A lightweight commuter e-bike with a powerful and natural motor, automatic shifting, and a fun and responsive ride.
As “bike people,” sometimes it’s easy for us to forget how complex and intimidating e-bikes can be for those who are new to them. First, there’s all the esoteric terminology—things like derailleurs, watt-hours, and Newton-meters. Then, there are practices while riding, like trail etiquette, hand signals, and shifting discipline.
Some of those things should be learned before buying an e-bike, and others may be non-essential for many riders depending on where and how they ride. Good shifting practices are important for all riders—unless you find yourself riding the Vvolt Centauri II, that is.
Why, you may ask?
The Centauri II features an exceptionally user-friendly drivetrain that pairs a 350W mid-drive motor with a 3-speed automatic internal gear hub (IGH). This system requires no action from the rider, as it changes gears at pre-set intervals: roughly 12 and 20 miles per hour. We found it to be effective, easy, and functional for the bike’s Class 3 speeds.
With a Gates CDX belt connecting its mid-drive and IGH, the Centauri II is also remarkably low-maintenance. The internal gears of the IGH are protected from damage and wear, while the durable belt is rated to last twice the mileage of a chain. As a bonus, the system uses no grease, so riders need not worry about getting a messy pant leg.
We liked the Centauri II’s easy-to-use-and-own nature, but we also found its ride to be seriously fun and natural. The bike’s mid-drive responded quickly to deliver smooth power. With a peak of 650W and a surprisingly powerful 120 Nm of torque, it also felt highly capable of climbing hills.
Uphill capability is one of many aspects of the Centauri II we tested. See our full review below to see how the bike performed!
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