Heybike Horizon E-Bike Review
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Imagine a sunset, its rich hues cascading across the horizon, and this same breathtaking vista being captured in the design of an e-bike. That’s the Heybike Horizon for you – a piece of art that not only looks stunning but also performs remarkably. Inspired by the limitless potential and innovative spirit of riders, this e-bike comes with an array of impressive features. The inclusion of a horst-link suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and all-new 24” fat tires make this bike more than just a pretty picture. Practical, efficient and designed to push boundaries, the Heybike Horizon is set to redefine your biking experience. Strap in as we dive into a review of this avant-garde e-bike.
Who is Heybike?
Heybike is a recognized name in the e-bike industry, known for crafting high-quality, feature-rich products that cater to both urban and off-road bikers. Their commitment to delivering the best riding experience is reflected in their products, and the Horizon E-Bike is no exception.
Unboxing the Heybike Horizon E-Bike
Unboxing the Heybike Horizon E-Bike is an experience that immediately communicates quality and meticulous design. From the carefully packed components to the sleek aesthetics of the bike itself, it’s evident that this e-bike marries functionality and style in a way that few others have matched.
Assembly of the Heybike Horizon E-Bike
Assembly of the Heybike Horizon E-Bike was straightforward. The front tire, front fender, rear rack, pedals, and handlebars were relatively easy to attach with the provided tools. The headlight is a bit trickier, due to the tight space and need for correct alignment. Overall, the assembly process was very manageable, even for those with little to no experience in e-bike assembly. It took me about 25 minutes to put everything together. All the tools needed for assembly were included in the package, which is always a nice touch.
Build Quality of the Heybike Horizon E-Bike
The build quality of the Heybike Horizon E-Bike is impressive and meets the high standards we like to see in quality e-bikes. Its frame is constructed from premium Aluminum Alloy, which is robust and sturdy, promising durability. The external lithium-ion battery is removable, adding to the usability and convenience. The gradient color of the bike, inspired by a sunset, certainly adds a unique aesthetic appeal. The attention to detail in the design is evident and appreciated.
Motor
The motor on the Heybike Horizon E-bike is a true powerhouse, delivering an impressive 750W of power that can peak at an astounding 1200W. This robust hub motor, with its 80 nm of torque, is the heart of the bike, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless ride, regardless of the terrain. Whether its navigating flat, urban landscapes or challenging steep inclines, this motor delivers consistent performance with no compromise on speed or agility.
Battery
The Horizon is powered by a 692Wh (14.4Ah, 48V), external removable lithium-ion battery that offers a nice range. On pedal-assist mode, I could ride just over 50 miles, and on pure electric mode, it gave me a range of just over 30 miles. And the fast-charging technology was a bonus, allowing the battery to fully charge within 3-4 hours with the included 54.6V/4A charger.
Brakes
Safety is paramount in e-bikes, and Heybike has nailed it with their hydraulic braking system. During my rides, I found the brakes to be responsive and reliable, ensuring a smooth ride even under hard braking.
Drivetrain
The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain on the Heybike Horizon E-bike is a feature that is well implemented. This system offers a versatile range of gears that can handle varied terrains with ease, making the ride smooth and effortless. The shift transitions are seamless, providing an excellent riding experience whether its climbing steep hills or cruising on flat surfaces. And Shimano’s reliability and reputation in the biking industry further adds to the trustworthiness of this system.
Tires
The Horizon is equipped with Chao Yang 24″×4″ fat tires. These tires provided excellent traction and stability, which allowed me to navigate different types of terrains with ease.
Hydraulic Suspension
When riding the Heybike Horizon E-bike, the first thing that struck me was the ultra-smooth and responsive handling, and that is thanks to the Horst-link suspension. This mechanism provides an unparalleled level of comfort and control that makes riding fluid. It reduces the impact of braking forces, thereby enhancing the bike’s sensitivity to small bumps. It’s like the bike just knows where to flow, adapting to the terrain with a fluidity that keeps you firmly in control, even on the roughest of trails.
The front fork hydraulic suspension is another standout feature of the Heybike Horizon E-bike. When I took it off-road, the difference was palpable. It absorbed shocks and bumps with remarkable ease, maintaining stability and comfort throughout the trail. This suspension system worked in harmony with the Horst-link, creating a synergy that allowed for an almost surreal biking experience.
