Himiway Cobra

The Himiway Cobra is an e-bike capable of handling tricky terrain with oversized tires, a full suspension setup, and a powerful hub motor. This bike is also available in a higher-end mi-drive build, the Cobra Pro.

The 750W motor can produce 86Nm of torque and has a torque sensor that ensures smooth, precise pedal assistance, and a large 20Ah battery provides plenty of range.

Now, it’s time to take the Cobra out for a spin to see what it’s capable of.

What Is the Himiway Cobra?

The Cobra is a full-suspension e-bike with a four-bar linkage and 60mm air suspension shock. In the front, you have a 95mm coil suspension fork, and the bike sits on massive 4.8″ tires.

The beefy frame, fat tires, and suspension make this a heavy bike. It comes in at 87lb without a rack or fenders. Thankfully, the powerful motor easily overcomes the high weight and inefficient tires.

Himiway chose a torque sensor for the Cobra, making for responsive assistance. This means the bike can tackle more technical trails than a cadence-sensing system would allow.

The Cobra seems capable and ready to take you onto your local trails. Now, let’s explore the pros and cons to learn more about the bike.

Pros

Comfortable Full Suspension Ride

The Cobra’s suspension helps make it comfortable. Compared to hardtail competition, this bike rides like a dream. It performs well over rough terrain, making short work of trails that would be uncomfortable on other bikes.

The Cobra has a coil fork at the front, and the four-bar linkage with air shock at the rear enhances traction, making it easier to deploy the motor’s power off-road. The fork travel is 95mm, and the rear shock stroke is 60mm.

The Cobra’s abilities on varied trails impressed me. If you are looking for an affordable full-suspension e-bike to explore off-road, the Cobra is an appealing choice.

Torque Sensor

Himiway chose a torque sensor over a cadence sensor for the Cobra. Cadence-sensing hub motors can have a jerky feeling to the power output, but this is not the case with the Cobra. The torque sensor ensures natural power transfer. On trails, the smooth application of power allows for confident climbing.

The performance of the motor and sensor together is enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. This setup allows you to apply the appropriate torque to push up and over slippery obstacles like rocks and roots, which is essential for safely riding technical terrain.

After testing both, I prefer a torque sensor for trail riding as this bike outperformed cadence sensor bikes of a similar style.

Massive Battery Range

The Cobra has a large 48V 20Ah battery. It offers solid range when paired with the torque sensor, which results in more efficient use of power.

The Cobra achieved excellent results in the range test, making it a great choice for long-range rides. Our range test uses the max pedal assist level and throttle, so you’ll get an even longer range if you use lower assistance levels.

Cons

Cheaper Components, No Fenders

The Cobra has an exciting mix of components, like the 750W motor, torque sensor, and full suspension setup. However, to keep the price reasonable, Himiway made a few compromises.

Some disappointing features include the quick-release front axle and Shimano TX-50 shifter. I would also appreciate the inclusion of fenders to avoid road debris, dirt, or sand back being thrown up when riding at high speeds.

Large, Heavy Bike With Huge Tires

The Cobra is heavy, coming in close to 90lb and riding on massive 4.8-inch tires. Thanks to the powerful motor, the weight isn’t noticeable in most conditions. However, maneuvering the bike on tight roads or technical trails is a serious challenge.

Lifting the bike upstairs or onto a rack would also be impossible for many people. The large tires also require a bike rack that fits the 4.8″ tires.

Heavy Input Is Required for High Speed

The downside of a torque sensor is that more input is required from the rider to reach and maintain high speeds. The amount of pedal input required to maintain the top speed of 20mph was frustrating during the range test.

The Cobra needed a consistent cadence and firm pressure on the pedals to keep running at high speeds. It’s much easier to coast at 15 to 18mph than 20mph. Using the throttle was a great way to unlock the full capability of the motor, and I found myself relying on the throttle even while pedaling.

What Does It Do Best?

The Cobra is perfect for off-road exploring. The full suspension setup provides comfort and traction on trails and allows you to travel over diverse terrain with confidence.

The torque sensor ensures responsive assistance from the large motor so you can apply the right amount of power to make it up steep inclines with loose or slippery surfaces. I was also impressed by the Cobra’s range. The high-capacity battery returned over 40 miles in the test.

