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In this serpentine exploration of the Himiway Cobra full suspension electric mountain bike, I’m taking you deep into the heart of the e-bike jungle, where we’ll discover the origins, venomous specs, and hypnotic features of this captivating beast. As a long-time e-MTB enthusiast, I’ve ridden my fair share of electric serpents on twisting trails, and I’m eager to share my experiences with the Cobra to help you decide if it’s the right companion for your cycling adventures. This comprehensive review is packed with my opinions, feelings, and thoughts on this fat tire e-bike. So, saddle up and let’s slide our way through the electric landscape together!
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Need the TL;DR version? Yeah, I hear ya. Ok, the Himiway Cobra is an absolute blast on trails, sand, mud, and snow. A ton of power, massive tires, and the full suspension will leave you with a grin plastered across your face whenever you take the bike out for a spin. And, at this price, it’s a total steal. Stop reading! Buy it! Go have fun on it!
Slithering Through the E-Bike Jungle: A Brief History of Himiway
Before we dive into the seductive world of the Himiway Cobra, let’s take a step back and explore the origins of this enchanting brand. Understanding Himiway’s journey and commitment to innovation will shed light on what makes the Cobra such a standout e-bike. Join me as we slither through the company’s history, from its inception to its rapid evolution, global expansion, and unwavering dedication to creating cutting-edge electric bikes.
Hatching a Vision, Rapid Evolution and Conquering New Territories
Himiway was founded in 2017 by a group of passionate cycling enthusiasts who were determined to create electric bikes that would revolutionize the industry. In just a few short years, there’s compelling evidence already that they’re on the road to accomplishing that.
Himiway has grown from a small startup to an e-bike powerhouse with a global presence. The company now ships its products to numerous countries, including the US, Canada, and many European nations.
They’ve got a broad catalog of e-bikes in the roster already, but it’s clear that they’re continuously working to improve the product lineup and deliver new, groundbreaking technologies to the e-bike market (check out the details of the new additions to their e-bike lineup and hints of future developments).
Cobra’s Venomous Specs: A Deep Dive into the Bike’s Anatomy
As we slither deeper into the realm of the Himiway Cobra, it’s time to take a closer look at the venomous specs that make this e-bike such a powerful contender. From its serpentine frame to its pouncing power and sinuous speed, the Cobra is designed to offer a mesmerizing ride that’s both comfortable and versatile. Let’s dive into the bike’s anatomy to uncover what sets the Himiway Cobra apart from its competitors.
Himiway Cobra specs – Highlights
- 6061 Aluminum Frame
- 48V 20Ah Samsung/LG Integrated Battery
- Four-Bar Linkage Suspension
- 26″ x 4.8″ CST All-Terrain Fat Tires
- 750W Geared Hub Motor
- 25mph Pedal-assist maximum speed
- 80+ miles claimed range
Serpentine Frame: The Backbone of the Himiway Cobra
At the core of the Himiway Cobra is its sturdy, yet lightweight aluminum alloy frame. Designed to provide exceptional strength and durability, the frame acts as the backbone of the bike, supporting all its components while maintaining a sleek and attractive appearance. The geometry of the Cobra’s frame is carefully crafted to provide an optimal balance between comfort and performance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride across various terrains. Note that, whilst the aluminum helps take weight out of the bike, the overall bike is a heavyweight – weighing-in at 88 lbs – more on this a little later on.
Pouncing Power: Motor and Torque Unleashed
The Himiway Cobra derives its power from a robust 750W brushless rear hub motor, which offers impressive torque (86Nm) and acceleration capabilities. This potent motor enables the Cobra to tackle steep inclines and rough terrain with ease, giving a thrilling and exhilarating experience whether you’re going downhill or up. The recently upgraded motor is also designed for efficiency and low noise levels, ensuring a quiet and eco-friendly ride. Silent but deadly.
Slithering Speed: Analyzing the Cobra’s Top Performance
When it comes to speed, the Himiway Cobra does not disappoint. With a top pedal assist speed of up to 25 mph (or 15.5 mph in Europe), this Class 3 electric bike allows you to conquer urban environments and open roads with confidence. The bike features multiple pedal-assist levels (which can be fine tuned) and a thumb throttle, providing you with complete control over speed and the ability to set the riding experience according to personal preferences and surroundings.
