Riverside 520

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Introducing the Riverside 520 E, a sleek electric hybrid that's equally at home weaving through city streets in the week as it is exploring winding country lanes at the weekend. With its potent pedal assistance, responsive handling, and thoughtful design touches, this e-bike is sure to put a grin on your face from the moment you jump on it.

Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for a zippy commuter or a newcomer to the world of cycle commuting, the Riverside 520 E delivers an exhilarating experience that will leave you eager for more saddle time.

The Joy of Electric Assistance

At the heart of the Riverside 520 E is a punchy 36V brushless rear hub motor, designed to give your legs a welcome boost. With a maximum torque of 42 Nm this little gem amplifies your efforts and will make molehills out of even the biggest mountains. The torque sensor ensures the assistance feels natural and intuitive meaning the harder you pedal the more the motor kicks in to help. 

You've got the choice from three assistance modes via the handlebar-mounted LCD screen to dial in the perfect level of support for your ride, allowing you to fine tune your choice between speed and duration:

• Mode 1: A gentle nudge for a leisurely cruise, with a range of around 100 km under normal conditions.
• Mode 2: A moderate boost to help you conquer hills and headwinds, delivering about 90 km of assisted riding.
• Mode 3: Max power for the steepest climbs when you need an extra kick. Range varies based on rider weight, terrain, and temperature.

Powering this electric marvel is a beefy 36V 15Ah (500 Wh) lithium-ion battery, featuring top-notch LG or Samsung cells... no dodgy no name brands here. With a secure locking system and vibration-resistant design, the 3.15 kg battery stays firmly in place as you ride.

When its time to recharge you can easily remove the battery for charging off the bike, or plug it in while it's still mounted – the choice is yours! We recommend topping up after each ride to ensure you're always ready to roll, and if you can remove the battery and charge it up when you get to work, even better!!

Smooth Shifting Gears

The Riverside 520 E's 8-speed Microshift drivetrain offers a wide range of gears to tackle any terrain, from flat urban streets to rolling rural roads. The single 36T chainring keeps things simple up front, while the 11-34T cassette provides ample options for spinning up slopes or cruising along at speed. Responsive Microshift TS 39 shifters at your fingertips make it easy to click through the gears and find your perfect cadence.

An anti-derailment chain guard helps keep your chain in check, even when the road gets rough and with the KMC Z7 chain's quick-release link, maintenance is a breeze, if you ever have to take the chain off you'll know there's no more wrestling with stubborn pins.

Confidence Inspiring Tektro Hydraulic Discs

When it's time to rein in your speed, the Riverside 520 E's Tektro TKD hydraulic disc brakes are up to the task, with 160 mm rotors front and rear these stoppers provide progressive easily controlled braking power in all conditions. Unlike cable-actuated brakes, hydraulic systems offer consistent performance and a more connected feel at the levers, so you can ride with confidence knowing you've got plenty of stopping power at your disposal when you need it. The ergonomic aluminium brake levers are comfortable to use too, with a light action that won't tire your fingers out on longer rides. And because hydraulic brakes self-adjust for pad wear, you'll spend less time faffing with cable tension and more time chilling out and enjoying the ride.

That's not all that's ergonomic either - the Riverside 520 E's carefully considered cockpit enhances both comfort and handling, with an aluminium riser bar that puts you in a slightly elevated heads-up position that's perfect for looking all around you on busy city streets or taking in the scenery on country lanes. Narrower 620 mm bars on the S and M frames provide nimble handling, while the wider 660 mm versions on L and XL sizes offer more leverage for larger riders.

B'Twin's ergonomic grips feature a contoured shape that fits your hands like a glove, reducing pressure points and numbness on longer rides. The 1 1/8" aluminium stem keeps the front end stiff and responsive, with spacers that allow you to fine-tune your handlebar height for comfort. And with an easy-to-read LCD screen displaying key data like speed, distance, battery level, and assistance mode, you'll always know how your Riverside is performing at a glance.

Lightweight Btwin Frame

At the core of the Riverside 520 E is a robust yet lightweight 6061 aluminium frame, engineered to balance comfort, efficiency, and versatility. The step-through design makes it easy to hop on and off while still providing ample stand-over clearance for confident riding. Mounts for a rear rack, mudguards, and a water bottle cage (on M, L, and XL sizes) expand the Riverside's carrying capacity and all-weather capability. Whether you're hauling the weekly shop, commuting to work, or setting off on a weekend bikepacking adventure, this frame is ready for the job. And not only that but internal cable routing keeps it's smooth lines looking clean and tidy, protecting your wires and hoses from the elements.

Surefooted Traction

Wrapping the Riverside 520 E's sturdy aluminium wheels are CST Tirent hybrid tyres, designed to provide a confident grip across a variety of road surfaces. The 700 x 40c size hits the sweet spot between fast-rolling efficiency and cushioning comfort, while the puncture-resistant casing helps ward off flats. Reflective sidewall stripes enhance your visibility in low-light conditions, making these tyres a smart choice for commuting and all-day adventures alike.

Brilliant Illumination to See & Be Seen

With the inclusion of a powerful built-in lighting system, the Riverside 520 E ensures you can see and be seen, day or night. The 20 lux LED headlight casts a broad, bright beam to illuminate the road ahead, while the rear light mounted beneath the saddle makes you more visible to drivers and other cyclists. Both lights run off the bike's main battery, so you dont need to worry about replacing batteries or recharging separate units. Not only that but the lights are conveniently controlled via the LCD screen on the handlebars, so you can switch them on or off without taking your hands off the grips. It's these small but thoughtful touches that make a big difference when you're riding the Riverside 520

Riverside 520 Tech Specs

Reviews:

After running this bike through our evaluation process we've come away thoroughly impressed with the Riverside 520 E. It's safe to say tha this electric hybrid delivers the perfect blend of power, comfort, and versatility, making it a top choice for commuters and recreational riders alike.

One of the standout features is obviously the bike's electric assist system with the rear hub motor providing smooth, seamless support that feels natural and unobtrusive, while the torque sensor ensures the power delivery is always in sync with your pedalling. Whether you're accelerating from a stop or climbing a steep hill, the assistance is there when you need it, but never overpowering like some other models at this price point.

We also appreciate the Riverside's well-rounded component spec. The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain offers a wide range of gears for tackling varied terrain, while the hydraulic disc brakes provide confident stopping power in all weather conditions. The CST Tirent tyres strike a nice balance between fast-rolling efficiency and all-surface traction, making the bike feel stable and surefooted on everything from smooth tarmac to gravel paths.

Rider comfort is another area where we think the Riverside shines. The upright geometry and swept-back handlebars will put you in a relaxed, heads-up position that's perfect for rolling through city streets or taking in the scenery on longer rides. The ergonomic grips and well-padded saddle help ward off hand and sit bone fatigue, while the suspension fork takes the edge off rough roads and potholes.

If we had to nitpick, we'd love to see the Riverside offer a bit more tyre clearance for running wider rubber. The stock 700x40c tyres are great for most applications, but the ability to fit 45mm or even 50mm treads would expand the bike's off-road capabilities for riders who like to venture onto dirt and gravel roads, but this will be a minor quibble for most riders.

So for the vast majority of riders, the Riverside 520 E is a fantastically capable and well-rounded machine. It's a bike that encourages you to ride more often, and have more fun doing it. Whether you're an old hand looking for a pedal assist commuter or a newcomer to the world of electric bikes, the Riverside is sure to put a smile on your face and save you a few quid in the process.