Async A1 Pro: Sci‑Fi Looks, Surprisingly Comfy Ride
August 16, 2023
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Some e-bikes blend in. The Async A1 Pro does the opposite.
The first time I saw it up close, it immediately gave off that sci-fi electric motorbike vibe—sharp lines, a bold stance, and a design that makes you do a double take. But looks don’t matter if it rides like a gimmick, so I spent my time doing what we all care about: getting a feel for comfort, throttle response, and how confident it feels moving through real turns.
First look: futuristic, but not fragile
The A1 Pro’s design is the headline, but what I appreciated is that it doesn’t feel like a “concept bike.” It feels like something meant to be ridden.
Up front, the big LED headlight is impossible to miss. The frame is aluminum, and the bike uses a belt drive—exactly the kind of choice I like for a low-fuss lifestyle (no chain oil, no chain grime, less day-to-day maintenance). The suspension layout is also part of the visual trickery here, with rear suspension tucked out of sight.
It also has a large display area and a full twist throttle, which immediately nudges it into that “mini-moto” experience more than a traditional bicycle feel.
Getting situated: way more comfortable than it looks
Before I rode it, I honestly wasn’t sure how comfortable it would be. The styling looks very straight and symmetrical—almost like you’re sitting on the frame more than sitting in it.
The reality surprised me.
As soon as I put my weight down, I could feel the suspension settle and take the load in a really natural way. The seating position felt better than expected, and I didn’t have that “I can’t wait to get off this thing” feeling that some aggressively styled bikes give you after a few minutes.
If you’re worried the futuristic geometry is going to ride harsh, my experience was the opposite.
On the move: torque, tune, and easy handling
Rolling out, the bike felt easy to maneuver for something in this category. The tune on the power delivery felt good—there’s solid torque, and the bike doesn’t feel awkward when you’re making quick direction changes.
I started in a lower pedal assist setting because it’s simply easier to control when you’re getting your first feel for a new platform. From there, the handling stood out as the main win: it felt stable, predictable, and comfortable.
Even riding one-handed briefly (not something I recommend, but it happens in the real world when you’re adjusting or checking something), it stayed composed.
Throttle feel: strong, with a small delay in off-road mode
The full twist throttle felt natural in the hand and matched the bike’s motorbike-inspired character.
In off-road mode, I noticed a slight delay between input and the power really coming on. Once it hit, it felt genuinely strong and satisfying—enough that it didn’t feel like a timid, commuter-style assist system. If that delay is something that gets refined further, it would make the overall experience feel even more dialed.
Cornering and confidence
In corners, I took it easy. Not because it felt sketchy, but because I didn’t have enough time on it to fully explore the lean limits.
Still, even while riding cautiously, I felt like it wanted to hold a line. The overall ride comfort helped here too—when you’re not getting bounced around, you naturally feel more confident making smoother inputs.
Suspension and ride comfort: the sleeper feature
If you told me beforehand that comfort would be the standout takeaway from a bike that looks like this, I probably would’ve argued.
But the suspension impressed me. It smoothed out the ride and made the bike feel more forgiving than its angular design suggests. That “sit down and the suspension immediately takes your weight” sensation is a great first impression, and it carried through while riding.
Braking and control points
The bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes, and the overall cockpit layout felt purposeful—big display, twist throttle, and controls that match the bike’s more motorbike-like identity.
One quick real-world note: the test bike I rode had a headlight that was a little loose (it had seen some abuse from prior riders). It didn’t change the ride, but it’s a reminder that demo bikes get hammered, and it’s worth checking bolts and mounts as part of normal ownership.
Everyday usability: low-maintenance thinking
The A1 Pro leans into a “ride more, wrench less” approach.
Belt drive is a big part of that. And Async also talked about app connectivity for things like ride data and locking features, plus geolocation. I still treat any connected feature as an extra layer—not a replacement for a real physical lock—because if someone can toss a bike in a truck, they will.
What We Like
Legitimately eye-catching design that still feels ride-ready
Surprisingly comfortable seating and ride feel
Suspension does real work and improves confidence
Strong, satisfying power delivery once it comes on
Belt drive for a cleaner, lower-maintenance ownership experience
Stable, easy handling for a bike with this kind of presence
Things To Consider
I felt a slight throttle response delay in off-road mode before power kicks in
The A1 Pro’s styling and weight class push it closer to “electric motorbike” vibes than a classic bicycle experience
Demo bikes can be knocked around; check lights, mounts, and fasteners as part of ownership habits
Connected locking/geolocation is helpful, but I’d still use a serious physical lock
Final Thoughts
The Async A1 Pro isn’t just a styling exercise. After riding it, the main thing I walked away thinking was: this is way more comfortable and composed than it has any right to be based on how futuristic it looks.
If you’re into EV lifestyle gear that feels like the future but still works in the real world, the A1 Pro left a strong impression—especially in comfort, suspension, and overall ride feel. I’d want more saddle time to fully explore faster cornering and longer ride ergonomics, but as a first real ride, it delivered the kind of “I get it now” moment that’s hard to fake.