Coiling Comfort: Full Suspension System and Its Benefits
One of the standout features of the Himiway Cobra is its full suspension system, which ensures a smooth and comfortable ride even on the roughest terrain. The bike is equipped with front fork suspension and rear four-bar linkage suspension – the front suspension is lockable for more efficient uphill climbing. This suspension system (combined with the 4.8” fat tires and sprung saddle) effectively absorbs bumps and vibrations from the most rutted and gnarly trails, allowing you to glide effortlessly over various surfaces with butt cheeks and forearms staying delightfully vibration-free.
Venomous Versatility: Tires and Terrain Adaptability
The Cobra is designed to go anywhere and do anything, making it an excellent choice for riders who love to explore a wide range of terrains with a grin on their faces. It comes equipped with 26-inch fat tires – probably the widest (at 4.8 inches) that I’ve ever seen on a bike – that offer exceptional traction and stability on various surfaces, including sand, snow, mud, and rocky trails.
These tires, combined with the bike’s full suspension system and powerful motor, allow the Cobra to confidently glide its way through the most challenging conditions with nonchalant ease, offering a venomous versatility that’s truly remarkable.
Serpent’s Sway: Riding Impressions and Full Suspension Experience
As we continue our exploration of the Cobra, it’s time to shift our focus to the actual riding experience. What does it feel like to ride this serpent-inspired e-bike, and how does the full suspension system contribute to its overall performance? In this section, we’ll discuss the sensation of riding the Himiway Cobra and give a few insights into why this e-bike is so captivating to both novice and experienced riders alike.
Enchanting Elegance: The Cobra’s Fluid Riding Dynamics
The moment you hop on the Cobra and begin to pedal, you’ll be mesmerized by its reassuring solidity and fluid riding dynamics. The combination of the bike’s powerful 750W motor, responsive pedal-assist system, and smooth-shifting 1×7 gears makes for an effortless and intuitive riding experience. Whether you’re coasting through the mean city streets or conquering rough trails, the Cobra’s handling is both nimble and precise, allowing you to navigate various terrains with confidence and ease. We’ve already seen that it’s a heavy bike, but it doesn’t FEEL heavy when you’re cruising along on it.
Cushioning the Ride: Full Suspension System in Action
The Himiway Cobra’s full suspension system is a game-changer when it comes to ride comfort and stability. As you traverse uneven surfaces, the front fork suspension and rear shock absorber work in tandem to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride. This cushioning effect not only enhances the overall riding experience but also reduces rider fatigue, allowing you to cover longer distances and tackle more challenging terrains with ease. Intriguingly, the suspension coupled with the fat tires also give a very comfortable ride on smooth pavement too – contrast this with a hardtail MTB with knobbly tires, which gives a very jarring ride on roads.
Serpentine Stability: Tackling Corners and Descents
One of the most exhilarating aspects of riding the Himiway Cobra is its remarkable stability when tackling corners and descents. The bike’s wide, fat tires provide exceptional grip and traction, while its full suspension system helps maintain stability and control even at high speeds. As a result, you’ll feel confident and secure as you navigate sharp turns and steep downhills, fully enjoying the serpentine stability the Cobra has to offer.
The Cobra’s Hiss: Noise Levels and Riding Stealthily
Despite its powerful motor and performance capabilities, the Himiway Cobra is surprisingly quiet, allowing you to ride stealthily through various environments without disturbing the peace. The bike’s brushless rear hub motor is designed for low noise levels, ensuring a serene and soothing ride that’s perfect for those who value tranquility on their cycling adventures. Calming if you’re a mountain biker, essential if you’re looking for an e-bike for hunting.
Fangs vs. Friction: Battery Life and Charging Dynamics
As we continue our journey through the fascinating world of the Himiway Cobra, it’s time to delve into the heart of this electric serpent: its battery life and charging dynamics. A key aspect of any e-bike’s performance is its ability to balance power, endurance, and efficiency, ensuring riders can enjoy long rides without constantly worrying about recharging. In this section, we’ll examine the Himiway Cobra’s battery capacity and range, charging time, and longevity.
