Test: Thanks to precise functionality, the Cologne touring pedelec Pegasus Solero E8 enables high-quality technology at an attractive price.
Premium products are very popular. Why shouldn't you do something good for yourself, treat yourself to something special? The thought that a solid mid-range is good enough for most requirements and that the touch of luxury may look nice, but is ultimately of little importance in practice, could speak against it. E-bikes are a good example of this: the essence is a high-quality motor, fed by a large battery; many other details are comparatively irrelevant. The number of gears, for example: Even on e-mountain bikes, a special eight-speed derailleur is now standard - given the motor support, further gear stages are not necessary. And what are you supposed to do with a navigation system on a city pedelec?
Pegasus Solero E8: 400 Wh battery is always enough for the city
Technology appropriate for the intended purpose, reliable and attractively packaged - that's all you need if you want to enjoy cycling. The Pegasus Solero E8 shows what this can look like. The touring-capable comfort bike is already designed for a smooth ride through the city and across the country in terms of its seat geometry. You roll along upright and comfortably sprung at the front, and that extremely light-footed: Despite the starting price of just under 2.000 euros, the Pegasus uses what is currently the most modern Bosch motor. The Active Plus does not show off with grandiose torque, but thanks to the reduced gearing it runs with significantly less resistance than its predecessors. This means that the bike can also be easily driven above 25 km/h and without drive support. This reduces power consumption, so you can confidently purchase the Solero with the smaller battery variant (400 Wh) - its range will easily suffice for everyday use.
Pegasus Solero E8: Eight-speed derailleur and modern equipment
Slim, sweeping shapes make the colorful women's bike attractive. The Solero E8 rejects the trend towards (partially) integrated batteries and is rewarded with a classic appearance; meanwhile, the power storage unit is housed on the luggage rack, whose tubes painted in the same color as the frame push it optically into the background. Not least because of this battery position, the proportions of the bike are similar to those of a classic touring bike; with a wheelbase that is not too long, it is pleasantly lively and agile to drive. The technology on the bike also goes with this almost sporty characteristic: the derailleur shifts the eight gears quickly and even under partial load, whereby the range of gear ratios with eleven to 34 teeth on the sprocket set is nice and large; Disc brakes offer strong deceleration with little manual effort. A visual plus of the colorful tourer is that all trains, cables and lines are routed completely inside - this makes the bike appear tidy and elegant. The comfortable handlebar shape and the easy-to-read Bosch display prove their worth in everyday use; The system luggage rack, which can be used to attach a shopping basket, is very practical.
The Pegasus Solero E8 – a bread-and-butter e-bike? If you're drawn to material that offers more potential than you'll ever use, you might find this plain city bike boring. On the other hand, cyclists who don't want more than they need will find exactly the right amount of technology and function here, packed in a discreet and friendly design. The Solero is by no means a compromise solution due to the low price - and it arouses emotions with trendy colors and a high utility value that makes any form of luxury appear superfluous.
