A bike with derailleur gears? Nothing new – and yet particularly interesting in this case: until now, Tenways only offered its slim, lightweight and affordable e-bikes with a single-speed drive and no gears. That has changed with the Tenways CGO 600 Plus, which offers a whole new range of possibilities thanks to its classic derailleur gears. Our test.
Design
You have to look closely to tell the CGO 600 Plus apart from the well-known single-speed sibling Pro. The two bikes are pretty much the same, except for the gears on the back wheel and the bike chain that goes with it instead of a belt drive.
But that also means that the CGO 600 Plus has the same slim frame, also features an integrated headlight at the front and elegantly conceals the battery in the frame’s down tube. The motor in the rear wheel is hardly noticeable anyway. The cables disappear directly into the frame at the stem, and the discreetly placed graphics give it a modern look.
Equipment
A closer look reveals that it’s not just the derailleur that’s new. There have also been changes to the hub motor in the rear wheel: Tenways has installed the newer C9 hub motor, which made its debut in the Smartbike CGO 009. It offers 40 Nm of torque and is controlled by the torque sensor in the bottom bracket, resulting in natural electric assistance. The display on the handlebars is also new. It still has the same compact form factor as its predecessor, but now offers a colour display. The battery has a capacity of 360 Wh and can be removed for charging – still a rarity in slim bikes with hub motors and therefore all the more welcome.
However, the real star of the CGO 600 Plus is its derailleur gear system. Tenways isn’t reaching for the stars here, but instead relies on the affordable Shimano Claris groupset with eight gears, which offers a moderate range of 290 per cent.
Appropriate for a commuter bike, the standard equipment includes sturdy aluminium mudguards, a rear kickstand and an integrated lighting system. This is powered by the bike’s battery, which now also includes the rear light in the mudguard. In the previous model, this was still battery-powered and had to be switched on and off separately. A small but welcome improvement. Although a rear rack is not included, Tenways offers a compatible model in its online shop.
Tenways relies on brand quality from Tektro for its hydraulic disc brakes. The tyres, on the other hand, come from CST, a manufacturer that is relatively unknown here in Germany. At 45 mm, they are quite wide and provide good basic cushioning. However, there is no suspension – certainly also to keep the weight down. We weighed the CGO 600 Plus in size L at 20.4 kg including the battery. Finally, it is worth mentioning the adjustable stem, which allows the handlebar height to be individually adjusted.
Operation
The electric drive is started via the compact display on the handlebars. The three available riding modes can also be set here. The buttons are pleasantly large and offer a good pressure point. The display is easy to read and shows relevant information such as speed, battery status and kilometres travelled. If desired, the electric drive can also be secured with a four-digit numerical code.
The removable battery also scores points here: it can be easily pulled out upwards and just as easily reinserted. If you wish, you can of course also charge it directly in the bike.
Gear shifting is controlled by a conventional trigger on the right-hand side of the handlebars. Despite the low-cost groupset, gear changes are surprisingly fast and precise, enabling reliably smooth riding.
Riding impressions
Right from the first pedal stroke, the bike moves smoothly. The motor is barely noticeable and runs so quietly that it blends inconspicuously into the flow of traffic. The assistance is also smooth and natural, so that the riding experience is reminiscent of a regular bicycle. It is only when you switch off the electric assistance that you realise how much power the motor actually provides – especially on inclines, of course.
That’s where the derailleur gear system really comes into its own. Despite its limited range, it offers noticeably more flexibility than a single-speed model, as both the motor and the rider are relieved by the shorter gear ratio. This makes climbs easier and faster to tackle. However, the derailleur gear system requires a little more maintenance than a belt drive, which is something to bear in mind.
As with its predecessor, the three riding modes are well coordinated. On flat terrain, the lower two modes are usually sufficient. The bike can be ridden in a sporty manner and impresses with its smooth, controlled handling, which makes even longer distances comfortable. For a bike without suspension, the comfort is satisfactory. The adjustable handlebar height also contributes to this: the seating position can vary from upright to slightly stretched, making the bike more adaptable.
Conclusion
The CGO 600 Plus is, in the best sense of the word, a sensible e-bike at an attractive price. Tenways charges 1,799 euros and offers a very well-balanced overall package: the drive system impresses with its quiet, natural riding experience, and the removable battery is a clear added value that not many bikes in this class can offer. And thanks to the gear system, it is even more flexible in use than the single-speed model. All in all, the CGO 600 Plus is a versatile, pleasantly unassuming and attractively priced urban e-bike!
In addition to the Pebble Grey colour tested here, the CGO 600 Plus is also available in Sky Blue. Tenways offers the model in sizes M, L and XL, so most riders should be able to find a suitable version. The bike is available directly here in the Tenways online shop.
