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Boutique Belgian electric bicycle maker Cowboy just added a new more upright and comfortable commuter e-bike to its portfolio. The so-called Cruiser takes the grips, wide saddle, and more relaxed riding position of the company\u2019s C4ST (step-through) model and adds a top bar and a wider swept-back handlebar. It\u2019s the Dutch-style e-bike you buy if you already liked the C4 but disliked its aggressive forward riding position, skinny saddle, and narrow handlebars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
I had a chance to test ride the new 19.3kg Cruiser against the original C4 (now renamed Classic) and step-through C4ST (now known as the Cruiser ST) in Amsterdam at one of Cowboy\u2019s new retail partners \u2014 an initiative that launched in May with independent bike shops across Europe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Riding the Cruiser feels very similar to the Cruiser ST, and much more relaxed than the Classic which puts the rider into a hunched-over position with lots of hand pressure on the grips. Compared to the Classic, the Cruiser should make for easier long-distance commutes especially if you\u2019re in the habit of wearing a loaded backpack to work. It\u2019s not quite as relaxed and upright as a traditional Dutch \u201comafiets<\/a>\u201d but the riding posture is a good balance between sporty and utilitarian, not unlike riding a\u00a0\u20ac3,299 Veloretti Ace Two<\/a>, \u20ac2,348 VanMoof S4<\/a> or\u00a0\u20ac3,498 S5<\/a>, or\u00a0\u20ac2,590 Ampler Axel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cowboy says the Cruiser also features a higher gear ratio. Honestly, I didn\u2019t feel much of a difference between the three bikes, each briefly tested head-to-head in\u00a0adaptive power<\/a>\u00a0mode. But I rode each for less than five minutes and only on flat roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Otherwise, the Cowboy Cruiser \u2014 like the Cruiser ST and Classic \u2014 features a 250W rear-hub motor with single-speed belt-drive, a built-in mount that wirelessly charges your phone,\u00a0Google Maps baked right into the Cowboy app<\/a>, removable battery, and wide 47mm tires. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n