The Precedence Present has spent years because the flagship electrical bike produced by Manhattan-based Precedence Bicycles. Now the corporate has simply unveiled the next-generation mannequin, often called the Precedence Present Plus.
It retains a variety of what made the unique so successful, together with a particularly torquey mid-drive motor, Gates carbon belt drive, and Class 3 operation with speeds of as much as 28 mph (45 km/h). However now there are additionally loads of new options provided on the Present Plus – all with no worth improve.
If you happen to’re not aware of Precedence Bicycles, then buckle up, as a result of they’ve acquired a extremely cool story. They’re mainly an anomaly within the biking business, combining actual brick-and-mortar bike store high quality with direct-to-consumer (D2C) bicycles and e-bikes. It’s one thing that I don’t suppose I’ve run throughout anyplace else, not less than not the way in which Precedence Bicycles does it. They’re an actual, NYC-based bike store run by lifelong cyclists, which means they make high-quality bikes that old-school non-electric cyclists truly respect for being true to the business.
Nevertheless, they’re additionally a significant D2C firm, with an extended historical past in pedal bicycles however now boasting years of success with a number of fashions of their very own electrical bicycles that may be ordered on-line and shipped anyplace within the US.
The unique Precedence Present e-bike was a runaway success when it was first launched, and I’ve counted it as my go-to premium e-bike for every day using. The truth is, the rationale I personal one is as a result of after reviewing the bike, I didn’t need to ship it again and so the corporate kindly let me purchase it off them with a used low cost. That’s how good the bike was – I couldn’t half with it. And now that we’re getting our first appears to be like on the Precedence Present Plus and its updates, I’d say it’s even higher than ever.
I’ve truly had an opportunity to get early entry to the bike and can have my full written evaluate coming quickly, although you possibly can already see my video evaluate beneath.
A number of of the foremost modifications proper off the bat embody a brand new throttle that augments the present torque sensor-based pedal help, permitting for each snug pedaling or easy-going throttle using. The battery can also be 44% bigger now, giving riders 720Wh of capability for a variety of as much as 75 miles (120 km) on pedal help.
In fact, riders who benefit from the 28 mph (45 km/h) high velocity gained’t get fairly as a lot vary, however that massive battery will nonetheless doubtless cowl greater than any commute on the market.
The lockable battery features a new push-button launch for simpler elimination and is UL2271-certified for added peace of thoughts and security. The bike is UL-certified additionally, compliant to UL2849 which covers the entire e-bike’s methods together with motor, controller, wiring, and so on.
The brand new body has a extra streamlined battery shell and likewise adopts a brand new 68.5-degree head tube angle to offer improved stability and management, particularly on tough roads or uneven terrain. The brand new handlebars now supply a 17-degree again sweep and a 20mm rise, which in layman’s phrases, mainly equates to higher ergonomics and a extra pure/snug grip. They’re additionally adjustable so riders can dial within the angle and top to suit their most well-liked using place.
Upgraded alloy platform pedals each look nicer and add one other high quality contact level. There’s additionally revised motor firmware that now provides faster acceleration and simpler climbing at low speeds, benefiting from the mid-drive motor’s 140 Nm of torque.
Whereas that covers lots of the updates to the bike, the elements and efficiency figures that stay the identical are nonetheless spectacular. The Present Plus features a Gates Carbon CDX belt drive for low upkeep, in addition to quiet and clear operation. The motor’s 500W energy score combines with that top torque output for highly effective begins and spectacular hill climbing. On the identical time, the dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes with electrical cut-off sensors make sure the Present Plus has simply as a lot ‘cease’ because it has ‘go’ and that riders are at all times in management.
There are two transmission choices accessible. The Shimano Nexus 5-speed model provides a fast and straightforward 5-speed selectable internally geared rear hub, whereas the Enviolo CVT Heavy Obligation provides stepless shifting that lets riders dial within the actual gear ratio they like. The Shimano Nexus 5-speed model of the Present Plus is priced at US $3,299, and the Enviolo CVT model is priced at US $3,499. The bike can both be shipped to a rider immediately for at-home meeting, or shipped to an area bike store for skilled meeting.
The bike additionally contains entrance and rear LED lighting with a vivid 600-lumen headlight, composite fenders together with included braze-ons for mounting racks and different equipment within the entrance and rear, and thru-axles for extra rugged development.
Electrek’s Take
These costs put the Present Plus properly above the finances vary of electrical bikes however considerably beneath most premium e-bike manufacturers. Nevertheless, the bike shares rather more in frequent with premium electrical bikes, and enters the market at a time when a number of premium manufacturers have introduced their exit from the US market.
Whereas many of the bikes in my steady veer in direction of the finances finish of the vary, the unique Precedence Present was the mannequin that made me lastly chew the bullet and go for a higher-end e-bike. And the distinction is night time and day.
I’m not saying there’s something fallacious with a strong finances e-bike, however for individuals who experience their e-bike typically or need a maintenance-free e-bike that they know they merely don’t have to fret about, upgrading to a higher-end bike makes an enormous distinction. Between the belt drive, the hydraulic brakes, and the internally geared rear hubs, there’s nearly zero maintenance on this e-bike. Test your tire strain sometimes and that’s about it, not less than till you ultimately want new brake pads or tires. And that’s a wonderful factor for people like me who simply need to experience and never have to fret about wrenching fairly often. No ticking/leaping derailleurs, no brake levers beginning to backside out on the bars, and no rusty or oily chain to stain my pants each time I choose the bike up.
The mid-drive motor with torque sensor (and oodles of torque) makes pedal help handy and cozy, and the included throttle lets us all cheat a bit once we’re drained or simply need to go quick totally free. There’s lots to love right here, not the least of which being a strong bike store firm standing behind these merchandise. So I’m glad to see an excellent improve right here within the Precedence Present Plus, and even happier that it comes with no worth improve. Whereas premium e-bikes like these gained’t match everybody’s finances, for these that may afford it, they make an enormous distinction within the high quality of the experience and the longevity of the bike.
