EVELO Galaxy TT Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The new high-tech EVELO Galaxy TT commuter electric bike has arrived for testing and review!
This EVELO Galaxy TT Fully Loaded model comes equipped with the new Bafang Max mid-drive, the NuVinci automatic shifting system, a Gates Carbon belt, and much more.
The Galaxy TT is a comfortable cruiser style commuter that is focused on making the ride fun and easy going.
The Galaxy TT starts at $3,499 for the Premium model and the Fully Loaded model is $3,899. Make sure you check the EVELO website for the latest pricing on these models.
EVELO also focuses a lot on taking the worry out of buying an eBike online. They offer a 10 day at home trial period, free shipping in the US and Canada, 0% financing (if you qualify), 4 year/20,000 mile warranty, and support for service and repairs. Plus they have their “Perfect Seat Guarantee”.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.
Part 2 of the EVELO Galaxy TT review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at the EVELO Galaxy TT!
The EVELO Galaxy TT is the new high-tech cruiser commuter style electric bike in a new line up of eBikes from EVELO.
In addition to the the TT model there is the ST model that is a step thru frame. Stay tuned for more on the ST model…..
EVELO has put a lot of thought and features into the new frame designs. The TT frame uses hydroformed 6061 aluminum tubing to optimize the design to place the material where it is needed at high stress areas while keeping the frame lightweight in other areas.
In this view you can see the large downtube and top tube connection at the headtube. This is a very high stress area that needs the larger tube sections for a solid connection. It also looks cool! You can also see the internal cable routing for cable protection and a clean look.
This is the top tube to seat tube connection with a reinforcement tube creating the triangle section. With this design the top tube is able to slope more for additional stand over height. The triangular details also adds some style!
Behind the seat tube there is a channel for internal cable routing.
This is the 350 watt Bafang Max mid-drive motor that provides assist up to 20 mph and has a peak power of 600 watts. The Max mid-drive uses a torque sensor in addition to a speed sensor to provide proportional pedal assist based on your pedal power. There are 5 levels of pedal assist along with a throttle option. More on that in a bit.
Here is a look at the other side of the Bafang Max 350W mid-drive motor that has a fairly compact look to it. The motor mount has a solid connection to the frame with a clean look.
The EVELO Galaxy TT uses the Gates Carbon Drive belt instead of a chain to keep things clean! The Gates belt does not require any lubrication, it is clean (no dirty panty legs), it’s quiet and smooth, and it lasts at least twice as long as a chain.
The EVELO Galaxy TT is a Class 2 electric bike per California law which is pedal assist or throttle up to 20 mph, 750 watts max.
The 36V 13Ah lithium battery with Panasonic cells is located in the rear rack, just below the top of the rack. The rack is designed to work with many different types of bags, baskets, and/or panniers. EVELO does have a number of accessories to choose from.
On the back of the battery is the charge level indicator that can be seen by pushing the button on the right.
The charging port is on the front left side of the battery. Charging the battery can happen on or off the bike.
The battery is removed by unlocking it from the rack with the supplied key (there are 2 supplied) and pulling it from the back off of the rack.
Here’s a look at the rack after the battery pack has been removed. When the battery has been removed the bike weighs 51.5 pounds which makes it a little easier to pick up and load onto a car rack.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike. The battery weights 7.5 pounds. The charger is about the size of a laptop charger and it takes 4 to 6 hours to charge an empty battery.
Now let’s take a look at the command center of the EVELO Galaxy TT.
The handlebars have a swept back position for a comfortable and relaxed ride feel.
On the left side of the handlebar is a faux leather grip, the thumb throttle, front Tektro Auriga hydraulic brake lever, and the control pad.
The thumb throttle can be used when you want an extra boost in the lower pedal assist levels. It can override any of the pedal assist levels so you can cruise along without pedaling if you want. You need to be traveling at 6+ mph (10 km/h) to be able to use the throttle.
Both front and rear Tektro Auriga hydraulic brake levers have cut-off sensors to stop the motor assist when the brake lever is engaged. In addition, the brake lever reach can be adjusted to fit your hand.
The center mounted LCD display provides information on the battery level (upper left), odometer and trip distance (upper right), speed, assist mode, and watts. Watts is the power being provided by the motor while you are riding and it is interesting to follow that as you use different pedal assist levels.
There is a backlight option for riding in low light and it can be turned on by holding the up arrow on the control pad for a few seconds.
The right side of the handlebar has a faux leather grip, NuVinci Harmony shifter, and rear Tektro Auriga hydraulic brake lever.
https://youtu.be/3irZN8juGEo
Next up we are going to look at the NuVinci Harmony automatic shifting system. Make sure you checkout this video for more info on this high-tech shifting system.
As you can see from the video above, the NuVinci Harmony allows you to ride without “shifting”; the system automatically adjusts the continuously variable transmission to keep your pedaling cadence in the range you select.
You set your preferred pedaling cadence by dialing it in with the twist grip shifter as seen in the blue diagram above. There is a wide range from slow pedal cadence to fast pedal cadence. In the picture above, the pedal cadence is about medium-high.
There is also a manual shifting option if you prefer and it works like other NuVinci CVT’s. The continuously variable rear hub features a 380% gear range from low to high and there are no specific indexed gears like a derailleur system. This grip shifter acts like a volume dial on a radio so you can “dial in” the best gear for the terrain you are riding on.
