Someone has really stepped on the gas here. In July 2020, Cowboy presented the third generation of its eponymous urban ebike. Some ten months later, the company is now presenting the fourth edition of the purist for the city. In keeping with tradition, it is simply called Cowboy C4. However, it does not come alone. The “family” has grown. It is a low-entry model.
Similarly sober, it has been given the name Cowboy C4 ST. The abbreviation ST stands for “Step through”. This is by far the most profound innovation with regard to the models for this year. Otherwise, Cowboy has taken it easy and concentrated more on working on a few details.
When ending at a lower level is an achievement, too
But credit where credit is due. So, let’s look at the Cowboy C4 ST first. And it doesn’t take long to realise: The daughter is, as it were, the fraternal twin. The word play of a cowgirl is literally forced upon you here. The same massive seat tube, in which the battery is integrated, the same front light set high up in the head tube. The same, sparsely populated handlebars. Although the top tube has been omitted in favour of comfortable getting on and off the bike, the scales show 300 grams more than on the model with the diamond frame. In itself, one would have suspected that it might be a little lighter.
Cowboy C4 ST in the colour “Sand”
But that’s not a big deal. The low-entry model is also intended to appeal to those who feel in tune with the spirit of the times, like a minimalistic look and still don’t have any great sporting ambitions. At least not when it comes to cycling. That’s why Cowboy has deliberately designed the seating position to be upright. In addition, there is a slightly smaller gear ratio here. As a reminder: this ebike does without any gears. An automatic gearbox linked to a torque sensor does its job here and regulates the amount of assistance the motor provides at any given time. Up to the well-known sonic wall of 25 km/h. After that, it’s your turn. Nevertheless, 57 teeth on the chainring and 21 on the sprocket mean a gear ratio of 2.71. This is somewhat more relaxed than the 2.85 on the Cowboy C4. However, if you really want to ride in a relaxed manner, you must not go seriously uphill or against the wind in either case.
Faster, but for a shorter time
Cowboy has provided more torque so that you can move more quickly while the motor is supporting you. Previously, the drive only provided 30 Newton metres. This has now been increased to 45 Newton metres, which is definitely a considerable increase. While riding, you should clearly feel the difference compared to the predecessor. But be careful not to celebrate too soon. At the same time, the battery has remained unchanged with a capacity of 360 watt hours. According to Cowboy, this should have no influence on the range. Logic, however, tells a different story. Presumably, you will now more rarely come close to the 70 kilometres mentioned by the manufacturer.
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- In addition to the colour “Sand”, “Khaki” is also new in the range.
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- Of course, the classic in black must not be missing.
Click and go
Visually, the redesigned cockpit with the integrated Quadlock mount catches the eye. With the matching counterpart, i.e. a suitable smartphone case, you can firmly anchor your digital communicator on it. Quadlock is a US counterpart to Fidlock or SP Connect. From them it has also inherited the well-known disadvantage. The cases are primarily available for phones from Apple, Samsung and Huawei. If you use a less well-known device, you will quickly be left out in the cold.
The other innovations directly on the bike are more cosmetic in nature:
- slight increase in total weight from 18.2 kilograms to 18.9 kilograms (diamond frame)
- new, completely flat handlebars with new grips
- tyre width increased from 42 millimetres to 47 millimetres
- change of hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro to Sunrace
- brake cables integrated into the handlebars and stem
- optimised angles for brakes and pedals
Motivation and enlightenment
Back in January of this year, Cowboy had upgraded its app and added navigation that can be based on air quality. Following on from this, the start screen has been further developed. In future, it will inform you about the weather, the pollution level in the air, the remaining battery capacity, the average consumption and your previous journeys. Cowboy also wants to motivate you. If you ride a lot and burn a lot of calories, you will receive badges and climb up a ranking list.
In our opinion, the slightly expanded accessories are at least as useful. The bike box now contains battery lights for the front and rear, which are compliant with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). So far, everyone who rides a Cowboy C3, C2 or C1 has to buy these themselves. Why? Well, the lights integrated into the frame do not meet the requirements of the German legislator. Nor does it on the two new models of the C4. Apparently, however, enough customers have remarked on this, which is why Cowboy has added them of its own accord. In addition, the safety equipment includes four spoke reflectors, a rear reflector and a bell.
You can also add a few extras to your Cowboy at your own expense. You can order a smartphone case for the Quadlock mount, a rear carrier and a bicycle stand online in the configurator.
The Cowboy C4 also only comes off the production line in one frame size. This is supposed to be suitable for people with a body length of 160 to 190 centimetres.
Constantly worth the price
For a long time, the mudguards did cost extra. On the C4 and C4 ST they are now pre-mounted and included. Fortunately, the price of the ebikes has not changed and remains at 2,490 euros. But even with 100 euros, you’re already making a decisive difference. You can pre-order a copy for this amount on the Cowboy homepage. Delivery is scheduled for September.
A little tip: With the announcement of the C4 models, Cowboy has lowered the price of the Cowboy C3 by 300 euros. Maybe this is worth considering for some of you.
Technical specs of the Cowboy C4 and Cowboy C4 ST
- Frame: Aluminium 6061
- Frame size: 170 to 195 cm – C4 ST: 160 to 190 cm
- Motor: Rear hub motor, 45 Nm, 250 Watt
- Battery: 2.4 kg, removable, 360 Wh, 10 Ah
- Range: up to 70 km
- Charger: 100 W
- Charging time: 3.5 hours
- Belt: Gates Carbon Drive
- Gear ratio: 60/21 (2.85) – C4 ST: 57/21 (2.71)
- Tyres: 47 mm, puncture protection inner coating
- Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes
- Front light: integrated LED front light, switch on/off via app
- Rear light: integrated LED rear light, lights up more when braking and slowing down
- Integrated cockpit with built-in Quadlock mount
- App: iOS and Android, digital key locking and unlocking
- Colours: Black, Khaki and Sand
- Weight C4: 18.9 kg – C4 ST: 19.2 kg
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: 2,490 euros
Pictures: Cowboy SA