I have been on a push board, I can balance, and could probably go in a straight line but that’s about it. So when I got on an Evolve electric skateboard for the first time, I was terrified.
My first few attempts I was thrown off the board - which was only slightly more embarrassing because I had an audience of strangers watching me. (Electric boards tend to gather crowds of people).
We quickly realised I had my Evolve in the wrong mode and once that was sorted I was golden.
I would be riding the GTR Carbon, which has a phenomenal amount of power. More than I thought an e-board could reasonably have. I hit a speed of 30km/h while going uphill. Even so, it’s easier to ride than a push skateboard.
Getting to understand how to accelerate, how to change gear, and how to brake is child’s play. The skateboard is dead easy to control. When I wanted it to go, it would go. When I wanted it to turn, the board would turn. When I wanted it to stop, it stopped.
Many times the board felt like an extension of my body. In a very real sense riding an Evolve skateboard is like land surfing. It’s addictive.
Not to mention it’s devilishly fun.
Within only 30 minutes I felt comfortable enough to ride around the roads and sidewalks of Cape Town. I didn’t fall off and never felt out of control.
The battery life of the GTR Series is remarkable. After my practice time, my riding partner and I rode from De Waterkant, around Greenpoint, Seapoint, through Bantry Bay, past Clifton, and back into Gardens via Kloof Road. We rode well over 15km and still had battery life to spare.
Kids stopped us - wanting to try and wanting to know where they could get their own board. But the best part was the look on the people’s faces in the cars driving past. They couldn’t quite believe it. And, truthfully, I couldn’t either.
After we got back into town, we sat down, and I realised that I had worked up quite a sweat. I was pumped. I felt energised. And I felt happy.
I had a massive smile on my face for the rest of the day. It was an incredible feeling to get outside, get some fresh air, and to see Cape Town in a way that I had never seen before.
Skating has evolved. And so, yeah, maybe I am a skater after all. So can you.
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]]>Small enough to carry around, fast enough to make it to your meetings on time. It now comes with a custom mode feature on the new Phaze remote. That means you can take it for an easy Sunday cruise without soiling your pants.
Pointing out that it can be an adrenaline rush. I could definitely feel the power from the dual 1500W motors while whizzing through Kloof street and up pretty decent inclines of the Oranjezicht hills. As for suggestions, I recommend a solid pair of flat skate shoes to help with manoeuvrability and a more planted ride. It's easy to turn and a fun downhill carver.
Overall, it's size is great for travelling. The Stoke would be my go-to for everyday city adventures. Just pop on a helmet and off you go. Whether it be a quick trip to the shops, or a pit stop here and there....
I caught myself thinking, do I really need a car?
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As I flipped the hour glass, my time started.
Here's a summary of an hour and further condensed into what your now reading, an Insider into the GTR series 2.
Carving, digging your heels into those concaves on the Bamboo deck. Still the same AMAZING Bamboo look, honestly the best on the market when it comes to natural flex, shock absorption and just great general aesthetic.
The motors, more efficient, takes more punishment (E-FOC ESC) and just so you know are the same motors as the Hadean... Yeah that right... it's like getting the Hadean for half price!
So what do you get, you ask? A new motor controller, upgraded motors, new remote which is the Phaze remote (cnc precision cut aluminium frame) same as you get with the Hadean.
Now you can use your GTR series 2 more in-depth with the Evolve app, learn more, understand more and get the most out of your GTR!
More customisable, same E-FOC prism light strips you get on the Hadean. Just clip in and stick on.
Build quality that should make all e-Skaters want to own not one, but 2 boards from Evolve
More power, better performance, blast up hills, glide over trails and skid for days on grass.... shred shred shred!
Runs cooler, after 2 hours of riding up hill and on grass, just really riding.... then coming back to touch the motors and finding out they're barely warm. That's what you can expect.
As for cosmetics, it still comes with those great Evolve ceramic bearings and more options for gear setups.
Servicing the board is slightly easier as motor components are closer together thanks to a more durable enclosure design.
Same battery, but way better management. The GTR series 2 has been tested for range and 50% battery gets you 17km with a payload of 70kgs (body weight). The series 1 for comparison used up 66%. So you could expect to get about 15% more life out the same battery. A test was done starting on GTR mode, and gave an impressive 34km range which was achieved with standard all terrain tyres.
Better acceleration, faster performance with tests coming in at 44kph to 45kph!
Big upgrade from series one, quicker off the line, smoother, more responsive
Strong acceleration even at 25kph, pulls away from the series 1 and the gap just keeps on growing
Braking is better, sharper and no lagging, when going fast down a hill the brakes are smooth with no twitching.
Series 2 runs quieter when compared to the GTR series 1
The GTR series 2 is the board of the year!
From beginner to advanced riders, it's the perfect all rounder with the support of a great team when ever you need help (customer support).
Evolve always has your back, try them and see.
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Cape Town Group this weekend 09 April.