You can select the manual option by pressing the button above the display.
Like all NuVinci continuously variable transmissions, the Harmony system makes shifting very easy, intuitive, and it shifts well under power. Shifting can also happen when you are not pedaling which is helpful so the system can adjust the CVT to be in the best gear ratio for accelerating from a stop.
NuVinci continuous variable “transmission” rear hubs are “practically maintenance-free, as they are made up of self-contained systems”. The Harmony system runs off the main eBike battery and it will continue to work even when the battery does not have enough energy to provide assist to the bike.
Like the frame the front fork has some nice features. It is an aluminum fork with ovalized blades for a stylish look. You can also see the front fender attachments.
The EVELO Galaxy TT comes with full coverage fenders front and rear.
Here is a closer look at the CST Caldera 27.5″ x 2.0″ tires with EPS (Exceptional Puncture Safety) Belt Protection. These are very smooth for an efficient ride. The volume of these tires provide a bit of suspension to take the edge off of rougher roads.
The Fully Loaded TT model comes equipped with Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. The Premium model comes equipped with Shimano M373 mechanical disc brakes.
This is the Tektro Auriga hydraulic rear brake with 180mm rear disc rotor that is attached to the NuVinci rear hub. You can also see the sliding horizontal dropouts that make it easy to provide tension to the Gates Carbon Drive belt.
The wide aluminum platform pedals have a rubber grippy surface on the edges.
The Selle Royale Ondina saddle comes stock on the EVELO Galaxy TT and it has a comfortable mid width profile.
EVELO also offers their “Perfect Seat” Guarantee which is very unique! “If you find another seat that you prefer at a local shop, purchase it, and we will reimburse you up to $40! This is just one of the ways we strive to ensure that you are 100% comfortable and satisfied with your bike.”
The Selle Royale Ondina saddle also has double springs for a bit of suspension effect.
EVELO Galaxy TT Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: Hydroformed 6061 High-Strength Aluminum Alloy
Fork: Custom 6061 Alloy with Steel Steerer Tube, Designed for Fenders
Motor: Bafang Max 350W Continuous, 600W Peak, Patented Brushless Design, Torque and Speed Sensor Control
Battery: 36V 13Ah lithium with Panasonic cells. The battery weighs 7.5 pounds.
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels and thumb throttle.
Speed: Pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph which makes this a Class 2 eBike
Display: LCD display that provides information on the battery level, odometer and trip distance, speed, assist mode (5 levels), and watts.
Drivetrain: NuVinci Harmony automatic continuously variable rear hub transmission on Fully Loaded model. NuVinci N380 continuously variable rear hub transmission on Premium model. 380% gear range from low to high.
Brakeset: Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brake on Fully Loaded model with 180mm rotors and motor cut-off sensors. Shimano mechanical disc brakes on Premium model.
Tires: CST Caldera 27.5″ x 2.0″ with EPS (Exceptional Puncture Safety) Belt Protection.
Seat: Selle Royale Ondina with EVELO Perfect Seat Guarantee
Sizes: Step Thru (ST) or Triangle (TT) frame styles
Colors: Toasted Almond in the ST model or Deep Space Blue in the TT model
Weight: 59 pounds. 51.5 pounds with the battery removed.
Price: $3,499 USD for the Premium model and $3,899 for the Fully Loaded model at the time of this review. Check the EVELO website for the latest pricing.
Offers: EVELO offers 0% financing, 10 day at home trial period, and free shipping in the US and Canada.
Warranty: 4-year/20,000-mile warranty against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship on its frame, battery, motor, controller, and display. The NuVinci hub, fork, and wheels are warrantied for 2 years.
Service & Repairs: EVELO offers several ways to work on service and repairs in the video below.
Now checkout Part 2 of the EVELO Galaxy TT review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!
-Pete
Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you or not.
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[…] out part 1 of this review of the Evelo Galaxy TT, powered by a Bafang mid-drive and using Nuvinci’s stepless hub gear. […]
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[…] Make sure you check out part 1 of this review with large pictures and specifications to get a detailed look at this e-bike. […]
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[…] also makes the EVELO Galaxy TT triangle frame model. Here is the Fully Loaded EVELO Galaxy TT review that features the NuVinci Harmony automatic […]
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[…] is the full review of the EVELO Galaxy TT Fully Loaded model that features the upgrades of the NuVinci Harmony automatic shifting system and Tektro Auriga […]
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[…] And the full review of the Galaxy ST and Galaxy TT. […]
Nice clean looking design. Totally out of my price range but a good looking bike all the same.
They do offer 0% financing and a 4 year warranty. The free shipping is a given since you are paying a little of a high price for the bike, but it does come with high end equipment.
They do offer 0% financing and a 4 year warranty. The free shipping is a given since you are paying a little of a high price for the bike, but it does come with high end equipment.
In the end yes price is what would keep me from buying it.
pros: Shimano mechanical disc brakes on Premium model..
* NuVinci N380 continuously variable rear hub transmission on
Premium model. 380% gear range from low to high.
Gates Carbon Drive belt does not require any lubrication, it is clean, it’s quiet and smooth, and it lasts at least twice as long as a chain.
Cons: Rear mounted Battery Rack, Spring Loaded Seat
with costs nearing $3900 dollars these two cons are deal breakers.