Hardtail

Hardtail mountain bikes are bikes that only have suspension on the front axle. This means that the bike weighs less and has an increased stiffness. This improves power transmission.
 

Fully / Full Suspension

Mountain bikes with full suspension have an additional suspension in addition to the front axle. This allows a better descent in steep, rough terrain. For the individual sub-disciplines there are still special forms of the Fully, e.g. for All Mountain, Downhill or Cross Country.
 

Trekking bike

Mountain bikes with full suspension have an additional suspension in addition to the front axle. This allows a better descent in steep, rough terrain. For the individual sub-disciplines there are still special forms of the Fully, e.g. for All Mountain, Downhill or Cross Country.
 

Fat Bike

Fat bikes are characterized by particularly thick and wide tires. The tires reach up to 4 inches in width. Fat tires can be combined with different frame forms, for example as Hardtail or as Fully. However, since the thick tires themselves have sufficient suspension, classic Fat Bikes are constructed without suspension. Originally Fat Bikes were designed to ride better on sand and snow. Today they are mainly ridden because they are fun and cool looking.

 

Folding bike / foldable bike

Folding or foldable bikes such as our VARANEO Dinky are characterised by their folding mechanism, which allows the whole frame and wheels to be folded to a compact size. This makes it much easier to transport or store away. In addition to the folding mechanism, folding bikes are very differently designed. Our Dinky has 4x20" wheels (Fat Tires) and optionally a suspension fork.

 

Range

The question of the range of electric vehicles has always played the most central role since the emergence of the megatrend - the German language now has its own term for this, fear of range. The range of our e-bikes is therefore also of great interest and we want to deal with this topic as transparently as possible. We will always provide all range information as realistically as possible. Nevertheless, the actual range in everyday life depends on numerous factors. Apart from the size of the built-in battery and the built-in motor, the following factors in particular have a major influence on the actual range:
 

• driver weight
• driving style (how often is the vehicle started, cadence, suitable gear selection, etc.)
• selected support level (1-5 plus Eco, Standard or Power für some models)
• Route profile (often uphill or very flat)
• Ground type (asphalt, gravel or weak surfaces like sand or mud)
• Wind situation (headwind, tailwind)
• Tyre type and – profile

The ranges specified are therefore average values taking in account the above factors. A very heavy rider who is on a very steep route in headwinds and always drives at the highest support level will therefore understandably achieve lower ranges than a light rider who is on the lowest level in the lowlands. Nevertheless, VARANEO's e-bike riders have no reason to be afraid of range.
 

 

E-bikes are on the advance worldwide and inspire both bicycle fans and former bicycle lovers. All types of e-bikes have one thing in common: with the help of a rechargeable battery and an electric motor, the ride is enhanced. This support is provided by various drive concepts which are presented below:
 

Front motor - wheel hub motor on the front axle

This type of drive is now only used for very inexpensive entry bikes or cargo bicycles. The advantage of cargo bikes is the weight distribution. The big disadvantage of the front engine: when starting on wet or loose ground, the front wheel can easily slip away. In addition, the riding feeling is usually very difficult to get used to, as the e-bike is "pulled". The wiring is also very complicated due to the steering angle and therefore susceptible to breakdowns.
 

Mid-mounted motor - bottom bracket motor at the pedals

The mid-engine is probably the most widely used at the moment and also offers numerous advantages. The power is transferred directly to the chain and the position of the motor contributes to a low centre of gravity of the bike. Meanwhile, a back pedal brake is also technically possible and thanks to the proximity to the battery (should it be on or in the frame) only a very short wiring is necessary. The disadvantage of the mid-engine is the often high price, because special frames are needed and the double load for the chain. Regular maintenance is therefore an absolute must and should usually be carried out in specialist workshops.
 

Rear motor - wheel hub motor on the rear axle

The hub motor stored in the rear wheel also offers numerous advantages. The driving feeling is rather sporty (depending on the tuning). The rear wheel also carries enough weight to virtually eliminate traction problems. The disadvantage of the rear engine is the higher weight on the rear axle, which makes it more difficult to carry the bike and the fact that removing the rear wheel is more difficult.
 

Seat tube engine - the Exot

As the name suggests, the seat tube motor is placed in the seat tube of the bike and transfers its power directly to the pedal crank. Although this type of engine can be hidden very discreetly, it is very cost-intensive both in purchase and maintenance and will therefore probably continue to be a niche in the future.

 

In Germany, 1000 bikes are stolen every day - including more and more e-bikes. Therefore it makes sense to think about a bicycle insurance. Many household insurances include a corresponding insurance for bicycles - but caution is advised. On the one hand there is often a Passus with older contracts, which interrupts the insurance protection at night - usually between 22.00 and 06.00 o'clock -. Your bicycle is therefore not insured at all during the main working hours of the bicycle thieves. In addition, the sums covered by conventional bicycle insurance are often insufficient, or e-bikes are completely excluded. Therefore it makes sense to think about a separate insurance for your VARANEO E-Bike. There are countless providers and almost as many comparison platforms on the internet. Take enough time to evaluate the different insurances. It may also make sense to check your household insurance for the coverage of e-bikes or to update your household insurance for a new contract, which then also covers your e-bike.
 

Checklist insurance e-bike:

• The insurance can usually only be taken out within the first year after the purchase of your VARANEO e-bike
• Newer household insurance policies cover also e-bikes
• Older household insurance or bicycle insurance may not cover theft at certain times.
• The coverage amounts of normal bicycle insurances are often not sufficient

 

Insurance costs for your e-bike

For an extra insurance for e-bikes which is not part of the household insurance, annual costs of 80-150€ are to be expected. The higher the purchase price of your e-bike, the higher the annual premium will be. The method of payment - annual or monthly - also has an influence on the costs.

 

In automotive engineering, recuperation is the recovery of energy from electric motors. During braking, energy is generated in the electric motor, which is then fed into the battery. For e-bikes and pedelecs, this is possible for all models with hub motors. However, a noteworthy energy recovery with e-bikes is only possible on longer descents. And this is only the case if you brake continuously during the downhill run and thereby forego speed. That is why we have renounced ernergy recuperation on our VARANEO e-bikes..