Venom Storage: Long Rides and Battery Endurance
When it comes to endurance, the Himiway Cobra boasts a serpent’s stamina with a high-capacity 48V 20Ah (960Wh) battery. With a claimed range of up to 80 miles on a single charge (note that in our tests we saw ranges of between 55-75 miles, but this was highly dependent on levels of power assist used, overall terrain and gradient), this e-bike allows you to embark on extended rides without constantly worrying about running out of juice. The Cobra’s removable, lockable battery (integrated neatly into the downtube) can be easily charged on or off the bike, providing you with the flexibility and convenience you need to make the most of your riding adventures.
Quick Strike: Charging Time and Efficiency
When it’s time to recharge the Cobra’s battery, you’ll be pleased to find that it boasts a relatively quick charging time. Typically, the battery takes 6-7 hours to charge fully, ensuring you can get back on the road in no time. The charger provided with the bike is both compact and efficient (although the integrated fan is a little on the noisy side), allowing you to conveniently top up your battery at home or on the go.
The battery can be charged either on the bike (using the port on the lower end of the down tube) or removed from the bike (using the key) and charged separately. Both are easy to do, although the weight of the battery makes off-the-bike charging a little cumbersome.
Serpent’s Stamina: Battery Longevity and Replacement Options
The Himiway Cobra’s battery is designed to provide long-lasting (and very powerful) performance. Proper care and maintenance can further extend its longevity – make sure you follow the charging instructions in the Cobra manual – ensuring you can enjoy years of riding without needing a replacement. In the event that you do need a new battery, Himiway offers convenient replacement battery options, allowing you to maintain your bike’s optimal performance with minimal hassle. A spare battery can also be useful if you plan on taking your bike deep into the backcountry and far away from a power socket.
Prey or Predator: Comparing the Cobra to Other E-Bike Contenders
In the competitive world of electric bikes, it’s essential to understand how the Cobra measures up against its rivals. Is it a fearsome predator or just another prey in the e-bike jungle? Let’s compare the Cobra to its direct competitors and top e-bikes on the market, analyzing its performance and value for money, and see who comes out on top.
Rival Serpents: Comparing the Cobra to a Himiway Rival
In the Himiway stable of e-bikes there is another fat tire eMTB: the Cobra Pro. The souped-up version of the Cobra, the Cobra Pro comes with similar good looks and highly-capable front and rear suspension. Notable upgrades from the Cobra include 10-speed gears (vs 7), a 1000 W mid-drive motor (vs 750 W hub drive), and a whopping 160 Nm of torque (vs 86 Nm).
This gives the Cobra Pro truly devastating performance on the trails. However it comes with a downside – a $3,999 price tag (vs $2,399 for the Cobra). This pushes the Cobra Pro upwards into a new e-MTB price bracket.
Battle of the Beasts: How the Cobra Stacks Up Against Top E-Bikes
Two of the Cobra’s main rivals are the RadRover 6 Plus and the Aventon Adventure.
How do they compare?
RadRover 6 Plus – this comes in at a cheaper price ($1,799), but that brings some downside. The key disadvantages for the RadRover 6 being the reduced battery capacity (672 Wh vs 960 Wh for the Cobra) and the lack of rear suspension. With front suspension only (and smaller 4” tires) this will give much less comfortable riding on rough ground.
Aventon Adventure – the Adventure is also cheaper than the Cobra (at $1,799) but, again, this comes with what is in my view a less capable bike. Main point to note here is the lower battery capacity (720 Wh vs 960 Wh for the Cobra).
Of course, the e-bike market is very broad and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on where you plan on riding. For the price and spec of the Cobra though, my view is that it’s set itself on a higher platform than the competition.
The Cobra’s Charming Points: Top Features That Mesmerize
The Himiway Cobra isn’t just a powerful e-bike with impressive performance capabilities—it’s also packed with an array of charming features that are sure to captivate riders and make their cycling experience even more enjoyable. In this section, we’ll explore some of the Cobra’s most mesmerizing features, from its hypnotic display and alluring accessories to its built-in security measures, and enchanting aesthetics.
Hypnotic Display: Advanced Control Panel and Connectivity
The Himiway Cobra boasts an advanced control panel that provides you with a wealth of information in a large central display. The screen is easy to read and navigate, offering real-time data on speed, distance, battery life, and more.