Overall, this is an excellent option for those looking to explore off-road and ride long distances in comfort.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The Cobra is massive and weighs 87lb, meaning it’s a challenge to move or lift. Owners will also require a fat-tire bike rack suitable for the 4.8″ tires and heavy e-bikes if they want to transport it.

Himiway chose several budget components for this bike, such as the quick-release front axle, TX-50 shifter, 7-speed freewheel, and two-piston hydraulic brakes. However, this is a full suspension, torque-sensing e-bike, so costs had to be cut somewhere.

The Cobra Pro has a higher-end suspension fork, more powerful brakes, an improved drivetrain, and a premium mid-drive motor. The differences between the two are considerable, but the Cobra Pro costs almost double.

Conclusion

Overall, I’m impressed that Himiway managed to deliver a functional full-suspension e-bike at a reasonable cost.

The Cobra looks great and performs well. The suspension system provides a smooth ride and increases traction for the rear hub motor, while the torque sensor allows for more precise power modulation.

The bike has enough power to get you out of a tough spot and the finesse to keep you from spinning out. I was consistently impressed with its capabilities on rough terrain, only finding its limits in tight, low-speed maneuvers when the size and weight caused me to lose balance or momentum.

So, if you want to explore off-road in style, Himiway’s Cobra is worth considering.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: 2, 3
Warranty: 2-year original owner
Battery Weight: 8.4lb
Total Weight: Claimed: 88lb, Actual: 87lb
Motor Brand: Himiway-branded (Bafang internals)
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 86Nm
Battery: 48V 20Ah, 860Wh
Range Claimed: Up to 85mi
Range Tested: 41.75mi – 1,555 ft. – Avg. speed: 13.4mph
Max Speed: 25mph
Throttle: Yes, thumb
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Controller: 48V – 22A
Charger: 3A output
Charge Time: 7 hours
Display: 3.5” backlit LCD
Frame: 6061 Aluminum – four-bar rear suspension
Fork: 95mm coil spring – lockout/preload adjustment
Brake Levers: Tektro E-350 hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Tektro E-350 hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm
Chain: KMC
Crankset: 170mm 44t
Derailleur: Shimano Altus 7-speed
Shifter: Shimano TX-50 7-speed
Freewheel: 7-speed 14-28t
Rims: 26”
Spokes: 13G front, 12G rear
Tires: 26” x 4.8” CST Rolypoly
Fenders: Not Included
Lights: Integrated headlight, rear battery-operated taillight
Grips: Rubber lock-on with ergonomic flair
Saddle: SR saddle
Handlebar: Riser bars – 20mm
Kickstand: Single-sided
Pedals: Wellgo platform
Max. Payload Capacity: 400lb

Frame and Geometry

The Cobra certainly looks the part, showcasing a four-bar suspension system and modern geometry. The performance is significantly better than hardtail e-bikes.

It has a 95mm coil suspension fork with preload adjustment and lockout. The rear air shock has a 60mm stroke and can be adjusted with a shock pump, but it doesn’t lock out.

The Cobra only comes in one size, restricting those shorter than 5’5″. I felt comfortable on the bike at 6′, but I can’t see it being a good fit for those much taller than 6’2″. I felt I was reaching the limits of its size.

Seat Tube: 17″ (43cm)
Reach: 21” (53cm)
Stack: 25” (63cm)
Stand Over Height: 33” (84cm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 24.5” (62cm)
Min Saddle Height: 30.3” (77cm)
Max Saddle Height: 37” (94cm)
Wheelbase: 51.1” (130cm)
Recommended Rider Height: 5’5” to 6’5”

Motor

The 750W Bafang motor is well-known on our channel. It can provide 1000W peak output and 86Nm of torque. This motor is both powerful and quick off the mark.

It benefits from the torque sensor, improving its responsiveness and performance. Improved motor control is especially helpful when navigating slippery or technical trail sections to ensure you do not lose traction.

Unfortunately, the torque sensor doesn’t lend itself to high-top speeds. I found it challenging to apply enough force to reach the top speed of 25mph, with the bike preferring to cruise at around 15 to 18mph. That said, it has enough torque to ensure you don’t work too hard on steep ramps.

