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Alva+ electric bike gets you from A2B (pictures)

It's heavy and unwieldy when you're dismounted, but the Alva+ carries its own weight and ends up being a nimble ride that flies up hills with the greatest of ease.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

A2B Alva+ electric bicycle (pictures)

The A2B Alva+ is one of the San Francisco-based e-bike builder's most fully featured electric bikes.
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2 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

13.2Ah battery

The 13.2Ah battery provides the Alva+ with enough juice to roll about 40 miles under assisted power. Your mileage will vary depending on how much you weigh and your set level of assistance.
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3 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Lockable, removable

The battery pack can be locked to the frame with an included key, but you'll need to bring your own lock to secure the rest of the bike.
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4 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Magnetic plug

The battery connects to the bike's electrical systems via this simple, magnetic plug. The charger uses an identical plug.
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5 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

66-pounder

The Alva+ is hefty, 66 pounds to be exact, but most of the weight is concentrated in the rear, where the motor and battery are located.
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6 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Charger

You charge the battery with the included AC charger. An 80 percent charge from nil will take about 2 hours. A full charge takes 3 to 4 hours.
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7 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Shimano gearset

The rider's pedaling effort is sent through a Shimano XT seven-speed gearset.
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8 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Shifter

Pedaling gear is chosen by wringing this twist-shifter. Your position is indicated by ringing the bell next to it.
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9 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Electric throttle

Twisting this throttle allows the Alva+ to motivate itself completely under electric power.
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10 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Pedals and cranks

However, to get the most range and power out of the Alva+, you'll want to add your own pedal power to the system.
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11 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Electric assist

Sensors in the bottom bracket detect your pedaling effort and add electric assistance to the mix.
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12 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Top speed

The Alva+ has a stated top assisted speed of 24 mph. However, heavier riders may get less speed and strong riders can continue to pedal beyond this limit under their own power.
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13 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Disc brakes

Hauling the ebike to a stop are disc brakes affixed to the front and rear wheels.
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14 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Hydraulics

The hydraulic disc brakes are easy to modulate and have good feel, but I think I'd rather have easier-to-maintain mechanical stoppers.
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15 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Quick release

The front wheel is a quick release and is easy to yank off if you need to transport the Alva+ via truck or SUV. Lifting the hefty e-bike into a vehicle, on the other hand, is another matter.
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16 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Fenders

The Alva+ features integrated fenders at both ends, which means you can ride it in the rain without getting your backside soaked.
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17 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Lights

At both ends, you'll find integrated LED head and taillights for increased safety when riding from dusk to dawn.
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18 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Front suspension

The front fork has well over 2 inches of travel, which makes short work of curb-hopping and steamrolling potholes.
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19 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Cycling computer

You can interact with the Alva+ and its various drive modes via this cycling computer.
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20 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Cycling computer

In addition to battery level, the computer can display an odometer, a trip odometer, and the current speed. Here is also where the rider will adjust the level of assist by twisting the silver knob on the left side of the display.
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21 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Saddle

The Alva's ride is smooth thanks to a wide saddle and its upright riding position, which also promotes good visibility.
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22 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Wide tires

The Alva+ rolls on the widest bicycle tires that I've ever tested.
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23 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Wheels and tire

At 2.35 inches wide, these tires contribute to the e-bike's smooth ride, but also add a bit of off-road ridability. The 24-inch wheels that they're wrapped around are smaller than your average road wheel, but satisfyingly maneuverable.
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24 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Internal cabling

Most of the cabling that you'll find on the Alva+ is routed internally, through the aluminum Y-frame, so there's not much to catch on.
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25 of 25 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

A2B Alva+ e-bike

It's heavy and unwieldy when you're dismounted, but the Alva+ carries its own weight and ends up being a nimble ride that flies up hills with the greatest of ease.

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