Scott Launches the Full-Suspension E-Ville, Priority’s Single-Speed E-Sauce, Novbyx’s Weld-Free Kickstarter E-Bike | TWR Ep 106

Scott has a new lifestyle e-bike, and it’s an unusual mix. The E-Ville is a step-through urban commuter with full suspension. In typical Scott fashion, the rear shock is enclosed within the frame, which should keep it cleaner and cut down on maintenance. Power comes from a Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive with 100 Nm of torque.

The E-Ville comes in two trims. The E-Ville SUV is the more off-road-oriented of the pair. It gets an 800 Wh battery, a 120mm RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, a 100mm Suntour rear shock, and Schwalbe Advancer all-terrain tires, along with a Kiox 300 display and an 11-speed Cues drivetrain.

The E-Ville 20 is aimed more squarely at the city. It drops to a 720 Wh battery and swaps in Schwalbe Big Apple tires, a Purion 200 display, and a 10-speed Cues drivetrain.

Scott lists the SUV version at 5,400 euros and the E-Ville 20 at 4,600 euros.

Our Take:

A full-suspension step-through with a Bosch CX motor is a compelling package for riders who deal with rough city streets or want to wander onto dirt now and then. The hidden rear shock is a nice touch, too. The catch is that Scott hasn’t shared any US pricing. That might suggest the E-Ville won’t be coming to the States, and we’d be disappointed if that turns out to be the case.

Priority has electrified one of its analog bikes. The E-Sauce is the e-bike version of the brand’s Sauce, which also comes in an 8-speed model called the Hot Sauce. It’s a simple, straightforward single-speed with potential on both pavement and dirt.

It runs a 750W rear-hub motor with torque and cadence-sensing pedal assist, paired with a Gates belt drive. A 100mm Suntour suspension fork and 2.4″ knobby WTB tires handle the rough stuff, and the 720 Wh battery is rated for 20 to 60 miles of range.

The E-Sauce ships as a Class 2 e-bike but can be unlocked to Class 3. It doesn’t come with a rack or fenders, though it is compatible with front and rear cargo racks. It’s priced at $2,199.

Our Take:

The E-Sauce looks fun, and we like the idea of a belt-driven single-speed that can head off-road. That said, it’s relatively feature-light for $2,199. No rack, no fenders, and one gear is a lot to ask at that price when the market is full of more loaded options. Priority is based in Manhattan, New York, which may play a part in that number.

Monarc came on the scene this past summer offering great bikes at great value. One of its hallmark features was including two batteries with every e-bike it shipped.

That’s no longer the only option. Riders can now choose between two batteries, one battery, or no battery at all. The no-battery tier is meant for riders who already own a Monarc and have batteries to spare.

For the Marker, that works out to $1,999 with two batteries, $1,749 with one, or $1,499 with none. The Tracer is $1,899 with two batteries, $1,649 with one, and $1,399 without a battery.

Our Take:

This is awesome. Monarc’s bikes are now within reach of more budgets, and the two-battery options are still a great value. Riders who don’t need double the range can save $250, and households adding a second Monarc don’t have to pay for batteries they already have.

German company Novbyx is getting ready to launch a Kickstarter campaign for an e-bike with a unique, weld-free frame. Aside from the head tube, the frame is made up of two aluminum arcs. One replaces a standard top tube and seat stay. The other replaces the down tube and chain stay. The bottom bracket and seatpost connect to the frame with clamps.

The idea is to eliminate complexity, reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping, shrink the packaging, and make the bike easier to repair. Novbyx’s website claims a 99.3% reduction in emissions from the frame construction process compared to a traditional welded frame. Once shipping is factored in, the brand claims a 23.9% reduction in carbon emissions.

Power comes from an all-in-one 250W rear-hub motor with 35 Nm of torque and a 10 Ah battery, using torque, speed, slope, and gradient sensors. The rest of the build includes a 10-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain, Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, and 700c wheels. There’s no suspension, but the frame design is reportedly compliant enough to soften bumps on its own.

The campaign hasn’t launched yet. When it does, backers can grab one of the first production run of 77 numbered units for $1,999. The price rises to $2,299 for the second run and $2,599 for the rest of the campaign.

Our Take:

This is one of the more creative frame designs we’ve seen in a while, and the repairability angle is a smart one. The emissions numbers are Novbyx’s own claims, and the comfort of an unsuspended frame is something we’d want to feel for ourselves. As with any crowdfunded bike, we’ll be watching to see how the campaign plays out and whether production stays on track.

The Unit 1 AURA Smart Helmet packs a lot of tech into one lid. It has integrated front and rear lights with three modes: Standard, Max Visibility, and Eco. When paired with the Unit 1 Remote, it also adds turn signals and an automatic brake light.

It’s certified for e-bike use up to 28 mph, and it carries both an internal MIPS system and automatic crash detection. If the helmet detects a crash, it sends you a notification to check that you’re OK. If you don’t respond, it messages an emergency contact. Unit 1’s website says the AURA is Virginia Tech’s #1 rated urban smart helmet, and it currently sits at position 26 out of hundreds in Virginia Tech’s total rankings.

A magnetic system lets you swap the included brim for a visor or run both together. The AURA charges via USB-C, comes in three sizes, and costs $260.

The Adaptive Helmet Visor is a smart add-on for it. The photochromic lens stays clear indoors or under cloudy skies and darkens in the sun. Five magnets hold it firmly in place, but it’s designed to detach on impact for safety. It works with both the AURA and NEON helmets and costs $130. If you don’t need the photochromic lens, Unit 1 also sells separate clear and tinted visors for $40 each.

To get the most out of the AURA, you’ll want the Unit 1 Remote. It mounts to any handlebar diameter and pairs with Unit 1’s smart helmets and app to enable the turn signals. It charges via USB-C, runs for up to 30 hours, and costs $40.

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