Test: The Austrian urban bike draws attention to itself with cleverly integrated drive components and extremely low weight. Add to that a classic look and you have a city pedelec with that certain something – we tested the Geero Vintage Vinyl.
https://www.velomotion.de/2018/02/geero-e-bikes-made-in-austria/
At Geero in Styria, people like to do things a little differently. When designing their own electric bikes, the well-travelled brothers Michael and Thomas Rath didn’t want to settle for off-the-shelf components and conventional designs – they wanted it to be light, slim and shapely, which of course can hardly be achieved with the meanwhile market-leading concept of the mid-engine. So the choice fell on the principle of the rear motor - actually tried and tested, but falling behind due to the well-known heat problem. But who says that existing engines cannot be further improved?
The relocation of the control electronics from the hub shell into the seat tube of the frame provided the heat resistance that is particularly necessary for mountain rides. And while we're on the subject of integration: Batteries attached to the outside of the frame or even to the luggage rack were out of the question for the Raths. But as is well known, there is space in the smallest hut, and even more so in a down tube as thick as an arm. Quite a lot of space actually, at least it's enough for a whole 420 watt hours, which puts us right in the middle of it, in the Geero Vintage Vinyl. The bike is simple, almost puristic, with brown handles and a rivet saddle with a classic touch. And you have to look closely to spot the short cable harness from the down tube to the handlebars. There is a fairly reduced keypad - power button, two buttons for mode selection and charge level indicator, that has to be enough.
The bike technology of the Geero is also kept simple with nine-speed derailleur gears of a simple design and rim brakes, as you know them from racing bikes. After all, you can order a disc brake system for an additional 200 euros, as well as mudguards (109 euros, very short at the front), luggage racks (114 euros, with a beautiful wooden plate) and battery lighting are configurable accessories that you can of course get much cheaper elsewhere.
The drive technology is all the more interesting: The bottom bracket sits in a block bolted to the frame, which can be dismantled and then allows access to the electronics and battery. Of course, the power storage should not be removed; it is loaded via a plug connection under the bottom bracket. And that's more in the basement than on a cable drum in the front yard - the complete bike weighs just 17,8 kilos, so it's quite easy to carry down the stairs. A comparable bike without a motor is just four kilos lighter.
Geero Vintage Vinyl Black: Nimble on the wheels
And you notice that when driving: The Geero is easy to handle and manoeuvrable, which is not least due to the short wheelbase. The solidity of the frame shape translates into stable handling, but due to the lack of any suspension elements and with its rather narrow tires, the bike is not overly comfortable. The compact hub motor does a good job: It pushes hard and has a decent range in the test with 75 km on the flat and 22 km on the mountain. As an everyday bike, the Geero is optimally equipped, because low weight and good handling are at least as important as the range.
So thumbs up for the elegant bike from Austria, although the version tested here isn't exactly a bargain. At least the disc brakes should be included in the base price, especially since a wheel set that is ready for both systems (rim with braking surface and hub with disc mount) is not exactly optimal.
Achim Jansen says
I've been riding the (men's) bike (with disc brakes) for 2 months and so far it has not only impressed me but also numerous friends
Richard says
With the diamond frame WITHOUT mudguards and luggage rack, the rim brakes are already perfect, it couldn't be more puristic. The braking effect is also okay with it. What unfortunately doesn't fit at all is the price-performance ratio, a non-electrified basic bike with this equipment costs hardly 600€, the surcharge for the small hub motor and the battery is immense! Comparable e-bikes like the Orbea Gain F40 cost a lot less (currently €1800 including disc brakes!).
René says
Don't own a Geero myself but have a friend who also assembled the bike etc. Great bike though! But but. After less than a year, it was sent back to Austria three times. Twice for battery charging issues and most recently for a cracking noise when pedaling. This is annoying. What use is the most beautiful bike if durability is not guaranteed. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case with new designs! It was not tested sufficiently by the manufacturer, the buyer can then do that.... The quality does get better over the years, but it's the buyer who gets annoyed! nothing for me