Cockpit and Controls
As soon as I hopped onto the Heybike Horizon E-bike, I was immediately impressed by the cockpit’s design and layout. The bike features an LCD display that is backlit and easily viewable even in bright sunlight. It provides real-time metrics like speed, battery life, and the pedal assist level. The information was displayed in a clear, concise manner which made it incredibly simple to keep track of my ride’s critical aspects.
On the left side of the handlebar, there is a set of control buttons that really elevates the user experience. With these, you can control everything on the e-bike – the horn, blinkers (yep this e-bike has blinkers), lights, PAS and even switch between display modes. This user-friendly interface made my rides easy and comfortable. On the right side is the throttle and Shimano 7 speed shifter. The shifting mechanism was impressively seamless, offering a smooth transition between gears. The cockpit has an intuitively design that allows you to focus more on the journey and less on the operation of the bike.
App
The Heybike App is a complement to the Heybike Horizon E-Bike, providing an intuitive interface that enhances the overall riding experience. The app is user-friendly, with a well-organized layout that makes it easy to navigate through various features. The pairing process between the app and the e-bike is seamless, and once connected, the app provides real-time tracking of speed, distance, and battery life. It also allows you to customize the pedal assist levels, boosting the bike’s performance to suit your riding style. It also offers a convenient method of switching on the bike’s integrated lights, ensuring safety during nighttime rides. And locking or unlocking the e-bike, both with a button or through a proximity sensor. The app’s responsiveness and reliability make it a fantastic tool for both routine commutes and adventurous trails.
Seat
The seat is comfortable and adjustable, accommodating different rider heights. Long rides were not an issue, thanks to the cushioning and ergonomic design of the seat.
Lights
The lighting system on the Heybike Horizon E-bike is truly a standout feature. The integrated tail light, complete with a turn signals and brake light, instills a sense of security knowing that I am clearly visible to others on the road, particularly during night rides. The lights are bright and noticeable, and the turn signal feature makes signaling intentions while riding much more convenient and safer.
The front adaptive headlight is another commendable feature. The automatic on/off feature which provides lighting in varied conditions is impressive. Riding at night or in low-light conditions is safe, thanks to the smart headlight. The addition of blinkers in the front headlight is an excellent touch. The ease of operation and the added visibility it offers, both contribute significantly to a safer, more comfortable riding experience.
Rack
The Horizon comes with a stout, but standard rear rack, which is a useful feature for carrying essentials. It can support quite a bit of weight, making it perfect for grocery runs or errands.
Folding and Storage
One of the highlights of the Horizon is its foldable design. It was easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the back of my SUV. This feature made it convenient for me to take the bike on trips or store it when not in use.
Riding Experience – On and Off the Trail
The Horizon truly sparkles when it comes to the quality of its riding experience – yes from the paint job, but also from the seamless integration of all of the components. Regardless of whether you’re navigating the bustling city streets or exploring the rugged off-road trails, the Horizon handles the terrain with a grace and ease that is simply beautiful to witness. The power of its robust motor, coupled with the high efficiency of its responsive brakes, and the incredible comfort provided by its finely-tuned suspension system, all come together to make each and every ride an adventure that fun and enjoyable.
Specs
- Motor: 750W (1200W peak) rear-hub motor
- Battery: 48V/14.4 Ah
- Range: Up to 55 miles on pedal-assist mode and 30 miles on pure electric mode
- Charging time: 3-4 hours
- Tires: 24″×4″ fat tires
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Suspension: Horst-link suspension
- Weight: 79 lbs.
- Folded size: 49.2×23.6×31.5 inches
Conclusion
The Heybike Horizon E-bike has proven to be a reliable companion for my adventures, providing a balance of power, longevity, and safety that few e-bikes match. It does not claim to be the ultimate e-bike out there, but it sure does tick all the boxes for a full-sized folding e-bike. Heybike’s dedication to the rider’s experience is evident in the Horizon, and its advanced features and design make it a strong contender in the e-bike market. So, if you’re an e-bike enthusiast looking for a solid full-sized folding e-bike, the Horizon is certainly worth considering. For more info on this and other Heybike products, visit Heybike Horizon.
