Evelo Delta X Review – 2021
Summary Review: Evelo Delta X
The Evelo Delta X is a capable, aggressive commuter bike. Evelo has taken a lot of time developing this ebike, which shows in its design and performance. The Delta X provides excellent handling, quick acceleration, smooth shifting, and a powerful mid-drive motor, all of which will add up to an impressive ebike.
With 120N.m of torque from the motor and adjustable top speeds up to 28mph, there isn’t a route that’s too steep or too difficult for the Delta X. If you want a commuter that gets you quickly from A to B with relative comfort and ease, then the Delta X should be on your radar.
Overall, the Evelo Delta X is a unique bike that’s designed for the hardcore commuter. If you encounter hills on your daily route, this bike will have you feeling like a superhero as you effortlessly fly up hills. Coming in around $3700, there is no compromising on components or performance, and we appreciated the experience the Delta X provided us with.
Other ebikes we’ve tested from Evelo have all been high-quality and provided us with a great ride. The team here at Electric Bike Report has waited with much anticipation to ride the Delta X after hearing Evelo describe this bike as “the perfect blend of power, comfort, and performance – the Delta X is our fastest model.”
- The stylish and clever frame makes the external battery feel like an integrated battery.
- Great tire and wheel combination – the bike was fast rolling and grippy.
- The Nuvinci shifter is very smooth.
- The Enviolo CVT Transmission provides a wide gear range.
- The suspension fork was a nice addition that allowed us to stay comfortable and in control when things got bumpy.
- The grips and saddle may be a bit hard for those valuing comfort over performance.
- You don’t notice the 67 lbs while riding, but it is heavy if your battery dies or if you have to haul the bike upstairs.
- Battery: Lithium Ion 48v 11.6ah (advanced battery management software)
- Display: Multi-Color 3.2” IPS Display w/ USB Charger
- Motor: 48v Custom 750w Bafang Mid-drive Motor, 120N.m of Torque
- Lights: Integrated Aluminium Headlight with Cree LED, Tobest EB04 Rear Tail Lamp
- Peal Assist: Pedal Assist levels 1-5
- Range: Up to 45 miles on pedal assist
- Throttle: Lever Throttle – Left Side, up to 20mph
- Battery weight: 6.5 lbs
- Total bike weight: 66.8 lbs (includes battery)
- Rider Height: 5’6” to 6’2”
- Maximum rider weight: 350 lbs
- Maximum Load on Rear Rack: 45 lbs
- Unfolded Dimensions: 76.5 x 29.5
- Brakes: Tektro 180mm Hydraulic disc brakes w/ Brake Cut-off Switches
- Fenders: Included, all terrain alloy
- Fork: 100mm SR Suntour XCM with 15mm thru axle
- Frame: Hydroformed 6061 High Strength Aluminum Alloy
- Gearing: Nuvinci N380 Continuous Variable Transmission
- Grips and Saddle : Selle Royal Astro Saddle, Velo Rubber Grips
- Handlebar: 740mm FSA Comet
- Kickstand:: Integrated, Rear mounted
- Pedals: VP-565 with Metal Inserts
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.8″ Schwalbe Super Moto-X w/ puncture protection
Performance Review: Evelo Delta X
Acceleration / Speed
The first thought I had when I was riding the Delta X was “wow, this thing is really quick!”. The tire width and powerful motor complemented each other nicely, and I held speed around corners a lot better than I have on past ebikes.
When discussing the Delta X we all agreed upon the major fun factor this bike provides, and we felt a big factor in this was the speed and acceleration that this bike is capable of. We all were able to ride with a high average speed on the Delta X, and we agreed that the mid-drive motor was a great choice for the bike.
Shifting / Gear Range
It’s easy to enjoy the Nuvinci Shifter and Enviolo Transmission; they complement the ebike perfectly. The Nuvinci shifter provides smooth, seamless gear shifting. The Enviolo transmission offers a wide range of gearing, and because of this, no hill felt too steep while riding Delta X.
We always felt like we were in the right gear regardless of where we were riding, which ultimately kept us riding longer because of how comfortable it made us.
The shift indicator is also really cool, as it visually shows the grade of steepness for each gear. Not only was the shifting high performance, but the drivetrain itself also had an effortless, clean look to it.
In summary, we think that Evelo chose a great transmission setup for the Delta X.
Handling (Cornering, slow speeds, etc…)
The Delta X is on the easier end of the spectrum when it comes to handling. Whether you are riding tight turns or straightaways, this ebike does a phenomenal job. The Delta X’s wide tires, suspension fork, and wide handlebar all keep the ebike stuck to the line you put it on.
We noticed that we were hitting corners with more speed than some of the other ebikes we have tested, and this is mainly due to the “stuck to the ground” feeling the Delta X has. That feeling was confidence-inspiring because we didn’t feel like we would slide out or get bucked off line when cornering.
