We tried - ADO A20F, beast electric bike
The ADO A20F is the manufacturer’s top predator, not just snarling when you need to bite as well.
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Introductory
Slowly, I can call myself an expert on ADO bikes. At the end of last year a purchased for own ADO Z20C after this year already I could try the city wagon, the ADO A20, and now I grabbed the company’s flagship ADO A20F for a test.
However, before we get to the test, it’s also worth saying a few words about the company.
ADO stands for “A Dece Oasis”, which in Hungarian means “Oasis in the Desert”. This oasis is not something imagined, the naming is the famous Chinese Crescent Lake, and the oasis around it was the naming.
Lake Crescent was located on the edge of the Gobi Desert, along the old Silk Road. Of course, it used to be, now it's only a quarter of an hour's drive to the nearest big city, but the lake and the oasis around it, the pagoda next to the lake, is still a wonderful sight.
Crescent Lake is a symbol of “green” and “challenge” as well as “inheritance” and “hope” for the Chinese people. It was the last green oasis before the old travelers embarked on the challenges of the desert.
The founders of ADO found these aspects, and of course the journey itself, to be appropriate for naming a company.
ADO is a young company, founded in 2020. According to the news, the founders are potential companies, which is also clear from the force with which they exploded into the market. Since its introduction last November, 3 new bicycles have been launched this year, and a complete European sales and service network has been set up. I will write about this at the end of the article.
The ADO Z20C I used and owned was therefore the manufacturer’s first bike. It’s good to know this, this article will often turn back to it because the ADO A20F to be introduced now is considered a direct descendant of the Z20C.
It could be said that the flaws of the otherwise amazingly good predecessor have been corrected, thus creating the top product of ADO. Let's see how it turned out!
Packing, assembly
It’s not worth wasting a word on the packaging, as it’s just a huge cardboard box that holds the folded monster of nearly 30 pounds. Included are a description, an assembly guide, a charger, a plastic pump, a phone holder, and an Allen key, nothing else.
Knowing last year’s package that went with the Z20C, you can already see the progress. It is a very fair, showy handbook with many illustrations. It looks like they gave it to me, but it fits. In addition to the description, there is also a short assembly guide, this one with lots of pictures to make everything easy to go. Last year there wasn’t even a phone holder and pump, that’s a plus.
However, the installation itself does not require any description, with a minimal technical vein.
We take off the protection during transport, cut off the quick bindings, fold the half-folded bike and it is already on its feet. I want to say on wheels. Then we put the handlebar in place, tighten the single Allen screw, and we won’t need a tool anymore.
We put the saddle in place with the saddle tube, adjust the handlebar tilt and height, seat height and we’re done. We can even hop on it, but check the brake, the lamp beforehand to make sure everything is fine. We can go!
External
As I promised, I’m going to turn back to the Z20C, and the time has come for that. At first glance, the A20F and Z20C look exactly the same. However, there are more or less changes, several of which are outright important.
The first is that the curved tube connecting the saddle tube and the middle part of the frame has changed. It’s not a simple tube, it’s not in place because of the bracing (although I don’t think it hurts either), but to lift the bike from here on out. It is in a good location, close to the center of gravity, so it is easiest to grab and lift here.
The other striking thing (though it doesn’t even puncture our eyes) is that the upper, above-wheel portion of the front fork has changed. On closer inspection, we can see that not only the connecting but also the complete front fork has become completely different. The bike is a bit, a few inches lower here, because the spring distance of the telescope has also become shorter.
Less spectacular changes include a change in the tube connecting the rear fork over the wheel and a change in the end of the rear fork.
The latter is suspected not insignificant because the A20F was visibly stronger here than the Z20C was. The material was thicker, more “meat” was left on it, the rims were also thicker, so the whole wheel support part became much more robust.
Small, but probably more significant changes are also indicated by the fact that the pattern and thickness of the brake discs have also changed, the latter value is of course higher, ie the disc is thicker. It is also striking that although the Shimano transmission has not changed in terms of manufacturer and number of gears, the transmission itself has become more robust.
