Cowboy 4 review
TechRadar Verdict
Superb value and with both great hardware and a fantastic smartphone-based user interface the Cowboy is incredibly polished. Suited to racing around town, it’s simple, powerful, and stylish. Low maintenance and easy to operate, it’s the sort of design that will makes cycling the most viable choice for almost any journey.
Pros
- Excellent handling and simple design
- On-bike charging for smartphone navigation
- Affordable insurance option
Cons
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Two-minute review
If you’re looking for an e-bike for the city, you’re going to need a pretty good reason not to buy a Cowboy 4. One of the two best value machines on the market, we think it also has a slight edge versus its main rival when it comes to both hardware and user experience.
Designed by Belgian bikemaker Cowboy, this fourth version of the firm’s machine delivers pretty much everything you could want from a bike made for helping you navigate town. Very simple, very low maintenance, and, thanks to a wirelessly charged smartphone interface, able to point you in the right direction, it’s brilliantly clever and a blast to ride.
Very neat looking, the bike uses a combination of a quality rear-hub motor and a single-speed drive to propel its rider along. These are powered by a removable battery that should manage most commuters’ journeys several times over before needing to be recharged.
It’s available with a standard or step-through frame, both of which use almost identical components including in-built and centrally powered lights, an oil-free belt drive, and hydraulic disc brakes. Finished with mudguards, both models are fairly upright for a low-stress riding position, while wide tyres and a rigid fork continue the bikes’ generally utilitarian design.
That’s all very modern, although the Cowboy 4 deserves to gain diverse fans it’s clearly designed to appeal most to occasional cyclists, or those previously put off conventionally powered bikes. Further helping attract this non-traditional crowd, the Cowboy is controlled via a very slick smartphone app.
Best of all, for an extra £29 (about 40 / AU50), a compatible smartphone can be attached to a wireless charger, placing all the bike’s stats, along with internet-based mapping right on your handlebars, leaving most of the Cowboy 4’s rivals lost down a dead-end street.
The only downside is range; at 43.5 miles with power assistance, it’s the same as the Ampler Curt, but less than the Ribble Hybrid Al e, which can keep running for up to 60 miles and carries a similar price tag. The Cowboy smartphone app doesn’t let you customize the power options to eke out a little more distance at the expense of power, which may disappoint some riders who want to embark on longer weekend treks, but for those who want to simply climb aboard and ride the city streets, that will be less of a concern.
Price and release date
Both conventional and step-through versions of the Cowboy 4 are available to pre-order now direct from Cowboy in Europe and the US. In Europe, the bike is due to ship in September 2021 and costs £2,290 / €2,490 including delivery.
In the US, the Cowboy 4 is available for an early bird price of 450,990 until 31 October 2021, with a 100 deposit payable up front. The first bikes are due to start shipping to US customers in January 2022.
That’s certainly not cheap, but is a reasonable price for an e-bike with these specifications, and is slightly less than the similarly sleek WAU Bike.
Design
The Cowboy 4’s design boasts a high degree of integration, along with a minimalist parts list. Largely because of the motor assistance, it’s able to get by with a single-speed drivetrain, relying on the extra electrical assistance rather than any gears helping it to deal with hills or headwinds. In turn, this keeps the whole bike both lightweight and low maintenance.
The motor allowing for this trick is hidden away in the rear hub, while its battery can easily be spotted behind the seat tube. Able to be locked in place for security while parked, it can also be removed for convenient indoor charging.
The components that make up the rest of the bike, like the brakes and tires are all unbranded and have mostly been commissioned by Cowboy. However, a real nerd could probably identify their manufacturers, and happily, it’s all quality stuff. The disc brakes are hydraulic, meaning they run on reliable fluid rather than more fiddly cables.
The broad tires can roll over most things and allow enough of a cushion that you won’t notice the absence of a suspension fork. At either end of the bike are in-built lights powered via the central battery, while the space above the stem is filled by a Quad-Lock bracket for holding your phone.
Rounded off with fenders to keep your backside dry, the Cowboy 4 is available with either a conventional or step-through frame. Both come in a single size, with the step-through being optimized for riders between 160-190 cm and the standard model serving those 170-195 cm tall. This leaves anyone in between free to pick which they prefer. Having tried both, we think the step-through is not only a great choice for those looking to use a child seat or panniers, but perhaps the most carefree feeling of the two.
What is the Cowboy C4?
A sleek urban commuter, the Cowboy C4 is an attractive e-bike that will grab your attention, not only because of its stylish and unique look but because of its top-shelf build quality and components.
A stunning e-bike with a clean, modern look, this stunning city commuter is ideal for errand-running, riding to work or school, or around-town cruising. It’s a beautiful ride that makes a bold statement wherever it’s ridden.
A lot of attention has been paid to this bike’s aesthetics, but this isn’t just another pretty e-ride. The Cowboy C4 comes loaded with top-quality componentry and is also designed with practicality and performance in mind.
In this full review of Cowboy’s flagship electric bicycle, we’ll take a detailed look at the C4 and check out its specs and features, battery life, pros and cons, and more. We’ll also tell you who this high-end commuter is right for as well as the reasons why we feel it’s one of the top options currently on the market.
About Cowboy
Cowboy is a Belgian e-bike startup that was founded by Adrien Roose and Karim Slaoui in 2017. The brand’s 3 e-bike models and growing collection of accessories are designed to provide the best possible riding experience, and the company has always been well-known for its stylish designs, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.
The brand stands proudly behind everything it makes, and all Cowboy electric bikes are covered by a generous 2-year warranty and rock-solid 14-day money-back guarantee.
Specs
Components
- High-grade 6061 aluminum alloy frame and fork
- Gates carbon belt drive
- Flat 540mm wide handlebars
- 160mm SunRace hydraulic disc brakes
- Selle Royal Essenza Athletic saddle
- 47mm Puncture-resistant custom Cowboy tires
- Front and rear fenders
Electronics
- 250W rear hub motor (45 Nm of torque)
- Removable 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery (360Wh)
- Integrated headlight (200-lumen) and taillight (50-lumen)
- Crash detection
- Digital key
- Auto Unlock
- Speed and torque sensors
- Slick power level indicator with 5 LEDs integrated into top tube
- Wireless phone charger
Cowboy 4 Review (2023): E-Bike Overview
One of the most eye-catching bikes you’ll see, the Cowboy 4 features clean, modern lines, head-turning styling, and impeccable attention to detail. Powered by a 250W rear hub motor that puts out 45Nm of torque, the C4 packs plenty of punch for navigating city streets and tackling uphill climbs.
The C4’s 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery is integrated neatly into the seat tube of the bike’s lightweight frame for a stealthy appearance that doesn’t scream “e-bike”. The battery offers 44 miles of range on a single charge and it recharges fully in 3.5 hours. 5 LED indicators incorporated into the top tube make it easy to monitor the bike’s battery level, and Cowboy did a wonderful job with cable management, making use of internally routed wiring to add to the bike’s polished look.
This ride features custom hydraulic disc brakes that deliver excellent stopping power and the low-maintenance Gates carbon belt drive is first-rate.
The Cowboy 4 is available in three amazing finishes — Black, Sand, and Khaki. Each color is exceptionally well-done and we have a very hard time choosing a favorite.
The bike features integrated lighting, with a 200-lumen headlight and 50-lumen taillight for improved low-light visibility and nighttime safety. The C4 also allows you to charge your phone wirelessly, and Cowboy’s app is next-level.
As mentioned, Cowboy is an innovative brand, and the C4 comes standard with advanced features such as crash detection and auto-unlock. There’s also a theft detection system with GPS tracking that’ll help to keep your bike safe.
Cowboy Ebike Review
This section of my Cowboy Ebike review will examine the brand’s product catalog with a more measured eye. I’ll go over the details of every available item so that you can discover what separates them from other e-bikes.
Their bikes optimize the electronic part of the e-bike equation. They integrate technology in ways that would make other e-bike manufacturers shiver in their cowhide leather boots.
Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine Review
The first e-bike I’ll look at in my Cowboy Ebike review may have you hootin’ and hollerin’ like you’re at a throwdown.
The Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine is designed for athletic performance and a more intensive ride, though that’s not to say that you’ll be busting your cheeks when you ride it.
This bike is suited to handle harder courses. You only need to jab at the sides of the bike with your feet to engage its motor. The motor can then base the amount of power it will supply based on your pedaling speed and force.
The Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine also comes with tires built to traverse a huge array of terrains. They can conquer most environments with their puncture-resistant construction.
The bike’s battery can last up to 43 and a half miles on its own, and you can likely extend that battery duration by pedaling. In the event that you do run out of juice on the road then you can still relax.
It only takes 3 and a half hours to recharge the battery fully. Plus, you can take the battery out of the bike, making it easier to charge without lugging around the whole machine with you.
It’s not like that’d be a death sentence though as this bike only weighs 41 pounds. Its frame is ideal for users between 5’6” and 6’4” and is made entirely out of aluminum 6061.
You can grab the Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine in either black, tan, or olive green for 5000,990.
Cowboy Ebike C4 ST Step Ahead Review
Though the previous item I spoke about in this Cowboy Elite review is a great option in its own right, the company saw how they could improve it.
The first improvement was to make it a more accessible bike that catered to easy riding. Thus, they created the Cowboy Ebike C4 ST Step Ahead.
Level Up Your EBIKE Ride: Essential Electric Bike Enhancements!
This bike is less about optimal performance than it is comfort, though that’s not to say that it’s lacking in power. It has a single-speed motor that can help you reach your destinations faster than you could on your own.
That simplicity is one of the major advantages of this ebike. You won’t need to scuffle with gears and chains because this item will automatically align its battery to your pace.
This feature makes it so that it should become an easier ride the longer you pedal.
The Cowboy Ebike C4 ST Step Ahead has plenty of the same ease-of-use qualities that make the Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine so exemplary.
You can remove the rechargeable battery – which should last you up to 43.5 miles – and charge it with you on the go.
It’s lightweight, clocking in at just over 41 pounds. However, the frame is better suited for smaller riders. Cowboy Ebike claims that this bike can accommodate most riders between 5’3” and 6’2”.
That frame is another deviation that this e-bike makes from its forebearer. It has a step-through frame that can mitigate tension, thus providing a smoothing cycling experience.
You can buy the Cowboy Ebike C4 ST Step Ahead for 5000,990. It’s available in either black, olive green, or tan.
Cowboy Ebike App Review
One feature that I haven’t included yet in my Cowboy Ebike review is that both the Cowboy Ebike C4 ST Step Ahead and the Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine can charge your phone while you ride.
I hid that fact because I wanted to reveal how instrumental phone connectivity is to the Cowboy Ebike experience by speaking about the brand’s app.
The Cowboy Ebike App serves as more than just a convenient GPS, though its mapping features are robust. It can provide you with your real-time location and provide live instructions to help you reach your destination.
Who Is Cowboy Ebike For?
Cowboy Ebikes are for people who want to reduce their reliance on cars by biking more. The company offers a healthy middle ground between conventional electric bicycles and standard manual bikes.
That makes them a solid pick for people who either want to bike more (but lack experience) or those who just want to get to work a bit faster without breaking a sweat.
Cowboy Ebike Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
I’m going to shine the spotlight on some revealing Cowboy Ebike reviews that customers have written across various websites.
The first place I pulled customer feedback from was Cowboy Ebike’s own website. They housed a telling collection of buyer reviews.
COWBOY C4 Review. Is the UPGRADE worth it?!
The positive reviews spoke to how well the bikes handled. Customers felt relaxed on their ebikes and felt that they could maintain control of the vehicle even when it reached higher speeds.
Here’s one customer who described their riding experience in their 5/5-star review: “Great design, love the upright riding position and assistance from the motor. Low maintenance belt drive and wide tires for extra comfort on the road.”
I also scrolled through Cowboy Ebike reviews on the Product Hunt website. There, the brand held an average score of 5/5 stars based on more than 11 pieces of customer feedback.
One buyer wrote a lengthy testimonial about their time with a Cowboy Ebike. I actually had to trim it down because they wrote so much about why they loved the vehicle:
“I did some shorter and longer rides with it and I can only conclude this is a great product. I’m a heart patient, so I have to keep my HR down or I’m a dead man. The Cowboy makes me forget all about that since 1) the assistance is there, but it’s not overwhelming 2) there’s no social stigma since you can’t really tell it’s an e-bike and it just looks cool.”
The same customer also added that the bike’s manufacturing was sublime. They said that every piece of the bike worked together like a dream.
Another 5/5 stars review heralded the Cowboy Ebike C4 Dream Machine as living up to its namesake.
The reviewer wrote, “I can testify that riding my Cowboy is definitely the best way I experienced to go to work over the last ten years. Thanks to its great e-acceleration, my Door-to-door average speed is above 22 km/h without too much effort. What differentiates a Cowboy bike versus other e-bikes is for sure its design, light weight and overall quality. The brakes are also particularly efficient.“
Is Cowboy Ebike Worth It?
I ultimately believe that there are enough pros to justify looking into Cowboy Ebike but that I cannot recommend them as a must-buy. Yes, there are plenty of things to like about their products such as the following highlights:
Velowave PRADO S COMMUTER EBIKE
Velowave electric bikes are different from traditional bikes. They can take the place of cars and make riding easier. At the same time, you can also exercise, enjoy the beautiful views along the way, and relax physically and mentally.
Velowave also works with One Tree Planted to restore forests, create habitat for biodiversity, and make a positive social impact around the world.
- 750W Geared Hub Motor
- 48V 15Ah LG Battery
- Front Hydralic Suspension Fork
- Innova 20″4.0″ Fat Tires
- Shimano 7-Speed Drivetrain
- High-luminance Headlight
- 750W Powerful Motor Rated 750W, Peak 1275W, Max Torque 55NM
- 48V/15AH LG lithium battery
- Multifunctional TFT color display
- 25-40 miles per full charge
- Max Speed: 28MPH by pedal; 20 MPH by throttle
- Hydraulic disc brake system
Price – 450,399
CERO One
CERO Bikes empowers everyday life with electric utility bicycles.
They envision a world where you don’t have to sacrifice convenience, or the planet’s health, to get where you’re going and do what you need to do.
The CERO One is for anyone who wants a bike that can do a bit of everything: commuting, light errands, dropping kids off at school, and leisure riding.
It is the ultimate compact electric cargo bike, striking a perfect balance between nimble size and wide-ranging capabilities.
- Shimano E6100 Cycle Computer
- Custom aluminum frame
- Built to Carry Cargo
- Unique design
- BATTERY – Shimano E8010, 504 Wh, removable
- SPEED – Up to 20 mph with pedal-assist
- MOTOR – Shimano STEPS E6100, 60 Nm torque
- TIRES – Schwalbe Big Ben Plus 20″ and 26″
- TOTAL CAPACITY – 300 lbs including rider, accessories, and cargo
- CARGO CAPACITY – 77 lbs with no more than 55 lbs on any one rack
Price – 3,799
Cake Makka Flex – Motorbike
The CAKE Makka Flex is a lightweight yet robust electric moped, designed for both city streets and outback adventures, while doubling as a Smart configuration platform for your everyday mobility needs.
One bike engineered for all commuter types and individual needs. A machine built to last, the fastest way in traffic and equipped with accessories of your choice.
- Light – Up to 54 km of range gets you where you need to be, while a total 70 kg of weight secures excellent, driving characteristics.
- Convenient – A wide array of accessories, including surf racks, topboxes, passenger and child seats can be mounted on the Makka.
- Powerful – The combination of a strong battery and feather light weight earns the Makka a unique power-to-weight ratio.
- Charging – 0-100% 3 hours
- Easily removable, can be charged when installed in bike or separately
- Smart charging system
- Integrated SoC indicator
- Intelligent battery management system with CAN for increased safety and performance optimization
- Top speed 45km/h / 30mph
- Range 54km / 34miles
- Street legal Yes
- License AM, B / Car, M1, M2
- Weight 70kg / 154lbs
- Peak power 2.8kW
- Voltage (nominal) 48V
- EBS – Electronic Braking System to regenerate the braking power into the battery and increase range
Price – 4,202
Veloretti Electric Ivy
With intelligent and innovative features, the Ivy is the silent force that helps you go the distance. Fitted with state-of-the art technology such as a powerful and silent mid-engine and easy automatic shifting.
An all-around electric bike with a minimalist design to give you the best electric biking experience possible.
Because the engine is directly connected to your pedals, it automatically adjusts its power to your torque instead of speed. This gives you the most natural electric biking experience there is.
- Removable battery. Recharge anytime anywhere
- Safe and sound. Hyperbolic lights
- Automatic shifting gears again
Pricing – 5000,499