the frame and removable to be charged on or off the bike. The motor is a 250W rear geared hub drive motor that is engaged via torque sensor input.

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The PS1 comes in one size, but like many compacts, it fits a massive array of people. The model is designated a Class 1 e-bike as it is pedal assist only, but has a top speed of 20mph. The package comes standard with custom aluminum fenders and rear mounts, but no racks (yet). The HMI on this unit is an adjustable panel, permanently mounted to the handlebars.

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The maximum range of the PS1 is said to be between 20-30 miles depending on conditions, a low range considering what is currently on the market. A complete recharge is around 5 hours.

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The integration of the electronic system into the bike is impressive, utilizing more premium connectors as touch points. And it comes in sports car colors of Polished White, Blazing Red, and Cyber Yellow as many city e-bikes are in more subdued colors. So it’s not surprising that this model is said to be popular for professionals in dense urban areas and for yacht or RV owners who need auxiliary, compact transportation. It is available for $3,250 MSRP.

PS1 First Ride Impressions:

I figured that considering the size of the rear drive motor, that I would have no issue stalling out the PS1 on the steep ascent of my e-bike test track. I was completely incorrect. The relative lightweight chassis had no problem getting up the course. If anything the assist engaged earlier in efforts than other models tested so I felt like I was getting a little push as I rode around tight corners in the climb.

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The handling was a little squirrely compared to the many deliberately more stable e-bikes I tested, but within the context of folding bikes and similar small-wheeled compact bikes, it was a pretty consistent experience. The front and rear suspension allowed me to ride off curbs and hit minor potholes and rough pavement without being concerned, and it was fine to ride across uneven gravel and dirt surfaces (probably not the designed user case). I wish it had a greater gear range because I found myself topping out on flat land without assist, but, again, it would be fine in the city.

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I really appreciated the button interface on this guy- it was low profile and easy to actuate with my thumb. I didn’t have to aggressively contort my wrist to use it.

Overall, the bike was really super fun and surprisingly functional (and I love that it comes in Blazing Red). This would be great for a commuter in an urban area for someone who doesn’t have a ton of room in an apartment.

BESV_LX-1_e-bike_0001

The LX1 is BESV’s Premium Urban Racer. Featuring a substantial 500W rear hub motor and a 36V, 11.2Ah battery, this bike goes for days… or at least 50 miles in good conditions.

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The HMI is integrated into the stem, which also happens to house a 40 lumen light. This guy also lacks racks… for now. The sporty frame design comes in one size fits most, 19.5”, though I’m 5’10” and I found it fit me well. It features a Shimano Deore XT 10-speed drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic brakes, an RST 50mm suspension fork, and Schwalbe Energize Plus 700c x 45c tires.

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Weighing in at about 63lbs, the LX1 has a full aluminum chassis. It also features a special gas can-style compartment for the battery to drop into, opened using the same key that you’d use to start the bike. Same high class touch points, including custom aluminum fenders and comes in metallic Gunmetal Gray, Bone White, and Blazing Red.

LX1 First Ride Impressions:

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This guy was zippy on flat road- definitely a cafe racer with that 500w motor. Also, I like that it was visually reminiscent of a futuristic luxury car.

While it went up the climb similarly to the PS1 with a notable extra assist at low speed, I noticed a low speed wobble on part of the ascent. I was unable to replicate it (I tried). However, there was no wobble on the way back down. The greater overall weight meant that it absolutely flew down descents and felt otherwise completely stable.

It’s clearly not for weighing down with panniers and touring. If you fall outside of the size range, it might not work for you. Overall, while less ultra-functional than the compact PS1, it would be a blast for someone who wants something sportier than your typical e-bike.

Besv.com

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TheFunkyMonkey
TheFunkyMonkey
8 years ago

Please, please, please – ebikerumor.com. I’ll be nice today and just say you have a great thing going here so please don’t ruin it with this nonsense. You can sell all the moped ads you want over there (since they are now appearing here). Thank you for the consideration.

John
John
8 years ago

Seriously, when did this place turn into eBikeRumors? Please stop already!

dlub
dlub
8 years ago

I give up, I’m leasing that honda in the ads on the right hand side!

Looking to save money, and move further from downtown in HOTA**BALLSAUSTINTEXAS, E-bikes seem cooler and cooler. But being a Petrolhead, I Think I’d get a Honda Grom Instead.

has anyone done a cost or carbon footprint comparison between one of these and an old sh*tty motorcycle (That you can fit a girl on ;-))?

craigsj
craigsj
8 years ago

Atrocious choice of pivot location for the rear suspension. Another bicycle company that doesn’t know what they are doing.

Ryan
Ryan
8 years ago

It’s bad enough I have to endure road bike news 😉 please, please drop this moped nonsense.

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
8 years ago

I can’t believe the number of readers that BikeRumor is preventing from scrolling past stories that said readers don’t like. It’s unconscionable that BR makes these readers read these stories! Why does BikeRumor hate our inalienable human rights?

Ryan
Ryan
8 years ago

@ Psi Squared, if you were a sailor and your favorite sailboat news site (lets call it sailboatrumor) began cluttering up the feed with articles about fishing boats…would you not be annoyed? Would you say something or just be passive aggressive about it?

Thor
Thor
8 years ago

hey you…. 20 to 30 year old bike mechanics or pro racers. Ever wonder why no older people show up in your store anymore ?
People with bum knees or jus a little out of breath once in a while ?
Cause you don’t sell ebikes and you have this effin attitude about them.

Go to Eurobike and check the parking lots during dealer only days …. well what can I say, Mercedes Porsche Audis etc etc … seems the industry over there found a way to make themselves a little money … and guess where they make the money ? Selling e bikes !

FoolCyclist
FoolCyclist
8 years ago

Seriously guys, stop the eBike crap already. MotorcycleRumor is a whole different website.

scentofreason
scentofreason
8 years ago

another vote for bikerumor to stop with the ebike crap…

JBikes
JBikes
8 years ago

I’ll voice my opinion.
I have no problem with these e-bike articles. They makes sense for certain commutes and cargo carrying , though not in a “value” sense. I don’t see a reason it should be excluded. Yeah, they are not 100% “bikes” but they are also not an alternative to a motorcycle and/or scooter.

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
8 years ago

@Ryan: I’d read only the sailing articles that interested me. Cluttering up the site? That’s a laugh. Go ahead count all the articles written on BR about e-bikes in the last year and divide that number by the total number of articles written. Then, I’ll bet you’ll still complain even though the the number you get will likely very small. You can always ask for a refund on the BR subscription you bought.

FoolCyclist
FoolCyclist
8 years ago

“Also, I like that it was visually reminiscent of a futuristic luxury car.”

?????????????????????????????????

TheFunkyMonkey
TheFunkyMonkey
8 years ago

@Thor – people with bum knees or aging people need to find a new activity. Period. It’s called life – been happening since the beginning of mankind. I have accepted that one day, I will not be able to ride my street and MX bikes anymore – called life. Out of breath? Really??? Buy a real bike and get in f**king shape or find something else to do. And with all due respect (because I usually take Europe’s side on many things) we don’t give a flying f**k if these things are all the rage in Europe. Those of us who have had to fight for land access don’t want them here. Clearly you do not have land access issues in Europe (or you’re oblivious to them). Seriously – come to the comments section on an ebike article if you want proof that common sense is no longer common. I couldn’t make some of this $hit up if I tried…

haromania
haromania
8 years ago

I hope by the time I get older and am unable to ride anything like I am used to, Fat E-bikes will look as cool as they do today and the motors will be hidden inside the frame tubes so nobody knows I’m being assisted. Until that day comes however, I’m not at all offended if BR wants to post this stuff. Nobody is making you read it. It doesn’t interest me at the moment, be none of us are that far off from considering one of these some day. Life goes by pretty fast, Ferris Bueller said so.

AlanM
AlanM
8 years ago

@TheFunkyMonkey, I want to congratulate on coming across as the most arrogant, elitist jerk I’ve ever come across on Bike Rumor. And that’s really saying something. I have no desire to own an ebike myself, and would prefer to not see them on a mountain bike trail. That said, what’s wrong with my dad, who’s in his 70s and has been a lifelong cyclist but now has a pacemaker, having an option that still lets him get out for a quiet ride on a gravel road?

43st
43st
8 years ago

The great thing about bicycles is that you can ride them at 80 years old, with a pacemaker and cataracts, if you want. In fact it’s relatively normal in many countries outside the US. The last thing you want is someone at that age going 40kph down the local bike path.

deboat
deboat
8 years ago

I can get over the ebike thing. When I am old and grumpy with shot knees I could ride an ebike.
But please stop with a little metric and then inches, miles imperial mix crap. Metric is better!

Dominic
Dominic
8 years ago

Usually i try and be constructive in my criticism, also usually, I find the growth of electric bikes bizarre and unsettling, but i try and give each new one a fair viewing.
Putting that aside i had an immediate reaction to the image of this bike and couldn’t not put in my two cents. This thing is ugly on an unholy level!

TheFunkyMonkey
TheFunkyMonkey
8 years ago

@AlanM – I’ll gladly accept the title you have bestowed upon me. Sometimes the trust hurts – I respect that. If you have spent a fraction of the time I have on trail access (both MTB and ORV) and trail maintenance, then you would have a different perspective, trust me. Based on your comments alone, my guess is you are like the majority of the riders that “just use the trails” and don’t spend time fighting for them or maintaining them. I’m OK with that. What I’m not OK with is seeing the hard work of dedicated individuals that make trails available to ALL go to waste based on ebikes. My position is firm but a very easy one to understand.

@43st – thank you for the being a voice of reason.

SteelIsRealHeavy
SteelIsRealHeavy
8 years ago

Both are nice commuter bikes. Neither belongs on the trails, but that’s not their purpose. Why all the hate?

Thor
Thor
8 years ago

funkyMonkey
….my trail my trail …..
trust has never hurt me???…. if you are thinking truth … well ..you seem to think that YOUR opinion is the truth … good on you 🙂
Its clear that you are exactly prove my point however

by the way SteelIsRealHeavy .. you are of course absolutely right. (deleted)

thor

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