Propella 9S Pro V2 Spec Review 2024

Test report on the Propella 9S Pro V2: Technical data and functions

frame and fork

The frame and fork are made of 6000 series aluminum. This is another way Propella helps keep the weight of the 9S Pro V2 down. While aluminum frames are the rule rather than the exception in this price range, we often see a suspension fork and in this price range a steel spring fork adds weight to the e-bike.

Propella produces the 9S Pro V2 with both a traditional frame and a step-through version. When we see two different frame designs, the size often doesn’t change, but with the Propella 9S Pro V2 the traditional frame has a 60cm top tube, while the step-through frame has a 58.5cm top tube, making it accessible for smaller ones too Driver suitable, as it should be.

Motor and battery

Propella has chosen a 350W geared brushless hub motor that produces a maximum power of 500W and a torque of 40Nm. In absolute terms it is a rather modest hub motor, but that doesn’t hurt this e-bike for several reasons.

First, as mentioned, this e-bike only weighs 43.5 pounds, so a smaller motor can make a bigger impact than if it were mounted on an e-bike that weighs 70 pounds. Secondly, it is a Class 1 e-bike, meaning it has a maximum assist speed of 20 miles per hour and no throttle. A Class 2 e-bike must be able to accelerate to cruising speed without assistance from the rider when operating the throttle. This is not a problem with the Propella 9S Pro V2 as it lacks a throttle. And then there is the torque sensor.

A 350Wh battery also seems small, but battery performance cannot be judged alone. To understand how much range a battery could provide, we need to know how powerful the engine is. Our rule of thumb for an acceptable or even respectable range of an e-bike is a ratio of motor power to battery capacity of 1:1, which is what we see here with the Propella 9S Pro V2’s 350 Wh battery. Propella estimates the e-bike will give riders a range of up to 55 miles. Range per charge.

A torque sensor makes the engine more responsive. As soon as the driver pedals, the engine switches on; There is no delay like with a cadence sensor. The presence of the torque sensor means that the operation of the motor is seamless with the rider’s pedaling movement, i.e. the harder the rider pedals, the higher the power of the motor and vice versa.

Components

E-bikes that cost less than $2,000 – and by that we mean even those that retail for $1,999 – rarely come with a 9-speed drivetrain. This is the hallmark of a more expensive e-bike. The rear derailleur and cassette come from a relatively new (they were introduced more than a year ago) parts group from Shimano called Cues. It features an 11-36T cassette that gives the rider a wider gear range with smaller increments between gears.

Shimano’s cues parts are specifically made for the stresses of e-bikes, where the additional torque of an electric motor can cause rapid wear on drivetrain components. Cues are said to shift smoother and last longer than Shimano’s Tourney, Altus and Acera groups.

Propella also opted for hydraulic disc brakes on the 9S Pro V2. The brakes are equipped with 180mm discs to provide sufficient stopping power.

Zoom’s aluminum handlebars have a certain amount of elevation so that the rider can sit more upright and look around better while riding. And they include an adjustable stem that allows the rider to adjust the e-bike to their comfort level.

First test report on the Propella 9S Pro V2 from EBR:

The difference between an e-bike with a cadence sensor and one with a torque sensor is significant. There is no other component that can do more to change the fundamental personality of an e-bike than replacing an inexpensive cadence sensor with a more expensive and sophisticated torque sensor. That doesn’t automatically make a torque sensor better, but it is a noticeable difference.

For the rider who wants a motor to assist but doesn’t want to be constantly reminded that a motor is assisting them, an e-bike with a torque sensor is the right choice. Cadence sensors cause the motor to operate more independently, turning on and off a second or two after the rider starts and stops pedaling. For this reason, cadence sensor e-bikes tend to feel more impressive with a larger motor. With a torque sensor, the operation of the motor seamlessly merges with the rider’s pedaling, making the rider feel more like a superhero.

For some drivers, a torque sensor may not be the right solution. Because in order to reach the top speed, the driver has to really work hard. An e-bike like the Propella 9S Pro V2 doesn’t reach top speed without some pedaling, whereas a cadence sensor only measures whether the pedals are turning or not. For riders who want some activity and no workout, an e-bike with a cadence sensor may be a more appropriate choice.

The Propella 9S Pro V2 is an impressive e-bike and proof that prices are coming down as new technologies come onto the market. A year ago, an e-bike for less than $2,000 equipped with a torque sensor and a 9-speed drivetrain was unthinkable. Now it’s downright affordable. And given the way many of these direct-to-consumer companies discount their e-bikes (especially in the winter), the Propella 9S Pro V2 will feel like insider trading every time it’s sold. We can’t wait to give this e-bike a full test. we are so impressed.