Ride1Up has been steadily carving out their niche in the direct-to-consumer ebike space by nailing a pretty straightforward formula: solid specs, clean aesthetics, and prices that don’t make your wallet cry. Their latest refresh, the LMTD V2, builds on this approach with a $1,395 commuter that packs a punchy 750W rear hub motor and geometry that splits the difference between aggressive and relaxed.
The LMTD V2 sits in an interesting spot in Ride1Up’s lineup. It shares its fundamental platform with both the Turris and premium Prodigy V2, creating what’s essentially a tiered approach to their commuter range. While the Turris uses the same 750W motor but pairs it with a simpler cadence sensor and Dutch-style bars, the LMTD V2 steps things up with a more responsive torque sensor and performance-oriented components. At the top end, the Prodigy V2 takes this same commuter DNA but switches to a mid-drive motor setup with even higher-end specs throughout.
After putting some serious miles on this bike through city streets, bike paths, and even some light gravel, I’ve got a pretty clear picture of where this thing shines and where it could use some work. Let’s dig into whether this middle child of Ride1Up’s commuter family deserves your attention – and more importantly, if it’s the right pick for your riding style and budget.
My Experience Riding The Ride1Up LMTD V2 E-Bike
Let me take you through what it’s actually like to ride this e-bike. The LMTD V2 shipped to me for testing showed up in a sleek matte charcoal finish (though you can grab it in Snowstorm white or an interesting Brushed Copper), and with those beefy WTB 27.5×2.4 slicks, full fenders, and integrated lights, it looks the commuter part, ready to ride.
I’ve been testing the XR version – that’s their high-step frame with a 30-inch standover. There’s also an ST (step-through) that drops down to 23 inches if that’s more your speed. At 5’11”, I fit right in the sweet spot of their claimed 5’6″ to 6’4″ range for the XR, though I’ve got some doubts about how well it would work for riders pushing that upper limit.
Once you’re in the saddle, the LMTD V2 just feels right. The geometry strikes this nice balance – upright enough to be comfortable with its 14-inch reach, but not so relaxed that it feels sluggish. The whole setup is pretty dialed for comfort: cushy saddle, 100mm Suntour XCM fork, ergo grips, and those wide WTB tires all work together to take the edge off rough pavement. I found running those tires around 30 PSI hit the sweet spot between smooth rolling and soaking up road buzz.
The bike handles with a bit of personality – that 69-degree head tube angle and wide bars make it quick and playful without feeling twitchy. Paired with all that comfort, it had me cracking a smile whether I was dodging traffic or exploring some gravel paths.
In terms of the motor, the 750W rear hub setup with torque sensor is a solid choice. The power delivery feels natural and responsive, more like what you’d expect from the big players in the game.
With 90Nm of torque on tap, it climbs confidently and has no trouble hitting that Class 3 speed of 28mph in pedal assist. One quirk worth mentioning: I noticed the throttle would occasionally creep past its supposed 20mph limit to about 23-24mph before gradually easing back down and maintaining 20 MPH.
They’ve spec’d it with Tektro’s 2-piston hydraulic brakes and 180mm rotors – nothing fancy, but they do the job with good feel and stopping power. Actually, that’s kind of the theme here – at $1,395, I was pretty impressed to see this many name-brand parts, a refined torque sensor, and the overall build quality.
That Suntour fork might seem like overkill paired with slick tires, but hey, I’m not complaining about having a little extra cushion. The bike has mounting points for a rear rack and a couple additional options on the seat tube, so you can gear up as you see fit.
All-in-all, between the comfortable ride, capable motor, and these utility features, it’s turned out to be a solid daily driver that feels equally at home whether you’re commuting to work or taking a spin with the family on the weekend.
Range
Estimated Range (from Ride1Up): 30 to 50 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- Tested PAS 1: 65 miles
- Tested PAS 5: 30 miles
At the heart of the LMTD V2, you’ve got a 750W rear hub motor from AKM putting down 90Nm of torque, and honestly, it’s a pretty sweet setup. They’ve paired it with a torque sensor that feels properly dialed – power delivery is smooth and predictable, exactly what you want for a bike in this category. It’s Class 3 rated, which means you can hit 28mph with pedal assist, and the motor has enough grunt to maintain those speeds on flats and still give you decent push on the climbs.
The juice comes from a 48V, 14Ah battery that serves up 672Wh of capacity. It’s UL 2271 certified (always good to see proper safety certs), and while that capacity isn’t breaking any records, it’s plenty for typical commuting duties. The only quirk worth mentioning is that throttle behavior I noticed – it tends to run up past the supposed 20mph limit to about 23-24mph before gradually backing itself down. Not exactly a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of.
For a commuter at this price point, the whole power system punches above its weight. The torque sensor implementation, in particular, is something you typically see on pricier rides, and it makes a real difference in how natural the bike feels when you’re pedaling. AKM might not be as well-known as some other motor manufacturers, but they’ve nailed the programming on this one.
Components
For a commuter that’s built to handle daily duties without breaking the bank, the LMTD V2’s component spread makes a lot of sense. The Suntour XCM 32 fork with 100mm of travel might seem like overkill for a commuter running slicks, but it does a decent job taking the edge off rough roads and unexpected potholes. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.
