2022 Zen Samurai

Zen Samurai E-Bike: Summary

Today, we’re diving into a brand-new e-bike company and their impressive model, the Zen Samurai. This sleek and versatile bike is packed with features, making it a standout option for both urban commutes and off-road adventures. Zen, a fresh face in the e-bike market, has really knocked it out of the park with their Samurai platform, which offers a blend of style, durability, and top-notch components.

Starting with the basics, the Samurai typically comes with fenders and a rear rack, though these can be removed if you’re looking to take it off-road. The tapered head tube allows for better suspension options, and the stock Manitou air fork offers adjustable compression and rebound. Plus, the 15mm thru-axle with boost hub spacing ensures a sturdy and reliable ride.

The Schwabe Super Moto X tires, with reflective sidewalls and puncture resistance, are a thoughtful touch, providing both safety and durability. The adjustable-angle stem makes the bike more comfortable for a wide range of riders, and the seamless integration of the top tube and seat stays showcases the bike’s beautiful custom design.

Zen offers the Samurai in three vibrant colors: electric blue, racing red, and matte black, across four frame sizes. The hydraulic disc brakes come with adjustable reach, 180mm rotors, and dual-piston calipers, with an option to upgrade to Magura MT5 brakes with brake light activation and supernova lights. The stock lights are bright and well-positioned, enhancing visibility and safety.

The touchpoints on this bike are top-notch, with extra-large pedals, an Ergon saddle, and locking grips. The suspension seat post is another upgradeable feature, providing a smooth ride even on rough terrain. The bike also features SKS plastic fenders and a rear rack rated at 25kg, making it practical for carrying cargo.

One of the standout features of the Zen Samurai is its Gates carbon belt drive and the Enviolo CVT drivetrain, offering smooth and maintenance-free shifting. The heavy-duty version of the drivetrain can handle the increased torque from the Bosch mid-drive motor, making it a reliable and low-maintenance option.

Weighing in at about 57lbs with a single battery, the bike is relatively lightweight for its class, and the dual battery option boosts its capacity to roughly a kilowatt-hour, offering impressive range. The Bosch motor is powerful, providing up to 85Nm of torque and high performance, making it ideal for various terrains.

While there are some minor trade-offs, like the placement of the charging port and the spoke magnet rear wheel speed sensor, the overall build quality and thoughtful design choices make the Zen Samurai a standout e-bike. The stock price is around $4,600 USD, but with upgrades, it can go up to $7,000 USD. Zen offers free shipping to the contiguous US and Canada, along with a two-year comprehensive warranty from Bosch.

In summary, the Zen Samurai is a versatile, high-quality e-bike that excels in both performance and design. Whether you’re commuting in the city or hitting the trails, this bike has got you covered.

Zen Samurai E-Bike Information

  1. Range: Roughly 50-100 miles depending on usage and battery configuration.
  2. Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
  3. Motor Size: Bosch Performance Line Speed, 250W, 85Nm torque
  4. Battery Size: PowerPack 500, with an optional dual battery setup
  5. Frame: Custom-designed aluminum frame with integrated features
  6. Warranty: 2-year comprehensive warranty from Bosch
  7. Safety Certified: Yes, with IP56 water and dust resistance
  8. Digital Display: Bosch Intuvia with an upgrade option to Kiox

Full Specifications of the Zen Samurai E-Bike

  • Miles Per Charge: 50-100 miles
  • Max Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
  • Max Rider Weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
  • Waterproof Rating: IP56
  • Motor Size: Bosch Performance Line Speed, 250W
  • Battery Size: Bosch PowerPack 500, dual battery option available
  • Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.4 inches
  • Product Weight: 57 lbs (25.8 kg)
  • Dimensions: Varies by frame size
  • Warranty Length: 2 years
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Color(s): Electric Blue, Racing Red, Matte Black
  • Inner Tubes: Standard
  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors, dual-piston calipers (upgradable to Magura MT5)
  • Charge Time: Approximately 4.5 hours per battery
  • Suspension: Manitou air fork, adjustable compression and rebound
  • Display: Bosch Intuvia (upgradeable to Kiox)
  • Headlight: Integrated, high-mounted LED
  • Charger: Bosch 4A charger, 1.7 lbs