TENWAYS CGO600 Pro

The CGO600 Pro is the first TENWAYS bike we’ve tested at BikeRide.

This single-speed e-bike is quick to accelerate and easy to maintain with its Gates Carbon belt drive, but how will the 36V system perform in our hill climbing and range tests?

Keep reading to learn more about the CGO600 Pro, how it performs in our standardized tests, and how it stands up to the competition.

What Is the Tenways CGO600 Pro?

TENWAYS is a Dutch e-bike company founded in 2021. At the time of writing, it has four urban e-bikes in its lineup.

The CGO600 Pro is a lightweight urban single-speed with an aluminum frame and fork. To complement the stealthy design, TENWAYS chose a small 36V, 350W motor with 40Nm of torque.

The CGO600 Pro functions equally as a commuter bike or recreational bike. The top speed of 20mph and lack of a throttle make it a class 1 e-bike.

The bike runs on 700c wheels wrapped in 45mm CST street tires suitable for venturing onto light gravel and dirt paths.

Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons to learn more about this bike.

Pros

Range

The CGO600 Pro achieved impressive results in our range tests despite having a small 36V, 10Ah battery. In the highest assist level, we covered 28 miles and 856 feet of elevation at a high average speed of 18.5mph.

With a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor, the motor uses power more efficiently, and the bike’s low weight and relatively narrow street tires further improve efficiency. The result is an impressive range that makes the CGO600 Pro suitable for longer-distance commutes. Additionally, the 3A charger returns a relatively short four-hour charge time.

Drivetrain

The CGO600 Pro comes with a Gates Carbon CDX belt drive. Compared to traditional drivetrains, belt drives have reduced maintenance needs, grease-free operation to keep your clothes clean, and silent operation. Additionally, they last longer than standard chain drivetrains.

The single-speed gearing and 350W torque-sensing system are surprisingly capable. The CGO600 Pro is easy to ride on gradients under 10%. The torque sensor provides power in response to your pedal input and the selected assist level. This well-tuned sensor makes for enjoyable riding at different speeds and inclines.

Lightweight

The CGO600 Pro is a relatively light e-bike (41.5lb) similar in size to traditional single-speed bikes. The low weight makes it easy to maneuver and suitable for lifting and carrying short distances. Additionally, the 45mm tires and classic double triangle step-over frame should fit almost all bike racks.

Cons

Uncomfortable Over Bumpy Terrain

The CGO600 Pro aluminum frameset seems to transmit every bump in the road, making for a harsh ride on anything other than smooth pavement. However, it feels notably responsive and efficient when pedaling.

The 45mm tires have a pressure range of 50 to 75 psi. All testing was done with the tires at 60 psi, so lowering this to 50 psi would likely improve comfort slightly.

Non-Integrated Rear Light

We’re disappointed to see that an urban e-bike at this price has a non-integrated rear light. This means it must be turned on and off manually and recharged separately, and it doesn’t act as a brake light, as most integrated taillights do.

Limited Climbing Abilities

While the 350W motor impressed me, I can’t recommend this bike to those who live in hilly areas. The low weight and narrow tires help make the most of the motor’s power on climbs, but the max torque of 40Nm and single-speed drivetrain limit the bike’s potential. As such, riders should expect to have to pedal out of the saddle to overcome steep gradients.

This type of bike, with its low-power motor, torque sensor, and single gear, is best for those who like to get a workout when tackling hills.

What Does It Do Best?

The CGO600 Pro is lightweight, responsive, and easy to pedal, even without assistance, making it well suited to cyclists looking for a natural ride quality. The agile handling is well-suited to navigating busy urban environments.

The single-speed Gates Carbon belt drive is a valuable feature for commuters as it simplifies use and maintenance and keeps clothes grease-free.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The CGO600 Pro is a minimalist e-bike for those who want something simple, lightweight, and easy to maintain. However, commuters may be disappointed by the omission of a rear rack and the non-integrated rear light.

