Test: The B series from Klever is not an e-bike newcomer and has developed a loyal fan community since it was launched a few years ago. That's not surprising: apart from the undisputed qualities of the bike, it offers a combination that you won't find a second time even in the diverse e-bike market. Will the idiosyncratic mix of the Klever B Speed work? We tested it.
On the one hand, there are the small 24-inch wheels, which keep the wheelbase and thus the overall dimensions of the Klever B Speed compact. They also give the bike a noticeable boost in agility compared to the competition.
The second major unique selling point of the compact Klever e-bike is its full suspension: 70mm at the front and 65mm at the rear reliably swallow up bumps on bad bike paths or cobbled streets. One or the other may ask why you couldn't just use a fully E-MTB: Sure, but here the comfort of the attachments such as mudguards, luggage rack, lighting is missing - moreover, the mostly sporty oriented E-MTBs are not up to par in terms of their seating position comparable to an urban runabout like the B Speed.
Third special feature that the B Speed has in common with all Klever Mobility bikes: The hub motor in the rear wheel, which has undeniable advantages over central motors: In addition to the lack of background noise, this also includes the recuperation function and a wide range of applications from comfortable cruisers to lively S-Pedelecs .
Klever B Speed: It's all in the mix
Okay, admittedly, as a newcomer to the B series, I was initially a bit skeptical about the intended use of the bike: small wheels? A heavy full suspension for a city bike? In our test variant also as a fast S-Pedelec? Can this daring calculation even work out? Before we get to the answer to this question, first some facts about the Klever B Speed. We have already dealt with the key data - 24 inch wheels, hub motor up to 45km/h and full suspension.
In detail, a 570Wh battery on our test bike provides the necessary range. As an alternative, B Speed buyers are offered a new 850Wh variant, and anyone who can be satisfied with a 25km/h pedelec also has the option of 370Wh. In all variants, the cuboid energy store is located between the seat tube and the control area at the level of the bottom bracket. In times of complete integration, this looks a bit strange at first, but in addition to optical extravagance, it also has a functional background. Due to the placement of the battery, the center of gravity of the B Speed moves far down, which should promote full and safe handling.
There isn’t too much to say about the full suspension mentioned: 70 or 65mm of spring travel is easily enough even for the worst bike paths, but you shouldn’t dare to dare off-road adventures with it – no problem, after all the B Speed is certainly not designed for that. The technology used is pragmatic, rather simple but extremely low-maintenance. Steel springs in the fork and damper are ready to use, but can only be adjusted to the driver's weight to a limited extent. Here you would be a bit more flexible with air spring elements. Nice walk: In both cases, the rebound is adjustable.
The Klever B Speed is braked with the Magura MT4e, which, in addition to a lot of power and high stability, is also connected to the rear light and thus triggers a brake light when activated. Speaking of lighting - here you rely on proven quality from Supernova with the E99 headlight at the front, which comes with daytime running lights and the matching E99 Tail Light 45 on the rear fender. The compact luggage rack at the rear offers attachments for bicycle bags - due to the compact dimensions, however, you should research before buying whether the desired bags can also be accommodated.
The handlebars, which are attached to the fork via an adjustable stem, are also emblazoned with a display and control unit for the drive. Both functions are housed in one housing and are reduced to the essentials. The very easy to read monochrome display provides the most important information and can be operated with a defined pressure point using the rubberized buttons. Just next to it is the button for the horn, the volume of which is likely to be significantly higher than that of many car and motorcycle counterparts.
Klever B Speed: Agility meets propulsion
Enough with the technology, let's get on the bike and back to the initial question: Can the Klever B Speed, which at first glance seems a bit wild, work out? Short answer: Yes, it can! My somewhat longer answer: The B Speed is surprisingly quick and lively from the very first turn of the pedals. Surprising because the Klever weighs an impressive 31,4 kg, even for an S-Pedelec. So if you have to lug your bike up stairwells or balance it on a bike rack at regular intervals, you should be aware of this. However, if you sit down on the comfortable saddle, you won't feel much of it anymore.
The seating position is comfortable and upright. You are almost enthroned above the B Speed and thus always have a good overview of what is happening on the road. The suspension fork and damper do their job very well and take the fright out of potholes and minor bumps. The large-volume Big Apple tires from Schwalbe, which generate an amazing amount of grip even on wet surfaces, play an equally large part in the high level of driving comfort. As usual, the 10-speed XT gearshift from Shimano changed gears inconspicuously and without any problems. The range of the 11-36 cassette is perfectly adequate for most conditions.
Operating the drive with the control unit is quick and easy, even for drivers who are less tech-savvy without having to study the manual for a long time. The display should provide a little more information, but it is also easy to read and does not distract from the driving action. The lighting makes a very good impression, as do the fenders and luggage rack, and I couldn't elicit a faint rattling noise from any of the attachments - no matter how bumpy the ground got.
Speaking of volume: the rear motor doesn't make a mush even at the highest support level - even though it pushes noticeably even at the lowest levels and enables speeds of up to 40 km/h without much effort. If you want to max out the full 45 km/h, you need a little more initiative from the driver. Unfortunately, so much power also has a disadvantage: In undulating terrain, the "small" 570Wh battery can hardly cover more than 35km, even with reduced support. So if you want to use the Klever B Speed not only as a city runabout, but also as an intercity bike and long-distance commuter, you should definitely think about the 850Wh battery.
