Nakamura E-Crossover V test (2022): a versatile VAE, but too expensive

The Nakamura E-Crossover V claims as an so-called versatile electric bike, namely a bicycle capable of leaping in town as on small paths and other beaten track. We have not had the opportunity to go to these kinds of roads, favoring urban travel above all.

Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover V (2022)

Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover V (2022) at the best price

€ 1,599 On Intersport

Intersport’s Nakamura E-Crossover V is an entry-level city bike rather well equipped. Motor in the crankset, display on the handlebars, hydraulic disc brakes, numerous accessories (luggage racks, mudguards, battery-connected lighting, etc.) and front suspensions make it a perfect tool to face bitumen in daily journeys. On paper, this intersport bike which can travel around fifty kilometers in its highest mode of assistance checks all the boxes of an urban specifications. We can regret that at € 1,600, the finishes and the power of the engine are not slightly higher. To watch during promotion periods !

Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover V (2022) at the best price

€ 1,599 On Intersport

Our verdict on the intersport nakamura e-crossover v (2022)

We liked

• Well equipped
• Pleasant natural driving
• Pleasant on damaged urban grounds

We liked it less

• Molasson engine
• Finishes to review
• Draft

Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover V (2022): the characteristics

Couple	60 Nm
Engine	Ananda (white label)
Sensor	Strength
Speeds	8
Materials	Aluminum
Style	Urban
Board computer	Ananda (white label)
Assistance modes	4
Sizes	S, m, l
Removable battery	Yes
Power	250 W
Battery	460 Wh
Autonomy	50 km
Weight	20.3 kg
Release date	03/01/2022

Nakamura E-Crossover V test (2022): a versatile VAE, but too expensive

The intersport sport giant offers with the Nakamura E-Crossover V (2022) its vision of the city bike. A well -equipped bike but whose price seems too high compared to its services on the road.

Whether we are Team Décathlon or Team Intersport, in France, we must recognize that we have the choice on the sports equipment at reduced prices. The two giants have long been offering ranges of electric bikes which have evolved from year to year and which cover many uses. In the Nakamura range offered by Intersport, the E-Crossover V is a bit of a do everything: a product designed for the city, generous in accessories and which has all the equipment required to be an honest cycle.

But perhaps Inteersport should have compared it to its sector: at € 1,600, the bike is a disappointing hair. For what ? Read our test !

€ 1,599 On Intersport

Strong points

• Well equipped
• Pleasant natural driving
• Pleasant on damaged urban grounds

Weak points

• Molasson engine
• Finishes to review
• Draft

To this rather honest technical sheet, Intersport adds some small subtleties. For example, there are suspensions at the front, which makes it possible to amortize shocks on an urban ground (hen nests, sidewalks, etc.)). The on-board computer can connect in Bluetooth to a smartphone, to the dedicated NAKA E-POWER application, and to deactivate the engine. Practical to add a software lock to a U or a chain, but painful in use: you have to take out your smartphone and type a code to unlock the machine. A friction that we don’t necessarily want to have a bike.

For further

The battery of the Nakamura E-Crossover V is removable and is removed with a very simply key. It lodges directly in the frame and is not apparent, which a bit of the lines of the bicycle. That said, the joints of the enclave are not perfectly aligned and one has the impression, false, that the battery is not well engaged: the finishes might have deserved a little more attention from the part of manufacturer.

More problematic, we feel that Inteersport does not fully master its construction chain and uses components purchased in white marque: the cycle to start the bike is quite disturbing. You must first start the battery, then start the display. Two buttons that do exactly the same thing, it’s a button too much. Turn off the bike goes through the same dance. And when you turn it back on, you lose your settings: if you had turned on your lighthouse, it will be turned off at the restart. A bit of a shame, because it adds friction that we tolerate on less expensive bikes, but not necessarily when you enter the field of objects sold more than € 1,500. As a reminder, a mustache Saturday 28.1 (our test) does not have these faults and is sold for € 2,099.

The engine offered by Nakamura on this model V is a central engine built in China, which Inteersport announces sometimes to 80 Nm of torque (product sheet on the site) and 60 nm of torque (launch press release). Don’t be mistaken: it is rather the second information that is the right one. At the feeling, in particular, we are very far from what an engine has done that should have had 80 nm of torque, but much closer to the entry level of this kind of configuration. Same thing on the sensor: Nakamura does not give this information. If the motor bikes on hub are equipped with a rotation sensor, at the feeling, it will be said that this E-Crossover V is equipped with a strength sensor. In any case, the driving sensation does not recall that of a rotation sensor (characterized by a gap between pedaling and activation of the engine).

In short, we finally end up with a product that is difficult to judge: its equipment is pretty good, but its operating heart (engine, on-board computer) belongs to the entry level … which does not cost that price of ordinary.

On the road with the intersport nakamura e-cross

The components discovered on the bicycle do not surprise us in the least in use. The intersport e-cross is exactly the electric bike that we imagined that it would be: comfortable to drive, but not overwhelming. The pedal towers on the dish and the false dishes make it clear that the engine will not be a lightning lightning, but can accompany you at 25 km/h (confirming in passing that the product sheet on the manufacturer’s website is wrong when She evokes 80 nm of couple). The handling is good, the vibrations are only little transmitted to the driver, thanks to the versatile tires and the front suspension system.

