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Electric bikes are changing the way we commute, and the Centauri from Portland-based Vvolt is a shining example of this transformation. Designed with the daily commuter in mind, this e-bike boasts features that make for a great quality e-bike at a reasonable price.
The Centauri is an e-bike that combines a mid-drive motor and torque sensor with a Gates belt drive and Enviolo hub to create a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. Available in both Class 1 and Class 3 configurations, this e-bike aims to meet the needs of a wide range of cyclists.
Vvolt offered to let me test one for a month. Let’s dive into the Centauri’s features, performance, and potential areas for improvement.
Table of contents
What we like about it
- Pairing a torque sensor with the MPF 6C mid-drive motor provides fast and responsive acceleration.
- The Gates belt drive combined with the Enviolo hub provides a super smooth pedaling and shifting experience.
- Reflective graphics on the front fork, logos, and rear seat stays provide added visibility in a stylish manner.
- Designed for use in rainy conditions and gritty streets, this bike features long rain fenders, an internal Enviolo hub, and a belt drive.
- The thick 45mm tires provide some cushioning for bumps.
- It comes in either Class 1 or Class 3 (wheeeee)
Where it falls short
- After about 20 minutes of riding, the handlebar grips became uncomfortable. However, adjusting their position made them more comfortable.
- The headlight and tail lights are not integrated, they provide chargeable lights that you must attach. I prefer e-bikes with integrated lights for those days when you stay at the office a bit longer than expected and forget to charge your lights.
- Per Vvolt, the 375 Wh battery provides 15 to 40 miles of range, I found riding the class 3 with pedal assist level 4 (out of 5) gave me about 20 miles. If you have a longer commute, I’d recommend that you upgrade to their 500 Wh battery which costs $549.
In-depth review
Assembling the Centauri was a breeze. The e-bike arrived mostly assembled and only required me to attach the front fender, front wheel, and pedals. I opted not to attach the optional rack. It took me about 20 minutes to assemble, and the battery already had a charge, so I could take it for a spin right away.
The Centauri comes in two different class configurations: Class 1 and Class 3. I opted to test out the Class 3 configuration, which has a higher maximum speed of 28mph.
The Centauri is an e-bike equipped with a powerful 650W MPF 6C mid-drive motor. This motor, coupled with a torque sensor, ensures the bike is responsive and provides fast acceleration. This allows for easy navigation of city streets and climbing steep inclines. I prefer a mid-drive motor with torque sensor over a rear hub motor with cadence sensor, as the former provides a more natural riding experience and more control over the bike’s power output. This is particularly helpful when navigating busy streets or multi-use bike paths that require more nuanced acceleration.
In addition to its powerful motor, the Centauri also features a Gates Carbon Drive belt and an Enviolo hub. This combination results in super smooth pedaling and seamless shifting experience that I really enjoyed. Unlike traditional chains, the belt drive requires little to no maintenance and operates silently.
You can tell Vvolt is from Portland, a city with lots of rain, because they opted for a belt drive, internal gear hub, and rain fenders with great coverage. For those that live in parts of the country with inclement weather, the Centauri is a good option because it’s belt drive will stand up to the rain and grit far better than a traditional chain-based drivetrain.
I also liked the design aesthetics of the e-bike. The frame has smooth lines, a well integrated battery, and there is clearly an attention to detail. Vvolt added reflective graphics along the front fork, logos, and rear seat stays, which add visibility without compromising on style. It’s a subtle yet useful feature, especially for those who ride in low light conditions.
The e-bike’s 45mm thick tires add comfort to the ride, providing some much-needed cushioning against city bumps and potholes. Whether you’re cruising on a smooth bike path or navigating uneven city streets, these tires will keep your ride steady and comfortable.
Like all products, the Centauri has a few areas where it could improve. The handlebar grips might prove a bit uncomfortable for longer rides. During my test rides, I found them uncomfortable after about 20 minutes, though I did make some adjustments to their position which did improve my comfort level.
The Centauri’s 375 Wh battery promises a range of 15 to 40 miles. My real-world test riding the Class 3 version at pedal assist level 4 returned about 20 miles. This range should be sufficient for most urban commutes, but if you have a longer route, consider opting for the larger 500 Wh battery. This higher-capacity battery fits is available on their website for $549. It fits into the same space in the frame so it’s pretty easy to swap out the stock battery with the 500 Wh option.
Another area that could use improvement is the lighting. The Centauri doesn’t come with integrated headlights and tail lights — a feature that I think is important for e-bikes. Although it’s not a deal-breaker, integrated lights provide added convenience for those times when you unexpectedly stay late at the office and darkness creeps up. While you can plug the front light into the USB port on the LCD display, the extra cord looks a mess.
All things considered, the Centauri from Vvolt is a reliable, efficient, and stylish choice for the e-bike commuter. With its powerful mid-drive motor, smooth Gates belt drive, and thoughtful design elements, it delivers a ride that’s both enjoyable and practical. Though it has a few areas for improvement, its strengths make it a worthy consideration for anyone in the market for an e-bike.
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