Around three years after the introduction of the still current fourth-generation Cowboy Classic, the brand from Belgium is now launching another new model — apart from the more comfortable Cowboy Cruiser version from last year. However, this Cruiser now almost seems like a logical step towards the latest addition, the now announced Cowboy Cross!
What’s new at Cowboy Cross
Like the Cowboy Cruiser, the new Cowboy Cross also focuses on enhanced comfort, but also expands the possibilities of the smart bike. Thanks to suspension on the fork and seat post with 40 mm travel each, the new Cross can now also cope with much rougher terrain and should also be suitable for trips into the countryside. The larger tires with a width of 60 mm and a new battery with a capacity of 540 Wh, which is around 50 % higher, also help. For comparison: the previous Cowboy Bikes have a battery with 360 Wh. Mudguards and a sturdy luggage rack with a load capacity of 27 kg are also part of the standard equipment of the Cross and demonstrate Cowboy’s focus on versatility and everyday practicality with this model.
Purist design with new suspension
A key feature of Cowboy has always been the minimalist and tidy design of the bikes — and this also applies to the new model! The silhouette is clearly reminiscent of the familiar cowboy look, even if the top tube of the regular Cross now has a kink.
However, a closer look reveals a few differences: the wheelbase of the cross bikes is longer, which should benefit long-distance capability. However, the new suspension fork at the front is particularly impressive: instead of a conventional standard model, Cowboy has found its very own solution here.
This in-house design works like an inverted, conventional suspension fork and operates according to the upside-down principle — a design in which the movable lower tubes are installed at the bottom end. Apart from the technical features, this type of suspension fork has the advantage that the design of the frame can be seamlessly continued to the fork. And Cowboy has done a great job here, because such a clean integration is truly exceptional!
Another new feature for Cowboy is the rear light, which is now integrated directly into the mudguard on the Cross. This ensures that the light with its brake light function cannot be obscured by luggage on the carrier. It’s hard to understand, why the front light is still not German StVZO-approved and only acts as a position light to be seen — you won’t get far in the dark forest with it and will have to mount a separate light.
Proven hub motor and belt drive
The bike’s electric drive system is, however, familiar: The Cowboy Cross also has a hub motor with belt drive in the rear wheel, which is controlled by a torque sensor and Cowboy’s AdaptivePower technology. This should ensure a very smooth ride and maintain the desired speed even on inclines or in headwinds.
It will be interesting to see how the electric drive copes with the higher weight of the bike. At 27.9 kg for the Cross and 26.5 kg for the Cross ST, both models are significantly heavier than the Cowboy Cruiser, for example, which weighs just over 19 kg.
Furthermore, the battery is located in its usual position on the seat tube and can or must be removed for charging. Due to its higher capacity, its housing is also slightly larger, which is probably also a reason for the longer rear triangle.
The bike as your training partner: new Live Challenges
Another familiar feature is the bike’s typical cockpit with integrated smartphone holder, which offers an inductive charging option. The Cross also offers all the smart features you are used to from Cowboy — and even more! We already know crash detection, air quality mapping, Google Maps navigation or GPS tracking and Find My Bike.
New Live Challenges are now designed to motivate riders to discover cycling from a sporting perspective, to try harder and pedal harder. This is achieved through a combination of level-based challenges with interactive, social functions.
Pricing and availability
The new Cowboy Cross is available at an introductory price of 3,499 euros including the Connect software package, alternatively as a Cross ST with a low step-through comfort frame in one frame size each. The regular retail price will then be 3,999 euros. Anyone interested can choose between three brand new, satin metallic colors: Lava (a cool, dark gray), Mushroom (a warm, earthy gray) and Moss (a “sophisticated” green) are available to choose from. Further information can be found on the Cowboy website, where the new bikes can also be ordered directly.
