The Vvolt Centauri II combines innovative features with a sleek, modern design to deliver a unique riding experience. It features what we call “The Trifecta“: a mid-drive motor, a belt drive, and an internally geared rear hub. Add in automatic shifting and you have an ebike that ideal for hassle-free commuting. Our Vvolt Centauri II review covers why this might be a commuter’s dream bike.
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Vvolt Centauri II YouTube Review
Discover the Vvolt Centauri II’s components, riding experience, and key considerations. Our detailed YouTube review covers it all.
The Trifecta: Vvolt Centauri II Review
Mid-Drive Motor
Mid-drive motors deliver power directly through the bike’s drivetrain, making them highly efficient. Traditionally, 350W rear hub motors provide moderate support and require more rider support. The Ananda motor on the Centauri II delivers up to 120Nm of torque with a peak output of 650W.
Belt Drive
The Gates CDX Carbon Belt Drive offers over 10,000 miles of virtually maintenance-free use. We highly value when ebikes allow you to focus solely on the ride. Vvolt clearly does too—they’ve transitioned all their models to belt drives. Quiet, reliable, and hassle-free, a belt-driven drivetrain eliminates worries about upkeep or grease stains.
Internally Geared Hub
The AutoShift3 hub shifts automatically through three gears based on your speed, there is no shifter on this bike. The Centauri II offers a more predictable shifting experience than other auto-shift systems we’ve tested. The system is designed to make riding simple and overall is consistent, though it can take some getting used to. We love internally geared hubs, they offer reliable shifting and thousands of miles of maintenance free riding.
Standout Features: Vvolt Centauri II Review
Boost Button
The boost button delivers a short surge of power up to speed of 20 mph. We first experienced a boost button on a VanMoof, it’s exciting to see it on a U.S. model. Traditional throttles put an ebike in a worst-case senario, no rider support. The boost button conserves battery by providing 4 second bursts of power when you need it. This feature activates at speeds above 5 mph for safety, preventing accidental activation while stationary.
Monoshock System
The Centauri II’s Monoshock System strikes a perfect balance between smoothing out the ride and minimizing complexity. Traditional suspension forks can add significant weight to a bike. The Monoshock system keeps the Centauri II lightweight while still providing effective shock absorption. Using a friction-damped coil spring with 30mm of travel, offering stability and control on potholed streets. This system avoids complex seals and dampers, requiring only occasional re-greasing of moving parts under the dust boot.
Integrated Lighting and Visibility
Vvolt integrates a “multivision” front light directly into the frame, providing both high visibility and a sleek aesthetic. Under the headlight is a USB-C charging port for charging devices. The rear light is mounted under the saddle for maximum visibility and can be relocated to a rear rack mount. Reflective accents on the frame and tires further enhance visibility, making this bike ideal for safe commuting in all conditions.
Curious to see how the original Centauri stacks up? Check out our Vvolt Centauri SE (Standard Edition) review.
Frame and Design: Vvolt Centauri II Review
The Centauri II’s mid-step frame combines accessibility with a sporty feel. It’s always good to see three frame sizes on lighter weight ebikes. The ergonomic handlebars offer a slightly upright position. Finished in either Forest Planet green or Galactic Storm blue.
Specs and Components: Vvolt Centauri II Review
Vvolt is based in rainy Portland, Oregon, making water resistance a priority. Their mid-drive ebikes boast an IPX6 rating. They also provide a 3-year warranty on key components, regardless of mileage and the Centauri II’s battery and electronics are UL Certified. You can count on this ebike to tackle bad weather, hold up over time, and keep you riding safely.
Accessories
Holds 44 lbs, features dropped pannier rails for easy bag attachment. Includes a rear light mount compatible with Alpha/Centauri II lights.
Fully waterproof pannier that can withstand all the outside elements. It comes with a shoulder strap and an inside pocket for extra storage
Adjustable Side Loading Cage to fit bottles 2 1/4″ to 4 3/4″. Can be mounted as left or right handed. Keeps bottles secure and great for tight spaces.
