By: Emily Bunn × Vaughn Lowery
Photo Credit: Jeff Langlois
The KBO Breeze Commuter Electric Bike marries modest price with versatile e-bike functionality. This street-friendly model is the perfect everyday companion for professionals on the go and bike enthusiasts alike. 360 Magazine was fortunate enough to test ride their most popular models on the reopened, busy streets of Los Angeles.
Our LA adventure with KBO led us to Ballona Creek Bike Path. We mountain biked over six miles of trails, taking in Ballona Creek and the stunning California landscape. Comfortably seated on the KBO Breeze, our bike trip led us from Marina Del Rey to Culver City. While this e-bike is the ideal city cruiser, it also was great for riding along Santa Monica’s beach on the sunny afternoon.
The KBO Breeze is perfect for comfortable city cruising and commuting. If you’re looking for more adventure, the KBO Breeze can handle rough terrain as well, thanks to its sturdy front suspension and mechanical disc brake system. For young people and professionals on the go–whether you’re going into the office, picking up groceries, or just getting some exercise–the KBO Breeze is the perfect electric bike option.
The recommended rider height for the e-bike is 5’4”–6’4”, so this electric commuter bike is ideal for adults on the go. It’s not often that an e-bike has this wide of a range of recommended rider heights, making this e-bike suitable for almost everyone.
KBO Bike was founded in 2018, and the company is driven by the principals of high-quality and affordability. KBO stands for “Keep Biking On.” The company believes in clean alternative transportation solutions and aims to reduce pollution. The company’s e-bikes from a green, sustainable, no-petrol alternative to cars and other public transportation. The KBO Breeze bike model was developed due to COVID-19 and the virus’ impact on increasing personal transportation. The KBO Breeze was the company’s first product and stands as a tested and true model of e-bike excellence.
Curb Appeal
The KBO Breeze comes in a sleek black or electrifying tangerine color. The black variant has a classy, streamlined appearance, whereas the orange model is sure to be the star of the streets. The fenders of the bike are painted to match the body color, showing KBO’s acute attention to aesthetically pleasing detailing. In addition, the lustrous paint job on the bike proved KBO’s dedication to both artistry and craftsmanship.
Design
The KBO Breeze is brawny and built to last, weighing in at 62 lbs. The stem diameter of the bike measures 31.8mm, and the handlebar diameter is 22mm on the sides and 31.8mm in the middle. Though this e-bike is compact, it packs in ferocious function and persistent power.
The 6061-aluminum bike frame is composed of a 170mm forged alloy crank, a KMC chain, front suspension fork, front light, sensitive cadence sensor, speed sensor, and rear light with an integrated taillight. The e-bike’s compact body has a unique, retro look to it. Unlike many minimalist modern e-bikes, the KBO Breeze maintains a vintage-looking appeal. Lower down on the bike’s body, stainless steel spokes encase the wide front and rear tires.
On the right handlebar, riders can gently twist the throttle to accelerate. The throttle is very responsive and is made from a different material than the rest of the grip, so riders can easily rev the engine. The Shimano Derailleur also helps riders find their optimal cruising speed while riding.
The seat of the KBO Breeze is cushioned and comfortable for all riders. The saddle-inspired seat reduces the feeling of turbulent riding and road bumps. The seat post has a diameter of 30.4mm and a length of 300mm.
Technology
With an LCD Backlight display panel, riders can easily access information while driving the KBO Breeze. The panel shows your speed, power level, assist level, total miles, and more useful statistics. This display is especially functional, as it also starts and stops the bike with the push of a button. By using the “M” button on the left side of the display, users can toggle through different settings and turn the bike on and off.
Further, the KBO Breeze’s 0–5 pedal assist levels allow for users to customize the operating mode of the e-bike. Pedal assist makes for customizable cruises with a smooth cadence.
Customization
With our gifted KBO Breeze bike unit, we also received a KBO water bottle holder, full fender, rear rack and multi-function tool. Upon purchase, the e-bike comes with free aluminum full fenders and rear rack, both of which are essential for commuting. The rear rack also is helpful when it comes to transporting goods while cycling.
Upon purchase of the KBO Breeze, the company offers a second battery for purchase to double the effective range of the bike. This second battery allows for bikers to travel 60 to 110 miles without having to stop to charge the e-bike.
Durability
The KBO Breeze is an extremely durable and reliable e-bike. Equipped with an aluminum alloy front suspension fork, the Breeze has 80mm of travel, preload adjustment, and lock out abilities. With a payload capacity of up to 300lbs and suspension damping, the KBO Breeze easily absorbs shock and impact force while riding.
The KBO Breeze is equipped with 27.5 x 2.4-inch Panasonic tires. These high-quality tires are resistant towards punctures. The wide width of the tires makes for improved traction and stability. Further strengthening the bike’s stability, the aluminum Wellgo pedals on this e-bike lets riders to rest their feet on a large platform with tenacious grip.
When you arrived at your destination, use the KBO Breeze’s heavy-duty, rust-resistant kickstand will prop up your e-bike securely.
Performance
The KBO Breeze comes with a removable 4V, 16Ah lithium-ion Samsung battery that affords bikers 768 Wh. The KBO Breeze’s hub motor has a 750 peak. Provided with such a long-lasting battery, the KBO is perfect for both day bike trips and multi-day biking excursions. With an estimated range of 30-55 miles from a single charge, the 3.0-amp charger quickly recharges so you can get back on the road in no time. In only five hours, the quick and smart 48V charger keeps up with the rapid pace of busy commuters and speed demons. Fast, but not too furious, the KBO Breeze offers a ride to remember.
Bikers can ride through city blocks, light trails, and dirt roads breezily with the e-bike’s sustained 500W brushless geared hub motor. No matter how steep the hill, the KBO Breeze is able to climb to the top with energy and ferocity.
Installed with the reputable Shimano 7 Speed Derailleur gear shifter, the KBO Breeze lets users effortlessly switch between gears while driving. Further, the Shimano gear shift automatically adjusts to different terrains on-demand. That way, wherever your journey takes you, you’re ready for whatever road you embark on.
The Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc brake system has 180mm disc rotors in the front and rear of the bike, providing powerful braking force once arrived at your destination.
Safety
Safety features include a 48V LED headlight for safe nighttime cruises. By pressing and holding down the “+” button for three seconds, users can turn on the bright light. On dark nights, the bike’s integrated brake rear light will automatically light up upon braking, keeping cyclists safe and their paths illuminated.
Ergonomics x Additional Features
Compared to other bikes in its category, such as the Ride1Up 700 Series Bike, the KBO is competitively priced. Especially due to the large 48 V 16 Ah battery that it comes equipped with, the KBO Breeze stands with a larger and less expensive battery than most. Further, the e-bike’s two-year warranty is double the standard e-bike warranty offering. Additionally, compared to Rideal’s Arial Rider e-bike which only has a Shimano 6-speed drivetrain, the Breeze’s 7 Speed Derailleur make this e-bike stand out. In these ways, KBO Bike has gone above and beyond to provide for their customers.
The Commuter Electric Bike KBO Breeze comes modestly priced at $1,499.00. The KBO Breeze comes with $198 worth of free gifts upon purchase, including a water bottle holder, multi-function bicycle 16-in-1 kit, KBO Breeze rear rack, and the KBO Breeze aluminum full fenders. The full fenders are extremely durable and help protect riders from water and mud.
Further, free shipping and a two-year warranty are included.
