So I bit the bullet and bought a jumper.
Oh my, I was speechless when I first saw it in the flesh. It's incredible looking and the build quality is superb.
Neo Jumper - a set on Flickr
My initial impressions.
I've ridden a few e-bikes. This is like NOTHING i've ever ridden before. I mean I expected it to be good, but this bike far exceeded my expectations. The power is instant once you apply the smallest amount of force to the pedals. It's so quick to accelerate it actually scared me when I first did. I reached 30kmph with ease and extremely quickly, and I wasn't even trying to. To be honest I didn't notice the power cut out at 27kmph, but I was probably to excited to realise if it did. The motor is a little tiny bit loud once it's going at a good speed, but its not even that noticeable (I was actually trying to hear something).
Went to the steepest hill in my area to test it's hill climb. This bike does not know what hills are. Its ridiculously stupidly torquey. It pedalled as if I was on a flat. Seriously, I don't see any AUSTRALIAN (Yes we're very limited in what we have down under unfortunately) ebike on the comparing to this bikes torque, unless you're on a stealth. I thought the eZee bikes torque was great, and it is. But the Neo is on another level.
The build quality is bloody beautiful. You can instantly tell it's a high quality bike made in Europe.
I simply can not believe how light it is for what it is. It's quick to maneuver and lift due to its light weight compared to other ebikes.
The LCD screen is bright and provides great feedback and it's all digital. Speed, km ridden, battery indicator, assist level (5 levels including no assist), and regenerative braking (don't know how effective this is, if at all – haven't had the chance to test it). Removing the LCD from it's quick release disables the bikes electronics completely. I love how everything is packaged so well in this bike. No need for any aftermarket electronics etc.
The battery is secured tightly, however easy to remove once unlocked with the key. The battery must be removed to be charged. I think it's a brilliant design.
The brakes are pretty damn good. Applying the brakes will cut out the motor. I recommend having the brakes applied at lights, as a light touch of the pedals at traffic lights will launch you.
Interestingly enough. Just got 48kmph on a flat road peddling hard. The motor definitely didn't cut out. I could feel it still assisting. Very very interesting. Thought it would completely cut out at 27kmph.
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3785/maxspeed.jpg
My criticisms if any.
The bike obviously has no kick stand as its a full mountain bike (most proper mtb don't come with kickstands). One can not be fitted at my lbs as the arms are too fat and one of the arms is a pivot joint. Not a big deal for me, you can just rest it on whatever. Might be a deal for you, and if it is, I wouldn't be buying a full suspension MTB. Other bikes in the Neo range have a kick stand.
It has no electric front light or rear light. Not a big deal for me, as I can buy one if I commute at night, or just leave it as it is.
I'm told I'm the first one in Australia with the Neo Jumper, so hopefully this short review and that to come will help peoples buying decisions on the new Neo Emotion range.
A proper youtube review will be posted over the next few days once I've had the chance to ride it some more.