This bike also uses a low-voltage system and the 350W, 40Nm motor will not provide much assistance on climbs.

Lastly, the frame and build kit offer minimal vibration dampening, so you can feel every bump as you ride, making the CGO600 Pro best suited to smooth pavement.

Conclusion

The TENWAYS CGO600 Pro is a lightweight, sleek urban e-bike that’s simple to operate and maintain thanks to its single-speed Carbon Gates belt drive.

The responsive ride and agile handling mean it’s well-suited to navigating urban streets. However, limited hill-climbing performance may deter those who prefer a powerful ride.

Overall, the CGO600 Pro would be a good choice for commuters and urban riders who want some extra assistance to shorten their journeys around town without all the bells and whistles.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 1
Warranty: 3 months to 2 years (part-dependent)
IP Rating: IP65
Total Weight: Claimed: 41lb – Actual: 41.5
Motor Brand: Mivice M080
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 36V 350W
Max Torque: 40Nm
Battery: 36V 10Ah (360Wh)
Range Claimed: Up to 53mi
Range Tested: PAS 2: 32.36mi – 1,089 ft. – 16.5mph avg. / PAS 3: 27.98mi – 856 ft. – 18.5mph avg.
Max Speed: 20mph
Throttle: No
Pedal Assist: 3 Levels
Charger: 42V – 3A
Charge Time: 4.5 hours
Display: OLED Display
Frame: 6061 aluminum
Fork: 6061 aluminum
Brake Levers: Tektro hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Tektro 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 160mm
Chain: Gates Carbon belt
Crankset: Gates CDX
Rims: 700c
Tires: 700c x 45mm CST Xpedium Pro, puncture-resistant
Fenders: Included
Lights: Integrated headlight, rear external light
Grips: Rubber, lock-on
Saddle: K-San
Pedals: Plastic platform
Handlebar: 680mm, straight bar
Stem: Adjustable
Kickstand: Yes, single-sided
Payload Capacity: 264.6lb

Frame and Geometry

The CGO600 Pro looks great with its minimalist step-over frame. The frame and fork are made with 6061 aluminum, and the bike can handle 264.6lb of rider and cargo.

TENWAYS offers it in four sleek colorways and three sizes for riders 5’7″ and above. The limited height range is disappointing, as it excludes the majority of female riders.

The adjustable stem allows riders within the stated height range to fine-tune fit. The geometry is sporty, with the rider leaning forward in an efficient pedaling position.

The stiff aluminum frameset transmits a lot of vibration while riding, causing me to avoid riding over broken pavement or gravel.

Finally, the frame has mounts for a rack but doesn’t have attachment points for a bottle cage.

Tested Frame Size: L
Seat Tube: 21.25“ (540mm)
Reach: 17.75” (451mm)
Stack: 25” (635mm)
Stand Over Height: 32.4” (823mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 24.21” (615mm)
Min Saddle Height: 36.25” (921mm)
Max Saddle Height: 44” (1118mm)
Wheelbase: 43.9” (1115.7mm)
Recommended Rider Height: M= 5’5” – 5’9” / L= 5’9” – 6’4” / XL= 6’4”+

Display and Control

The CGO600 Pro has a tiny monochrome display and integrated four-button control pad. By default, the display requires a PIN code to unlock the bike, but this can be turned off from the settings menu.

The display shows battery charge as a graphic and percentage. The small screen also shows current speed, an odometer, and pedal assist level.

Pressing the menu button once toggles through the other metrics, and users can enter the advanced settings menu by holding the M button. This menu allows you to change the units, speed limit, lock code, and how quickly the bike turns itself off.

This bike has three PAS levels instead of the standard five, and TENWAYS has its own app that connects via Bluetooth. However, it doesn’t offer much additional functionality other than ride tracking and troubleshooting.

