Heybike ALPHA Review: Powerful Mid-Drive Performance, Fat Tires, and Premium Features at a Budget-Friendly Price

The ALPHA is the fifth electric bike we’ve reviewed from Heybike. We’ve always been impressed with the design, features, and value of the company’s bikes, and the Heybike ALPHA is no different. The design language, build quality, and value are quintessential to the Heybike brand. But the ALPHA is different, and what a difference this difference makes!

At Gear Diary, several of us have written about eBikes from various manufacturers, typically with one author doing the review. Dan Cohen and I have cooperatively assembled and ride-tested several models, and in this article, for the first time, we’ll review the eBike together.

As we’ve noted in previous Heybike reviews, we’ve always been impressed by the unboxing experience. The bike arrives almost fully assembled and includes all the necessary tools to complete the assembly and get riding. The Heybike ALPHA continues this trend.

Assembling was quick and easy, requiring the installation of the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and seat. In fact, getting the protective bubble wrap off the components was the most time-consuming part of the process.

Once the ALPHA was assembled, we could appreciate what Heybike has done here. The bike is well-constructed and includes lower-end but quality components. It ships with a rear rack and tie-down strap, includes front and rear lights, and has thick plastic fenders. That means you can go from unboxing to riding within minutes, with no need to accessorize the bike beyond the included items.

But what about the ALPHA itself?

The Heybike ALPHA is a formidable contender in the all-terrain e-bike market, boasting a robust mid-drive motor, intelligent sensor integration, and a design tailored for diverse terrains. Sure, you can use this bike as a commuter, but thanks to the large, nubby fat tires, front hydraulic shock absorbers, and mid-drive motor, it is also great for off-road adventures.

Let’s run down the key specifications:

• Motor: 500W Mivice X700 mid-drive motor delivering 105 Nm of torque.
• Pedal Sensors: Integrated torque and cadence sensors for responsive assistance.
• Battery: 680Wh removable lithium-ion battery.
• Frame: Available in step-over (Galaxy Black) and step-through (Pearl White) designs.
• Suspension: Front hydraulic suspension fork with 65mm travel and preload adjustment.
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors.
• Tires: 26×4-inch fat tires for enhanced stability.
• Gearing: Shimano 8-speed gear shifter.
• Connectivity: The Heybike Smart App is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
• Weight: Approximately 71 lbs (32 kg).

Mid-Drive vs. Rear Hub-Driven Bikes

As noted in the introduction, this is the first mid-drive bike we have reviewed. We thought it would be helpful to take a moment to discuss the differences between the familiar hub-drive and this mid-drive motor.

The Heybike ALPHA’s mid-drive motor offers distinct advantages over traditional rear hub-driven systems:

• Power Delivery: Mid-drive motors provide direct power to the bike’s drivetrain, resulting in a smoother and more responsive ride that closely matches the rider’s pedaling effort. In contrast, rear hub motors deliver power directly to the wheel, which can feel less natural and may have a slight delay in power delivery.
• Efficiency: Mid-drive systems are generally more efficient, especially on varied terrains, as they leverage the bike’s gears to maintain optimal performance. This efficiency can translate to better battery range and improved hill-climbing capabilities.
• Maintenance: While mid-drive motors offer performance benefits, they can exert more stress on the bike’s chain and drivetrain components, potentially leading to increased maintenance compared to rear hub systems.

Ride Experience

Riding the Heybike ALPHA is a more-than-peasant experience marked by its responsive power delivery and adaptability across various terrains:

• Performance: The 500W mid-drive motor, combined with torque and cadence sensors, ensures immediate and proportional assistance, making acceleration smooth and intuitive. The 105 Nm of torque provides ample power for tackling steep inclines and challenging trails. We both live in an area with steep hills and appreciate the respectable torque the motor delivers. Too often, our bikes choke a bit on the hills. The ALPHA dealt with almost every hill with ease!
• Comfort: The front hydraulic suspension and 26×4-inch fat tires effectively absorb shocks, providing a comfortable ride on both urban roads and off-road paths. The ergonomic design and adjustable components cater to a range of rider preferences. Most of the electric bikes we’ve reviewed offer an upright seating position that is great for casual or commuter riding. The Heybike ALPHA provides more of a riding position where your shoulders are a bit lower than a standard seated position. We both found it exceptionally comfortable.
• Control: Hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power, enhancing safety during descents and in varied weather conditions. The Shimano 8-speed gear system enables seamless shifting, catering to various riding scenarios. These aren’t top-shelf components, but they are more than respectable and represent Heybike’s approach to striking a balance between price and quality.
• Technology Integration: The Heybike Smart App provides real-time data, ride customization, and system diagnostics, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Heybike App

The ALPHA, like all Heybikes, syncs with the Heybike app, which provides utilities for locking and unlocking the bike, changing vehicle settings, real-time trip tracking, sharing itineraries through social media platforms, recording ride data, displaying error messages, and managing multiple riders.

The ability to track and retain your rides is very nice, but as I mentioned in my previous review, there are no capabilities to track the bike or to disable it if it is stolen. It would also be nice if the app provided a way to map out your routes beforehand and calculate the available range, if it could share your location in real-time, and if it allowed you to connect with other riders and share favorite trips, places to avoid, or add other similar functions.

What Makes the ALPHA Unique Among Other Heybike Rides?

As mentioned earlier, we are no strangers to Heybike products. In the past, Dan and I have reviewed the Brawn, Horizon, Mars 2.0, and Ranger S models. We have very much liked all that we have tested and have continued to evaluate some of them on a longer-term basis, finding them to be excellent.

Although there are many differences between the various models, such as tire size, power, range, and the ability to fold, no Heybike is as different as the ALPHA.

Mid-Drive

The primary difference between the Heybike ALPHA and other models we’ve reviewed is the placement and configuration of the motor. Using a mid-drive configuration means that the chain is always spinning, and the gearing is an integral part of the way the bike delivers power. On the other models, users can choose when to pedal and when not to, regardless of the incline level.

On the ALPHA, selecting the correct gear for the degree of incline up or down affects both the motor and the rider. In other words, the ALPHAa rides more like a traditional bicycle than do the other Heybike models.

Throttle

The throttle on the ALPHA rotates on the handlebar similarly to the way motorcycle throttles do. The other models all have a thumb throttle.

Besides the design of the throttle, another difference between the Heybike ALPHA and all other eBikes that we have tested is its application. On all the others, the throttle can be applied at any time with or without pedaling. On the ALPHA, due to its mid-drive motor, riders must pedal while applying throttle so as not to damage the mechanism. This is necessary to avoid putting all 105Nm of torque through the chain and potentially grinding the drivetrain if the bike is in a high gear when starting from a stationary position.

In everyday use, throttle response can be somewhat inconsistent, depending on the terrain and current gear selection.

From the Heybike website:

ALPHA has a throttle, but it is designed to prevent immediate throttle use from start. This safety precaution is meant to prevent undue damage from throttle use to the rear derailleur and motor, as well as prevent an accidental start. To further aid this safety precaution, we recommend starting ALPHA in lower gears.

Please utilize the “Natural Pedaling Start” before you activate the throttle. Start pedaling naturally and gently, and avoid using the throttle directly. Please reduce pedaling force and/or let go of the throttle before shifting gears. Do NOT shift gears while pedaling hard or while the throttle is engaged.

Wheel Size

Most of the other models we have reviewed have 20-inch fat tires, except for the Horizon, which has 24-inch tires. Only the Brawn has tires as large as those on the ALPHA. When combined with the mid-drive and gearing, the 26” tires mean that the bike is capable of speeds well in excess of the 28mph Class 3 limit.

Color Display

Another very welcome addition to the Heybike ALPHA is the color display. The other models that we have reviewed all had the same monochrome display, which is perfectly readable in most conditions. However, the color display is excellent in all conditions, giving the bike a high-end feel.

Revised Controls

Along with the change to a motorcycle-style throttle, the Heybike ALPHA features a redesigned control cluster. Where the other bikes had mostly black controls on the handlebars, this model’s are silver and more compact, leaving more empty space on the handlebars themselves.

The more you ride, the more you appreciate this space, as it allows users to attach phone mounts, lights, mirrors, and other accessories. This is especially important on the ALPHA, as I am unclear whether it is possible to remove the ends of the handlebars as with the other models. Their removal was important as this is one of the most desirable locations to mount aftermarket mirrors (which I recommend on any eBike).

Locking Battery Compartment

Another significant difference between the Heybike ALPHA and some of the other Heybike models is the location of the battery inside the diagonal part of the frame. What is unique here is that the battery is completely hidden inside the frame, covered by a metal plate. On the other models that place the battery in a similar location, the back of the battery, often black plastic, forms the exterior of the compartment.

Locking the compartment is done with an included key on all models. On some models, the battery tips out when fully unlocked, and on other models, it requires lifting out. On the Heybike ALPHA, unlocking allows the removal of the cover plate, revealing the battery inside. The battery on the ALPHA does not have an on/off switch, unlike the other models we have tested.

Conclusion

The Heybike ALPHA stands out as a versatile and powerful all-terrain e-bike, suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Its mid-drive motor system offers a natural and efficient riding experience, while thoughtful design elements ensure comfort and control across diverse environments. Despite minor assembly challenges reported by some users, the ALPHA’s performance and features position it as a compelling choice in the e-bike market.

The Heybike ALPHA sells for $1,699.00 (currently on sale for $1,599); it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample

What I Like: Loads of power; 26” wheels and gearing can equal high speed; Powerful brakes; Ride is smooth and comfortable; App integration; Front and rear/brake lights with turn signals

What Needs Improvement: Throttle response can be a bit inconsistent depending on terrain and current gearing choices; The app would benefit from the addition of a few new features