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Fashion, Simplicity, and Affordability: Traits of the Ero 500 E-bike From Linus

What sort of e-bike design could come about from one of the cultural centers of the world? Well, here’s one from Venice itself.
Ero 500 E-bike 9 photos
Photo: Linus Bike
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What we’re looking at, folks, is known as the Ero 500 and it comes from Venice-based Linus Bike. Anytime you hear a name like Venice in a sentence, chances are that whatever folks are talking about is hella fashionable. In the case of the Ero 500, I'd agree.

When I first found out about this little trinket, I thought it might be some old school one-off e-bike design. Luckily for us, it isn’t. It’s not even out yet, so preorders are open with delivery in early January. Still, this is one of those Christmas presents I wouldn’t mind getting late.

So let’s see what we’d be getting for the $1,999 this e-bike costs. Well, anytime we look at some new e-bike, the frame is the first component to fall under scrutiny. In this case, we get a 6061 aluminum frame; it’s not some carbon fiber wonder worker, but then again, the price doesn’t ask for too much either.

Ero 500 E\-bike
Photo: Linus Bike
Being the sort of bike made for city riding, it also doesn’t make much sense to create some super expensive carbon frame if your target market is the common folk (the largest market). But it does need to at least hold the average rider and components while handling usual road conditions. And it does that just fine. We don’t have a defined weight limit for the 500, but it does come in with a total of 49 lbs (22 kg), including components.

As for the suspension, it's got nothing. Absolutely nothing. However, this is normal for a city cruiser that doesn’t deal with any drops or boulders and uneven terrain. For something like this, you’ve got your good ol’ glutes and tires. Tread is provided by a pair of 27.5-inch x 2.00-inch Kenda Kwick Seven5 tires, which should do just fine for some curbs and cracks.

Now, being the e-bike that it is, the motor needs to be worthy for sure. And it is, for this price range anyway. Included in the prices is a Bafang hub drive motor that crunches out 500W. Nothing excessive or anything, but once again, it's in line with the 500’s price. However, I would have really liked to know the torque for this.

Ero 500 E\-bike
Photo: Linus Bike
Powering this capable motor and everything else on the bike (except you of course) is a Samsung 48V battery pack with 52 cells. As it stands, it’s good for a range of 40 miles (63 km). That may not seem like much, but a daily commuter route usually averages just under 40 miles, so this should be more than enough ride time for normal activities. Sure, it’s not some monster with a range of 100 miles (161 km) or more, but it doesn’t need to be.

As for the remaining secondary components, shifting systems are completed by a Shimano Altus 8-speed setup, a KMC chain, and Tektro mechanical disk brakes. The addition of alloy pedals, fenders, and even rims, helps keep the overall weight of the bike decently low.

While it doesn’t pack the biggest or most capable components around, the simple and classic design with no bulging parts gives the 500 a clean look that is sure to freshen up your next year. After all, 2020 reeked for most people.
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About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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