For starters, the bike is almost fully kitted out, with custom fenders and chainguard, a substantial rack, lights, an AXA “cafe” rear wheel lock, and even a bell that actually makes some noise. The two colors, “Thyme Green” and “Caramel Khaki,” are smart and non-gendered and fit the broad utility of the bike. It’s available in four different sizes (40, 45, 50, and 55 inches), intended to cover riders from 4 feet, 9 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches. At 6-foot-2, I was generally comfortable on the largest model, though my arms wanted just a bit more space.
The Medeo T9 City’s frame-mounted battery, while perhaps less slick-looking than a built-in, makes removing for charging, building compliance, or theft deterrence possible. There are no bottle mounting points on this model, like most step-through e-bikes, which is just about the only thing missing.
It’s a stable ride, and its step-through frame is cut a bit lower than similar e-bikes, making the on/off experience easier. The 27.5-inch wheels, fitted with 62 mm tires, mean you don’t have to second-guess plowing through most gravel or mud or wonder whether it’s too windy for an upright ride. The battery’s position, along with the mid-drive motor, moves your center of gravity downward, which makes handling a bit easier.
The front suspension did its job while going mostly unnoticed, which is what I’m looking for in a road bike. It’s slightly stiff in its default adjustment but appropriately tuned to the overall ride feel. Gazelle put 180 mm discs on the front and 160 mm on the back, and they were more than capable of bringing me (at 200 pounds) to a full stop, even at the highest assist levels.