Performance Tests: Vvolt Centauri II Review
Speed and Acceleration
Despite 40-degree weather conditions, the Centauri II provided consistent support, living up to its advertised capabilities. With Class 3 speeds enabled, reaching 28 mph was doable but required effort. Maintaining speeds in the low to mid-20s was easy. The boost button accelerates up to 20 mph and provides short bursts of assistance, perfect to navigate intersections.
Hill Climb Test
Starting in Chill mode, the motor struggled in first gear, but the Boost button provided a quick surge of power. Switching to Eco mode offered relief, but it wasn’t until Tour and Sport modes that the climb became more manageable. Turbo maintained a steady 8 mph with an easy cadence and picked up to 12 mph with more effort. The 12-14 mph shift point did move the bike to third gear when second gear felt appropriate for the incline. Though the motor doesn’t “zoom” up extreme hills, its quiet operation and responsive design make it well-suited for everyday inclines.
Pros and Cons: Vvolt Centauri II Review
Pros
- The Trifecta: The Gates CDX Carbon Belt Drive, AutoShift3 hub, and Brose mid-drive motor combine for a low-maintenance, easy-to-use riding experience that maximizes efficiency.
- Lightweight and Practical Design: The 50-lb frame, paired with the Monoshock System, offers effective shock absorption while keeping the bike easy to handle and responsive.
- Mid-Drive Motor: The Brose motor delivers up to 120Nm of torque and Class 3 speeds, ensuring quiet and reliable assistance.
- Integrated Lighting: Enhances visibility and safety for urban commuting, with options for repositioning the rear light to a rack mount.
- 3-Year Warranty: Comprehensive coverage on key components ensures peace of mind.
Cons
- Steep Hills: The motor handles moderate inclines well but doesn’t excel at extreme hill climbing without significant rider effort.
- Automatic Shifting Adjustment: Some riders may find the AutoShift3 hub shifts up when maintaining lower gears would be preferable.
- Limited Battery Size: The 36V, 13.6Ah battery offers a maximum range of 60 miles, which may be smaller compared to other models in the same price range.
- Price Point: At $3,000, it may feel expensive to some, though periodic discounts bring it closer to $2,500.
- No Throttle: While the Boost button offers some functionality, riders looking for continuous throttle control may miss this feature.
Who is this bike for?
For daily commutes or getting back into biking after some time away, this bike is intuitive and welcoming. The lightweight frame and mid-step design make it easy to handle. Thoughtful touches like the fenders and integrated lighting mean it’s ready for whatever your day holds. “The Trifecta” provides thousands of miles of worry free riding. If you’re looking for a ride that makes every trip effortless and enjoyable, this is it.
Vvolt Centauri II vs Ride1Up Prodigy V2: Automatic Simplicity or Manual Precision?
If you’re searching for an ebike that delivers “The Trifecta” but with manual control, check out the Ride1Up Prodigy V2. Powered by a 36V, 250W Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor offering 90 Nm of torque. Paired with a Brose integrated torque sensor, the Prodigy V2 delivers responsive performance for diverse riding conditions.
Available with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive and Enviolo stepless twist shifter for continuous adjustments, priced at $2,695. Alternatively, the Prodigy V2 features a microSHIFT 9-speed derailleur for those who prefer traditional gearing for $2,395. The larger 14Ah battery provides the same maximum range as the Centauri II—up to 60 miles.
Available in step-over and step-thru frame designs, the Prodigy V2 accommodates riders from 5′ to 6’1″. Comfort features include an Air Suspension Fork with 100mm travel, a Selle Royal Viento saddle, and slightly swept handlebars. These elements make the Prodigy V2 a compelling alternative for riders seeking manual precision and adaptability.
Check out our full review on the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 for a closer look.
Conclusion: Vvolt Centauri II Review
The Vvolt Centauri II is a thoughtful evolution in commuter ebikes, offering a balance of technology and practicality. Those who prioritize simplicity and reliability, the Centauri II remains a standout choice for effortless and enjoyable riding.
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