Tenways CGO600 Pro Review: Testing the Minimalist City E-Bike

Here's what happened on week three of testing the Tenways CGO600 Pro: I rolled up to a coffee shop, locked the bike, and overheard two cyclists debating whether it was electric. That's the entire point of this bike in one conversation. While other e-bikes announce themselves with chunky batteries, obvious motors, and mechanical noise, the CGO600 Pro just... doesn't. It's a stealth machine that happens to make your commute effortless.

I tested this bike over six weeks covering roughly 240 miles of urban commuting in varied conditions: morning rush hour traffic, weekend grocery runs, late-night rides home from the gym. The CGO600 Pro came in two variants (8-speed chain drive or single-speed Gates belt), and I specifically requested the belt-drive model because I was curious how a single-speed e-bike would handle real-world city riding. Spoiler: surprisingly well, with some caveats we'll dig into.

Out of the box, the CGO600 Pro looks expensive. The 6061 aluminum frame has a matte finish that photographs beautifully (I tested the Avocado Green, though Midnight Black, Sky Blue, and Pebble Grey are also available). Every cable is internally routed, the welds are clean, and the battery integrates so seamlessly into the downtube that you'd never guess it's removable. The overall aesthetic is minimalist European, which means it'll look at home locked up outside a coffee shop or corporate office.

After six weeks and 240 miles, the build quality holds up impressively well. The aluminum frame shows no flex or creaking, even when standing to accelerate from stops. The alloy fenders do rattle slightly on rough pavement, which is my only real complaint about the construction. The hydraulic Tektro disc brakes feel solid and responsive, though they're not Shimano-level premium. For the price point, I found nothing that screamed 'budget' about this bike's construction.

The CGO600 Pro excels at what it's designed for: flat to moderately hilly urban commuting. On my 8-mile daily route through downtown (about 300 feet of elevation gain), the bike felt effortless in Level 3 assist. Acceleration from traffic lights is brisk enough to keep pace with car traffic, hitting 20 mph in about 4-5 seconds with moderate pedaling effort. The torque sensor response is genuinely excellent, feeling like a natural extension of your pedaling rather than a separate motor pushing you.

Hill climbing revealed the single-speed limitation. On my test hill (1.25 miles at 6-7% average grade), I maintained 10-12 mph in Level 3 assist, which is respectable but required real leg effort. Steeper pitches over 8% become a workout even with full assist. If your commute involves serious hills, the 8-speed chain variant or a different bike entirely might be better choices. That said, for the gentle rollers common in most cities, the single-speed setup is perfectly adequate and removes the mental load of shifting.

Range testing exceeded my expectations. Over six weeks, I tracked battery consumption carefully: 47 miles average in mixed Level 2/3 assist with about 500 feet of climbing per charge. On one deliberate test in Level 1 assist on flat terrain, I pushed past 55 miles before the battery died. For comparison, my daily commute uses about 22% battery for 16 miles round-trip, meaning I charge twice weekly. The efficient belt drive and relatively small motor contribute to this impressive range from a modest 360Wh battery.

Daily usability is where this bike really shines. The 37-lb weight makes it manageable to carry up apartment stairs or load onto a car rack. The removable battery means I can charge at my desk while the bike stays locked outside. The belt drive requires zero maintenance, which I genuinely appreciated during a rainy week when chain-drive bikes need constant attention. The PIN-lock security is reassuring in an urban environment. The bike just gets out of your way and lets you focus on riding.

Setup took about 45 minutes out of the box. The front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and fenders needed installation. Everything came with clear instructions and the necessary tools. The trickiest part was adjusting the front hydraulic brake, which required minor cable tensioning. If you're not mechanically inclined, a local bike shop could handle assembly for $50-100. Over six weeks of regular use, I performed zero maintenance beyond checking tire pressure. The belt drive never needed adjustment, the brakes never needed bleeding, and the bike stayed clean without chain grease everywhere.

Against premium options like the VanMoof S5 ($2,498) or Cowboy 4 ($2,490), the CGO600 Pro trades app connectivity and integrated tech for $900 in savings while maintaining the same stealth aesthetic and belt drive benefits. You lose features like automatic gear shifting and theft tracking, but gain a more traditional, serviceable design. For riders who want simplicity over tech integration, that's a worthwhile trade.

Compared to budget single-speed e-bikes like the Ride1Up Roadster V2 ($1,245) or Aventon Soltera ($1,299), the Tenways costs $300-350 more but delivers significantly better components: the Gates belt drive alone justifies the premium, plus you get better brakes, a torque sensor instead of cadence sensor, and superior build quality. The Tenways feels like a $2,000 bike on sale, not a budget bike with compromises.

The closest competitor is probably the Priority Current ($2,999), which also features a Gates belt and urban focus but costs nearly double with an enviolo automatic transmission. Unless you absolutely need automatic shifting, the Tenways delivers 80% of that experience for 50% of the price. For most urban commuters, that math makes sense.

After six weeks and 240 miles, I'm genuinely impressed by what Tenways has created at this price point. The combination of Gates belt drive, torque sensor motor, and stealthy design creates an ownership experience that feels premium despite the $1,599 price tag. The bike requires virtually zero maintenance, looks fantastic, and makes daily commuting genuinely enjoyable. Yes, the single-speed gearing has limitations on steep hills, and the lack of suspension isn't ideal for rough roads. But for the target buyer commuting on decent pavement in relatively flat cities, these trade-offs are minor.

If you're choosing between variants, I'd strongly recommend the belt drive over the 8-speed chain unless your commute involves serious hills. The maintenance savings and silent operation are worth giving up gear range for most urban riders. At the current sale price of $1,599, this bike competes with significantly more expensive options while offering better value than cheaper alternatives. Just make sure you fit the size range (5'7"+) and your terrain matches the bike's strengths. For the right rider in the right city, the CGO600 Pro is one of the best value propositions in the e-bike market.