New
A Report on Riding the Raleigh Motus Grand Tour Electric Bike
Aug
The Raleigh Motus Grand Tour is a fast and smooth riding machine equipped with Bosch’s new Active Line Plus Motor. With an extensive history in the UK, Raleigh is a renowned brand in both their home country and the US. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to test out one of their latest e-bikes, the Raleigh Motus Grand Tour (exclusive to the UK market).
This impressive e-bike boasts a sleek and stylish design, available in both crossbar and step-thru variations (we had the chance to try the former).
What to Expect from the Motus Grand Tour
The Motus Grand Tour’s appearance suggests it offers a combination of speedy and stylish commuting, perfect for leisure rides as well. However, it doesn’t stop there. This e-bike also provides exceptional practicality and a high level of comfort.
The black alloy frame of the Motus Grand Tour is not only sleek-looking but also comes equipped with all the essential extras for everyday city riding. Additionally, it is suitable for venturing out on all kinds of roads and trails, regardless of the conditions. These extras include mudguards, chain guard, LED lights powered by the main battery, kickstand, pannier rack, and a frame-mounted ‘shopping lock.’
The e-bike’s slick tires and the new, more powerful Bosch mid-motor clearly indicate its ability to deliver speed while also handling modest off-road terrains. This is further evidenced by the inclusion of Suntour Nex front forks, offering 63mm of travel.
Furthermore, the Motus Grand Tour features a reliable rack and 700C wheels. Combined with the promise of an efficient motor system (as we will explore below), this e-bike is undoubtedly suitable for touring purposes as well.
The Plush Gel Saddle and Adjustable Handlebar Stem
A luxurious gel saddle, a suspension seatpost, and the amazing adjustable handlebar stem all promise to elevate the comfort of cycling to new heights. These features are designed to enhance your riding experience, ensuring ultimate comfort and customization. It’s as if these components were made for the sole purpose of providing optimal comfort while cycling.
The Star of the Show: Bosch Active Line Plus Motor
However, the true star of the show is undoubtedly the Bosch Active Line Plus motor. This motor, which was introduced by Bosch last year and is now making its way onto e-bikes, boasts impressive claims. It has been redesigned to be lighter, quieter, and more efficient. But that’s not all. The ‘Plus’ version equipped on the Motus Grand Tour takes it a step further by offering an additional 30% torque. This motor is truly a game-changer in the world of e-bikes.
A Revolutionary Riding Experience
One of the biggest concerns for e-bike riders is the power cut-off, which can lead to a noticeable decrease in speed. However, the Active Line motors are here to put those concerns to rest. They promise a riding experience that feels entirely natural, just like riding a regular bicycle. There is no resistance or noticeable cut-off, so you can pedal without any hindrances. This is truly a revolutionary advancement in e-bike technology.
The Ride: Exploring the Calder Valley
Embarking on our journey, we set out to explore the picturesque Calder Valley in the UK. Covering approximately sixty miles, we encountered various terrains, including challenging hills and flat stretches.
The initial experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The riding position offered remarkable comfort as I cruised along a smooth rail path. Even beyond the electric assistance cut-off speed, the bike continued to propel forward, effortlessly increasing my speed by a few miles per hour. Eventually, I settled into a comfortable pace of around 19mph, all while enjoying the ease of riding on this gentle terrain. It was a truly enjoyable and effortless experience.
The combination of sleek tires and the seamless integration of the motor’s assist contributed to this unparalleled riding experience. There was minimal resistance, allowing for a smooth and fluid ride. Rather than feeling like I was reliant on electric assistance, it felt as though I was riding a traditional bicycle, effortlessly gliding along.
However, the real test came when faced with a relentless 30mph headwind, occasionally gusting up to 50mph, as I approached the start of the hilly terrain. Surprisingly, even under these challenging conditions, I did not need to engage the Turbo level setting. With the support of the 29-inch lowest gear and the ample hill-climbing power, conquering the hills was a breeze. Additionally, the impressive 227% gear range ensured that I had plenty of options when it came to gear selection, allowing for effortless pedaling even at higher speeds. This combination of power and versatility transformed the uphill journey into a thrilling adventure.
In conclusion, the ride truly lived up to the promises made by the remarkable features of this e-bike. It combined comfort, power, and efficiency, providing a riding experience like no other. Whether taking on flat terrains or conquering challenging hills, this e-bike proved to be a reliable companion. It’s safe to say that it has set a new standard for cycling excellence.
No doubt the more powerful Bosch crank motors
The more powerful Bosch crank motors, which are also heavier and more expensive, would certainly reach the top of the hills a few mph quicker. However, they would not achieve this as economically as the excellent motor of the Motus Grand Tour. Nonetheless, even with a moderate weight in the panniers, the bike maintains its agility and performs admirably when climbing hills.
A gentle but powerful assist
An outstanding feature of the Motus Grand Tour is the motor’s ability to provide a gentle yet powerful assist. It almost feels like a quiet waft of air is pushing and assisting you along your way. The motor operates smoothly and quietly, making the experience on this e-bike one of the most “bikelike” ones available.
Comfort combined with sportiness
It is important to highlight the impressive level of comfort that the Motus Grand Tour offers. Despite its sportiness, which it possesses in abundance, the bike does not compromise on comfort. One standout feature is the adjustable handlebar stem, a rarity among e-bikes. This allows riders to customize their riding position for maximum comfort. Whether you prefer an upright position or a more sporty one, the stem adjustment makes it effortless to achieve the desired riding posture.