Rolling stock consists of 27.5-inch alloy wheels wrapped in WTB Groov-E 2.4-inch tires. These slicks strike a nice balance – wide enough to add some comfort and stability, but with a smooth center section that keeps them rolling efficiently on pavement. Drop the pressure to around 30 PSI, and they’ll soak up a surprising amount of road buzz. Although, I admit, with the presence of the front suspension fork, why not toss on a tire with a bit more bite for a do-it-all SUV style bike?
The 8-speed drivetrain setup is pretty straightforward – you’ve got a Shimano RD-M370 rear derailleur shifting across a 12-32T cassette, paired with a 48T chainring up front. It’s entry-level Shimano stuff, but it’s reliable and gives you enough range for most urban riding scenarios. The trigger shifters with a gear window are a nice touch – always good to know what gear you’re in at a glance.
Braking duties are handled by Tektro hydraulic discs with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors front and rear. Again, nothing fancy, but they provide consistent stopping power and good modulation, which is exactly what you want for navigating city traffic.
The cockpit is comfort-oriented with 31.8mm riser bars (50mm rise), ergonomic locking grips, and a short 45mm Promax stem (non-adjustable). Combined with the Velo gel saddle, it’s a setup that prioritizes an upright riding position and all-day comfort over aggressive handling. The 31.6mm alloy seatpost is pretty basic, but it does the job – though if you’re looking to add even more comfort, this would be an easy spot to upgrade to a suspension post down the line.
For a bike at this price point, the component selection is solid – they’ve clearly focused on reliability and comfort over flash, which makes sense for something meant to be a daily rider. Sure, you could upgrade bits here and there, but nothing’s screaming to be replaced right out of the box.
Screen / User Interface / App
The LMTD V2 comes with a KD218 display mounted on the left handlebar – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done with a simple three-button layout for power and PAS control. Beyond the usual specs (speed, battery, PAS level, and trip data), you get some useful extras like real-time voltage and power output readings. While the motor’s rated at 750W, I saw the power readout max out at 999W during hard efforts, though it can probably push beyond that.
The advanced settings menu lets you switch between Class 2 and 3 modes, change units, and access diagnostic info like serial numbers and firmware versions – handy stuff for troubleshooting. No smartphone app here, but honestly, for a commuter at this price point, I’d rather see the money spent on components than connectivity features.
Ride1Up LMTD V2 Model Options
The LMTD V2 comes in two frame styles: a high-step XR that fits riders 5’6″ to 6’4″, and a step-through ST designed for 5’1″ to 6’2″. You can snag either in Brushed Copper, Charcoal Satin, or Snowstorm – all sporting a clean matte finish. The bike ships with alloy fenders standard, which is always nice to see included rather than as an add-on.
For hauling gear, you’ve got mounting points for a rear rack and a set of bottle cage mounts on the frame. While the rack isn’t included, Ride1Up offers their Connect+ rear rack as an optional upgrade. They’ve also put together a “Touring Package” that includes a suspension seatpost, wider saddle, and rearview mirror if you’re looking to max out the comfort factor. Other add-ons include a rack-compatible cooler, pannier bags, and a phone mount.
The whole package comes with a one-year warranty, and the removable battery weighs in at 8 pounds – worth knowing if you’re planning to regularly carry it up stairs for charging. Between the frame options and accessory lineup, they’ve covered the bases for most commuting and recreational riding scenarios, though serious tourers might want to look at adding some of those optional storage upgrades.
Is The Ride1Up LMTD V2 Worth Buying?
After putting some real miles on the LMTD V2, it’s clear Ride1Up has done their homework here. At $1,395, you’re getting a surprisingly refined package – that torque sensor-equipped 750W motor delivers power naturally and confidently, while the overall build hits that sweet spot between comfort and capability. The mix of name-brand components from WTB, Shimano, Tektro, and Suntour might not be top-shelf stuff, but it’s reliable gear that makes sense at this price point.
Sure, you won’t find fancy connected features like an app or high-tech security systems, and the display is pretty basic. But honestly? For a bike that’s meant to be a daily rider, I’d rather see the money spent where it counts – on the smooth power delivery, comfortable ride quality, and solid component spec, and that’s exactly what we got.
Pros
- At $1,395, the LMTD V2 continues Ride1Up’s tradition of delivering exceptional value, packing in features and performance that punch above its price point.
- The 750W motor with 90Nm of torque has serious muscle, confidently handling steep climbs while maintaining smooth power delivery throughout its range.
- The torque sensor’s responsiveness and natural feel rival what you’d expect from more expensive ebikes, matching your pedaling input with impressively refined power output.
- Those WTB GROOV-E tires strike an excellent balance – they’re whisper-quiet on pavement but pack enough volume for a plush ride without sacrificing rolling efficiency.
- With its clean cable management, minimalist display, and premium matte finishes, the bike presents a polished, high-end aesthetic that belies its accessible price point.
Cons
- The lack of app connectivity might disappoint riders coming from more tech-focused brands, though this helps keep the focus (and cost) on performance rather than features.
Who’s this bike for? If you’re hunting for a capable commuter that can also handle weekend recreation without breaking the bank, the LMTD V2 makes a strong case for itself. It’s got enough power and range for daily commuting duties, enough comfort for longer rides, and enough utility features to be genuinely useful as a car replacement.
In the increasingly crowded sub-$1,500 ebike market, the LMTD V2 stands out by nailing the fundamentals without trying to dazzle you with gimmicks. It’s just a solid, well-executed ebike that gets the job done – and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
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