Of all the electric bikes we reviewed in 2022, our overall favourite is the MiRiDER One
GB3, a funky-looking fold-in-half magnesium option with an integrated but removable
battery, mid-frame elastomer suspension, adjustable height handlebars and
seatpost, and three gears. This is a great all-round performer for shorter commutes
and leisure rides.
The three-speed Efneo GTRO gear unit is housed within the chain wheel body
and manages to get a planetary gear setup into a space only around 15mm deep and
with a diameter the same as a medium-sized chainring. It’s a miraculous piece of
engineering.
In terms of operation, you have a twist grip with three gear points to click between.
Simplicity itself. A cracking little rear hub motor provides the power.
The biggest bonus of not going down the derailleur path is that by maintaining a
single chain line MiRiDER has been able to fit a belt drive, meaning no oil to get on
clothes and no regular maintenance.
Over moderately hilly terrain we got over 35 miles from the small 252Wh battery
when ridden mainly in the lower power levels and without using the throttle to give a
power boost up the steeper sections. This meant a decent amount of moderate
exercise, but the small Bafang motor certainly took the sting out of the climbs and
on the flat and downhill it proved a very nice bike to ride with the power turned off.
It's possible to get such impressive mileage because even at the lowest assistance
level the power keeps on coming right up to the assist cut-out limit of around 16mph.
This means you can ride it with just a small amount of assistance if conditions are
fairly benign, rather than having to dial up the power levels to get more speed.
Despite its appearance as a fun and funky folder, the GB3 is a very nice bike to ride if
you want a workout too, with just enough assistance to make the exercise a pleasure
rather than a pain.
The subtleties of the MiRiDER control system mean it's not only an efficient e-bike if
ridden in the lower power levels but a very bike-like one too, where the electric assist
blends nicely with your leg power.
The gears also help you get the most out of the system. In third you can push the
GB3 along unassisted at about 20mph; second is fine for most hills; and first means
the bike can climb just about anything you put in front of it.
The Gemma hydraulic disc brakes are smooth and powerful, superior in stopping
power to just about all other brakes we've tried on 16in-wheeled e-bikes.
The all-new full-colour LCD is crisp and clear and pretty legible even in sunlight. It
doesn't overwhelm you with information but provides helpful standard metrics like
average and max speeds.
The GB3 undercuts a lot of the competition in terms of price. Add on the two-year
guarantee and the UK factory and dealer network and it’s clear that MiRiDER has
come up with a winner.
Why it wins Impressive hill climbing and impressive range make this a great allround performer for shorter commutes and leisure rides
Buy now for £2,495 from MiRiDER(link is external
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