As “bike people,” sometimes it’s easy for us to forget how complex and intimidating e-bikes can be for those who are new to them. First, there’s all the esoteric terminology—things like derailleurs, watt-hours, and Newton-meters. Then, there are practices while riding, like trail etiquette, hand signals, and shifting discipline.
Some of those things should be learned before buying an e-bike, and others may be non-essential for many riders depending on where and how they ride. Good shifting practices are important for all riders—unless you find yourself riding the Vvolt Centauri II, that is.
Why, you may ask?
The Centauri II features an exceptionally
user-friendly drivetrain that pairs a 350W mid-drive motor with a 3-speed automatic internal gear hub (IGH). This system requires no action from the rider, as it changes gears at pre-set intervals: roughly 12 and 20 miles per hour. We found it to be effective, easy, and functional for the bike’s Class 3 speeds.
