ESKUTE Netuno PLUS ebike test - This is the best buy of 2024

ESKUTE Netuno PLUS category mates cost twice as much, unmissable.

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ESKUTE Netuno PLUS - Introduction

The Chinese manufacturers (it is interesting that this bike is actually not Chinese, but assembled in Poland) are catching up with the Western manufacturers by leaps and bounds. Not because they couldn't produce bikes like them until now, but because they typically made cheaper machines, and these didn't even come close to the big-name competitors in terms of knowledge. True, it was only half or a third of the price.

However, last year the change started. Even then, I came across a bike with a torque sensor. I came across one that had a ribbed belt instead of a chain. The hydraulic telescope appeared on more and more bicycles instead of the old spring solutions. I ran into hydraulic brakes more and more. So something started.

At the beginning of last year, a 750-watt, but surprisingly cheap power plant was a hit, but towards the end of the summer, a 250-watt, but extremely civilized machine equipped with hydraulic forks and hydraulic brakes was introduced. Then I looked into my crystal ball and said: Yes, this is the pinnacle of pedal-sensing, rear hub-motor bikes, there's no going back from here, 2024 will be the year of the torque sensor!

It was a bold statement, since the price of torque-sensing two-wheelers was still in the sky, even Chinese manufacturers were asking twice as much for them as for traditional, pedal-sensing solutions.

Now, however, who dares to say that although we haven't received a crazy amount of bikes with torque sensors yet, the breakthrough has taken place, as the ESKUTE Netuno plus has arrived, for example, which with a torque sensor and hydraulic shock absorption costs well under HUF 300.

This is the cycling revolution, and the Eskute Netuno Plus is one of the first swallows. Of course I had to check it out!

Eskute Netuno Plus - Specification

eskute netuno review

Before describing the actual test and experiences, I always start with the factory data, because there is usually "some" discrepancy between the paper form and the actual facts. Unfortunately, it is usually in favor of the paper form, that is, the manufacturers like to present the product as too beautiful, too good. I'll kill the joke now, the Eskute Netuno Plus performed brilliantly in this field, which means that we'll pretty much get what we were promised!

Well, let's see what they promised!

The Eskute Netuno Plus is a full-fledged mountain bike with 27,5" (2,1" wide) wheels, at least according to the brochure. The net weight of the bike is 27 kilograms, and its load capacity is 125 kilograms. The frame is of course made of aluminum. According to the data sheet, the height of the ideal traveler (that is, the height of the cyclist) is between 160 and 190 centimeters.

eskute netuno plus etrekking bike

The wheels are fitted with Kenda tires, which can be said to be very good among Chinese manufacturers, namely the K1027 type. In my opinion, these do not need to be replaced for a while, so we can award a red point for this!

The front and rear wheels are slowed down by mechanical disc brakes, the gearbox is 7-speed Shimano, although the usual bottom-shelf Tourney design. There is only one sprocket at the pedal, which means that we actually have 7 gears at our disposal.

eskute netuno plus emountain bike

Regarding the chassis, it should definitely be mentioned (I already mentioned above) that the front telescope is hydraulic. But that's not all, as the shock absorber can also be locked and the tension can be infinitely adjusted. In other words, the suspension can be closed on asphalt, and on the road it can be softened or hardened depending on the quality of the road.

inch kenda tire

There will also be a real delicacy in terms of the drive chain and the electrical system. The system is 36 volt, the battery capacity is 14,5 Ah, which can be charged in 42-3 hours with the 7 volt, 8 amp charger. This doesn't seem like much, but the test will reveal why. In addition to the battery, the engine is another important component, and this bike doesn't have just any engine!

If you're somewhat familiar with electric bikes, you know that Bafang's name rings a bell when it comes to propulsion. They make great structures, in our case this structure is a rear hub motor that has 250 watts and a maximum torque of 65 Nm.

According to the factory data, the range available in battery assisted mode is 55-65 kilometers (I will elaborate on this further), and the assistance works up to a speed of 25 km/h. There are 5 levels of strength.