Alluring Accessories: Must-Have Add-Ons and Customizations
To further enhance the riding experience, Himiway offers a variety of alluring accessories and customization options for the Cobra. From practical add-ons like sideloading water bottle cages, upgraded LCD displays, and adjustable height stems to range-extending upgrades like e-bike hitch racks for your car, the Cobra can be tailored to suit your unique riding preferences and needs. These accessories not only enhance the bike’s functionality but also add a personal touch to your e-bike, making it truly one of a kind.
Seductive Safety: Built-In Security and Theft Prevention
When it comes to safety, the Himiway Cobra doesn’t skimp on features. With its built-in security measures, including a lockable and removable battery, the Cobra is designed to deter theft and provide peace of mind for riders. Additionally, the bike’s powerful front lights (charged from the ebike battery) and horn ensure you remain visible and audible to others on the road, further enhancing your safety while riding.
Enchanting Aesthetics: Design and Color Options
Finally, the Himiway Cobra’s enchanting aesthetics are sure to mesmerize both riders and onlookers alike. With its sleek, aggressive design and eye-catching color options (choose from the King Cobra pictured or the camo Forest Cobra), this ebike is a true head-turner that perfectly combines form and function. The bike’s distinctive appearance not only sets it apart from other e-bikes on the market but also adds a touch of style and sophistication to your cycling adventures.
Beware of the Bite: Potential Drawbacks and Pitfalls
I’m a big fan of the Cobra (can you tell?) but it’s not without it’s negatives and I’d like to take a closer look at these now.
Slithering Setbacks: Not for Shorter Riders
The Cobra is billed as being suitable for riders of between 5’5” to 6’5” and this feels accurate. I’m 5’8” and the bike feels comfortable to mount and ride on – the seatpost height range is good and the reach to the handlebars doesn’t feel like a stretch.
For shorter riders though, the standover height of the crossbar is a challenge. Particularly when the obvious work-around is to tilt the bike to one side as you’re getting on. With a regular bike this is fine to do, but with a heavy bike like the Cobra this can lead to the bike tipping over. If this is an issue for you then I’d suggest looking at one of the other bikes in the Himiway range (such as the All Terrain Step Through).
Venomous Vulnerabilities: Lower Range
Despite a claimed 80 mile range, we didn’t get that in our tests (we achieved distances ranging from 55-75 miles). That said, we’ve been testing the bike out on rugged trails with lots of inclines (and corresponding higher levels of power-assist) and so range would likely be further on smooth roads. But, hey, that’s not where the Cobra belongs, is it?
The Serpent’s Weight: Heavyweight Challenge
The elephant in the corner of the room is that the Cobra is a heavy bike – a whopping 88 lbs in fact. That gives a great feeling of stability and comfort on the trails, but does mean that lifting it is a two-person (or even more) task. If that’s an issue, look elsewhere. For me, it’s a trade-off I’m happy with.
Cost of Constriction: Maintenance and Repair Expenses
In the main, electric bikes are not significantly more spendy than regular bikes when it comes to maintenance issues (and certainly waaay cheaper than gas-guzzling automobiles, but that’s another story).
The problem comes because electric mountain bikes are so much fun to ride. Because they’re so much fun to ride, you’ll ride them more often and further. And, because you do that, you’ll wear components out faster.
So, be aware that the hydraulic brakes will likely need more regularly servicing and tires and tubes will be costly when they need replacing.
King of the Jungle: The Ultimate Verdict on the Himiway Cobra
The Cobra sits at a rather exciting point on the math Venn diagram of ebikes. It looks great, it’s got a ton of power and it soaks up the roughest and most gnarly terrain (whether it be at the beach, a snow-covered landscape, or a deep ‘n’ muddy bike trail). It’s also available at a wallet-friendly price tag.
Who is the Himiway Cobra the right choice for? Anyone who loves conquering tougher trails than they’ve previously been capable of doing, returning from a day of adventuring with a mud-splattered face that’s been permanently fixed with an ear-to-ear grin.
The Himiway Cobra is one truly awesome reptile of an e-MTB. I think you’re going to love it.