We can clearly like to ride with such a bicycle configuration, which responds well to the requests of an audience who would seek to make short journeys (5-10 km) to go to the office and would like to take advantage of its acquisition to go out on paths Not too damaged on weekends. On the other hand, a sign that Inteersport does not master its electronics perfectly, it is perfectly impossible to distinguish between the turbo mode (the 3rd higher) and the boost mode (maximum power) on this bike. The display marks the difference, but not at all the engine, which leaves us speechless. We would have thought that the power would be gradual, from off to Boost, but that is not at all the case. The most economical modes are like what is done in competition: modes of compensation for the weight of the bicycle (just over 20 kg) and adapted to the flat roads. In practice, they are little use on this type of cycle.

The display has a lot of information accessible from the thumb: autonomy, speed, maximum speed, engine power in real time, real -time pedaling power, etc. It is practical to have specific information on what is happening under our feet. On the other hand, the calculation of the autonomy is not very advanced: if you fall to 0 and you recharge at 100 %, the bike will not understand that the battery is recharged immediately and will display you a maximum ridiculous autonomy … which will grow as that the wheels turn.

You can go from less than 10 km of autonomy to more than 50 in a few minutes of pedaling. It is not very disturbing since the absolute value of the recharging is taken into account (the battery is displayed full and will therefore not rest the engine as when it enters into energy saving mode), but it again shows the Entry -level side of the experience offered by Nakamura, for whom the details did not count much on such a model.

Are we however disappointed ? Not really. The bike is very well equipped for this range, rolls well, is pleasant to use most of the time especially if there is no climb too difficult on your way. We simply regret the price positioning that we find slightly too high for the experience. Note that since we had this bike in our hands, we have already seen it on promotion. This clearly changes the situation if we talk about a VAE sold between 1,300 or € 1,400: if the model is the one you want, may be waiting for a promotion period to crack.

Nakamura E-Crossover V test: versatile, equipped and enduring

The Nakamura E-Crossover V is an electric bike from the Intersport brand categorized as a versatile cycle: understand by that that it can both ride in town and on small paths. We tested it over a hundred kilometers, here is our verdict.

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Nakamura e-crossover V at the best price ?

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This test was carried out on July 03, 2022 and the market may have evolved since. Consult our comparison to discover more recent products potentially more relevant to you.

Our full opinion
Nakamura e-crossover V

July 03, 2022 03/07/2022 • 20:00

Updated article on 12/21/2020 : After reconsideration of the market, and in view of the qualities and defects of the Nakamura E-Crossover V electric bike, we decided to enhance the note of this model of 1 point: from 7/10 to 8/10. The proposed experience, the equipment provided (central engine, torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, suspended fork) and cycle services (very good autonomy) make it a more than relevant alternative for “only” 1600 euros.

Original article from July 1, 2022:

It has already been about 30 years since the Nakamura bicycle brand coexists alongside other Sports Entities in Intersport (Tecnopro, McKinley, Firefly, to name a few). Over time, the range has diversified with a catalog of electric cycles with various and varied uses (mountain bike, road, city, foldable).

Today, its offer oscillates between a price range of 800 to 2000 euros, with more or less regular promotions. For our first test of a Nakamura, we set our sights on the E-Crossover V (1,599.99 euros), a versatile electric bike whose autonomy is part of its strengths.

Technical sheet

Model	Nakamura e-crossover V
Engine power	250 watts
Number of assistance	4
Announced autonomy	100 km
Removable battery	Yes
Bluetooth	No
GPS	No
Screen	Yes
Weight	24.3 kg
Color	Gray
Maximum supported weight	120 kg
Headlights	Yes
Taillight	Yes
Price	1599.99
Product sheet

This test was carried out from a model loaned by the brand.

Design

A trivial style

Visually, the Nakamura E-Crossover V is not exceptional or catastrophic either. Let’s say that he shows himself, without attracting attention, but without being tasteless. The numerous folds of welds observable everywhere on the bicycle do not plead much in its favor in terms of finishes.

Same song for the frankly visible brake cables, which then rush into the arms of the fork and the imposing diagonal tube in which the battery is nestled. Casually, this Nakamura E-Crossover V imposes a minimum with generous dimensions and a high weight of 24.3 kg.

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Take this data into account, since it will be extremely difficult to wear your mount in a building without elevator. Favor a bicycle room, an interior courtyard or an elevator. If you have none of that, attaching it to the street is one of the last options to consider: you will have to secure your vehicle as much as possible.

In a medium -sized elevator, it is necessary to switch the cycle backwards to insert it inside: the maneuver requires a strength of strength, but remains within everyone’s reach. In the narrow and former Parisian elevators, the case seems much more difficult to lead due to the lack of space.

A respectable comfort

In terms of comfort, the Nakamura E-Crossover V offers a frankly decent service. Its 28 -inch Hutchinson Haussman tires manage to erase the roughness of the road. But it is above all the suspended fork (65 mm travel) located at the front which reinforces this pleasant feeling.