Motor

The CGO600 Pro has a 36V system, including a 350W motor. Despite this, it accelerates quite quickly over flat ground. Throughout testing, the torque sensor’s responsiveness impressed me.

The 350W motor struggles on steep hills. I had to stand up to pedal due to the single gear and lack of power. However, on less aggressive climbs, the motor offered enough assistance to pedal while seated.

Users who live in mostly flat areas and those who enjoy getting some exercise will enjoy the CGO600 Pro’s natural ride quality; those looking for powerful assistance should look elsewhere.

In our 0-20mph test, the CGO600 Pro achieved a time of eight seconds in the highest pedal assist setting, which was better than most of the 350W e-bikes tested.

On the long, less steep hill climb, the bike slightly outperformed the other 350W bikes we’ve tested, taking just over three minutes. However, it was 40 seconds to one minute faster than other 350W bikes and faster than the other single-speed bikes on the short, steep climb, achieving a time of 2:40 at an average speed of 14.4mph.

Battery and Charger

The CGO600 Pro has a 36V 10Ah (360Wh) battery. Despite its smaller battery, this bike has impressive range. Using max pedal assist (level 3), we covered 27.98 miles with 856 feet of elevation at an average speed of 18.5mph.

In PAS 2, it lasted 32.36 miles with 1,089 feet of elevation gain at an average speed of 16.5mph.

TENWAYS includes a 3A charger with this bike, meaning a relatively short four-and-a-half-hour charge time. The battery can be charged on or off the bike, and removing it requires a key.

Drivetrain

The CGO600 Pro has a single-speed Gates Carbon CDX belt drive. This drivetrain is low-maintenance, quiet, and grease-free. It should also last much longer than a standard drivetrain.

Single-speeds have drawbacks worth mentioning. Firstly, riding at the top speed of 20mph requires an uncomfortably fast cadence. In contrast, the cadence is slow while climbing, requiring the rider to pedal while standing.

Brakes

The two-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm rotors performed consistently throughout testing, with a pleasant lever feel.

However, the stopping power is slightly below similar bikes and well below the average for all bikes, with a stopping distance of 26 feet.

Wheels, Tires

The CGO600 Pro comes with 45mm CST Xpedium Pro tires with puncture protection. They provide a good mix of traction and rolling speed.

These tires are suitable for tackling dirt paths and light gravel, though this won’t be very comfortable.

Accessories

This CGO600 Pro comes with a head tube-integrated light with an output of 34 lux. The disadvantage of this integration is the light doesn’t turn with the handlebars. This light is also StVZO-compliant (a German light standard). Compliance with this standard means it can’t have a flashing mode.

Unfortunately, the rear light is externally powered, so it requires a new battery when it’s dead, and it doesn’t activate when braking.

TENWAYS provides full coverage fenders, and the frame has mounts for a rear rack that can be purchased through their online store. There is no mount for a bottle cage. Finally, the bike comes with a standard single-sided kickstand.

Touchpoints

This bike has rubber lock-on grips that are flared at the ends. They are comfortable, and they don’t slide around.

The saddle is narrow and lightly padded. It is relatively comfortable but starts to feel hard towards the end of a long ride.

The pedals are plastic platforms with small triangle-shaped pegs. I found these pedals a bit slippery.

In mostly flat urban environments and even locales with moderately rolling terrain, the CGO600 Pro can deliver a lively, uplifting experience in exchange for a bit of leg work.

With a good range and simple interface, this is the perfect introduction to an e-bike.

… I didn’t feel like I was testing a piece of technology as much as it felt like I was riding my previous traditional bike. This should appeal to anyone worried about fiddling with too much tech encroachment.

The bike is comfortable, easy to use once set up, and has an ideal mileage range and limited maintenance needs for the average bike commuter, all for a reasonable price.

It’s a pretty solid choice for a city bike, especially if you live in an area with plenty of paved places to ride.

The CGO600 Pro is not at home on bumpy surfaces and much prefers the smooth, tarmacked roads of the city.