NEVO3 By Riese & Müller: State of the art on a low step frame

The Nevo3 is the most recent electric bicycle made by Riese & Müller. It exhibits a minimalistic but sporty design, with high-end components. There are so many options to customise it, since models for everyday usage, long-distance trips or caring goods!

After the Nevo2 success, expectations were, at least, pretty high. There are as much as 10 (!) Nevo3 models, essentially divided into three categories: Touring (performance), Vario (everyday use) and GT (long-distance). Cleary the major standout here is the GEN 4 Bosch engines: the Performance Line Speed (support up to 45 km/h) and Performance Line CX (that increases the engine's torque from 75 Nm to 85 Nm), both released in 2020.

But before any further details, let’s understand that the test model we had was the Nevo3 GT Vario. Accordingly to its name, the bicycle mixes the everyday characteristics of the Vario brand and matches them with the long-distance sporty brand GT (Grand Touring).

DYNAMIC RED METALLIC

At first sight, the dynamic red metallic colour is a standout, that looks gorgeous on the low step frame. For us, there is a huge advantage in having a simpler frame as such, that essentially allows an easier side switch either mounting or dismounting the bike. It’s effortless and quick.

The frame simplicity still bears the message of a robust unit, in which we feel safe even on the typical roads full of contrasts, like riding from an asphalt terrain to climb a hill full of gravel.

A BICYCLE FOR EVERYONE

The Nevo3 can be perfectly shared with all the folks back home, as it does not limit the ride according to the size or physicality. Mom, dad, brother, sister, cousin, grandmother: everyone can enjoy!

Beyond that, this Nevo3 GT Vario has a PowerTube battery, by Bosch, of an astonishing 625 Wh! It’s integrated into the main tube, for convenience and aesthetic reasons. Just for an idea, it allows us to go further, about more than 100 kilometres of distance while under the most demanding engine modes! But we can add well more than that if we save battery by favouring pedalling.

PORTO IS A HILL

Let’s take a look at our curious test terrain, that every day surprises us with its natural beauty. Observing the “Invicta” while heading to work, taking a look at how the Douro river reflects the golden sun lights early in the morning. Is an almost untold sensation, that above all must be lived! The scenery also helped us to reflect the need for an electric bicycle in Porto, because of the constant ups and downs of this peculiar urban jungle.

LIGHTER, SMALLER AND MORE POWERFUL

To test the versatility of Nevo3, there wasn't a more perfect ground then our beloved city, where the 85 Nm were substantial. The Performance Lince CX fits like a glove for a comfortable pedalling. The incredibly steep hill to Serra do Pilar Monastery was nothing more than a treat (quick note: here it’s where we find the best view of the Douro River, by far).

eMTB MODE UPDATED

The 2020 update also tweaked the eMTB mode. With it, the Bosch engine can “analyse” automatically the need for less or more assistance by the pedal pressure we riders use (essentially switches between the Tour and Turbo modes).

Now, eMTB is even better: there is a greater assist even in low cadency pedalling. In common peoples tongue, that means the 85 Nm can be in good use in a blink of an eye, without the need to specifically switch to a more powerful mode. It’s so, but so useful when we have to go up a steep hill in the middle of a busy street, full of traffic that gives short windows of opportunity, in a fast but secure way.

SIMPLIFIED TOURING

Our test route happened during the week, with that mentioned nervous traffic, so we felt our fate was on the right “wheels” with the top components provided by the Nevo3. Starting by the top tier brakes, in the likes of Magura MT4 on the rear and Magura MT5 on the front (four pistons forged on the same piece), that combined provide smooth but steady stops. The Gates carbon belt drive is a most welcome addition, such as the 100 millimetres Suntour suspension.

For comfort, the Selle Royal saddle does its job, as well as the optional saddle suspension Cane Creek Thudbuster.

Schwalbe tires paint the last strokes of this overall piece of art with the Super Motor-X (70 mm wide, with the traditional increased puncture protection and factory readiness to withhold goods transportation). It was 24 kilometres of smoothness from our shop to Porto city centre, Douro's mouth river, Ribeira and Cais de Gaia (cultural routes and landscape routes, with different settings such as traffic conditions, road contrasts and overall pedalling performances).

USER FRIENDLY ENVIOLO

The Enviolo gear shift option is spot on, as ideal for the described context. It is possible to shift a "gear" even when fully stopped, which means that it's easier to start going up a steep road.

On the ergonomic handlebar, we have a small display that shows a pictogram of a cute orange rider, that represents which gear is currently active, in a very user-friendly way. If the little guy is going up a curved road, then we have a light shift. On the other hand, if the rider is going on a plain line, the selected gear is a heavy one and therefore designed to better speeds, for example. It’s a simple but effective system.

KIOX BY BOSCH

About the visual information, our Nevo3 had a Kiox display, by Bosch. The traditional real-time speed is assured, with a colour scheme that also represents the selected engine mode and pedal pressure (so, that eMTB mode is better interpreted here). There is a navigation system similar to the GPS units, that can be updated through our smartphone.

The Kiox is the first display by the German brand that can be customizable In this case, the order of appearance of every information available. With the smartphone, it is also possible to synchronize details such as the heart rate (you need and extra accessory for this), “burned” calories and fitness programs.

LAST THOUGHTS

In the end, there was still energy - from us and the Nevo3 - to do another spin around Porto! In the need for an electric bicycle suited for commuting, touring in the weekend, grand touring to whatever our hearts desire or even distribute small goods, this model is always ready to show service.

CICLO | NEVO3 RIBERIA GAIA

CICLO | NEVO3 FACING DOURO

CICLO | NEVO3 LUIS BRIDGE

CICLO | TIRE DETAIL

CICLO | MAGURA

CICLO | ROYAL SELLE

CICLO | NEVO3 FRAME DETAIL