Test Hercules Intero I-8: There are many nice e-bikes for everyday use, but most of them are quite expensive. Many everyday cyclists turn their backs on prices above 3.000 euros – they don’t want to spend that much on an everyday vehicle. But there is another way, as the Hercules Intero I-8 shows.
What do cyclists expect from a pedelec for daily trips? It should be powerfully motorized; functional, comfortable and reasonably shapely - actually minimum requirements, one would think. This seems to be the case with the traditional manufacturer Hercules, because the Intero lacks none of that; it looks downright modest at just under 2.500 euros.
Let's start with the drive, contributed by Panasonic - a mid-mounted motor with 60 Nm that works so harmoniously that you don't have to think too much about it. You feel it clearly, but you hardly hear it; he pushes emphatically and regulates gently. The drive characteristics are very balanced, so it is not surprising that the Panasonic GX Power is also used in e-bikes for around 4.000 euros - albeit with different peripherals. The Intero has a rather small battery with 400 watt hours and the controls are rather simple - but in practice neither is a noticeable disadvantage.
Panasonic drive on the Hercules Intero from much more expensive bikes
The range is long enough for several days of city driving, and all buttons on the left handlebar are easy to reach without looking. Those who are not exactly component connoisseurs will get along well with it.
And that also applies to the components on the Hercules: the eight-speed derailleur gears with 11 to 32 teeth at the rear has roughly the same gear ratio as an eight-speed hub gear, but can be shifted faster and is therefore particularly practical in city traffic, where frequent gear changes are the norm are. The disc brakes, on the other hand, behave as you would expect from them: they can be operated with a light hand and bite down hard enough when needed.
Functional components - great value for money
The front light is also decently bright; Only those who are often out and about in complete darkness could wish for more than the required 40 lux. The tires are well chosen: Schwalbe contributes abrasion-resistant Energizer Active Plus, whose GreenGuard protection belt promises a lot of puncture protection.
| frame | Aluminium |
| suspension fork | SR Suntour NEX-E25, 63mm travel |
| Drive | Panasonic GX Power |
| Rechargeable battery | INtube 400Wh |
| Wheels | 28 inch |
| Tubes | Schwalbe Energizer Active Plus GreenGuard |
| derailleur | Shimano alivio |
| Gear levers | Shimano acera |
| Crank | Miranda |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Shimano hydraulic disc brake 180/180 mm |
| Seat post | alloy SP-612N, AL, 300 mm, Ø30.9 mm |
| Saddle | Selle Bassano Volare XL City |
| Stem | A head, adjustable |
| Links | Ergo City, AL, 31,8mm |
Lots of comfort with monotube frame
There is nothing to criticize in terms of comfort. At the front, the typical suspension fork absorbs rough bumps; the curved handlebar is top in terms of ergonomics and ensures a relaxed posture for arms and shoulders. The soft gel saddle is a matter of taste - some might wish for a firmer example, perhaps in combination with a well-sprung parallelogram seat post. One important comfort feature must not be forgotten: the low step-through. Hercules only offers this model in one frame shape, and once you break free from traditional perspectives, you immediately recognize that this is the best frame for everyday use. Nowhere else is it so easy to get on and off, especially when you think of a basket on the luggage rack. Seen in this way, the Intero sees itself as a unisex bike; the division into women's and men's bikes is passé.
Let's get back to the look: It's also so successful because the shift cable, brake and electrical lines are largely hidden inside the frame. Together with the integrated battery, which can be removed with both hands, the result is a smooth silhouette, which perhaps looks even better with the light green Intero. The frame is also very high quality in detail, for example with regard to the mounting base of the rear stand.
Hercules Intero I-8: thought of everything
Such a detail may only be of interest to experts; In any case, it indicates that Hercules has thought of pretty much everything with the Intero – so the low price does not mean that you have to make sacrifices. As a little extra, there is even a practical magnet holder on the frame tube, to which a drinking bottle or a bag can be attached. And so the I-8 can be recommended to everyone who wants to cycle very relaxed and a little sparingly through their everyday life.
