It is useless to deny it, electric bikes have become one of the most popular means of transport in the city. Not only thanks to the changes to the highway code, which in fact governed its use, but also due to the numerous government incentives. In any case, electric bikes have now entered the daily life of many, whether as a hobby, or even to reach the workplace. Today we try the ADO A20F, where the “f”, of course, stands for “Fat”. Here's what we think of this full size folding bike that we anticipate is for sale at this address at 824 euros thanks to the discount code 3HQ4MD4OCSJB .
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ADO is not a new brand in the world of electric bikes, and indeed this A20F is the natural evolution of the previous A20 model, from which it essentially inherits the frame, but to which it adds a pair of 20 × 4 tires , hence the nickname of Fat.
How does it get home
The electric bicycle in question arrives at home in a cardboard box that is not excessive in size. It will not be a problem to receive it directly at home, even if you live in an apartment building. This is because, despite its tonnage, ADO A20F is completely foldable, and can take up very little when completely closed. Roughly, consider that you will need a space of 98x45x77 cm to house it . Naturally, the dimensions become significantly larger when it is to be used, because when fully open it occupies a space of approximately 174x53x120 cm .
When you open the package, however, you will find a bicycle almost ready for use. It will be sufficient to remove the numerous adhesive tape present and the rubber harnesses, before opening it completely. Once this is done, you will have to put the saddle and the handlebars in position and screw the pedals. You are ready to go.
Before getting out on the road, check the tire pressures. In our case we did not find any error in the pressure of each wheel.
How it is done
The ADO A20F offers a sturdy aluminum alloy frame, which in our case is entirely black, with the logo details in white. There is also the completely white model, with black inserts. Beyond the choice of color, of course, the two bikes are essentially identical. It has a total weight of about 30 kg which, although completely foldable, makes it difficult to carry by hand. In short, it is not a bike that can be carried “arm in arm”, but the possibility of folding it makes it transportable, for example, in the trunk of a car. Provided, of course, that it is very large. This is because, even when folded, you will have to deal, first of all, with the big tires, which still make it bulky.
Motor
The ADO A20F offers a 350 W motor, naturally brushless. Pardon, 500 W. Let's explain well. To meet European regulations, there is a version of the bike in question called C1, that is the one destined for the European market. Alongside it is the standard version, intended for the US market with 500 W motor .
In reality, the two versions are identical in all respects. The limitation can be “overridden” through some settings in the secret menu of the on-board computer, which can actually increase the speed of the bicycle.
It should be noted that according to the regulations in force in Italy, the bicycle cannot exceed the speed of 25 km / h, and must always be “powered” by human strength. And then, in order for this bike to be able to circulate on the public road, it must be set to Mode 1, which is the only one with pedal assistance, and which blocks the thrust of the engine as soon as the maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour is reached.
Among the technical specifications, the engine is assisted by the ADO G-Drive technology , which automatically manages the delivery of torque and power, adapting it to the various uses and road surfaces.
Beyond the data on the card, read on to find out how it goes on the road.
Frame
The frame, in its forms, is really simple and minimal, it seems of excellent workmanship, at least as regards strength, while some small burrs are not lacking in the welds that join the different pieces. Not that they are not robust, on the contrary, they are very resistant and firm, so much so that the bicycle does not offer any creaking during the ride, but aesthetically they are not too clean.
On the rear stands a design with two much thicker bars , which join the rear wheel. Aesthetically, we liked the choice, but also on a structural level it gives the bicycle extreme strength and solidity. Fortunately, we add, since the rear is absolutely not cushioned, not even under the seat. It is a pity, even if to be honest, thanks to the very wide and bulky tires, we did not suffer from stress during the march, even on not quite bumpy roads.
Tires
Tires are one of the main features of this bike. Those who choose ADO A20F will probably do so because they are also driven by the tires. These are wheels with a diameter of 20 inches and a thickness of 4 inches . They are huge, sturdy and also give the sight a sense of “power”. And in fact, these wheels are practically suitable for any type of road surface. Of course they are also good for the city and the roads that tend to be asphalted, but the extra gear, compared to the classic wheels of a non-fat bike, is noticeable above all on dirt roads, bumpy road surfaces, on gravel, and even on sand.
Thanks to these tires, as already mentioned, we can forgive the absence of a rear shock absorber system.
Shimano gear
The gearbox is entrusted to Shimano , which as usual is always ready and reliable. It is a 7-speed transmission , which offers quick and almost always painless shifting, without any particular problems. With the classic lever you proceed to engage the most agile gear, while the button allows you to engage a higher gear able to assist the rider when riding at higher speeds. Out of the box, the gearbox was ready and well adjusted.
Brakes
Braking is entrusted to two mechanical disc brakes, with double 160 mm mounted rotor with 6-hole attachment . We cannot complain too much about the braking system, which all in all works and is safe, whatever the speed. Of course, an electric bike of this size would have benefited more from a hydraulic braking system. Not bad, however, because the choice of the manufacturer serves to contain the price and, therefore, it seems acceptable and justifiable.