Comfortability
The Delta X was pretty standard on the comfort side of things. The saddle and grips were more performance-oriented than comfort-oriented, so comfort-based riders may want to consider swapping those items out for something a little softer and more plush.
That said, we believe that Evelo made the right decision with the grips and saddle they chose. Still, the ebike falls closer to the performance side of things rather than the comfort.
The Delta X has a very comfortable geometry that feels similar to a trail-oriented mountain bike. It is aggressive enough to get through the rough stuff, yet nimble and quick enough to climb and maneuver through just about anything.
Range Test: Evelo Delta X
We rode as far as we could on our range test on max assistance to see how long the battery would last. With how powerful the Delta X is, we suspected it would burn itself out quickly. Thankfully that wasn’t the case, and the Delta X went over 26 miles before it finally died.
Not only did it go quite far for how powerful it is, but it also held a high average speed the whole time with ease. Our test rider weighs 170lbs and was pedaling above 20mph nearly the entire time. So, it’s safe to assume that you’ll go up in battery range and speed as you go down in weight.
SPECS/FEATURES: Electrical Components
Motor
The Delta X is equipped with a 48v 750w Bafang Mid-drive Motor with an astounding 120N.m of torque. During our testing, we immediately felt the torque and acceleration that the Delta X is capable of.
We also found the motor was quick to engage and very smooth when assisting us. It also flattened every single hill with relative ease.
Battery
The juice behind the Delta X is a lithium-Ion 48v 11.6ah battery designed with advanced battery management software. From our impressions, this software provided us with a genuine 100% to 0% charge. When we were at 5%, we had just as much power and torque as at 50%, which we appreciated from Evelo.
This was a great feature because sometimes Lithium-Ion batteries begin to “cut out” when they are nearing full depletion, but that wasn’t the case with this one. The battery is also uniquely integrated into the frame while still being an external setup.
Overall, A+ on the battery quality.
Display
In our opinion, Evelo always has excellent displays, and they continue to impress with their display quality on the Delta X. The Multi-Color 3.2” IPS Display Comes with a USB Charger and provides a very wide array of colors and brightness. The display shows a wide array of information, including your speed, assist level, wattage use, time, trip miles, and total mileage.
While many displays include the same features, it’s how Evelo displays these things that make a difference. It’s cleaner, brighter, and overall just more visually appealing than your average ebike display setup.
Lights
The Delta X has an Integrated Aluminium Headlight with Cree LED and a Tobest EB04 Rear Tail Lamp. The headlight and taillight add to the overall looks of the ebike and are great for visibility in low-light conditions.
If you plan on doing a lot of night riding at higher speeds, a secondary brighter light might come in handy. Given that this bike is so powerful, you’ll need to increase your rider profile if traveling quickly by night.
Overall, the lights add to the look of the ebike and will help you be seen in low-light situations.
Pedal Assist
The Delta X has five total assistance levels, and let me just say this bike can move! For a longer range, we rode the Delta X in the 20mph mode with throttle most of the time. When we rode in the 28mph setting, we immediately saw the Delta X’s true power and capability, which we thoroughly enjoyed experiencing.
We liked having two variations of class levels on the Delta X. Because of this, it almost felt like two ebikes in one. Regardless of the class you decide to ride the Delta X in, you’ll find yourself accelerating out of corners and holding speed uphill.
The Class Two setting is better suited for longer mileage rides, and the Class Three setting is better for high speeds and riding with time in mind.
Throttle
The throttle adds another level of fun and efficiency when riding the Delta X. It reminds you of how powerful this ebike is every time you use it.
We found the placement of the throttle to be very convenient and easy to find when riding. The lever throttle design is a lot easier to use than grip shift throttles when it comes to hand fatigue.
Components and Accessories
Brakes
Evelo has stocked the Delta X with Tektro 180mm Hydraulic disc brakes with brake cut-off switches. These brakes provide extreme stopping power, which is essential for how fast this bike can move.
We loved the hydraulic disk brakes’ modulation and feel and would like to see more ebikes use the hydraulic setup. These brakes are one of the stand-out features on the Delta X and are just as high performance as the rest of the ebike.
The Evelo Delta X has more than enough stopping power, and we were impressed by how easy it was to slow down on this ebike. The stopping power is mainly due to the hydraulic disk brakes, which provide a consistent feeling of engagement and a powerful set of calipers to grab the rotor.
Fenders
We had a ton of fun riding this thing through puddles and mud. To our pleasant surprise, we stayed clean enough that we didn’t wear any of the water or mud home.
We believe the main reason these fenders work so well is because of the rubber guard at the base. It seems to cover the area of the tire that flings up the most grit.