By the end, one more little thing that isn’t so small. The bike is foldable, the two sides are held together by a snap-in, fold-in tab. This tab only had a small folding safety latch on the Z20C, the A20F already comes with a spring-loaded safety lock.
I note that in the case of the Z20C, the small latch has actually opened by itself, but luckily the ear holding the frame together has not yet come out. In any case, safety is better and it is gratifying that the manufacturer also pays attention to these “small” bugs and corrects them if necessary.
That's the change, but what's left of the old ones?
The ADO A20F has not changed anything in form. We’ve got the brutal, masculine, masculine form that makes the whole structure look something amazingly wild.
In the pictures, as there is nothing to compare, we can only see a simple camping-shaped bike to compare, but in the Z20C article I showed (I will put the picture here as well) that the 20-inch, thick-hose tire is bigger than the front of my own 800cc sports touring bike. kereke. That says something about the dimensions of the A20F. Powerful!
Paper form
Let's now see the data that is worth highlighting from the manual!
The ADO A20F, as I have written several times, is the top model of the ADO. It also goes hand in hand with becoming the strongest. Instead of the usual 350 watt carbon brushless motor, we get a 500 watt. The battery remained similar to the Z20C and A20 at 10,4 Ah, 36 volts. It follows that the electrical system is also 36 volts, except for the charger, which pumps electrons into the bicycle at 42 volts.
With regard to the battery, it is also worth noting that the factory description includes a statement that the battery cells are of automotive grade. If this is the case, then this is really great news, because the durability, ie the number of charging and discharging cycles can be significantly more this way, and even with a lot of charging and immersion, the package will lose its capacity more slowly.
So to charge the battery pack, we get a 42-watt charger that can charge from zero to 6 in 100 hours. It should be emphasized here that the battery pack can be easily removed from the frame, so you can charge it at your desk, even if you go to work in the apartment or by bike, and then you can just backfill the charged battery and go home.
The range is, according to factory data, purely electrically 50-assisted with 70 kilometers on a single charge. The factory-set top speed is 25 kilometers per hour, but this limit can be bypassed. Of course, it won't go hundreds, but the manufacturer says it can reach 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. Of course, it depends on the topography and also on our weight.
The latter figure, ie the maximum load capacity, has been given at 120 kg, which is a fairly favorable value, with the upper limit being 100 for most similar categories of electric vehicles.
So much for the powertrain, let's see what else!
We get forward and reverse disc brakes. As I wrote in the previous chapter, the discs became thicker than those used on the Z20C, and their profile became different. The transmission came from Shimano, seven-speed, so not on the pedal, only on the rear wheel, we can find several sizes of gears.
The shift lever for the transmission is located on the steering wheel, on our right hand side. You can switch by pressing the gray button up and pushing the lever down.
Once we’re at the helm, let’s see what we find here!
To the left is a smooth grip, meaning not physically smooth, rather rough, but it does nothing, its function is just that we will do that. Next to it is the switch for the horn and the lamp, then the computer, and then a USB socket that can be used as a charger. There is no cable for this, we have to take care of it ourselves.
On the other side of the handlebars, you can mount the phone holder you received as a gift, followed by the gearbox, and then the right-hand grip, which is also the throttle lever. It’s important to note here that the Z20C didn’t even come with a phone holder and USB charger, so that’s a clear step forward too!
I will not write more about the computer on the steering wheel now, if you are interested in the topic, read my ADO A20 article, there you will find additional information: THE URBAN RAIL - ADO A20 ELECTRIC BIKE TEST
Practice, or experience
I hope everyone has prepared the sandwich and the drink, it will be a long chapter!
I’m going to turn back to the Z20C again, I’m forced because I’ve experienced significant changes between the two bikes!
In the case of the Z20C, arguably the weakest point is the front shock absorber. It’s not tragic because it’s an off-road tuned bike, so you need softness and a long spring distance. However, on asphalt, hard pavement, at high speeds, it gets better than you need when braking harder, which is a bit confusing.