A comfortable and predictable ride
The raised profile and slightly swept-back handlebars contribute to the overall comfort and predictability of the ride. The combination of a generously cushioned gel saddle and a sprung suspension seatpost further enhances the rider’s comfort, especially when positioned with weight towards the rear of the saddle.
Impressively efficient power consumption
During testing, the Motus Grand Tour with its 400 Wh battery pack demonstrated remarkable efficiency. After sixty miles of riding, there was still approximately 1-2 bars of power remaining, indicating a consumption rate of around 6.5 Wh per mile. This level of efficiency is highly impressive and falls well below the 10 Wh per mile benchmark for outstanding energy conservation. It is important to note that the latest version of the bike comes equipped with a 500 Wh battery, offering even greater range.
Despite not achieving the claimed 110 miles on a single charge, the Motus Grand Tour’s efficient power consumption makes it an exceptional choice for riders who prioritize frugality and longevity in their e-bike journeys.
Review of the Intuiva LCD Display
However, when utilizing only the Eco setting and traversing windless conditions over gentle terrain with a lightweight rider, it does seem plausible. If you desire an even greater range, you can of course acquire a spare second battery.
The Intuiva LCD display proves to be invaluable in optimizing the motor’s efficiency. In addition to the standard information provided by most e-bike displays, such as speed, average speed, current trip distance, odometer, and clock, you are also provided with a unique feature known as the ‘power meter’.
This innovative function manifests as a bar that fluctuates as you pedal. The higher the bar ascends, the more power the motor applies to aid your progress.
At times, determining the ideal power level can be challenging, particularly with a motor that operates so quietly and naturally. However, by dropping a gear and exerting more leg power, you can maintain a relatively consistent speed while conserving the battery and minimizing physical exertion.
Of course, if you are looking to save time and have no intention of maximizing battery range, you can shift the bars forward, focus your energy, and opt for the higher power settings.
Range Calculation and User Customization
Another advantageous feature of the Intuiva display is the inclusion of a range calculator, which estimates the remaining mileage based on the battery’s capacity.
I presume that this calculator adjusts for individual riders’ power usage, as all e-bike riders have varying preferences in terms of settings and weight. Remarkably, this feature appeared to provide fairly accurate predictions even on this new bike.
Please note that it may take some time for the calculator to stabilize and provide more accurate readings. The range calculation relies on the chosen power setting, so I found it useful to cycle through the Eco, Tour, and Sport settings and take an average reading.
Navigating the info panel at the bottom of the Intuiva display is effortless, allowing you to easily select the desired information and adjust the motor power level by pressing the designated button located near the left hand grip.
With a bit of practice, you can easily locate the button without even diverting your gaze from the road. The display’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible even for individuals who may find modern tech gadgets overwhelming with excessive information.
Weighing and Comparing Models
My personal model, equipped with a derailleur, has a weight of approximately 54 pounds (24.5kg), while the hub gear model is quoted to weigh around 56.2 pounds (25.5kg).
These figures are highly commendable for a bike that is fully equipped. Let me summarize: you will receive a front suspension of decent quality, a pannier rack of high quality, a frame-mounted rear wheel lock, a sturdy and excellent quality Pletscher kickstand, German-made SKS mudguards, and incredibly powerful LED lights.
Add to that a generously sized gel saddle and a suspension seatpost, and you’ll find that this bike’s weight is very competitive when compared to other e-bikes with similar features.
Final Thoughts
This e-bike is incredibly versatile and offers great value for money, thanks to its exceptional motor. Bosch deserves applause for further refining and enhancing an already well-regarded and popular motor design.
Raleigh also deserves praise for seamlessly integrating the motor technology with all other aspects of the bike.
As a result, this e-bike is just as suitable for commuting or running errands around town as it is for experiencing fun and excitement in the open countryside and on traffic-free trails, such as those offered by Sustrans.
Raleigh Motus Grand Tour Specifications
Frame: Made of 6061 Aluminum
Fork: Features a Suntour Nex suspension fork with 63mm of travel
Motor: Utilizes the Bosch Active Line Plus
Battery: Equipped with a Bosch 500 watt-hour battery
Display: Comes with the Bosch Intuiva display
Shifting: Offers the choice between a Deore 10-speed derailleur or Nexus 8-speed hub gears
Brakes: Equipped with Shimano M315 Hydraulic Disc brakes
Tires: Fitted with CST ZEPPELIN 700C X 42 tires that have a reflective stripe and puncture protection (Note: the step-thru frame has the option of 26″ wheels as well)
Accessories: Includes SKS Full Mudguards, Racktime Alloy rack, Trelock front and rear lights, and a kickstand
Weight: Total weight, including the battery, is 54 pounds (24.5 kg), with the battery alone weighing 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
Frame sizes: Available in 46cm and 54cm sizes
Price: Retails at £2150 for the derailleur model and £2250 for the hub gear model (UK market)
Stats of the test rider:
Weight: 69kg
Riding style and fitness: Used lower power settings whenever possible to enjoy a moderate workout, only becoming moderately out of breath
Other Raleigh Motus E-bikes:
The “basic” model of the Motus comes with a smaller, rack-mounted 300Wh battery and a less powerful Active Line motor. It retails at £1650 and does not include a wheel lock. The Motus Tour has the same specifications as the Motus Grand Tour reviewed here, except for featuring the less powerful Active Line motor. The Motus Tour retails at £1850.
Manufacturer: Raleigh (UK market)
Find a local dealer here (UK market)
