Let me begin by apologizing for those who are unable to purchase Veloretti’s latest electric bikes, as they are only available in the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany for €3,299. However, for those who can purchase these bikes, congratulations, as they are considered one of the best e-bikes on the market and my personal favorite ride of the year.
In my previous review of the VanMoof S5, I expressed a desire for a removable battery, a simple belt drive, and smoother automatic shifting. Fortunately, Veloretti’s new Ace Two and Ivy Two e-bikes fulfill these desires, making them a worthy competitor to the VanMoof.
Both the Ace Two and Ivy Two come equipped with a 250W mid-drive motor and a 540Wh battery from Bafang. They also feature a durable carbon CDX belt drive from Gates, MT200 hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, a front light from Osram, and a comfortable saddle from Selle Royal. One of the advantages of using off-the-shelf parts is that they can be easily replaced or repaired by most bike shops, ensuring that maintenance issues can be easily addressed.
For those who admire premium e-bikes crafted with Dutch expertise but have concerns about VanMoof’s specialized parts and history of service problems, Veloretti’s second-generation Ivy and Ace electric bikes are the perfect alternative.
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The Enviolo AutomatiQ shifter and Enviolo City hub featured on the Ace Two are truly remarkable. They provide a smooth and effortless cycling experience. The internally geared rear hub allows for the use of a belt drive instead of a chain, cassette, and derailleur, which require regular maintenance. With the Enviolo AutomatiQ shifter, you simply choose the speed at which you want to pedal, and the shifting is done automatically while maintaining the same cadence. The gear ratios change seamlessly, without any noticeable shift, thanks to the stepless design. Furthermore, the near-silent Bafang motor enhances the overall experience.
After testing the Veloretti Ace Two for almost a month, I only have two minor complaints. At very low speeds, the powertrain can occasionally feel uncertain, resulting in a slight unevenness in pedal assist. Additionally, after riding over bumps, the motor would occasionally cut out for a fraction of a pedal revolution. However, these issues were difficult to reproduce consistently, and the majority of the ride was effortless and intuitive.
The Ace Two provided excellent pedal assist, with a torque of 65Nm, up to a speed of 27km/h (17mph). The battery, which is removable and lockable, allows for a range of approximately 51km (32mi) with full power mode. When the battery reached 7% capacity, the power was significantly reduced, signaling the need to recharge. With this reduced power, I decided to plug in and recharge after a total range of 55km (34mi), just below Veloretti’s low-end estimate of 60km (37mi).
The user experience of the Ace and Ivy bikes revolves around a 2.5-inch color display and four buttons. The display showcases an abundance of information, requiring four pages to display it all. While the integrated display may not be necessary for most daily commuters, as it can be substituted with a smartphone and a mapping app, it still provides useful information for those who prefer a dedicated display. The bike also features integrated front and rear always-on running lights, and the rear light functions as an LED brake indicator.
Although I personally don’t prefer the built-in display, the overall user experience provided by the Ace and Ivy bikes is commendable. The e-bike can be powered on by long-pressing the handlebar button, and it will remember the previous settings for pedaling cadence and power assist. Additionally, the bike comes equipped with a safety tracking feature that alerts your emergency contacts of your location in case of an accident or when you feel unsafe.
However, the built-in navigation feature on the Veloretti app and display is not as reliable as other mapping apps, such as Google Maps or Apple Maps. The directions are often inaccurate or slow to update, making it less reliable for navigation. Nonetheless, the app allows for adjustments in pedal cadence and power assist settings, making it convenient to customize your riding experience.
In conclusion, Veloretti’s second-generation Ivy and Ace electric bikes offer an exceptional riding experience with their smooth automatic shifting, removable battery, maintenance-free belt drive, and off-the-shelf parts. These bikes are ideal for those seeking premium e-bikes crafted with Dutch expertise, as an alternative to the specialized parts and potential service issues associated with other brands.
