Takeaway: The latest e-bike in the Gocycle lineage makes top-of-the-line tech more accessible than ever with the sleek, foldable G4.
- Durable and lightweight material choices.
- Unique frame styling and construction.
- Effortless and secure folding mechanism
- Power-user features like custom motor curve definition
Price: $4,000
Weight: 38.8 lb.
VIEW GOCYCLE G4 GALLERY VIEW SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Combination of high-tech and stunning looks
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
The Gocycle Lineup
First launched in 2009, Gocycle brought a novel silhouette to the nascent world of e-bikes. Over a decade later, the market is overwhelmed with options, but these distinctive elements still impress. Last year the brand released the G4 as an update to its core model along with the premium versions, the $6,000 G4i (automatic shifting) and G4i+ (automatic shifting and carbon wheels) priced at $7,000. These Class 2 (throttle and pedal-assist up to 20mph) e-bikes have a two-stage folding mechanism and are sold directly to consumers. With this year’s price drop, the Gocycle has made these upgrades more accessible.
I picked up the original G4 to see what all the fuss was about. The Gocycle G4 has manual shifting while the G4i has automatic shifting, a full-width dashboard integrated into the handlebar, and a slightly larger battery. The G4i+ has all of the G4i upgrades plus the addition of carbon wheels which shave about a pound off the bike’s weight. Whether in its base model or the premium option, the Gocycle impresses.
Unique Looks and Quality Build
Among Gocycle’s most compelling features are its striking styling and finish. Though it’s been a decade since the first model launched, the Gocycle still looks smart compared to other folding e-bikes. On my first commute, I turned heads left and right.
The improvements offered by the G4 over the G3 include a quieter motor, injection-molded composite mid-frame, single-sided fork, and motorcycle-inspired tires. A few quality-of-life updates are included too, like better Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to charge your phone via a USB port on the handlebars. The frame finish is high quality, with durable-feeling folding joints and a braided sleeve that protects the cable routing for improved longevity.
The G4’s unique construction presents some challenges. For example, the downtube is too large for most u-locks and the handlebar height cannot be adjusted. These points are quickly forgotten as some glamorous accessories make their value known. Perfectly shaped flush-fitting fenders, integrated lights, and an integrated bell right out of the box mean that the G4 is ready to go the moment it arrives.
The distinctive elements of the G4 go far beyond the accessories. The disc brakes are on the drive side, protected by a shield that prevents excess water and dirt from sticking. Magnesium wheels, an aluminum and composite hybrid frame, and a one-sided fork and swingarm reinforce the bike’s motorsports influence and allow a lighter, narrower fold.
Not all of these bespoke qualities are for the user’s benefit. The unique shape and proprietary components of the Gocycle necessitate the purchase of first-party racks. And a special tool is also required to repair the disc brakes (available from shops that partner with Gocycle). Torx bits are used for several fastenings, more than you’d see on other e-bikes. The choice is progressive (as Torx heads don’t strip as easily as hex) and can deter theft. But this may be limiting for some home mechanics.
The aesthetic and build quality aren’t the only elements geared toward premium users. Via the Gocycle Connect App, riders can program custom power modes alongside the default City, Eco, and On-Demand profiles. The graph-like interface exposes controls for the torque at which motor assistance kicks in, when it maxes out, the overall motor top speed, and whether throttle-only control is enabled. Your configuration can be saved and synced directly to the bike, so app connectivity is not required for future use.
Riding the G4
As its expert interface suggests, the experience of riding a Gocycle feels wholly advanced. Thanks to the carbon midframe, the G4 weighs less than its peers. The front hub motor feels powerful, yet with the seatpost removed, the Gocycle folds up as small as a Brompton. The usual obstacles, hills, and stopped traffic did little to slow me down. At a steady 20mph, the bike tackled anything I could throw at it.
Despite this steady power flow, the G4 motor is quiet and applies acceleration smoothly, making the rider feel in control at all times. DOT-fluid hydraulic disc brakes ensure the bike stops as fast as it starts. Shifting the Shimano Nexus 3-speed rear hub with the MicroSHIFT twist shifter is intuitive and shifts as cleanly under manual power as it does with the motor. Though there are only three gears, the gear range is wide enough that I never experienced my feet spinning aimlessly or unintentionally having excessive pedaling resistance.
When the time comes to fold and transport, the G4 benefits from a compact format that fits under one arm. With the seatpost removed, the bike can fit under a desk or squeeze into a linen closet and only takes up a single seat when loaded in a car. The G4 is light by e-bike standards and rolls easily on larger-than-normal tires. I found it much more confident wheeling around a busy grocery than other folding bikes with narrower tires. The folding hinges require some force to unlatch but snap closed with a satisfying and secure click.
There’s not a flimsy part on the G4, which I’m grateful for in crowded New York City bike lanes on my way to work. The bike feels steady and firmly connected to my body, leaning and accelerating naturally. The G4 allows the rider to think as much, or as little, as they want about their ride experience. It can be a high-tech machine or a simple tool for transportation, but the Gocycle is at its best when you take some time to fine-tune it to your needs.
You don’t have to be a gearhead to appreciate the polish that Gocycle achieved with its latest model. Gocycle designed the G4 to appeal to a broad audience. And the new 20% lower price point without sacrificing quality reinforces that goal of offering one of the most intuitive e-bike experiences in a terrifically clever package. In a market flooded with city-style and folding e-bikes, the Gocycle stands out.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Aithne is a commuter and urban bike tester of mountain bike experience. Between rides, she produces experimental stories at The Atlantic and organizes media labor.
