Belgian e-bike manufacturer Cowboy has just added a new, more upright and comfortable commuter e-bike to its portfolio. The so-called Cruiser takes the grips, wide saddle and more relaxed riding position of the company’s C4ST (step-through) model and adds a higher bar and wider handlebars towards the rear. This is the Dutch-style e-bike you buy if you already liked the C4 but didn’t like its aggressive front riding position, thin saddle and narrow handlebars.
I had the chance to test the new 19.3kg Cruiser against the original C4 (now renamed Classic) and C4ST (now known as Cruiser ST) in Amsterdam at one of the new retail partners of Cowboy – an initiative launched in May. with independent bike shops across Europe.
Riding the Cruiser is very similar to the Cruiser ST and much more relaxed than the Classic, which puts the rider in a stooped position with lots of hand pressure on the grips. Compared to the Classic, the Cruiser should make long-distance commuting easier, especially if you’re used to carrying a loaded backpack to work. It’s not as relaxed and straight as traditional Dutch”omafietsbut the riding posture is a good balance between sporty and utilitarian, much like on a $3,299 Veloretti Ace Two, $2,348 VanMoof S4 or $3,498 S5, or $2,590 Ampler Axel.
Cowboy says the Cruiser also features a higher gear ratio. I honestly didn’t feel much of a difference between the three bikes, each briefly tested head-to-head in adaptive power mode. But I rode each less than five minutes and only on flat roads.
Otherwise, the Cowboy Cruiser – like the Cruiser ST and Classic – has a 250W rear hub motor with single-speed belt drive, an integrated stand that wirelessly charges your phone, Google Maps built right into the cowboy app, removable battery, and wide 47mm tires.
The new Cruiser is available in a black or “sand” (off-white) colorway for a “launch price” of €2,990 later today.