Then now comes the most interesting and important ability, torque sensor operation. Because the Eskute Netuno Plus has a torque sensor, we can forget about the disadvantages of pedal sensor operation. I tried to briefly summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies, as well as how they work:

The pedal sensor and torque sensor used in bicycles are two different technologies that help electric bicycles (e-bikes) work. Both serve the purpose of sensing the cyclist's rotation and controlling the power of the electric motor based on that, but they work in different ways and offer different advantages and disadvantages.
Pedal sensor
The pedal sensor, also known as PAS (Pedal Assist Sensor), is one of the simplest and most common methods in e-bikes. This sensor detects the rotation of the pedals and sends information to the electric motor controller about whether the cyclist is pedaling or not. It is usually a magnetic sensor that is located near the pedals and measures the maximum speed of rotation.
The advantage of the pedal sensor is that it is a simple and cost-effective solution. It is easy to install and maintain, and provides enough comfort and efficiency for most e-bike users. The disadvantage is that it does not detect the force exerted by the cyclist, only the rotation of the pedals. For this reason, the assistance does not always harmonize perfectly with the needs of the cyclist, especially when traveling slowly, on steep climbs or in situations that require a greater effort.
Torque sensor
The torque sensor is a more advanced technology that regulates the performance of the electric motor based on the detected torque, i.e. the force exerted on the pedals. This sensor is located in the bottom bracket or the drivetrain and measures exactly how much force the cyclist is applying to the pedals. Thanks to this information, the torque sensor system can regulate the electric assistance much more finely and precisely, which provides a more natural and smooth cycling experience.
The advantage of the torque sensor is that it detects the intensity of pedaling and adjusts the power of the electric motor accordingly. As a result, the assistance is much more adapted to the cyclist's efforts, which is especially useful on climbs and more intense cycling. Such a system is also generally more energy efficient, because it only provides assistance when it is really needed and only as much as is really necessary. The downside is that it is a more complicated and expensive technology that is more difficult to install and maintain.
Comparison of pedal sensor and torque sensor
Accuracy and sensitivity:
Pedal sensor: Less accurate as it only detects the rotation of the pedals, not the force.
Torque sensor: Very accurate as it measures the force exerted and adjusts the assistance accordingly.
User experience:
Pedal sensor: It provides less natural assistance, especially with higher loads.
Torque sensor: Provides a more natural and smooth cycling experience.
Cost:
Pedal sensor: Cheaper and simpler technology.
Torque sensor: More expensive and more complicated technology.
Installation and maintenance:
Pedal sensor: Easier to install and maintain.
Torque sensor: Requires more complex installation and maintenance.
Energy efficiency:
Pedal sensor: Less energy efficient, as it does not always optimally control the assistance.
Torque sensor: More energy efficient, as it provides assistance exactly to the required extent.
The choice between a pedal sensor and a torque sensor largely depends on the cyclist's needs and budget. Pedal-sensing systems can be a good choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use e-bike, while torque-sensing systems are ideal for those looking for a higher level of accuracy and a more natural cycling experience.

However, this last paragraph can be strongly bracketed because of the Eskute Netuno Plus, since this bike was able to combine the torque-sensing operation with the pedal-sensing price. Under such conditions, who needs the pedal sensor from now on? The question is poetic, I think everyone knows the answer!

There are other interesting things about the Eskute Netuno Plus, but let's start with the less interesting things. One of them is the lighting, which according to Chinese custom consists of only one front light, you have to buy the rear lighting because it was not included in the price. The other is the display, which is quite silly, it doesn't have any buttons, but it has a USB Type-C connector, which you can use to charge your phone on the go.

Another shortcoming is that the (surprisingly low) price didn't include the mudguard, neither front nor back, and don't get your hopes up for a trunk!

The good news, however, is that the Eskute Netuno Plus has a Bluetooth interface, so of course there is also a mobile application that can make you forget about the stupid display.

Specification summary:

The equipment is not something steely, but knowing how much they ask for the bike, I can forgive that, because we get a lot of great things!
So we get a very well adjustable hydraulic shock absorption, we get a Bafang motor, we get a torque sensor design, we get Bluetooth and an application. This is an almost high-end package, essentially only the hydraulic brake is missing, but it can be replaced, a complete brake set with discs from China, with everything approx. HUF 30, that's why I'm not leaning on my sword.

Eskute Netuno Plus - Experiences

External

The shape of the Eskute Netuno Plus resembles a traditional bicycle, not forgetting, of course, that there is a battery hidden in the frame. This solution is safer and more beautiful than the external battery structure, here the control and all electronic components are located in the frame, in a safe place.

It is very positive and once again only reinforces the high-end feeling that the wiring, the brake bowden, everything is hidden, and the entry and exit of the cables is solved quite nicely. The battery hidden in the frame can of course be removed and can be charged in an apartment or office. It is not large in size and does not weigh much, so it is easy to carry.

Although there is no mudguard, the standard mounting points are there, which means that we can buy a lot of different solutions at home. In the same way, there is a grip point for the luggage rack, and even the holes for the water bottle holder are also there on the frame. So, we can equip the bike well for relatively little money. I would certainly do it, because I would expect long journeys.

Three more things about the exterior. One is that the rims look pretty darn good with the milled, shiny aluminum rim and lettering. The spokes sit deep, so what I have experienced on many Chinese bikes cannot happen, that the end of the spoke rubs the inside of the tire over time.

