The Traverse MD and Ascent MD: For longer, steeper trail rides.
If you’re going to be tackling longer, steeper, multi-day trail rides, then the answer is simple: Choose the Traverse MD or its step-through sibling, the Ascent MD. Both of these bikes are equipped with the Bafang M400 mid-drive motor which offers the best combinations of torque (80 newton-metres of turning force) and peak power (792 watts of peak power). They also come with 630 watt-hour batteries that are significantly larger than most batteries on competitors’ ebikes and will therefore eliminate any anxiety you might have about running out of power. Note also that these trail-ready bikes come standard with mudguards, carrier and lights. Dave Waugh uses the Traverse MD on Grade 4 trails on the West Coast. Read his story.
The Town’nTrail: For trails up to grade 3, and around town.
Our Town’nTrail model is a proven performer on trails such as the Pureora Timber Trail, Alps to Ocean, and Motu. The unique feature of this bike is its thumb throttle – some call it the turbo button – that can deliver full power to the wheels without pedaling. (Our Traverse MD and Ascent MD models have thumb throttles, but you need to reach 6km/hour under pedal power before they activate). Because it’s a hub-drive bike, the Town’nTrail is less expensive than our other models. But don’t be fooled. For most older ebike riders, this is all the bike they will ever need. It has our large, 630 watt-hour battery, torque sensor and hydraulic brakes.
The Tranzit MD: For trails up to grade 2 and around town.
For those who maybe getting back into cycling after a multi-year hiatus; for those who are unable to apply a lot of pedal pressure with their legs; for those who are going to be riding mostly around town or on wine trails, rail trails, beach and lakeside trails, the Tranzit MD fits the bill. It has high torque (80 newton-metres of turning force), it is a cadence sensor system (versus torque sensor), meaning that once you’re going, it requires less pedal pressure to keep it going), and its swept-back handlebars deliver an upright seating position that some riders prefer. You also have the choice of two battery sizes: A 522 watt-hour battery (which is still larger than most batteries on competitive models) or a 630 watt-hour battery. Consumer Reports NZ said: “Comfy & well-priced; Very good balance at low speed; Excellent on rough surfaces; Very good display & controls; Low step-through facilitates getting on and off.”
The Superlite.
If bike weight is of paramount importance to you, then consider the Superlite. It weighs in at just 22kgs including the battery (19kg with battery removed/easy to remove). It is important to note that this weight also includes the carrier, mudguards and lights. Many other brands don’t include these when specifying the weight of their bikes. This puts it in the same weight league as carbon fibre bikes. Yet it is equipped with high-spec componentry for tackling trails up to grade 3. The Superlite is a highly efficient bike, (a) because of its light weight and (b) because of its 10-speed Shimano Deore gearset, which lets you get even more torque in lower gears than our other models. If you’re loading bikes onto the back of a caravan or motorhome, or if you’re looking for a bike that feels light and easy to ride, check out the Superlite. One of our agents, herself an avid cyclist, posted this review of the Superlite on YouTube.
The Townee 2.0.
The Townee 2.0 has been designed for around town use primarily. It offers great weight distribution (note the battery location), easy on-and-off, and has a thumb throttle that delivers full power whenever you need it (great for getting going again from a stop or for extra boost up hills). The battery is very easy to remove. We’ve included a chain guard so that your clothes don’t get caught in the chain. And we’ve even thought of a derailleur protector, so that if your bike tips over, your derailleur won’t suffer expensive damage. And, with our updated styling and colour options, you’re going to look good getting around town.
What to expect when you test-ride a MeloYelo Book a test ride