Pegasus Solero EVO 7F Belt: The new all-rounder bike from the Cologne-based manufacturer comes well-equipped and comparatively inexpensive. It's worth a closer look if you're looking for solid components and have around €3.000 to spend.
Solid, reliable, low-maintenance? Anyone looking for a bike with these requirements will find a wide range of suitable models. Pretty much every manufacturer that offers e-bikes – and that's practically all the major bicycle producers these days, regardless of whether their roots are in the all-round segment or competitive cycling – has something in stock that falls into this category. So, the e-bike of choice doesn't necessarily have to bear a specific brand name, but is simply the one that's available at your local bike shop.
Pegasus Solero EVO 7F Belt: reliable Bosch motorization
And that's not a problem, especially since many e-bikes in this category offer very similar technology – for example, regarding the motor. The Bosch mid-drive motor, in its various versions, has become an absolute favorite with consumers, and since the drive system is particularly influential on the riding experience in the all-round segment, those who have had good experiences with a Bosch bike can expect something similar from corresponding models of other brands.
The Pegasus Solero EVO 7F Belt at a glance:
- EVP 2.999 Euro with 600 Wh battery
- 7-speed hub gear with freewheel
- Belt drive
- Bosch Performance Line (75 Nm)
- 800 Wh battery for an additional 300 euros
This comparability naturally draws attention to the price. Same drive system, similar features – the decision often falls on the model that costs less. And this is where the new Pegasus Solero EVO 7F Belt makes a strong impression: In the base version with a 600-watt-hour battery, which already guarantees a long range, it will cost only 2.999 The bike is offered for €100. While it's an anniversary model celebrating the 60th birthday of the ZEG bicycle purchasing cooperative, which owns the brand, it's not a limited edition or a time-limited offer. Rather, it could be seen as a sign of a shift in thinking within the bicycle industry: falling prices are also being observed elsewhere. And that's good news not only for those who don't have the option of leasing an e-bike and taking advantage of the financial benefits of rent-to-own.
Low-maintenance technology for everyday use
So what does Pegasus offer for this price? First and foremost, a great deal of low maintenance thanks to its internal hub gears and belt drive. With the EVO 7F Belt, there's no chain to clean or oil, and no protruding shifting components can get bent when putting it in the kickstand. While the seven gears of the Shimano gearbox are quite closely spaced and therefore more suited to a conventional bicycle, there's nothing preventing its use on an everyday e-bike – especially if you primarily ride on flat or hilly terrain.
Pegasus combines the hub gears with a variant of the Bosch drive system that convincingly delivers smooth and easily modulated power. The Bosch Performance Line motor provides a gentler surge of power, making it manageable even for e-bike beginners. Its torque is optimally matched to the demands of a geared drive system; easily modulated and powerful assistance is certainly not lacking on climbs. However, those who frequently encounter steep and/or long ascents should consider the sister model, the Solero EVO 10, which, at the same price, features a wide-range derailleur system and the significantly more powerful Bosch Performance Line PX motor.
Besides the Bosch system, the Pegasus has even more to offer. A special feature is the accessory adapter with a power connection, integrated into the Solero stem: This allows you to either attach your smartphone via the adapter or mount an additional display. The Bosch system on this bike includes the "Purion 200" display on the left side of the handlebars with integrated buttons. The smartphone solution allows you to use navigation functions and other features in addition to the compact Purion display, without draining your phone's battery.
Smartphone adapter with power supply
The bright headlight is also a notable feature, not always a given on a three-thousand-euro bike; the integrated rear light in the luggage rack is a nice touch. Instead of basic no-name tires, Pegasus has fitted high-quality Schwalbe Marathon GreenGuard Performance tires. Ultimately, the only potential drawback of the affordable price could be that Pegasus has opted for a steel spring fork instead of an air spring fork. However, given the solid overall performance offered by this anniversary model, this is easily overlooked.