I like the Tenways CGO009’s sleek e-bike styling – but riding one sold me on its clever tech

Introduction

Sure, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to electric bike brands – but what if you’re after something stealthy? Anyone who balks at the idea of a giant battery sticking out of their bike’s frame will find their options a bit more limited. Cowboy and VanMoof know a thing or two about minimalism, but so does Tenways. The Dutch firm has spit the difference with its new urban commuter, the CGO009.

The name sounds like something you’d hear called out in an airport lounge, but the hardware is a lot more appealing. It has the slick looks and low-maintenance drivetrain to rival the Cowboy Cruiser, and just enough tech to take on the VanMoof S5, only at $2400/£2399/€2399 it’s a fair bit cheaper than either. I’ve spent the past few weeks of riding through Wiltshire’s towns and country lanes to see if it’s a better ride, too.

Design & build: dressed to impress

I’m a big fan of electric bikes that don’t look like electric bikes; it’s a style Tenways has nailed with the CGO009. The rear-mounted hub motor is barely noticeable and the battery has been stealthily slotted inside the top tube – which hasn’t expanded to cartoonish dimensions to accommodate it. The angular frame is then wonderfully minimal, with smoothly welded seams everywhere you look. The way the headlight has been integrated is pretty much perfect. Concealing the seat post clamp within the top tube is rather slick, too.

My loaner bike arrived in Olive Green, which suited my mix of town and country routes perfectly. The black mudguards, rear pannier rack and angled handlebar make for a welcome contrast. There are also Ice Blue and Midnight Black frames on offer, but just in a single size, and with no drop frame version. You’ll want to be 175cm or taller before breaking out the credit card.

Two control modules on the handlebars – one on each side – don’t really give the game away that this is an e-bike either. The left side adjusts the power level and activates the integrated lights; the right side lights up to show your remaining charge and how much juice the motor is providing. Tenways has cleverly picked the almost invisible Knog Oi bike bell to sit alongside them, which is the next best thing to a digital bell.

The cables are internally routed from the frame headset. This makes maintenance a little easier, but I wish they were fully enclosed for an even cleaner appearance.

One thing you won’t find here is a screen. Some might see that as a plus, being able to hop on without quantifying your ride, but others will want navigation. Tenways will sell you an optional phone mount, but it’s not nearly as slick as Cowboy’s integrated QuadLock (which also has wireless charging). There’s no built-in lock like you get on a VanMoof, either, so you’ve got to remember to bring your own. The integrated kickstand is convenient, though.

Tenways scores points for how well the bike was packaged for delivery, with fabric protection over all the painted parts. Assembly took about 30 minutes and was pretty straightforward. You get a comprehensive set of tools, along with a hand pump for inflating the tyres.

Features & range: keeping track

This is Tenways’ first e-bike with integrated front and rear lights, which draw power from the bike’s battery and are controlled from the handlebars. Interestingly there’s also a second rear light on the mudguard, which uses disposable batteries and has to be switched on manually; perhaps it’s because the seat post-mounted one would be obscured when using the pannier rack, or because it isn’t StVZO-approved for use in Germany. The lights themselves are bright enough to make you visible while on the road, but I’d still want a more powerful headlight for winter riding on roads without street lights.

The CGO009 gets a big thumbs up for having a removable battery. This is practically an essential if you live in an apartment or can’t lug the bike close enough to a charging point. It’s a lot easier to carry, given the bike weighs a considerable 23kg with all the accessories equipped. A lock means no-one can pinch it while your bike is locked up, either.

How many miles you’ll eke from the 374Wh cell depends on how much time you spend in the higher power modes. I saw close to Tenways’ 52 mile estimate with a mix of level one and two cycling, but fell closer to 40 miles when relying more on level three. That’s a typical showing for an e-bike like this (ie one where the battery doesn’t bulge out of the frame) and enough for most commutes without needing to recharge before the return leg. The charger itself is a proper brick, which is able to refuel the battery in around three or so hours.

You’ll need to refer to Tenways’ smartphone companion app to get a more accurate estimate of how many miles you can cover with your remaining charge. It’s pretty comprehensive, warning you when the bike is moved and when it leaves a user-defined ‘safety zone’ based on its built-in GPS transmitter. You can set the motor to only function when in range of your phone, too. It won’t power up automatically as you approach like a VanMoof, though.

Recording your rides through the app shows now much CO2 you’ve saved compared to taking a car, which is a nice touch. I just wish there was a way to integrate with fitness apps like Strava.

Ride & performance: smooth running

As a single-speed e-bike, the CGO009 is your typical urban commuter affair; the 250W hub motor provides a respectable 45nm of torque, and dishes it out in a controlled manner. Pedalling felt smooth and natural, not feeling like I was waiting for the power to arrive or that it was taking over from my legs entirely, even at the highest power level.

Of the three to choose from, level one felt like it was merely making up for the bike’s weight, and I was putting in as much effort as I might on my much lighter road bike. I largely stuck with level two, which made flat stretches very easy going. With level three I was able to tackle moderate inclines while staying seated, just at a sedate speed. The motor is subject to local speed restrictions, which meant 25km/h for me in the UK.

There’s a boost button, for maximum assistance when climbing slopes, but the increase is subtle; it builds up, rather than coming on instantly like a VanMoof. It also can’t kick in until you’re moving at over 6km/h, so is no good for standing starts at traffic lights.

Despite the lack of suspension, the CGO009 rides well over rougher surfaces on account of its 28in wheels shod in 55mm wide tyres. I still learned to steer clear of more rutted roads, as stronger jolts still went straight through the frame and saddle to my posterior. The disc brakes didn’t feel as instantaneous as I expected, either; they still stopped the bike, just a little slower than I’d like.

Build quality was top-tier, at least, with no surprise noises coming from the drivetrain. Using a Gates carbon belt drive makes this a wonderfully quiet e-bike, so much so I surprised a few dog walkers with how silently I approached. As well as needing less maintenance than a chain, it’s also cleaner, so I never worried about oil stains while cycling in trousers – despite there not being any sort of chain guard.

Tenways CGO009 verdict

The CGO009 strikes a great balance between function and features. The belt drive, integrated lighting and accessible controls make it an ideal commuter bike for the urban sprawl, while the styling is easily up there with the best modern e-bikes. Built-in GPS tracking gives added peace of mind, too.

I’d have liked the boost mode to have a bit more instant impact, and the brakes to have a little extra bite. I also think it lacks just a little of the polish seen on the Cowboy Cruiser, and can’t match the VanMoof S5 for sci-fi showiness. That said, it beats both on price.

If you’re after a minimal-looking e-bike that’s full of features and don’t mind having to add a phone mount yourself, it’s a great choice that won’t break the bank.

Tenways CGO009 technical specifications

Motor	TENWAYS C9 Hub Motor 250W
Battery	374Whr
Top speed (assisted)	15.5mph (UK)
Range	52 miles / 85km
Charge time	3.5hrs (estimated)
Frame	Aluminium
Shifters	N/A (fixed gear)
Brakes	Disc
Weight	23kg