Evelo Galaxy SL First Look

In reviewing Evelo Galaxy 500 last year, Cycle Volta tester Paul Tolme praised the low-step pedal- and throttle-assist electric as “a compact, powerful, and petite ride for small- to medium-sized riders seeking an ebike for low-maintenance urban commuting or bike path recreational rides.”

However, that performance came at a price. A buck under $4K, to be precise. Much of that cost was wrapped up in the Galaxy 500′s drivetrain: an ultra-low-maintenance Gates belt drive turning an Enviolo continuously variable transmission (CVT) rear hub with both manual and automatic stepless shifting.

With the new Galaxy SL, Evelo hits a lower price of $3,499 by ditching the belt drive for a chain (the Galaxy 500 still uses Gates) but keeping the Enviolo CVT system. The new bike also gets a touch more torque (peaking at 95Nm) with a new torque-sensing 500W Dapu mid-drive motor, which should promise smoother power delivery than the Galaxy 500 we tested.

The rest of the build looks much like the previous Evelo ebike: a low-step rigid frameset fitting riders 4-foot-10 to 5-foot-10, a rear-rack-mounted 468Wh battery, swept-back handlebars on a high-rise stem for an upright riding position, a Selle Royal Springer comfort saddle, 24 x 2.4-inch tires, front and rear fenders, and integrated lighting at both ends. Weight: 46 pounds, just like the Galaxy 500.

The Evelo Galaxy SL is available to reserve now, with deliveries expected to begin in late August. More information: evelo.com.