Fork
The 100mm SR Suntour XCM adds an element of a mountain bike to the Delta X. It also keeps it stable and in control on corners and through less smooth surfaces.
We loved how much travel they went with on the Delta X’s suspension fork as it makes higher speeds more controllable and comfortable. The XCM fork also comes with a stiffness adjustment dial that adds to the Delta X’s overall versatility.
Frame
The frame is Hydroformed 6061 High Strength Aluminum Alloy, which felt lightweight and stable below us. The frame is unique because it has been formed to fit a battery within the downtube without the battery being internal.
Because of this, you have the best of both worlds, an easily removable battery and a battery that looks sleek that doesn’t “piggyback” off the down tube.
Drivetrain
The Nuvinci N380 Continuous Variable Transmission is up there for one of our favorite components on the Delta X. It has smooth shifting, a unique feeling, and provides a wide gear range. The Nuvinci C8 cable-actuated shifter also makes shifting the ebike easy to understand.
The Continuous Variable Transmission eliminates the space in between gears, providing a seamless feeling. Because of the CVT drivetrain, the Delta X has a near-infinite gear ratio, quiet shifting, and a maintenance-free setup. You also don’t have to be moving when shifting the CVT, which isn’t the case for conventional drivetrains.
Grips and saddle
The Velo Rubber Grips are more on the performance end of the spectrum than the comfort side and provide a tacky feeling that’s easy to hold. The Selle Royal Astro Saddle feels like a hybrid saddle that’s a median between comfort and performance.
The saddle felt great on shorter rides, and on longer rides, the saddle kept our sit bones happy.
Handlebar
The 740mm FSA Comet Handlebar is another component that dips into the mountain bike world. The Comet Handlebar is wider than your standard commuter bar and helps with stability in general.
We also felt this handlebar adds to the stylish look of the ebike. For me, the bar makes the Delta X look ready for anything. The bar comes with a 9 degree back sweep and a 4-degree upsweep. In simpler terms, it puts you in the perfect riding position for good handling and comfort.
Pedals
The Delta X’s VP-565 pedals are plenty grippy and come with reflectors to increase your visibility to others. We were confident in the make of these pedals, and they felt very stable below us even when pedaling out of the saddle.
Most riders will like these pedals just fine, as they have a good grip, durability, and visibility.
Tires
Evelo stocked the Delta X with 27.5″ x 2.8″ Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires, and we liked this choice for a couple of reasons. The Super Moto-X tires are puncture-resistant, nearly 3 inches wide, and have a fast-rolling tread pattern.
From the thrill-seeking riders to leisure-cruisers, we all agree that these tires smooth out rougher surfaces and that these are the right tires for the Delta X.
Bike Size
The Evelo Delta X is designed to fit rider heights 5’6” to 6’2”. We liked the fit and geometry of the Delta X quite a bit. It feels more aggressive than your average commuter, and it’s easy to maneuver and handle.
If you are close to the height range on either side, you’ll probably fit the bike decently. Just keep the intended height range in mind. For smaller riders, we recommend checking out our review of the Evelo Galaxy 500, which is designed for riders 4’10” to 5’10”.
Summary review / where to buy
If you read everything above this section, you can already tell we had a great time test riding the Evelo Delta X, and we think anybody who values speed and performance when riding will like it. The Delta X’s whopping 120N.m of motor torque made us feel like we unlocked a superpower when pedaling uphill, and it helped us accelerate up to speed quickly on flat ground.
We appreciated the amount of engineering that went into the battery design on the Delta X. The battery-saving technology is convenient, and the battery’s integration into the frame is unique. Evelo has created a quicker commuter than most and one that feels nearly as capable as a mountain bike.
The tier of components on the Evelo Delta X are quite high, and they all seem to fit the bike’s purpose quite well. A couple of examples include the Tektro hydraulic disk brakes w/180mm rotors, the Suntour XCM 100mm fork, and the 740mm FSA comet handlebar. These components felt like they were meant to be on the ebike and perform just the same.
Evelo operates under a direct-to-consumer business model where they mail the bike of you directly. Evelo does a great job of assembling most of the ebike (95%), so the remaining steps are easy for consumers. Evelo also offers a wide variety of accessories for their ebikes, and because of this, we are confident that you’ll be able to set up your Delta X precisely the way you like it.
If you are looking for a commuter/trail bike that’s quick, strong, and good-looking, the Delta X is a highly viable option. The Delta X is seemingly ready for any commuting-related task, no matter how difficult. Thanks to the mudflap-equipped fenders, we were riding the Delta X regardless of the weather.
We view the Delta X as more capable than a standard commuter ebike, and after tons of testing and discussion, we all agreed this ebike falls somewhere between a commuter bike and a trail rocket. Thanks to the modifiable top speed (from 20mph class two to 28mph class three), you get to decide which end of that spectrum you want to lean towards.