The second is that the height of the steering wheel is unfortunately not adjustable. At the same time, the ideal maximum body height of 190 centimeters given in the factory data may be true, I am 184, but I still have room to grow. Of course I won't.

The third is that we get metal pedals. People, little things like this make me melt. Finally, there is a plastic pedal in the set that is not crappy and slippery when wet!

Summarizing the appearance, the shape of the frame suits me, the rims look very good, the whole bike looks very well put together, right from the first moment. I can't connect to anything, maybe the only thing missing is the adjustment of the steering wheel height.

Anyway, this could be solved with an adjustable stud, if the factory stud was not integrated with the "instrument wall".

Use

Well, we come to the most important part, the experience, that is, what it was like to use the Eskute Netuno Plus.

I'll start with the worst, the seat. Obviously, we are not the same, maybe you will like the session, I really didn't like it. Specifically, it smashed my rear, I couldn't wait to get off it, if it were mine I would definitely change the seat.

What I liked was the shock absorption, which didn't become too soft even when fully released. I rode the bike quite a lot, used it even on rough terrain, so far the telescope seems good. It can be felt that it is not the most expensive piece, but so far there is zero rattling, it does not wobble, it does not want to fall apart. So, if you don't want to use it on the roughest rocky terrain, I think it will be perfectly fine. Oh, and I don't recommend going downhill either.

On the shock absorber, the manufacturer correctly indicates on a sticker that the product is not suitable for downhill, teasing and other more dangerous sports!

The torque sensor is good. I'm not saying that I haven't come across a piece that works better, but it's really good. The motor starts with a relatively small pedal movement, but not like with a pedal sensor. In other words, it does not happen that you move the pedal and the engine immediately starts pushing with maximum torque. Here you move the pedal, you feel the power of the engine, but not suddenly, not disturbingly.

It also works fine while driving, that is, the engine only works when you turn the pedal, and it only works with the force you turn the pedal. In other words, the drive is not only able to switch on and off, as in the case of the pedal sensor, but it is able to distribute the power dynamically, according to the power of the winding.

Of course, this is not surprising, a torque sensor should work like this, and it does in the case of the Eskute Netuno Plus!

Here I have to return to the issue of battery capacity and range. The fact is that if you drive on a flat road and you don't want to go as far as the pipe fits, then the 55-65 kilometers given in the factory data is not a lot, maybe even a little.

Understand this in the way that, for example, you turn on the power assist at a certain strength to start off, then when you reach, say, a speed of 20 km/h and there is no uphill, you can even turn it off. The Eskute Netuno Plus can be used perfectly well as a normal bicycle, even without assistance.

Of course, you can use the power assist, but even in this case, one gear is more than enough, and it's more than enough to shift up when the climb is coming. If you use it like this, turning it off, turning it on, and using the higher gears when going uphill, then the range described in the factory data can be plenty (I admit, I didn't have time to cover that much at once during the test). If you drive a lot on flat roads, and you really only use the engine as an aid when necessary, then of course you can do multiple times the factory range.

I can state with complete proof that the Eskute Netuno Plus uses the available energy by orders of magnitude more efficiently than any bicycle with pedal sensors. When it is switched on, it can not only operate at maximum torque, but also regulates the power of the motor, making the operation much, much more economical. This may also be the reason why a very long battery range can be achieved even with an effective small battery.

What I didn't like was the gear ratio. If it had been given a smaller sprocket for the pedal, or if the bike started with a bigger one at the back, then it would be perfect. In its factory condition, it is a bit difficult to start, even on some gears, especially if there is a slight uphill. Of course, this is not a crazy big problem, because the help is there, it won't be difficult to get started.

However, I don't think the transfer was perfect.

It is important to highlight two things. One, the more important in my opinion, is that the Eskute Netuno Plus is fully EU-compliant. There is no throttle, power assistance only works at the same time as the pedal is turned, power assistance turns off at a speed of 25 km/h, and the motor is 250 watts. With these capabilities, this bike is considered an electric assist bike, not a moped bike.

It is also important that the manufacturer indicates this conformity on a separate sticker, which contains all the information you need to be able to use it in any EU member state without fear of being punished by the police!

However, I found the plugged cable end in the cable whip, which is usually intended to facilitate the connection of the throttle solution. So I think that the Eskute Netuno Plus can also be converted to a gas lever, if the need arises.

I haven't written about the phone application yet.

Well, interestingly, although there was an Eskute Go App available on the Google Play Store for a while, it has disappeared. Instead, we can use the Smart Life app, which was also good for me because there was another smart home device under it, so I didn't have to install or configure it, it was enough to add the bike as a new device.

