October 20, 2022 - (Toronto, ON) Stromer out of Switzerland has been making top-end boutique-style pedal-assist urban bikes since 2009. With a focus on power, tech, range, design and connectivity it was no surprise that in mid-July, just prior to Eurobike, they unveiled the ST7, the world’s first e-bike with Pinion GmbH’s Smart.Shift technology.
Needless to say we were quite excited when the opportunity came up to access their newly released ST3 Pinion via Amego Electric Vehicles Inc. in downtown Toronto, one of their top Canadian dealers.
Our satin Imperial Red test model was immediately stunning. This e-bike oozes style and power, and the ST3 was checked out frequently during the test ride with a head nod, or a thumbs up. One observer even referred to it as the Ferrari of e-bikes.
In this case, beauty is more than skin deep, as the components truly make this e-bike even more special. The Syno Drive II 500w rear-wheel hub motor has an output rated 820W at peak, along with 44Nm of torque.
The removable internal Lithium-ion 48V, optional 983Wh battery on our test model is rated for 180km of range – the standard 814Wh battery option offers up to 150km range. The 245W charger is an impressive bit of kit on its own, with a built-in cooling fan to maintain the electronics as it’s racing to get energy back into the battery.
The 9-speed C-Line Pinion sealed mechanical gearbox is harnessed in the bottom bracket area and delivers precise and reliable shifting performance with a gear ratio range of 568%. Virtually maintenance-free, it takes some getting used to like any new system for changing gears at the right moment for optimal performance – it seems a perfect fit for this e-bike.
The Gates carbon drive belt is smooth as silk with zero noise when pedaling, and is also virtually maintenance-free – hard not to like a no-lube drivetrain.
The 27.5″ Pirelli Cycl-E ST tires, made to order for Stromer, provided ample grip to get the bike up to speed and absorbed downtown potholes as well. The TRP brakes with 203mm rotors feature a four-piston front and two-piston rear to bring you from top speed to stationary, with no signs of fading. There’s an ABS upgrade option as well.
The OMNI display and controller keep you smartly connected and informed while a Roxim Z4E Pro headlight and tail-light, along with aluminum alloy fenders, and a Racktime rear rack rounded out this cool ST3 launch edition.
Time for a spin and the first thing you notice is the precision handling. The Stromer ST3 feels perfectly balanced and handles power with grace and fluidity.
What also hit me was how quiet this e-bike is – even out of the saddle, full power starts were virtually soundless. For a motor with this kind of power to be this silent is quite remarkable.
I took the ST3 out on city streets and multi-use paths for short trips and longer adventures out on the waterfront. The motor is so powerful that you may find yourself holding back at times – my eyes were tearing more than once.
The rear hub Syno Drive II motor smoothly presses the bike forward as you apply pressure to the pedals. How aggressively you want to get up to speed is controlled by the + and – buttons on the left brake handle.
For cruising around the city I’d normally operate in power assist Level 1. When taking the bike into traffic or when pointed at a hill, I’d click-click to Level 3 and let the powerful motor get the job done. I had zero issue taking this machine up the steepest hills in the city.
Set into the top tube, the OMNI display is clear and easily controlled while immediately informing you of all pertinent information. It connects via your smartphone to the Stromer App for remote control of the e-bike via a built-in colour touchscreen.
One of the app features is being able to find your bike using GPS. The app can also remotely lock the bike by causing the rear wheel to seize up if the bike is moved before being unlocked. The bike’s lights start flashing while the alarm is blaring. I tested this feature on a busy street while assuring people that the bike was mine.
Another interesting feature of the rear-hub motor and controller is the ability to charge the battery via regenerative braking which can feel a bit like a small anchor has been tossed out behind you.
The sloped top tube allows easy mounting and dismounting while the Ergon ergonomic grips and Selle Royal saddle both felt comfortable for me. The horn, which is on the other side of the power buttons, is really fun to use as well.
There is so little to nit-pick on this machine, while it is a bit pricey as you’d expect. When I returned the ST3 it was great to chat with the lively staff and techs at Amego about bikes in general and why the Stromer is such a great e-bike.
I loved my time on it and found myself describing the ST3 Pinion as the Cadillac in its class while setting a high bar for top-level e-bikes. I even felt a bit guilty not taking my own bikes out on trips – perhaps you’ll feel the same.
The SRP is $11,399 and for more information please visit here.