On-board computer
ADO A20F is equipped with a S866 on-board computer, with LCD screen . It immediately provides key gear data, such as the current speed and battery status, but the secret menu actually offers many other options. For this, we did not like the complete absence of detailed instructions on the matter. It is true that many of the secret functions present must not be changed at all, but it is equally true that a detailed explanation of all the functions would allow the rider to set some important functions of the display in total safety.
A complete manual for this on-board computer can be found online, but it seemed strange to us not to find it in the box. For example, it is important to note how the ADO A20F has a Cruise Control system, which allows you to maintain a constant speed without the need to do anything else, being able to then disable it by braking, a bit like it happens with cars.
However, it is a function that needs to be enabled, and without a specific manual it is difficult, with the risk of modifying other parameters which, on the other hand, must be left by default. Furthermore, through the secret menu it is possible to set the brightness of the display, as well as enable some functions, however, that do not comply with our highway code, such as the start of the engine when stationary, or the maximum speed up to 50 km / h.
How it goes on the road
Of the technicians on the engine it has been said, but how is this bicycle going on the road? The thrust of the motor in the pedal assist mode is probably not the most intense you can get from a fat electric bike. Nevertheless, under normal conditions of use, the motor can easily bring the rider to a speed of over 20 km / h, without any effort.
You can help yourself with the gearbox to better deal with the road surface and climbs, but in general, the thrust that the engine will be able to offer you will allow you to reach 22 – 23 km / h without any effort . To get to the 25 actually promised in assisted pedaling, you will have to start pushing on the pedals slightly. Nothing prevents you from going further by engaging a higher gear, and exceeding 25 km / h with only the strength of the legs.
Different speech if you choose to enable modes 2 and 3, ie the fully electric ones. Let's start by saying that it is not possible to circulate on public roads in these ways, which therefore can only be enabled in private contexts. In this case, the engine is able to take you to significantly higher speeds, especially if the full power of the engine is unlocked via the secret menu. We decided not to try this mode on the road at all, but for information, only doing a “laboratory test”, we tried to give gas while stationary, keeping the rear wheel raised: in this case the on-board computer touched 50 km / h.
As for the G-Drive technology that the bike enjoys, and which in theory serves to adapt the delivery of torque and power, we have not noticed any particular changes on the road to the general behavior of the bike, whatever the road surface is trodden. Probably, this is exactly what the ADO G-Drive system aims to achieve: by adapting power delivery, it will allow you to enjoy a constant and uniform journey, whatever the conditions of the asphalt.
ADO A20F allows you to “attack” even climbs, as long as obviously you do not overdo it with the slopes. We tried to climb actually prohibitive heights, with the result of having to push mainly muscles, helping us with the most agile walking possible.
Beyond extreme scenarios, however, walking on this ADO A20F is truly a pleasure. While driving there is no noise, no creaking or rustling. Let's imagine that among the main usage scenarios there is the city walk, or that many will use it to reach the workplace or reach friends. During these trips, the level of comfort will be absolutely appreciable.
Certainly, however, with a pair of tires like this, it will be difficult not to tackle secondary roads and off road, to take full advantage of the bike. Even in these more difficult scenarios the ADO A20F does not hold back at all, certainly allowing you to tackle more rugged routes without problems. It is clear that in these circumstances you will have to work a lot more with the body, and in some even more extreme situations it will be better to completely deactivate the pedal assistance, and go only with a muscular push. This, of course, when off road becomes even more challenging, while if you think of a walk on sand or gravel, A20F can be used normally, complete with pedal assistance.
Battery and Autonomy
The battery of the ADO A20F is a 36v at 10.4 Ah . In reality, even on paper, it didn't seem like a suitable decision for the weight and tonnage of this bike. This may be why the sensation of thrust in pedal assist mode was not so high.
As for autonomy, then, it is difficult to give estimates, because everything depends on the type of mantle that is covered, and on the way in which it is done. The estimates of the manufacturer, however, seem a bit too optimistic to us. In assisted pedaling mode , which is the only one that must be used on the road, it is possible to imagine easily exceeding 50 kilometers of travel, perhaps going towards 60 . If, on the other hand, you plan to tackle a route in completely electric mode (where allowed), it is difficult to imagine going beyond 30/35 kilometers , to unless the roads are completely flat or downhill.
Furthermore, for the complete recharge, plan to leave it connected to the socket for at least 6/8 hours .
Conclusions
ADO A20F is certainly a good Fat e-bike. Also suitable for the city, it will also allow you to tackle off road walks without having to worry too much about the type of road surface. It does not have a particularly high thrust, but the driving sensation is good, due to a high solidity, and performance still suitable in different scenarios. We imagine that it is also useful for reaching the workplace, or for the Sunday walk in a restricted traffic area.
It should also be noted that ADO offers an after-sales service up to 10 years, with the possibility of replacing the bicycle for malfunctions during the legal warranty period. Furthermore, the manufacturer ensures repairs and support from warehouses in Europe, therefore with rapid interventions.
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Price and availability
You can buy it at this address at 824 euros thanks to the discount code 3HQ4MD4OCSJB. It is available in black or white, and the shipping costs are free, and the seller ensures no customs duties.
At this address, however, you will find numerous ADO accessories to combine with the bike.