Going on a slightly raised sidewalk or driving in a hen nest does not make you tremble with your whole body thanks to this combination of equipment. If the front of the bicycle is generally well amortized, the rear, where a beautiful part of the weight is concentrated, lack of refinement: some shocks in your buttocks are often felt.

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

The Sport Comfort saddle is actually the bad student of the day, since it clearly does not bring satisfaction during relatively short journeys – even less on longer trips. Changing it with a more comfortable saddle perhaps a wise choice if comfort is an important purchasing criterion in your eyes.

Equipment: exactly what it takes

Intersport is not stingy in equipment. The Nakamura E-Crossover V offers a panel of accessories all that is most classic at this price: effective aluminum mudguards, a portage-winging capable of supporting a weight of 27 kilos or A reassuring crutch that does not make you miss.

The bicycle is made up of two LED headlights: at the front, the fire is tilting according to your preference, but does not arrive at the height of a supernova lighthouse in terms of power. It will be used above all to show you by other road users, and not to illuminate your path which is more in the middle of artificial lights.

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

The little extra of the Nakamura E-Crossover V is in its nightly night inserts, which strengthen your visibility with motorists in particular. A clever idea and always good to take, which has the merit of standing out from other bikes.

Mobile application and on -board computer

A simplistic application

The NAKA E-Power application is as summary as it is simple, but above all dispensable if you do not want to clutter up with a connected application. Subscribe to your electric bike is done in only a few steps:

• Open the application and select your Nakamura model;
• Validate, turn on your bike and connect it when its name appears on the screen;
• Here you are connected to your mount.

The features present are few: it is possible to locate the bike (except when it is off), to lock the electric assistance remotely via a modifiable PIN code and to consult the remaining autonomy (percentage), the mileage and the amount of CO2 saved.

Access to the history of your trips is also possible, provided, however, to manually launch a trip on the application. Not sure that it is a reflex whenever you are burying your destrier.

On -board computer: it could have been smarter

The on -board computer placed on the left of the handlebars also plays the simplicity card and turns on automatically as soon as you wake the bike (via a button on the battery). It is only made up of two buttons: the upper one serves to change the electrical assistance to the most powerful modes and also makes it possible to activate the headlights with long support.

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Conversely, The lower one makes you switch to the least powerful modes and activates a walking mode when you run next to your bike, on foot. On the screen, your speed, your mileage and the assistance mode are displayed. A small bar finally indicates your level of autonomy.

What is a shame on the other hand is the inability of the on -board computer to remember the mode of assistance chosen on your previous route. Each new start, it is necessary to reconfigure your level of assistance. A little annoying in the long run. A more smart system would not have been refusal.

Conduct

A VAE that wants to be versatile

The Nakamura E-Crossover V claims as an so-called versatile electric bike, namely a bicycle capable of leaping in town as on small paths and other beaten track. We have not had the opportunity to go to these kinds of roads, favoring urban travel above all.

This VAE makes you adopt a very straight, and non -sporting posture where your body tends to lean forward. Everyone has their preferences on this criterion. For the city, this Nakamura is not the most passout VAE in history, by its size and the length which separates the two ends of its handlebars.

We have calculated a length of 65 centimeters, a measure identical to those of the mustache 27.3 and pure one flow. Let’s say that you will have to be vigilant and agile if you want to sneak between two cars. It is in any case a question of adaptation and usual: each bike has its own driving specificities, it’s up to us to tame them.

This model enjoys controlled stability thanks to a good weight distribution over the entire cycle. Beware, however, of wind gusts which tend to slightly carry the front wheel. In terms of maneuverability, remember to start with one of the small reports to give you a nice momentum and speed.

Engine, sensor and transmission

The E-Crossover V relies on a central engine stamped Nakamura, whose torque is 80 nm. As our colleagues from Numerama noted, the product sheet and the press release at the time sent did not indicate the same torque value: 80 nm on one side, 60 nm on the other.

The brand has confirmed to us that an error – since corrected – had been immersed in the press kit: it is therefore a couple of 80 Nm, a relatively high value to help us during start -ups, repeated and ribs. On intermediate ribs precisely, we have not encountered any problem to climb them without falling under 20 km/h. You usually keep a speed of 24 or 25 km/h.

More generally, the sensations obtained with the bicycle do not seem to correspond to a torque of 80 Nm either. Here we join Numerama’s opinion. Especially since a preceding canyon: we were offered much more peak sensations with a couple of 85 nm.

This Nakamura calls on a strength sensor (or couple), always more relevant than a rotation sensor. Thanks to this system, electric assistance is sent proportional to the force you put in the pedals. The electrical bicycle behavior is as pleasant as it is natural.

Just think of lowering reports – the transmission has eight speeds – to restart to a red light. With high gear, mini-latency can be felt before tasting assistance. With a low gear, we have the impression that the engine is a more reactive hair. But it’s very light and barely noticeable.

Eight -speed transmission – via a chain, not a belt found on higher -end VAE – allows you to play with the robber. Once you arrive at your cruising speed, higher reports are relevant to reduce your pedaling cadence. Everyone will find a shoe at their foot.