There are not too many interesting things in the application. We can adjust the brightness of the display, turn the light on and off, see the total distance covered, and lock the bike. What may be interesting is that there is an automatic lock and unlock function, that is, if you move away from the phone, it turns off, if you get close to it, it turns on.

To be honest, apart from the fact that it's cool, I don't really see the point of the function, because even though it closes, if someone goes there and turns it on with the power button, it works. So let's just say that this is a convenience, not a security feature, so it makes some sense.

For me, these simpler apps lack at least the possibility of tracking, that is, if we are hiking, we can record the route taken, the route, the speed, the distance. I think this should be the basis.

Okay, let's go back to what it was like to ride the Eskute Netuno Plus!

Well, it was good. Overall, I didn't find much fault. In the case of the Eskute Netuno Plus, unlike Chinese (Polish?) bikes, it was not necessary to adjust either the brake or the gear after assembly. It was not possible to shift wrongly with the gearbox, there was no clicking or rattling during the test. Of course, this still makes it a cheap Shimano, but it's still worth mentioning, because either I was very lucky, or this bike finally has some quality control between the end of the production process and the packaging.

Since unpacking, I have used it for a little more than 40 kilometers so far, so far even with the first charge, that is, I did not have to recharge it, only then, after unpacking, I filled it with energy.

The factory tires are a bit too bumpy for asphalt. It is far from unusable, but the fact is that these tires are more for off-road use. There isn't too much grip on asphalt, so be careful with the turns! I really like the pedals, they grip the soles of my shoes properly, my feet never once wanted to slip off.

What I feel is lacking is the brake. This could probably be improved with a slightly softer brake pad, but the final and best solution will be to get a hydraulic brake kit. True, due to the already mentioned hidden cabling, installing this at home will not be easy for everyone, but I don't think a mechanic will ask for a fortune if you take the machine there and ask him to assemble it.

I mentioned above that compared to the premium machines, at least according to the paper form, the only thing missing is the hydraulic brake. I have to add to this that the operation of the torque sensor shows that it is not a premium solution, but it is still miles better than any pedal sensor. In fact, the user experience cannot be compared, this is much, much better!

One more thing at the end, and this is the engine. Efficiency is difficult to measure in the case of a motor, and such a test does not reveal how durable the structure will be. However, I can confirm that the Bafang engine works extremely well. It starts nicely, delicately, softly, there is almost no sound at all. We can say that the name obliges, I hope that it will do its job for a long time.

Summary

Well, although I mentioned several times in the article only conditionally what I would change if the bike were mine, I will shoot the joke at the end. This bike is definitely mine. I had to try Eskute Netuno Plus, I had to know what it could do, so I wasn't at all sure that I would buy it for myself, but in the end I didn't have to think much about whether it should stay or go. Stay!

It would definitely get better over time. There would be, let's say next year, one in which the torque sensor would work even more delicately, but basically the Eskute Netuno Plus satisfies all my needs. I know I won't be using it much because of the many tests, but I've decided that this bike will be the one that will serve me for years to come.

I knew for sure that I was not buying a folding bike and that the winner would not be a FAT bike. I wanted something simple, something that fits on a normal car bike rack, something that is not too heavy, something that is comfortable, EU-compliant so that I can use it even abroad, something that won't let me down even if the battery accidentally runs out. Eskute Netuno Plus meets all these conditions.

It was also certain that, if possible, I would need electrical assistance, because unfortunately my knees are no longer what they were in their prime. So for people like me, who have slightly worn joints, assistance, especially assistance with torque sensors, is sometimes almost indispensable.

What I plan to change is replacing the seat, replacing the mudguards and possibly a luggage rack, and at some point (I think only after this season) the installation of the hydraulic brake. If I get past these, I'll have a torque sensor bike with a Bafang motor, hydraulic brakes and shock absorbers, a Bluetooth app, and the whole package will cost about the same as a regular bike from Decathlon. This is specifically a joke category!

I think you'd be wrong to skip this bike if you're thinking about electric drive. Of course, know that you are not buying a 2-3 million Harley-Davidson bike, but since it costs ten times as much, I don't think you expect people to turn around after you on the street if you are sitting in the saddle of the Eskute Netuno Plus!

ok, so at the end, all that is left is the data needed for the purchase! The Eskute Netuno Plus can of course be ordered from the Czech warehouse, and the price is BGc0f2b7 with coupon code HUF 262 (may vary depending on the dollar/forint exchange rate). Without any exaggeration, this is really this year's unmissable offer!

Purchase (black version, but don't buy that one. on the picture of which you read Cadence Sensor, it has a plain pedal sensor!) by clicking on the link below: