Hilleater Galiano Phaserunner SE 52V

I have been riding my new Phaserunner for a while now and I must admit it is truly an exciting bicycle. I live in Quebec City in the St-Lawrence River valley area. Frequently when I go for a ride, I end up going uphill for 30 minutes on my way back home. At first, you convince yourself that it is good for your health until the time when you decide that it is not that much fun. This is the reason why I decided to purchase my first electric bicycle. I owned three different ebikes, all of them purchased in the Vancouver area. Funny enough, I used to live in Victoria from 1983 through 1988. My first ebike was from a company called Surface604. The bike only had a 500 Wh battery which limited my range to approximately 45 km, with my mind constantly focusing on reducing my speed. That was the only way to go back home with the available Watt-hours. Note that 45 km is actually 22.5 km away and back. It is not that much considering that you have assistance. The controller was designed such that each level of assistance had a maximum speed limit. When you needed more speed, you would have to change the assistance level. It would be awkward at times, especially when you had to cross an intersection quickly. I changed the bike because I wanted more range. I did not care that much about the other aspects of the ride. I didn't know better. My second bike was the Juiced Bike. It had a large 1000 Wh battery and a nice riding. Unfortunately, the motor was making quite a bit of noise below 30 km/h. One other thing I did not like about the bike was the fact that it had a power limit for each level of assistance. If you wanted more power quickly, you would have to use the throttle which added more power. It turned out, I was using the throttle quite a bit. That basically turned the bike into a manual assistance bike. The Hilleater Galiano Phaserunner is my third bike. It has a battery of 780 Wh but it provides the same range as the 1000 Wh Juiced Bike. My friend has a Juiced Bike and I have a Phaserunner. We did a number of 50 km rides together, one behind the other. So I know it for a fact. Apparently, the Phaserunner motor and controller are more efficient. Also, the Phaserunner has regenerative braking which in town has given me 5% extra energy on average, sometimes up to 10%. One of the things I really like about the Phaserunner is the fact that it provides full power at each level of assistance. It just makes you work more for it at low levels. This makes you feel like you have superpower somehow. It is very very nice. Oh I forgot to mention, the bike is completely quiet, responsive yet surprisingly smooth. I just adore my Phaserunner.

Hilleater Galiano Phaserunner SE Purchased date: July 27, 2021 Review date: August 19, 2021 Km: 1,005 First (1,000km) Impressions: I am very fortunate to be located Victoria, BC and was able to take a ferry to neighboring Salt Spring Island for a test ride of the Hilleater Galiano Phaserunner SE. I had few concerns as I have dealt with David over the past several years and his vision for a ‘great bike’ comes from years of biking experience and his close relationship with Grin Technologies (ebikes.ca) in Vancouver, a company dedicated to the ‘best’ in ebike technology and ebike kits. A quick ride confirmed what I was hoping: outstanding performance, outstanding components, and confirmation that this bike would suit my shorter frame of 5’ 5”. The biggest ‘stand out’ of the test ride was not just the phenomenal power and the smooth-quiet acceleration but it’s stopping ability. At first, I thought it was just the ‘great brakes’ (which they are), only to learn that I was experiencing ‘regenerative’ braking- just lightly pull the brake lever to experience this… and then there is even more ‘regenerative’ brake power if you operate the throttle while braking. This Special Edition (SE) has all the best ‘Grin’ products, the Cycle Analyst 3.14 (CA), the Phaserunner L10 (V3) controller, and the Grin upgraded MAC motor, the GMAC hub motor. I had read most of the documents on the Grin website and viewed most of their videos, so I was convinced about the technology before I even rode the bike. The bikes power can be ‘dialed’ up from the auxiliary handlebar potentiometer, (100-1,500 watts), the bottom bracket torque sensor is responsive and can be ‘multiplied’ (0-6x) from the handlebar rocker switch. David configured the performance of the bike so you can select either a ‘Power’ or a ‘Legal’ profile from the CA display. I have since learned how to update the CA’s program from my laptop (or from the display) and I added a 3rd profile (Economy) that dials back the power to conserve battery and range when needed. With just over 1,000 kms logged in 28 days since I purchased the SE, I have learned how to use the many display screens to maximize my riding and range experience. My longest ride of 75 km had 30% spare battery (47.0 v) with my estimated total range of just over 90 km (leaving 15%, 44.5 v) This range could have been even more if I was not as heavy on the throttle during these initial rides. I try to work a little harder on daily rides (Level 2, max power dialed to 750 W & minimal thumb throttle), I average 6.5 km/Wh even after conquering the hills of Royal Roads University to get onto the galloping Goose Trail. The range for this 780 Wh battery (down to 15% capacity) would be 102 km [(780Wh/6.5km/Wh) x 85%)]. The SE’s specification and list of components is first rate. The Schwalbe 27.5” x 2.4” wide tires perform well on payment and gravel trails. Watch some of the Grin videos of their products. The only item that could be improved is the kickstand; David has some limitations as to what will fit the bike. I will continue to look for an updated product. Cliff Ainsworth, Victoria, BC

I now have over 1100kms on my hilleater se and love it. Fast, comfortable and absolutely a blast to ride. Highly recommend this bike

I bought the 52SE version in Jan 2021. Have approx 100km on it. Wpg streets still full of gravel. This bike flies is fast. The regen braking works very well. Very well made and quiet to ride. Easy to pedal without any assist. David quickly responses to any questions. Glad I ordered early