This Blix Aveny Skyline Review was supplied without spending a dime, however Blix cut up the price of journey with me so I might meet the workforce and spend extra time with the bikes. My purpose is to be clear and unbiased with you, this video and writeup will not be meant to be an endorsement of Blix merchandise. I welcome your corrections, additions, and suggestions within the feedback under, and the Blix electrical bike boards.

Observations

• The Aveny has been the most well-liked electrical bike mannequin for Blix over the previous a number of years. Aveny interprets to “avenue” and is the identify of the principle avenue in Gothenberg Sweeden the place the founder, Pontus is from. I lined the 2019 model previous to this one, and seen the next variations when learning the 2022 Aveny Skyline: Though it prices $100 more cash, it gives name-brand tires, the controller is now built-in into the battery base mount vs. a metallic field close to the underside bracket, the wire connectors are extra accessible, it has nicer lights and the headlight is now not mounted on the entrance fender, the fenders themselves have been upgraded, and it now has bottle cage bosses!
• Blix is predicated in Santa Cruz, California and has been working since 2006. I really feel that they provide a few of the finest worth within the trade, holding costs low however utilizing top quality elements like Panasonic battery cells and Spanninga lights with brake activation. Whereas Blix used to promote by means of sellers, they’ve transitioned in the direction of a direct on-line mannequin lately. Which means that you’ll have some unboxing and meeting to handle your self. I used to be advised that this mannequin is now simpler and sooner to assemble than prior years and the stem has been improved.

Blix Aveny Skyline Review

Pros:

• With this and other Blix products, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The bikes will not be cheaply produced, and this one comes with matching fenders, a rear rack, and luxury built-in lights that activate gently when the brakes are applied! It could be used for commuting or informal neighborhood use. Because of the mid-step body, adjustable angle stem, and four color options, it should perform well rain or shine, day or night, and may suit a wide range of riders.
• Stand over peak is low and the saddle could be positioned all the way in which down with out colliding with the rear rack. When you add a bottle cage to the seat tube, it would crowd that space of the bike a bit, however the battery is positioned out of the way in which and may be very properly protected so it gained’t get kicked.
• I like that the bottle cage bosses are physically welded on threaded eyelets rather than screwing directly into the tube since it adds strength and may allow the seat post to be lowered without colliding.

Blix Aveny Skyline Review

• I appreciate the adjustable kickstand they chose because it’s situated just far enough away from the crank arms when deployed, so you don’t have pedal lock when backing up the bike. I like that it’s attached to the surface of the left chain stay rather than installed inline with it, which could cause heel strikes when pedaling.
• Good grips, seat, and tire sidewalls that match (for the blue and grey fashions). Blix has a timeless European type, in my opinion, and they make sure that all the supporting gear fits. The silver spokes, rims, hubs, chainring, cranks, pedals, seat publish, stem, and handlebar are all worth looking at. For extra power to help the motor and a loaded rack, the rear wheel uses thicker 12 gauge spokes.
  
• Blix offers a variety of accessories for its ebikes, including touch-up paint, a suspension seat post, and storage options. To carry more items, you can purchase a set of pannier luggage or one of numerous bolt-on top baskets. I consider that you could possibly additionally use a toddler seat with the rear rack, given the upper 55lb (25kg) max weight ranking.
• The rear rack has a Yepp! baby seat window on prime, normal gauge pannier hangers on each side, and bungee loops! It’s superior each functionally and visually due to the curved assist stays, and it really works with their non-compulsory basket that may be positioned size or width sensible.

Blix Aveny Skyline Review

• I like that Blix has up to date their throttle habits to permit for full energy output at any stage of help, even zero! That is helpful for getting began from cease indicators or visitors indicators, catching up with associates, or specializing in stability vs. pedaling when transporting children and different cargo. The set off throttle gives variable energy output, so that you could be light by solely urgent half method for a easy begin.
• Up to date battery pack design! Blix is utilizing very top quality Panasonic cells and spacing them aside within the casing for improved air movement and sturdiness. The 48 volt system offers effectivity and in addition will increase the potential energy output. This combines with the excessive energy 500 watt hub motor can produce as much as 50 newton meters of torque.
• Examine the color-coordinated IP66-rated Julet Mini cables that connect the show, button pad, and throttle to the battery, controller, and motor. These are waterproof and simple to make and join if something breaks or has to be replaced. The lights were fixed up the same way, and the rear fender was raised to protect the wiring for the rear gentle! Outside cable routing and plastic wrap safety, as well as internal cable routing after they enter the body.
• Blix uses a high-resolution cadence sensor with 12 magnets, resulting in a responsive and pure pedal assist. The sensor is small and appears to be well-sealed against moisture and dirt.