The Cobra accelerates quickly, with a 0-20mph time of just 8 seconds using the throttle. It also easily overcame every hill in testing, including one with a 20% grade.

Cockpit and Control

The Cobra has traditional mountain bike handlebars with a slight 20mm rise. The layout is comfortable but slightly cramped due to the large TX-50 shifter sitting over the bars.

The 3.5″ backlit LCD display is mounted in the center of the bars. Similar to other Himiway displays (like the Zebra), it shows information such as trip odometer, trip time, and distance.

The display also has advanced settings that can be unlocked using a PIN code. These settings aren’t the easiest to navigate, but there are instructions in the user manual and video guides online if you want to change anything.

The five-button control pad is easy to use, with a dedicated button for the headlight. The Cobra also has a responsive thumb-operated throttle.

Battery

A signature feature of the Himiway bikes is their high-capacity batteries. The company prioritizes range by using a 20Ah unit. This gives the bike an excellent range, even when operating at the max pedal assist level.

The Cobra lasted over 40 miles using the throttle and max pedal assist only. This impressive range included lots of trail riding and hills. Using the lower assistance levels would increase that range significantly. I can see it making the 80-mile range the brand claims, in the right conditions.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

Battery removal and installation are straightforward, thanks to the well-positioned integration on the underside of the down tube.

To unlock the battery, use the key at the upper down tube, then turn the small lever above it to release. After releasing the battery, it comes out easily.

Installing the battery requires the key to be inserted and turned. Then, you can slide the battery in the bottom, click the top into place, and lock it with the key.

The frame also has a charging port, allowing for on-bike charging. The Cobra’s 20Ah battery should take roughly seven hours to charge using the 3A charger.

Drivetrain

The Cobra’s drivetrain is underwhelming. Himiway clearly cut costs here to offset those of the suspension and torque sensor.

The Shimano Altus drivetrain includes a 7-speed 14-28t cassette, sufficient for speeds up to 20mph. However, I found it challenging to get the bike going past 18mph, as the torque sensor required significant input.

A smaller rear cog or larger chainring might have allowed me to find a better cadence for riding at higher speeds.

Brakes

The Cobra has Tektro E-350 hydraulic brakes, a setup we’re familiar with. Similar to the drivetrain, it would be great to see four-piston brakes for more powerful braking and improved modulation.

Four-piston brakes offer increased stopping power for trail riding with a heavy bike like this. Nonetheless, the two-piston Tektro brakes performed well in our tests.

Wheels, Tires

The Cobra has 26″ x 4.8″ CST Roly Poly tires, which offer good traction. These massive tires can run low pressures for better traction in muddy or snowy trail conditions.

The wheels and tires feel like those used on a dirt bike, capable of rolling over brush and obstacles or floating on loose sand and dirt. The tires performed well and maintained traction on all surfaces.

The Cobra doesn’t have fenders, which is better for mud clearance clearance and reduces weight. However, the tires throw up a lot of debris. Riding at high speed on wet roads results in being pelted with water and dirt, so if you plan to commute or ride in bad weather, consider adding fenders.

Safety

The Cobra has a bright, integrated headlight for nighttime visibility. The taillight is externally powered, mounted on the seatpost, and operated with a small button on the light. Reflectors are also included on the wheels and pedals.

Kickstand

The Cobra has the standard single-sided kickstand. It’s functional and caused no issues during testing.

Contact Points

Grips

Himiway chose a nice set of flared rubber locking grips. I prefer a round profile to a flared one, but this is a personal preference. The ergonomic flairs allow you to rest your palms.

The lock-on design means they don’t twist on the bars. They also provide good grip while wet, unlike leather grips.

Saddle

The Himiway Cobra has a comfortable Selle Royal saddle, which is large and offers more padding than a standard mountain bike saddle.

Pedals

This bike has standard Wellgo platform pedals with small pegs that offer good traction for most shoe styles. They also have reflectors.

Accessories

Himiway offers a range of accessories for personalizing the Cobra. The frame has attachment points for items like racks and bottle cages. The most notable accessories options are:

• Upgraded front headlight
• Fenders
• Rear rack
• Rear cargo trailer
• Additional battery