The ADO A20F is heaven and earth compared to the Z20C, the change is of course in the right direction. The company has found the golden mean, the shock-absorbing point has become so harder that it is comfortable even in the field, but not as disturbingly soft on asphalt. And that has a pretty amazing effect on the driving experience.
Well, if for some reason I wanted to replace the Z20C with the A20F for sure. And the brake!
I wrote in the Z20C article that the brake had to be set before the first start because it didn’t catch anything specifically. Well, it will now, but somehow it’s not like the ADO A20F.
I don’t know if the new disc matters that much or other invisible changes have been made, but the braking force on the new bike is much better dispensed and if necessary, the brakes are much more biting.
These are two things that have become noticeably better, noticeably safer, and a much better driving experience. Let’s say you need this in addition to the 500-watt motor.
And, once you have the engine, let’s move on!
I've written it several times before, but I can't miss it now! In the EU, electric bikes can have a maximum of 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Of course, we can go faster than that, but the assistance automatically shuts off at 25 kilometers per hour.
Any bike that is stronger or faster than this is already an auxiliary bike that needs to be tested, insured and, last but not least, a helmet is mandatory for their use.
Well, if so, you can rightly ask the question:
- Why is that?
- Why sell stronger bikes then?
The answer to the first question is simple. 250 watts already provides adequate power, and 25 kilometers per hour is a suitable speed in a city, a residential area. If we look at e.g. In Pest, at what average speed we get through the city by car in the traffic jam, it doesn't seem so bad every 25 kilometers per hour. Well, right!
But it also includes practical experience. Stronger electric bikes can certainly start below you properly. It follows from the electric drive that the maximum torque is available to you from the first moment, from the start, which can generate serious emergencies for inexperienced pilots.
So the point is, that 250 watts should be enough! But if not, the next point may come!
The answer to the second question is complex. This is because there are manufacturers where we cannot take advantage of maximum performance because they do not allow the limit to be removed, and others leave the decision to us. Such is the case with ADO.
After all, we are adults, we can decide whether to take a risk or not. For my part, I don’t recommend anyone to take risks on the road.
Not only because if something goes wrong, you cause damage, and it turns out that your bike was locked, you can hit your ankle ugly, but because you can practically hit not only your ankle but your head as well. Plus, you're endangering others, so live with common sense!
However, to answer the question, a bike can be used not only on the road but also in an enclosed area. Then we can make a living, get the last performance crumbs out of the engine and driveline, and if you’re experienced enough, I suggest you take it out, it’s worth it!
Eliminating the performance and speed limit is described in the manual, but if you’re interested, I can only recommend my previous article again, run through: THE URBAN RAIL - ADO A20 ELECTRIC BIKE TEST
He had written above that the shock absorber and brakes had gotten better, and I think that was really necessary. Not because the Z20C would have been faulty or dangerous, but rather because while the Z20C has 350 watts, the A20F has 500 watts. It can be felt.
The interesting thing is that in final speed, the difference between the two bikes is just an ant in favor of 500 watts. I don't know why.
Perhaps the reason for the wheel size is that the maximum engine speed has not changed, but the fact is that on a smooth road speeds higher than 30-35 kilometers per hour without turning cannot be achieved with electric drive alone. On a slight incline, this is approx. It decreases to a speed of 25-26 Km / h, on medium or slightly stronger inclines to 10-15 Km / h.
The situation is a little different when we pedal. When you select the first assist level, the pedal sensor works, in which case you receive a load-dependent, automatically varying intensity of assistance.
In this case, it is clear that the wheel size and the gear ratio are the goosebumps in that we cannot accelerate above 35 Km / h, even when idling. I just can’t turn the pedal at a speed that accelerates more than that. I'm not a machine.
Regarding the gearbox, it should also be noted that the shift on the newer bike has become much more accurate. In the case of the Z20C, unfortunately, it is rare, but I am forced to replace and replace one by one, because the chain does not get on the sprocket or tension a bit, and it rattles confusingly. I did not experience this in the case of the A20F, all shifts were accurate.
