Coppernicus T3 (2018): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

This electric bicycle is built around a strong butted aluminium frame. This frame is perfect with tensile strength which an electric bicycle would require to withstand the vibrations off the surface when riding at top speeds. This is a performance focused hardtail MTB and the frame geometry matches that, with an aggressive riding posture.

The front suspension is a Suntour XCM and boasts a 100mm travel. This was more than sufficient for riding on city roads and also perfectly suited for heavy trails. The suspension lockout was easy to use and helps go in to a full rigid mode for faster riding on flatter roads.

Electric bicycles are futuristic and the design of the Coppernicus T3 does that exactly. This electric bicycle which I test rode came in a full black frame with blue and grey as secondary colours. The matte finish paint job and the internal cable routing are good additions to the design front. The battery pack on the down tube is sleek and blends into the frame’s shape. The dynamic digital display on the handlebar is compact with neat representation of various parameters.

Even though it is an electric bicycle this hardtail MTB comes with a 10-Speed Shimano Zee drivetrain. For a start, it’s a dedicated single-ring system so there’s no left-hand/front shifter. The rear derailleur cage is also kept short enough to keep the chain really tight and secure. During the test ride on both rough and smooth surfaces the rear derailleur gave a positive shift response. Contributing to this derailleur’s superior performance are the robustness of the build and the precision of its shifting. The shifters were super quick felt smooth to use.

Coming to the heart and soul of an Electric bicycle, its battery and motor. The Coppernicus T3 is powered by a Panasonic 14Ah and 36V portable battery pack. Adhering to Government norms this battery can give a maximum speed of 25 Km/hr. The battery powers a Bafang G05 250V rear hub motor. There is a knob on the handlebar which is used for acceleration. A full charge can give up to 50kms mileage on just the battery mode without pedalling, and with the pedal assist the mileage gradually increases. There is a 9 level pedal assist which powers the motor on every pedal. The battery can be removed separately and charged using a charging adapter with an Indian pin adaptor. 0-100% charging of the battery could take up to 5hrs easily.

The dynamic colour matrix screen displays information on the current speed, odometer, trip distance, battery level, pedal assist level and current time. There is a backlight for seeing the display while riding at night.

The Zoom Hydraulic Disc Brakes handle the stopping power on this electric bicycle. Going at 25km/hr and with quick accelerations it is important to have a balanced and super reactive brakes and the Zoom hydraulics do that well. Even on trails these brakes keep the bicycle stable.

The handlebar on the T3 is wide and gives a ‘open chested’ riding position. Maneuvering through traffic is also easy with this steerer. The shifters and assist switch consoles are in easy reach from the handlebar grips.

The Coppernicus T3 (2018) rolls on a pair of Hutchinson Rock 29er tires. With its impressive knobby tread and extremely tough compound, the Rock 29” tires excel at being durable and grippy. Whether you are making your way over Rocky Mountains, or leisurely cycling on gravel roads, the Hutchinson Rock will keep you rolling free and easy.

The stock saddle was ergonomically built for trails and hence lacks a bit of cushioning and width which is found on city bicycles. Commuting is still comfortable sitting on this saddle. The overall ride quality was fast and comfortable on both rough and smooth surfaces.