Last updated on March 22nd, 2022 at 01:39 pm
Design
One thing that remains the same across all three versions of the Axon Pro is the folding system, which has been mostly well designed to make it quick to dismantle for jumping on the train or storing inside at your workplace. The handlebars lock upright with a two-part catch, and the front and rear frame sections connect together using a double-locking system that also inspires confidence. One of Axon's headline features is the magnetic hub, which holds the two halves of the bike together when folded.
The seat pole provides plenty of height options, and locks into place firmly, but sliding it up and down is a little stiff. The seat pole also appears to integrate the battery, and in theory could be removed, but in practice this wouldn’t be a very convenient system for portability compared to some e-bike removable batteries we have used.
Like most foldable bikes, the Axon Pro isn’t the prettiest vehicle, as the long handlebar and seat poles plus small wheels seem out of proportion. This is the price you pay for the folding ability, but the Axon Pro isn’t the lightest of foldables, weighing 15kg. A non-e-bike Brompton can be under 10kg, but most folding e-bikes are heavier, with many over 20kg, so the Axon Pro is actually quite light in this category.
Nevertheless, 15kg is a lot to carry around for long periods and this is one area where Axon has missed a trick compared to the best options in this class. Brompton bikes come with a small set of wheels when folded that facilitate rolling them when folded, but the Axon Pro doesn’t have anything like this. So you will either have to carry it or wheel it unfolded, which is less convenient if you are taking it some distance inside your workplace.
Ride Comfort
The Axon Pro has small 16in wheels – some foldables are as large as 20in – but the tyres are reasonably fat, which helps smooth the ride. This saddle is well padded so should be comfortable enough for a daily commute.
The ride height adjustments offer a wide range of options. Axon officially states this range to be from 150 to 190 cm, which is 4 foot 9 inches to 6 foot 2 inches. That will cater for most riders. There’s also a side-stand to hold the bike vertically.
Storage
If long-distance portability is one downside with the Axon Pro, the other is that it doesn't come with any kind of cargo carrying ability. It might be possible to install something on the front, but panniers aren't going to be an option, and there’s no facility for any kind of rack above the rear wheel. You will need to carry your bag on your back while riding instead.
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