Blix Aveny Skyline Review

• Blix redesigned their controller to suit into the battery slide mount, it’s now not housed in a metallic field on the backside bracket. This new design seems a lot nicer, and I used to be advised that the controller remains to be very highly effective, providing 11 amps steady and 20 amps peak for robust begins and steady climbing.
• I like how the battery appears actually safe, mounted on the flared metallic seat tube part of the body, and the way their alternative packs are inexpensive because the controller is separate. There’s additionally an on/off toggle swap constructed into the aspect of the battery pack, so you possibly can disable it fully when transporting or storing for lengthy durations. I’ve been advised that it’s best to retailer the battery in a cool dry location and attempt to preserve 50%+ if you aren’t using the bike. Totally draining the pack and leaving it empty can stress the cells.
• Good body power and stiffness with a better than common weight capability. I additionally like how Blix has added a gusset close to the top tube to scale back flex and went with a double-tube body vs. a single body wave step-thru as a result of these are likely to flex extra and weigh extra in my expertise.
• A sturdy aluminum alloy information on the chainring helps hold the chain from falling off monitor, whether or not you’re using on tough terrain servicing the bike. It additionally acts as a brief chain cowl to maintain pants and costume ends from getting soiled and snagged. Though the derailleur is entry-level within the Shimano groupset, it nonetheless shifted properly throughout my exams. The total sized crank arms felt pure.
• Whereas this ebike doesn’t have a suspension fork, it’s pretty snug as a result of taller wheel dimension and wider tires. These are 27.5″ which creates a decrease assault angle than 26″ to easy over cracks and bumps, and the tires are 2.2″ or 2.25″ broad for elevated air quantity and stability vs. a thin street tire. To additional enhance consolation, think about buying a 27.2mm suspension seat publish (which Blix sells), however observe that it’s going to increase the minimal saddle peak.

Blix Aveny Skyline Review

• Security is an enormous deal to me, so having puncture resistant tires with reflective stripes on the aspect (for the black tires solely, not brown) in addition to a two-LED rear gentle with brake activation and headlight with aspect home windows actually come in useful! For individuals who wish to keep as seen as doable, think about the Cream shade which is able to replicate extra gentle in darkish circumstances.
• The LCD show panel is heart mounted and pretty massive, making it straightforward to learn. Many of the controls on this ebike are intuitive, together with the half-grip twist shifter that switches gears. It has an optical window on prime that shows the gear you’re using in. I additionally love the built-in bell that’s constructed into the left brake lever, and the rubberized entrance edge that improves consolation and isn’t as chilly to the touch!
• I believe it’s neat that the LCD show panel has a 5 volt 1 amp USB charging port built-in! This might be helpful for charging transportable electronics, like a smartphone, speaker, or extra lights, whereas using.
• Blix has left the show panel unlocked, so you possibly can regulate the settings… together with prime velocity! You’ll be able to decrease the highest velocity to enhance vary and add some security, or increase it a bit and function the bike extra like a Class 3 velocity pedelec to maintain up with vehicles or get to work sooner. They ship the system set at 20mph 32kmh to adjust to authorized framework for Class 2 ebikes. You possibly can even unplug and take away the throttle to journey this as Class 1 if you happen to needed.
• Geared hub motors are identified for being compact, light-weight, and environment friendly. I’m accustomed to the Shengyi model used right here. This bike felt very satisfying, and I used to be capable of check it out by climbing a few of the steeper hills in Santa Cruz California, utilizing throttle solely (no pedaling). It looks like a strong selection, based mostly on what I’ve noticed from competing hub motor powered ebikes.
• Blix has been in enterprise since 2014, I’ve reviewed a bunch of their merchandise and met the founder on many events. They appear to supply nice buyer assist, particularly for the low worth level.
• I respect the one yr complete guarantee that Blix gives, together with their non-compulsory $160 one-year extension so you possibly can mainly have a two yr guarantee that covers all kinds of issues. That’s good peace of thoughts if you’re shopping for direct vs. in a neighborhood store.

