The electric vehicle has become a genuine alternative to the car for urban travel. electric bike is also a wonderful way to get away from it all. More environmentally-friendly, quieter, faster and healthier, its advantages are manifold. And among the many types of electric bikes, we find the VTC: a "two-wheeler" particularly appreciated for its versatility.
WHAT IS A VTC?
The VTC or mountain bike is the most versatile bicycle there is! Comfortable and practical, it's a kind of synthesis of the mountain bike and the classic city bike, borrowing qualities from both. A hybrid bike, a 2-in-1 bike, the VTC is a true all-rounder, ideal for those looking for a single model to facilitate their daily commute in town and for leisure activities.
On a VTC, the rider's position is fairly upright, with the handlebars at the same level as the saddle, so that the torso is not tilted too far forward, and the head is held high in a secure position, so that the rider remains alert to events on the road.
As with classic city bikes and travel bikes, the frame of the same VTC model is very often offered in a men's version (diamond) and a women's version (trapeze), with a highly inclined horizontal tube that makes it easier to straddle. As a general rule, men's VTCs always feature a slight slopingwhich makes them easier to straddle and handle, especially when carrying a load.
VTC COMPONENTS AND PERIPHERALS
Even though there are VTCs on the market with rigid forks, the traditional practice is for mountain bikes to be equipped with a telescopic forkwith variable travel between 50 and 100 mm, depending on the terrain. Some forks are also equipped with a lock to optimize pedaling on the road.
All VTC bikes are equipped with 28-inch wheels wheels, which offer good performance and comfort on the road, with versatile tires Some models feature an adjustable stem for precise positioning. Some models are equipped with an adjustable stem, allowing you to fine-tune your riding position. mudguards, luggage rack and kickstand. These accessories make the VTC practical and versatile: ideal for running errands, for carrying small items when cycling around town and for protection in bad weather.
... AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT?
THE MOTOR
The motor of an electric VTC can be located in the front wheel, in the rear wheel or in the crankset.
Motors in the front wheel were reserved for entry-level models, and this use is almost no longer available on models currently on the market. The fork was subjected to greater loads, and the front wheel was more likely to skid on slippery surfaces. Last but not least, the presence of the motor in this position could also influence steering, which is why manufacturers have discontinued it.
Motors located in the rear wheel offer extremely quiet operation and direct power transmission for more dynamic riding. On the other hand, they make removal of the rear wheel more difficult and shift the center of gravity further back.
The most advanced technology on the vast majority of today's models is the crankset-integrated motor. This solution offers the best efficiency/reliability ratio, with optimum weight distribution, a low center of gravity and a ride very similar to that of a conventional bicycle.The motor power is generally 250 Watts (maximum permitted). The difference between the motors will therefore be mainly in torque (ranging from 40 to over 70 Nm for the most powerful models), assistance levels and the motor's linearity and progressiveness.
In concrete terms, the higher the torque, the more the engine will guarantee lively acceleration and responsive acceleration. On the other hand, a high level of linearity will offer the same level of comfort at both low and high pedaling speeds.
The main players in the sector are Bosch - the historic leader - Yamaha, Shimano, Continental, Fazua, Brose, Impulse and Bafang.THE BATTERY
On electric city bikes, thelocation the shape of the frame.
- On Trapeze or Diamond bikes type bikes: the battery is most often placed on the frame's lower tube, semi-integrated or integrated directly into the frame for higher-end models, allowing new-generation VAEs to display a pure design very similar to that of muscle bikes.
- On Gooseneck bikes The battery is generally located either on the seat tube (front or rear) or on the luggage rack.
The battery powerexpressed in watt-hours, corresponds to the voltage (in volts) multiplied by the capacity (in amp-hours), with the higher the wattage, the greater the range. Bicycle batteries generally range from 400 to 625 Wh. For trips of a few dozen kilometers, a 400 Wh battery will be more than sufficient. The most powerful batteries will be useful for demanding cyclists covering long distances every day, or for touring bikes to ensure good autonomy.
THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER
To control all the parameters of your motorization, electric bikes are equipped with a on-board computer depending on the objective. From the simplest and most compact displaying the essentials (speed, distance covered, selected assistance level, battery level) to the most advanced integrating a GPS with navigation function, a Bluetooth connection, even a USB socket, you're bound to find the model that suits you, bearing in mind that it's possible to replace the original computer to upgrade to the next range.
WHICH ELECTRIC VTC FOR MY PRACTICE?
As you can see, electric VTCs are both a sportier and more versatile alternative to muscle VTCs or other urban bikes. Thanks to their comfortable riding position, large 28" wheels and wide range of gears, you can pedal them in town, in the countryside and even in the forest.
To choose the model that's right for you, it's essential to consider your riding style, the equipment and components you'll need most, and the type of morization and battery you'll be using.
Urban VTC
Available in a range of frame shapes (diamond, trapezoid, gooseneck), these bikes offer great comfort, with an upright riding position and full equipment (mudguards, luggage rack, lights, kickstand). The electric VTC for urban use is ideal for short to medium distances, with its 28-inch wheels. Make sure the telescopic fork has a locking system, or opt for a VTC with a rigid fork. The lack of travel will improve the bike's liveliness. A 400 Wh or 500 Wh battery will be sufficient for this purpose.
Sporty VTC
For sport-oriented leisure riding, accessories such as mudguards and luggage racks are not essential. The bike should be fitted with a telescopic fork and an optimized drivetrain (single or double chainring with a large cassette at the rear) to suit the profile of your outings. We recommend a battery of over 500 Wh for long trips.
VTC Touring
If you're looking for a day's or even a weekend's ride in leisure mode, your VTC needs to be well equipped with useful accessories (luggage rack, mudguards, etc.). So you can easily get away from it all by carrying your camping gear and accessories in panniers. Ideally, you should opt for a battery of over 500 Wh for greater autonomy.
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