Of course, the final speed on, say, a slope is not that much, it can be much more. In the case of a locked top speed, the auxiliary is eliminated above 25 Km / h, but if the lock is removed, the transmission will be there as a limiting factor.
Of course, the big boost is also Mr. and the bike partner in getting to go with it quickly. The wide, hose wheels, the high centripetal force due to the weight of the cast aluminum rims, the weight of the bike all come in handy, and with this camping-shaped machine you can roll smoothly for 50-55 kilometers per hour without feeling you are there at any moment. the IFA stripe on the pants.
In fact, I'm going further. On forest roads, even with imperfect road quality, you can laze loosely with the A20F at a top speed, so close to 30 kilometers per hour. Here, of course, you really have to be on the lookout, because there may be sudden obstacles, but if you are complacent or smooth, things will go.
Needless to say, I tried the bike on asphalt and in the woods as well. And because of the well-tuned front chassis, it doesn't matter what terrain you use it on, you'll love it!
In addition to the many improvements, other aspects of the driving experience have not changed compared to the Z20C. As I wrote in the fall article, in many ways we are almost part of the experience of riding a motorcycle, I say this so that I am also a pretty serious owner of a motorcycle, so I have some basis for comparison.
The final speed obviously doesn’t even come close to my motorbike, but I found myself riding in an area where I would have only ridden my motorbike very gently, with the ADO A20F around its top speed. It’s an amazingly great experience, a real adrenaline bomb for someone who loves two-wheelers (and also rides a bike), it would be worth a try as well.
So in the woods, in the field, the bike is free, but in what city?
Based on what has been described so far, you can guess that it is flawless there as well. When I can, I don’t get out of the garage by car. I go shopping, cycling and doing business in the city with bikes and backpacks. Here, in addition, I can make part of the introductory road through a forest, which is a special experience, so a smooth purchase is half the road terrain, the other half is asphalt.
In road transport, the size of the A20F (or Z20C) is a special advantage. Not only because if you go with this, you will have approx. they’ll look as if you’re sitting in a Ferrari, (really, you have to get used to it anyway 😊) but also because motorists also notice it more easily.
I note that like many other Chinese manufacturers, the ADO does not give a tail light, the reason for which I do not know is a cheap battery for 1-2 thousand forints, so…
By the end of the chapter, there is one more thing, portability.
Since the ADO A20F isn’t that featherweight structure, I have a hard time imagining anyone snapping it onto the roof rack. Fortunately, however, it can be folded.
The manufacturer writes that the open-close operation is 10 seconds, and they don't lie, that's really about it. Another very nice thing is that a small foot was mounted on the part under the pedal. Of course, it doesn’t come down on the go, but when we fold the bike, it can stop relying on it.
It doesn’t sway on the pedal or sprocket like some of the much more famous competitors.
What is not to be overlooked, however, is that it is not small when folded due to the hose wheels. We have a station wagon Focus, I can put it in its trunk so that even my pair’s ADO A20 bike can fit next to it, but with a smaller trunk you might be in trouble.
So, don’t expect anyone to put you in a dwarf car because it won’t go.
Summary and some more interesting things
The article is starting to get long, though there are a few more things I need to write about.
The first is that the ADO sells an upgrade package for its bikes, which includes an engine control, a tail light and reflective prisms, the latter of which can be mounted on the wheel.
More importantly and interestingly, a second package will be made available from next month, which will give the bikes an extra function. And that plus will be the cruise control electronics, better known as the cruise control.
According to this description, it will work that if the throttle is not moved for x seconds, i.e. the speed does not change, we can release the lever, the bike will move at the current speed. Of course, in the event of any intervention, say braking, the cruise control will turn off immediately.
In this additional package, at least for the ADO A20F, there will also be fenders, which again seems to be useful, because if you buy this bike, it is suspicious that you will not only pick it up in bright sunshine.
The other thing to mention is the warranty!
