Today’s ebike market is vast, with some brands producing pricey, feature-laden bikes and, conversely, a barrage of new ebike brands popping up with surprisingly affordable offerings. As technology trickles down, it makes sense to see brands like Buzz putting out commuter ebikes at lower prices. With two options under $1000, Buzz is marketing these affordable ebikes towards students, but they are, of course, ideal for anyone commuting or riding recreationally.
Buzz’s Cerana 2 and Centris 2 ebikes prove you can get a reasonably powerful motor and battery, an aluminum frame, and handy commuter accessories for an affordable price. The main caveat seems to be plenty of non-branded parts, including suspension forks, brakes, motors, and batteries. Both Buzz bikes also only come in one ‘fits most’ frame size. Let’s check out all the details of these affordable ebikes…
Buzz Cerana 2 Commuter ebike – Key Specs and Features:
Buzz’s Cerana 2 is a class 2 ebike, suitable for commuting or recreational riding. The Cerana 2 features an aluminum step-through-style frame, and the step-over height is just 15”, offering easy mounting/dismounting. Frames come in one size only, but they are designed to fit riders from 5’2” to 6’3”. The Cerana 2 also comes with a manually adjustable dropper seatpost (travel not specified), so you can easily change the saddle height with the push of a lever.
The Cerana 2 rolls on 24” alloy rims with 2.5” tires. Up front is a 60mm front suspension fork, although the fork brand is not mentioned in Buzz’s specs.
This bike offers a 7-speed drivetrain, which includes a Shimano trigger shifter and cassette. Stopping is handled by mechanical disc brakes (again, no mention of brand).
Buzz includes several commuter essentials on the Cerana 2: The bike comes with front and rear lights, fenders, a bell, and front and rear cargo racks. The front rack can carry 20lbs, and the rear can hold up to 50lbs.
Drive System:
Assist power is provided by an unnamed 500W rear hub motor. The drive system offers five assist levels plus a throttle, and its maximum assisted speed is 20mph.
The Cerana 2’s 500Wh battery provides a max range of 40 miles. The battery is easily removable from the frame with a key, and it can be charged either in the frame or off the bike. Charge time is 4-6 hours.
A center-mounted LCD display shows your speed, assist level, battery life, and trip odometer as you ride. The Cerana 2 uses a handlebar controller that looks familiar (which I’ve seen on more expensive ebikes).
The Cerana 2 weighs 63lbs complete. Max load is 300lbs. The bike arrives 90% assembled, and assembly can be finished with simple tools.
Regular retail price is $1000, but the Cerana 2 is currently on sale for $800. Frames are available in Black or Dusted Moss Green.
Centris 2 Folding ebike – Key Specs and Features:
The Centris 2 is a Class 3 ebike, and it features a folding frame. Ideal for those with space constraints or people who travel with their bikes (as long as you have two people to lift it, as it’s 71lbs), Buzz says the Centris 2 folds down in seconds. Its folded dimensions are 34”x22”x34.
The Centris 2 is built around a 6061 aluminum frame, and its low-slung top tube has a step-over height of 16”. The bike comes in one frame size only and should fit riders from 5’2” to 6’3”. The handlebar is also height-adjustable.
This folding bike offers a 60mm travel front suspension fork, but its brand is unspecified. It rolls on 20” alloy rims with cushy 4” wide tires. The Centris 2 gets a 6-speed drivetrain, including a Shimano grip shifter and cassette.
The Centris 2 includes a set of hydraulic disc brakes (brand not listed) to ensure ample stopping power. It also comes equipped with commuter accessories like front and rear cargo racks, fenders, a bell, plus automatic head and tail lights.
Drive System:
The Centris 2 is assisted by a no-name 500W, 65Nm rear hub motor. The motor offers 65Nm of torque and delivers assist via a cadence sensor. This bike offers five levels of pedal assist, plus a throttle. Pedal assist maxes out at the Class 3 limit of 28mph, but the throttle tops out at 20mph.
A 500Wh battery provides a maximum range of 40 miles and charges in 4-6 hours. The battery is easily removable from the frame for off-bike charging. Up front, a KDS LCD display screen shows riders their key info, and that familiar-looking handlebar controller allows riders to select assist modes, use the throttle, and switch the bike on and off.
The Centris 2 folding ebike weighs 71lbs, and its max load is 300lbs. Frames come in the color shown only. Regular MSRP is $900, but it’s currently on sale for $720.
Warranty:
Buzz covers their bikes with a three-tier warranty: They cover frames for 10 years, electronic components for 2 years, and consumable components for 6 months. Customers can also contact Buzz through their website for product support.