Distance: +- 15km
Where to meet: Evolve Skateboards Store. 57 Prestwich, 11 Victoria Junction, De Waterkant.
Starting time: 08h30. Estimated duration 90min.
]]>For those that have pre-ordered boards and goods, we & I cannot thank you enough.
Given the current rate of pre-order sales, whilst paying close attention to the worldwide situation and its corresponding shipping challenges we have faced consistently in the past 18 months, if you've planned to purchased a board for or before Christmas, we would suggest pre-ordering you desired ride in the interim(with delivery in November) to secure any further delays as a result of it being sold out before then.
We're doing our best to ensure arrival of more boards and goods before that time. But, timelines and shipping challenges are more arduous and harder to predict running into the coming festive season.
If you have any questions. We're always here.
Thank you endlessly for your ongoing support,
Rowan
Mail: hello@evolveskateboardssa.com
Mobile: 082 041 9066
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Warning: The style of riding shown in this video requires an advanced level of skill, and requires a higher risk of injury than normal skating. Evolve Skateboards are not designed for extreme stunts and resulting damage to boards may not be covered under warranty. Do not ride without wearing full protective equipment and always ride within your skill level.
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Follow the step by step video closely to change the set up of your board. This is the most up to date video for the latest GTR series boards.
Please note......Evolve Skateboards are not responsible for mishandling or incorrect uninstallation or installation caused by the customer.
]]>If you’re looking for a solid and stable ride that can handle speed when you’re hooking in then this is the board for you. A badass weapon with a high-tech vibe, the Carbon GTR AT is a stealth predator that will come alive when ridden on pretty much any terrain. Built with a concave for those who like to be in control, our game changing deck coupled with our pneumatic tyres is the ultimate fusion of form and function. From cruising scenic footpaths to shortcuts across huge fields, the Carbon GTR All Terrain will eat any surface you throw at it. Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Gravel tracks will become rally stages and that group of grassy hills will morph into a never-ending set of rolling surf breaks. This board will change the way you see the world and the paths you see in it.
]]>After 10 years of innovation a new era is about to begin.
]]>Matty's Range Test Results on the GTR: All Terrain - 26.9km/16.7miles (89% of advertised range) Street - 46.5km/28.89miles (93% of advertised range)
The wait and excitement for the highly anticipated Evolve Stoke board is over! The iconic little pocket-rocket has made its way to the shores of South Africa.
This surf-inspired swallow tail cruiser is a little slasher you can take to the corner store, campus, workplace or if you just want to get out of the house for some good old fashion cruising and carving, it really is the perfect last mile vehicle!
The Stoke board is our smallest most portable skateboard in the Evolve Skateboards line-up made from ECO-friendly bamboo and fiberglass construction and setup with the Evolve Super-carve truck and Orangatang Caguama wheels which allows you to throw down carves like you have never done before!
The deck also has the added bonus of a surf-inspired EVA foam pad for the back foot and a rear kick-tail which is capable of popping off small curbs and lips that you encounter on your daily ride. Our GTR 3000 watt dual motor power coupled with the latest lithium and Bluetooth technology will have you surfing the sidewalk ALL DAY LONG!
Stoke board Specs:
DECK MATERIAL: 4 Ply Bamboo / 2-Ply Fiberglass, clear grip with EVA tail pad
DECK LENGTH: 33.5 Inches / 850 mm
WHEEL BASE: 24 Inches / 610mm
TRUCKS: Forged / CNC Super carve 306mm/12inch width
WHEELS: Orangatang Caguamas 85mm - 80a Orange, 83a Purple & 77a Blue Happy Thane Formula
NOTE : Using wheels larger than 85mm may result in wheel bite when riding (wheel touches deck on tight turns).
MOTOR: Dual 1500 watt (3000 watt total) high performance custom made brushless out-runner motors
BEARINGS: Evolve Ceramic Precision Bearings
BATTERY: 4.2AH Sony VTC4 Lithium Ion with Custom BMS. Travel Friendly 151.2 Watt hours
RECHARGE: 1.5-2hrs with the standard fast charger
REMOTE: Patent pending R-2 Remote, Bluetooth control, instant trigger response, super smooth control
WEIGHT: 8.16kg/17.9 LBS
RANGE: Up to 15km/10 miles
TOP SPEED: Approx 36km/h or 22mph. Speed will reduce as voltage decreases.
MAX LOAD: 100 kg / 220 lbs
SUITABLE TERRAIN: Smooth bitumen roads/footpaths/concrete
SLIDES: Yes
HILLS: Up to 30% gradient in GTR mode (insanely STEEP!)
BRAKING: Ultra smooth stepless braking control with regenerative recharging
AESTHETICS: Surfy fun meets high tech vibe
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Evolve Skateboards South Africa is hosting it's first group ride of 2020 this Sunday 9 February at 08h30 in Cape Town. All Evolve riders welcome!
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