Blix Sol Eclipse vs. Hovsco Cruiser eBike

If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish way to get around town, neighborhood cruiser eBikes are the way to go! They’re user-friendly, making them perfect for all sorts of things. Whether you need to get to work, run some errands, or want to take a leisurely ride around your neighborhood, these bikes will help you do it easily and in style.

This article will compare the Blix Sol Eclipse vs. the Hovsco Cruiser eBike, the HovAlpha. These two eBikes aren’t being compared in an apples-to-apples manner, as most articles would do, but will show the big differences between the more focused purposes of the Sol Eclipse and the more versatile style of the HovAlpha.

Cruising the Neighborhood

If you’re interested in neighborhood cruiser eBikes, here are some key details. These bikes are designed with comfortable seats and handlebars and often include baskets or racks for carrying cargo (if they don’t come with the bike, manufacturers often have them available to purchase separately).

These eBikes can reach a top speed of 20-28 mph and cover a distance of 20-50 miles on a full charge. They make for an excellent choice, irrespective of your age or physical fitness.

Similarities

1. Both bikes have a strong 750W motor that provides plenty of power, and their 48V battery ensures a reliable and long-lasting energy source.
2. The two eBikes are made for riding in neighborhoods and cities. They have comfortable designs and strong brakes. They work well for going up hills or through busy streets.
3. Both bikes have a range of over 40 miles per charge.
4. Both bikes have a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.

Differences

1. The Blix Sol Eclipse has a weight limit of 300 pounds, while the Hovsco Cruiser eBike has a weight limit of 350 pounds.
2. The Blix Sol Eclipse has a price tag of $1,699, while the Hovsco Cruiser eBike has a price tag of $1,999.
3. Hovsco’s bike comes with a headlight and taillight; Blix reserves tail lights as an option to buy but comes equipped with a headlight.
4. The Blix Sol Eclipse has a rigid steel front fork system, and Hovsco HovAlpha has a front fork suspension system.
5. The Sol Eclipse has 27.5” in diameter and 2.4” wide puncture-resistant tires, and the HovAlpha has 26” x 4” wide eBike-rated tires.
6. The HovAlpha is either a stylized diamond-type frame or a step-thru, and the Sol Eclipse only comes in a step-thru frame style.

7. The Blix Sol Eclipse is a class 2 eBike, meaning that it will not exceed speeds of 20 mph using the throttle or via pedal assist. The HovAlpha can be remotely toggled between a class 2 and a class 3 via the Hovsco app that is available with the purchase of one of their bikes.

8. The HovAlpha has a maximum seat height of 42” and is 78 ¾” long, measuring outside from tire to tire, and the Eclipse has a 40.2” saddle height and 78.1” outside from tire to tire.
9. The HovAlpha has the battery nestled into the frame, and the Sol Eclipse’s battery is mounted under the seat, or in other words, mounted to the outside of the seat tube.

What are the Bikes Made to Do?

You may have noticed above that there are far more differences than similarities. That’s because these bikes are designed to do different things, to be treated differently, and have different restrictions by design.

Built to Cruise About

Between the two bikes being compared in this article, only one can be considered a cruiser bike through and through: the Blix Sol Eclipse. From the handlebar style to the overall body style, it is evident that the Eclipse isn’t meant to do a lot of off-roading or to have to absorb a lot of punishment.

It’s made to be the get-about eBike that will easily and predictably get you to where you need to go or to cruise around the neighborhood, anxious to see who’s out and about. A justifiable Hovsco comparison would be the HovRanger Step-Thru Commuter eBike. However, the Blix has more power in the hub between the two, but you’d likely not know it unless you live in a neighborhood littered with steep hills. But regarding looks and size (including tire size), the HovRanger will do anything the Eclipse can, but neither can do what the HovAlpha can.

The Sol Eclipse is designed for more casual riding. It has many features that make it comfortable and easy to ride, including:

• Smooth tires: The Sol Eclipse’s smooth tires provide a more comfortable ride on paved surfaces.
• Crisp brakes: The Sol Eclipse’s crisp brakes provide excellent stopping power.
• Comfortable Seat: Comfort appears to have been on the minds of the engineering department when developing this seat.

Versatility in All Areas

The HovAlpha is not nearly as discreet in appearance as the Sol Eclipse, and that’s for a good reason. Its construction is meant to cruise comfortably about the neighborhood, going to and fro as one would with the other bike, but it is also meant to be a rough housing menace to trails and rough terrain.

The tires alone do quick work out of sand, snow, and wet surfaces, and the additional weight that comes with fat tires is offset via the pedal assist or through the full use of its throttle.

The HovAlpha has several features that make it well-suited for off-road riding, including:

• Fat tires: As mentioned, HovAlpha’s fat tires provide excellent traction and cushioning on rough terrain.
• Suspension fork: The HovAlpha suspension fork helps absorb bumps and vibrations, making for a more relaxed ride and granting better control when traversing rough terrain.
• Powerful motor: The HovAlpha’s powerful motor can help you to tackle even the steepest hills.

And let’s not forget that it can switch between a class 2 bike and a class 3. This can give you the extra oomph needed when you want to uptick the speed or calm the bike down some for safer biking amongst other riders.

What Kind of eBike Do You Want?

At the beginning of this article, it was clear that we’re not comparing apples to apples here; neither of these bikes is similar at all. In terms of construction and versatility, Hovsco has it made, but in terms of being an arguably easier ride about the neighborhood, the Sol Eclipse gets the nod.

Perhaps you’re older and have long since transformed your riding style from a trailblazer to an afternoon ride through a park. If that’s you, you would likely not need all of the extras that come with the HovAlpha and would be served well by the Sol Eclipse (or the HovRanger). On the other hand, perhaps you like to get some trail riding in or want to take the bike down to the beach for a spin. In that case, the HovAlpha would be the right choice.

When choosing a bike, it's crucial to consider your intended use and riding style. This decision can have a substantial bearing on both your budget and the performance of your bike. By taking the time to determine your needs ahead of time, you can avoid the risk of damaging your bike by trying to make it do things it wasn't designed for. Ultimately, your choice of bike should align with your individual preferences and requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Pricing

In terms of these two eBikes, the pricing makes sense. The HovAlpha is $1,999.00, and the Sol Eclipse costs $1,699.00 (the price dropped by $200.00 when writing this article).

The pricing makes sense because it is relative to what you get from each bike. The HovAlpha is more because you get more for the money. The Sol Eclipse doesn’t have all of the features its counterpart has, so it is a bit cheaper.

There’s More Options Out There

This article has focused on these two bikes and the riding styles they accommodate. But these are just two, and there are so many other ways that eBikes are used for different situations. Some carry cargo, and some are better suited for long hauls. Some are street-only, and others might be better off sticking to mountain climbing.

This behooves me to mention that Hovsco has eBikes to suit any of these needs in an all-in-one style similar to the HovAlpha, or more specialized bikes. You can poke around our eBikes section of the website to see what we’ve got to offer.

Conclusion

Choosing between a cruiser-style eBike or a fat tire eBike depends on your individual needs and riding preferences. Cruiser eBikes prioritize comfort and user-friendliness, making them ideal for casual riders who want to navigate the city or take leisurely rides. On the other hand, fat tire eBikes are built for off-road adventures, making them a great option for those who enjoy exploring trails, gravel paths, or snowy terrain.

The choice is yours. If you are still trying to figure out which bike would be right for you, you can always reach out to us at Hovsco for some guidance or help on the matter.