The American Thomas Edison revolutionized power generation and power distribution with his inventions at the beginning of the last century. In addition, he was the godfather for technical innovations, without which we can hardly imagine life today. Seen from this point of view, the name that the bicycle manufacturer Hercules has given its new top model in the e-bike category fits.
Facilities
With Hercules' change under the care of the ZEG, the line-up of the Schweinfurt team has also changed. This becomes particularly clear on Edison Di2, which dispenses with the use of conventional e-drives and uses the brand new Shimano instead Steps trusted. This system is combined with the electronic variant of Shimano's 8-speed gear hub In order.
The framework of Edison Di2 is made of 7005 aluminum and solidly welded. At the front he will be using a NEX-E25-Combined suspension fork from SR Suntour. What is nice here is that the fork can be locked out open and closed can be driven. Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano are also installed on our test bike, which not only look good on the bike, but also control the riding speed.
With regard to road safety, next to the Fuxon 50 lux LED-Lighting system too Marathon More- List Schwalbe tires that have reflective strips on the sidewalls. The mudguards fitted as standard help against splashing water on cloudy days.
The Edison Di2 weighs 26,2 kilograms including pedals. A quite robust weight, but with which Hercules is still well within limits. After all, only a few of the e-bikes currently available on the market have a slimmer specification. What is remarkable in this respect, however, is the heart of the wheel. Shimano's Steps-drive is used here exclusively with the Alfine Di2 combined and at just 3,1 kilograms certainly still allows some leeway in terms of weight optimization.
Practice
The Hercules Edison Di2 has two shift adapters on the handlebars as well as a computer on which both the gears and the steps modes can be selected or read. The eight hub gears are assisted by a total of three steps. Switched on, these allow different ranges, with all of them switching off automatically at a speed of more than 25 kilometers per hour. The charged lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of 418 Wh, allows Ecomode has a range of 120 kilometers. In the Normalmode can travel up to 100 kilometers while even on level High still up to 80 kilometers can be reached. The respective levels and gears can be easily read on the handy computer.
We particularly like the homogeneously tuned support of the vibration-free 250 watt mid-engine, which conveys the kind of riding experience one would wish for from a bicycle. This is the case with jerky accelerations, such as those known from Bosch motors, for example Stepssystem confidently opposed. Another plus point is the gentle phasing out of the support once you reach the upper speed limit.
Not quite as homogeneous as that Steps switches the Alfine Di2. However, this has a system, after all, the built-in overload protection is intended to protect the inner workings of the hub. In this respect, the communication between the electronic hub and the Steps-System that rebuffs abrupt maneuvers. This becomes particularly clear in the shifting interruption when the crank is in a vertical position. The switching precision in the hub increases thanks to the freedom from load created in this way.
The Edison Di2 is a step-through bike with a low center of gravity that is well balanced thanks to the small dimensions of Shimano's mid-motor. And it stays that way even when the luggage rack is loaded. That's nice, as Hercules allows the bike to be used in a variety of ways, from everyday shopping trips to extended weekend trips.
Conclusion
Hercules hits that Edison Di2 a new way with regard to e-bikes. That's nice, after all you get an e-bike here that is as agile as a conventional bike. The integration of Steps-Systems and its very good cooperation with the Alfine Di2 quickly put a smile on your face. And you won't lose it anytime soon. However, the engineers could have followed their chosen path a little more consistently and that Edison Di2 a slightly lighter frame and slightly slimmer attachments. Then the bike would not only be the new benchmark in terms of functionality and riding fun, but also in terms of weight with regard to e-bikes suitable for everyday use and touring.
product Highlights
- smart and intuitive drive
- Robust construction and low system weight of the Shimano Steps-Alfine Di2 combination
- high quality equipment
- good value for money
price and web
- 2.599,00 Euros
- www.hercules-bikes.de
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