Electrolyte is one of the few bicycle manufacturers to source all components for bicycles and pedelecs from Germany uand other European countries. The bikes are finally assembled in Glonn near Munich. The fact that Electrolyte attaches great importance to clean work and quality is evident from the very first contact with the Zugvogel.
The migratory bird under construction
The joints of the frame tubes are cleanly moulded, the weld seams are even and without defects. The control centre with the adjustable Syntace stem looks tidy and confidence-inspiring. Cables and cables disappear into the head tube and find their way through the frame from there. The voluminous down tube accommodates a 725 Wh battery. The transition between the down tube and the Pinion gearbox mount is almost seamless.
Because all the other frame tubes, including the slim aluminium fork, have rather moderate dimensions, the visual appearance of the Electrolyte Zugvogel remains pleasingly bike-like. Only the frame knot on the head tube looks a little bulky, but should stiffen the frame considerably. Our riding impressions confirm the visual impression. Even when the motor is switched off, the Zugvogel converts the rider's leg power into propulsion very efficiently. If the powerful rear hub motor pushes along, you can get off to a brisk start with little pressure on the pedals. Despite the rigid aluminium fork, the Zugvogel is satisfyingly comfortable to ride. This is primarily due to the ergonomically balanced, rather short riding position. Ergogrips on the wide handlebars also relieve the strain on the wrists. Although the 2.15 inch wide tyres are no substitute for a high-quality suspension fork, they do noticeably soften impacts from the road surface, which significantly increases riding comfort, especially on cobblestones.
Here you will find Basic knowledge about the drive with Gates belts and Tips on how belts and pulleys last a long time.
High ride comfort with the Electrolyte Zugvogel
The Electrolyte Zugvogel steers pleasingly smoothly, following directional changes with agility and directional accuracy. The stiff front with rigid fork and thru-axles has a positive effect here. An interesting effect of the noiseless rear hub motor: the combination of Neodrives motor, quiet-running Gates carbon belt and Pinion gearbox increases riding comfort thanks to its low noise level. The pedelec glides along inaudibly except for the engagement of the desired gear.
The nine gears of the Pinion bottom bracket gearbox are sufficient for any topography because the high-torque drive also makes steep climbs easier. Unlike mid-drive motors, the gearbox is not affected by high engine torque, but only by the rider's leg power. The gears therefore always engage promptly and precisely. The gearbox is virtually maintenance-free and only requires an oil change every 10,000 kilometres or once a year. The rest of the equipment also predestines the Electrolyte for multi-day tours and cycling holidays. The pannier rack can carry up to 25 kilos and a lowrider can be fitted to the fork. Shimano Deore disc brakes and a Supernova lighting system with high beam function complete the high-quality equipment.
The most important details of the Electrolyte Zugvogel
- Model: ELECTROLYTE Migratory bird S10E
- Price: from 6790 Euro
- Frame sizes: H: S, M, L; T: S, M, L
- Test bike weight: 27.7 kg
- permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium rigid fork, QR 12x110 mm
- Circuit: Pinion C1.9 XR, 1x9; 39/26 teeth
- Motor/battery: Neodrives Z20/725 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Shimano Deore BR-T615/v: 180 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon E Plus Addix 55-622
- Lighting system: Supernova Mini 2 Pro with high beam; Supernova M99 TL2
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Great workmanship, high-quality equipment
- Minus: Plastic mudguards
Conclusion on the Electrolyte Zugvogel
The Zugvogel is a comfort-orientated and high-quality equipped touring and touring pedelec with a high-torque motor and low-maintenance drivetrain. The pedelec can be customised to personal preferences using the configurator.