Blix Aveny Skyline Review

Cons:

• I’ve reviewed the Blix Aveny a number of instances earlier than this new Aveny Skyline model, and the worth has elevated by $100 because the final iteration. This can be because of transport container worth will increase, elements provide limitations as ebikes have grown in recognition, or easy inflation… however the worth has gone up.
• Observe that the fork is made out of metal, so if it will get scratched up you would possibly develop some rust. I consider that Blix sells contact up paint, or you need to use clear fingernail polish or automobile paint pens 🙂
• As a result of its sturdy construct with increased than common 270lb max weight restrict, aluminum alloy fenders, rear rack, and built-in lights, in addition to the excessive powered 500 watt geared motor and excessive capability 614.4 watt hour battery pack… this ebike weighs greater than the common metropolis mannequin with exterior battery. Contemplate eradicating the 7.2lb battery earlier than lifting or transporting. I’ve heard it’s best to retailer the battery in a cool dry atmosphere at 50% capability to maximise lifespan, and keep away from discharging under 20% generally.
• Because the battery pack is wrapped by a little of body tubing, it may be a little difficult to remove. This is especially true if the seat is low; you may want to raise the seat post or remove it entirely for easier ingress. I was able to unlock the battery, slide it up half way, and then tip it at an angle to come out from the side of the body rather than all the way up through the seat stays.
• The bike has seven speeds, however the gear vary is pretty restricted with a 14 to twenty-eight tooth unfold. And not using a tremendous low gear or excessive gear, pedaling cadence is optimized for informal neighborhood using… however the highly effective motor and throttle override actually assist to beat gradual begins and steep climbs.
• There is no metal guard to protect the fragile derailleur and motor power line that enters the right side of the back wheel. When you lay the bike down on its side, make sure to keep these elements facing up and avoid bending or snagging them! The power connection has been moved on the left side of the engine in a few different Blix models, and it appears to be safer there.
• The cream and burgundy color options come with different tires that I think are nicer because they have reflective stripes and are a little wider (2.25′′ vs. 2.2′′) for added stability and luxury. When you choose the blue or grey color option, you’ll get tires that are blue or grey in color.
• Mechanical brakes require a bit extra hand effort than hydraulic, particularly the rear brake as a result of longer cable size. Observe that the cable runs downward into the housing, so the rear brake might get sticker over time with mud and water settling inside. The 160mm rotor dimension chosen right here is fairly common vs. 180mm which might enhance the mechanical benefit and funky sooner, but additionally bend simpler of bumped at bike racks and so forth.
• When you get the non-compulsory entrance rack tray rack system, the sunshine stays fastened to the fork (so it factors the place you steer, which is sweet), nevertheless it’s a bit much less seen from the highest and sides as a result of platform above. I’ve received to go with the very excessive 50lb (22.6kg) max weight capability of the entrance rack that’s method above common.
• This can be a direct-to-consumer electrical bike, that means that almost all clients order on-line and should obtain and unbox it themselves. There aren’t too many steps (connect the entrance wheel and straighten the stem), however there’s positively some additional time required, and packaging to be disposed of or recycled. I used to be advised that they work with some outlets to showroom their bikes, however ordering remains to be direct, and that’s a part of how they hold the worth so low.
• The show panel isn’t detachable for cover at public bike racks or from inclement climate, however not less than it may be angled to scale back glare whereas using. I used to be stunned that the battery cost stage readout is definitely cut up into 5 bars though there are extra traces drawn… it could be extra exact if you happen to really had smaller increments or a spread estimator menu kind of factor as another corporations have carried out. I used to be additionally a bit stunned that the cost stage readout drains from the left vs. the suitable.
• The charger seems superior as a result of it’s tremendous compact and branded. It feels top quality and is gentle weight, so you possibly can simply stow it in a pack and produce it alongside on rides. Nevertheless, it solely places out two amps, and this implies it takes longer to totally cost such a excessive capability battery pack.
• I didn’t see a transparent sticker slap guard on the chain keep, which suggests the chain might bounce down and mar the attractive paint. You will discover these on the market aftermarket or simply use some clear field tape to keep away from chips and make the grease simpler to scrub off.
• Minor grievance, the pedals are common width and have a rubberized floor that is perhaps just a little slick in moist using circumstances. These are higher than most, since they’ve an aluminum alloy core, however I’d think about upgrading to bigger ones with metallic pins when you’ve got massive ft and journey within the rain steadily.

Helpful Sources:

• Blix electrical bike sellers-Save $100 on Vika+, Aveny and Sol premium ebikes.
• Official Blix web site.