Today I wanted to talk about another interesting electric bike model, which is called Fafrees F20. It offers a hybrid between a city bike and a Fat Bike. The promise, that of being able to take you everywhere with the comfort of a U-shaped frame which facilitates the passage of the legs.
This type of electric bike, mixed by its uses, tends to become popular especially as the prices are rather low: less than 900€.
This is to be compared with what you can find on our shelves where the prices flirt with 1500€ without having superior characteristics.
| Brand | Fafrees |
| Model | F20 |
| Type | City Fat Bike |
| Frame type | U-frame |
| Wheels | 20/3 inch wide |
| Folding | Yes |
| Motor | 250W |
| Battery | 36V 15Ah |
| Autonomy | max 120km |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Derailleur | Shimano 7-speed |
| Fork suspension | Yes |
| Frame suspensions | No |
| Saddle suspension Yes | Yes |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Saddle adjustable yes | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebar Yes | Yes |
| Rims | Stick |
| Mudguards | Yes |
| Luggage rack | Yes |
| Front lighting | Yes |
| Reflector | Rear lighting |
| LCD | on-board computer |
| Pedal acceleration | at the handle |
| Maximum rider weight | 150 kg |
| Kickstand | Yes |
| Color | Black, White and Red |
| EN15194 compliant | Yes after modification |
| Net weight | 27 Kg |
VISUALLY STUNNING
The Fafrees F20 is, as its reference suggests, a model with 20-inch wheels. With this type of mount it is possible to create compact and folding adult bikes.
This can be seen upon delivery because the bike is delivered in a small box. It is well protected for transport and almost ready for use.
It will be possible to transport this bike in a trunk for example for holidays.
Appearance level, difficult to describe this bike in a few words. It is a mini-bike shape bike in the sense that it has a U/V frame that allows the legs to pass effortlessly. Thanks to its wheels and its squat design, it approaches the aesthetic codes of a Fat Bike.
I find its shape more feminine than other 20 inch fat bikes, but it is a mixed model.
Here is a technical sheet of the Fafress F20 with in bold the remarkable points compared to competing products.
A GOOD LEVEL FINISH
The design of the F20 is serious with good quality welds and optimized cable routing.
In terms of equipment, the bike is of a good standard.
On the handlebar side, the handles are comfortable and they do not turn on their own as sometimes.
The small on-board computer is easy to read. The mechanical doorbell falls well under the finger.
On the right you have access to a 7-speed gear change system with its associated derailleur.
The set is signed by Shimano.
You also see a throttle trigger like you find on a scooter. I will come back later in the article on this controversial subject.
A MIXED ELECTRIC BIKE
The saddle but also the handlebars are adjustable in height to adapt to all morphologies as shown in the diagram below. The minimum size is incorrect. Even if you are 1.55 cm tall, this bike will suit you.
The manufacturer announces a maximum cyclist load of 150 kg, therefore very good resistance.
The Fafress F20 is equipped with mudguards to avoid getting dirty and also a luggage rack with a long saddle. It’s a somewhat surprising choice because the opportunities to carry someone behind you are not legion. This can be used for a young child or a repair for an adult.
In any case, this second saddle can be used to place a basket fixed by turnbuckles.
A SEMI-FAT BIKE
It is impossible not to mention first of all what makes this Fafress F20 electric bike special: its wheels. They are 3 inches wide with a structure that provides good grip on paths, sand or even snow. It also contributes to comfort on paved roads.
The stick type rims reinforce the solid aspect of this bike.
To absorb shocks, the manufacturer uses suspensions on the front fork. It is a system that remains basic and non-lockable.
The brakes are mechanical discs as conventional on this range. I had to tighten them up a bit.
The saddle is wide with a spring system which makes this electric bike comfortable.
A GOOD BATTERY
The saddle tilts so that the battery can be removed, either for anti-theft security or for recharging. The battery has an easily accessible anti-start/anti-theft key lock.
This is the alluring aspect of the Fafrees F20. With 15Ah of power at 36V or 540 watts, the bike has a comfortable autonomy. It is theoretically indicated for up to 120 km in assisted pedaling mode according to the specifications. Count rather 80 km in real use which is very good for this type of electric bike. I do not yet have enough hindsight to indicate the maximum possible.
The on-board computer lets you know the speed, intermediate and total distance traveled, battery level. It is also used to select the operating mode.
There are three levels that condition the strength of the assistance. It cuts at 15/19 or 25Km/h.
The bike can be used without assistance thanks to its Shimano block.
At any time it is possible to use the trigger to accelerate or no longer have to pedal.
If this “pure electric” mode is authorized on balance bikes which are public hazards as well as on scooters, it is not on bicycles!! And yet this allows, among other things, people who have difficulty pedaling to take advantage of an ecological and pleasant means of transport. I hope that European regulations will change.
Because in addition the Fafrees F20 is compatible with the standard en15194:
- Its motor is 250 watts
- Its assistance speed is limited to 25 km/h.
Only the trigger part is controversial. The solution ? Simply disconnect it when you are on public roads because a connector disconnects effortlessly.
Despite this Fafress trigger does not hesitate to provide a certificate of conformity with the CE EN15194 standard.
If the front lighting, controlled via the on-board computer and powered by the battery, is of good quality, I do not congratulate Fafrees for its management of the rear lighting.
The manufacturer equips the F20 bike with a simple reflector. This does not seem to be a search for economy because the wheels also have side deflectors.
A PLEASURE BIKE
I have had people of different genders and ages ride this bike with the same positive conclusion. The F20 is recognized as very comfortable.
The electric assistance is balanced and it is pleasant to use on roads and paths. Its 250 watt motor does not allow you to go to areas that are too complicated.
Its battery should provide it with good autonomy. The under-saddle placement system is ergonomic when it comes to removing it. Also below you can watch a video review and for better understanding I advise you to use subtitles.