Many people on Chinese bikes are reluctant to buy, saying it is essentially impossible to send a bike back to China, so there is a door guarantee on it. You take it out and there is no guarantee.
I note, of course, this isn’t really the case, there are millions and there’s a solution for repair, but that doesn’t belong here right now, because with ADO, things work completely differently than with an average Chinese bike.
Let's see what the difference is!
- Lifelong technical support
- 10 year warranty on frame and 1 year warranty on structural parts - front fork, seatpost, steering wheel, brake lever, sprocket, transmission, electrical components - charger, battery, engine, controller, instrument, USB charger, accelerator handle, 2in1 switch, headlight, etc.
- After EU sales, EU service points (UK, DE, PL) can be replaced free of charge if repair is not possible
- 8-hour quick-response online service in English and German (as I read in other languages, I don't know in Hungarian)
- In case of failure, free spare parts and repair video will be sent for installation;
- Customers can also purchase spare parts from a third party, in which case ADO will share the cost.
- If the bicycle cannot be repaired in the buyer's country, it can be returned to EU centers
- If they cannot be repaired at the ADO center either, the manufacturer will provide a new bike free of charge.
I hope I didn’t miss anything, the list is long enough. The point is, in this case, that in this case we can not only order our bike from an EU warehouse, but also the subsequent full warranty administration takes place in Europe.
If a part fails, the manufacturer will send the new part through the EU centers, adding the video needed for replacement. That’s a pretty good thing, and I suspect if the repair requires service, cost sharing could come into play here as well.
It also sounds very good about lifetime support, the possibility of quick online error reporting, and the fact that, as a last resort, it should be sent back to an EU headquarters and not to China.
We have reached the end of the article, may come the price and terms of purchase.
Well, since I knew well in advance of the arrival of the new bike I tried to ask the dealer what to expect. He said then that the goal is to make the ADO A20F the cheapest among the bikes on the market with similar capabilities. Well, it pretty much came together.
I guess it’s enough to say that last year, even before Chinese VAT, when a lot of everything was cheaper, my own ADO Z20C bike with its 350 watt motor, weaker brake and shock absorber was a little more expensive than the ADO A20F now. So, from that point of view, the cheapening was successful, moreover, by not taking it away, but adding a bunch of better features to the package.
I asked the dealer well about the details and of course how safe the purchase is. He mentioned two things that are important. One is that since they are delivered from a European warehouse, it does not matter which warehouse we order from, we will definitely get the bike from the nearest one. In our case, this means the Polish warehouse.
It is important that due to the EU warehouse, after the order approx. we'll be able to get on the bike in a week!
The second important thing, and I have asked him several times about this, is that we do not have to fear customs clearance or multiple VAT payments. This is confirmed by my own experience. Like all domestic customers, DPD brought the package to me, I didn’t have to fill out a customs declaration, I didn’t have to declare or pay anything, they brought it out, put it down in front of the gate, and I brought it into the garage.
Then the price!
The ADO A20F is currently available for purchase for $ 1049 (plus VAT) at Aliexpress at the manufacturer’s official store. And here it will be important from which warehouse we order!
Namely, if we choose the Chinese warehouse on Aliexpress, Aliexpress will not put VAT on the price of the bike, so we will save about 85 thousand forints. Even though we have marked the Chinese warehouse, the distributor will deliver to us from the Polish warehouse, so the delivery time is 5-7 days!
If you are still dear to this price, which is 85 thousand forints lower, you can be happy, because we also received a coupon for the introductory campaign, the 3HQ4MD4OCSJB code can save an additional $ 100, so the total savings are just over $ 115.
If that weren't enough, we'll also get a gift ADO helmet for the bike, which would cost about 8000 forints if we had to buy it. I also use this, it is comfortable, and I have a magnetically attached visor attached as well.
So in summary! Order from a Chinese warehouse so you don’t have to pay VAT and it will be shipped from a Polish warehouse to get you here quickly. Use the coupon code above, so without VAT, with a coupon, the end is 297 thousand forints, and delivery is free.
If you like it, you can buy it by clicking on the link below:
