As a motorcycle rider, I've always had a soft spot for e-bikes that have moto stylings. Unfortunately, there are few that I've actually liked once I got to ride them. This style of e-bike is often called a "minibike", and (as the name might suggest) they tend to be compact, so my lanky 6'3" (190cm) frame doesn't fit well on them. On top of that, many manufacturers make some puzzling design decisions, suggesting they don't understand their audience well. I was excited to discover that when it comes to the Anza 750S from Monday Motorbikes, nothing could be further from the truth!
The Anza 750S is a Cafe Racer styled electric bike, a great fit for large riders or for carrying a passenger
After installing the optional handlebar risers and scooting all the way back on the long banana seat, I feel great sitting on the Anza 750S. Even more surprising is that I still feel great pedaling it! Often on this style of e-bike the seating position is so cramped that pedaling is quite uncomfortable, but that's not the case here. The handlebar style also helps out; it's halfway between a brat and a cruiser bar, providing just the right blend of sportiness and comfort.
The rugged frame is built out of T6 aluminum alloy, rocking an extra-sturdy triple-clamp front fork complete with bump stops to protect the frame. The removable battery is also hidden under an aluminum alloy cover, cleverly designed to look like a motorcycle gas tank. That does mean it takes an extra step to remove that battery for charging, but that's well worth how good the Anza 750S looks with it.
A simple pedaling drivetrain is the perfect complement to raw power and moto vibes
Torque sensors are all the rage right now, but (as I've said before) they are NOT a good choice for minibike-style e-bikes. Torque sensors require you to put high pressure on the pedals to get full motor power, and (unless you're very short) the cramped pedaling position of these compact bikes means that your knees will start hurting in short order. Fortunately, the Anza 750S is equipped with a high-resolution cadence sensor, which allows you to pedal with light or moderate pressure and still get full power from the motor. You can of course, adjust the level of assist using the display control pad.
This style of e-bike also doesn't need a derailleur and a bunch of gears to shift through. Think about it; no one who buys the Anza is looking for the "traditional bicycle" experience. People considering an e-bike like this probably either already own a motorcycle, or wish they did, and they're in it for that magical "cruising on a powerful two-wheeler" experience. The throttle is the main attraction, the pedaling is just a side show.
To that end, the Anza 750S is equipped with a single-speed drivetrain. The only thing I would change is a slightly smaller cog in the rear, so that you could pedal it all the way up to the max speed of 28mph; as it stands, by 22mph your feet are cycling too fast, and you have to use only the throttle after that. I'd rather optimize the pedaling for the high end since you can always use the throttle off the line if you need some extra oomf... but this is a small nitpick, and you could very cheaply make this upgrade yourself.
Powerful electronics for speedy cruising!
The Anza 750S is rocking a 750-watt rear hub motor, and this thing is zippy! Almost as important as the motor is the controller, and while Monday Motorbikes doesn't specify any controller specs it must be at least 25amp or higher. When you're in assist level 3 you get satisfying acceleration off the line, easily reaching 28mph on just the throttle.
I appreciate the simplicity of using the display, which has three power levels to choose from. Levels one and two limit the output of the motor, and the top speed to 15mph and 20mph respectively. Level three has no restrictions and the rapid acceleration can be startling if you aren't prepared!
