Retrospec’s been doing pretty well with their electric bikes over the last few years. I’ve had the chance to review both the Chatham Rev Plus cruiser and the moped-style Valen Rev Plus a while back, and both left a good impression on me. They’ve mostly stuck to what they know – casual cruisers and fun fat tire bikes.
Well, until now, that is.
Retrospec is now jumping into cargo bikes, which honestly makes sense. Everyone seems to want a cargo e-bike these days, whether it’s for hauling kids around or just avoiding another grocery store trip in the car. The whole direct-to-consumer ebike space is getting pretty crowded with cargo options and I was interested to see what they brought to the table.
Enter the Rev Roo series. Today I’m looking at the Rev Roo XL – that’s the bigger, longer version of their cargo bike. It’s got an extended frame and a longer rear deck, so you can fit more kids, cargo or whatever in for your ride. Priced at $1,999, it puts it right in that sweet spot where a lot of families start seriously considering ditching the 2nd or 3rd car for some errands in a way that costs dramatically less than car prices these days and offers route options with virtually no traffic.
The real question is whether Retrospec can pull off a decent cargo bike when they’re known more for laid-back beach cruisers. So, in this Retrospec Roo Rev XL Review, let’s see what they actually delivered.
My Experience Riding The Retrospec Rev Roo XL E-Bike
The Rev Roo XL only comes in two colors, and I was sent the mint green which is honestly a refreshing change from the reds, blues, and blacks I typically see on cargo bikes. If that’s too bold for you, they also offer a matte graphite that looks great too – more subdued but still clean.
The frame comes in one size that’s supposed to fit riders from 5’5″ to 6’5″ – that’s a pretty generous range. With the adjustable seatpost and the ability to move the BMX-style bars forward or backward by loosening the stem, it all worked well for me at 5’11”, which falls pretty much in the middle of their range. The geometry is upright and relaxed, as you’d expect from a cargo bike designed for hauling rather than racing.
The first thing I noticed was how planted and stable the bike felt. It could be the seat tube-mounted battery creating a more central weight position, or just smart engineering (probably a little of both), but the end result is a cargo bike that doesn’t feel like you need huge calf muscles to keep it upright. When rolling, it’s just smooth and straight with no obvious frame flexing during my rides – a solid feeling that’s not always guaranteed with cargo bikes. To be fair, I didn’t load it up to the gills and then test it, so your mileage may vary if you’re pushing that 400-pound limit.
The 3-inch wide tires mean you can run lower PSI for added comfort, and between those tires, the front suspension fork, and the plush saddle, comfort is well covered on the Rev Roo XL. I did a longer range test where I was pedaling for over 3 hours, and while I found the seating position comfortable for normal riding, it’s not ideal for sustained pedaling sessions that long. But to be fair, most bikes aren’t that comfortable to pedal after 3+ hours.
The motor is peppy, strong, and capable. While I expected decent performance from a cargo bike, it was still pleasantly surprising – and I think that’s because with 85 Nm of torque, I wasn’t expecting a ton of grunt. But the Roo Rev felt strong and capable on every hill I hit, plus it’s peppy on flats. Of course, under a full load it certainly won’t be as punchy, but it should handle expected cargo duties just fine with all that power available.
The torque sensor felt good and helped deliver more natural pedal assistance compared to basic cadence sensors. It responds to how hard you’re pedaling rather than just detecting that you’re pedaling.
Another pleasant surprise was how quiet the whole setup is. Between the tires rolling very quietly, a quiet motor, and no mystery rattles, the bike was nice and peaceful and didn’t scream “e-bike” coming down the path.
All in all, it delivers on a punchy, capable ride that’s as quiet as it is competent. Plus with a 400-pound payload capacity, you’ve got room for the kids, the pets, or the groceries – all on your bike.
Range
Estimated Range (from Retrospec): Up to 75 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN Range Test (PAS 1): 64 miles
- MAx Range Test (PAS 4): 40 miles
Retrospec claims the Rev Roo XL will go up to 75 miles on a charge, which honestly sounds pretty optimistic for a cargo bike. So I put it to the test with both conservative and aggressive riding to see what you can actually expect.
For my minimum range test, I kept it in PAS 1 (the lowest assist level), maintained moderate speeds, and avoided hills where possible. Under these ideal conditions, I got 64 miles before the battery died. That’s actually pretty close to Retrospec’s claim and genuinely impressive for real-world riding.
On the flip side, my maximum range test used PAS 4 (the highest level), included plenty of hills, and I wasn’t shy about using the throttle. This more aggressive riding style netted me 40 miles of range. That’s still solid for a cargo bike, especially if you’re hauling kids or cargo and want maximum assistance.
The reality is most people will fall somewhere between these numbers depending on how much they pedal, what terrain they’re riding, and how loaded down the bike is. But even the conservative 40-mile range should cover most family errands and commuting needs. The fact that I got within 11 miles of their claimed range in ideal conditions shows Retrospec isn’t just making up numbers – this 700Wh battery pack really does have some staying power.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Rev Roo XL comes with a 750W rear hub motor, which seems like a standard for cargo bikes these days. With peaking power up to 1,150W’s and 85Nm of torque, the Roo Rev XL has the muscle needed to haul your cargo.
What’s actually more important here is the torque sensor. The torque sensor on the Roo XL actually measures how much force you’re putting into the pedals and adjusts the motor assistance accordingly. This makes a huge difference when you’re loaded down – the bike gives you more help when you need it most, like starting from a stop with two kids on the back.
The motor’s controlled through what Retrospec calls their “Ananda complete e-system” with multiple levels of pedal assist, plus a throttle for when you just want to cruise without pedaling. For a cargo bike that might be carrying 400 pounds total, having that throttle option is actually pretty practical – sometimes you just need to get moving quickly at an intersection and you don’t feel like testing your balance from a dead stop and pedaling extra weight.
In terms of the battery, Retrospec uses LG 21700 lithium-ion cells with 48 volts, 14.6 amp-hours and a total of 700 watt-hours. The battery is cleanly installed against the seat post so you can easily secure it by key or quickly remove it for off-the-bike charging.
The whole system is UL2271 and UL2849 certified, which means it passed safety testing for both the battery and the complete ebike electrical system. That’s actually important for cargo bikes since you’re potentially carrying kids and dealing with higher loads that could stress the electrical components.
Components
The Rev Roo XL uses a hydroformed aluminum frame, which is a nice touch for a cargo bike in this price range. Hydroforming creates smoother frame lines and requires fewer welds compared to traditional tube construction, which not only looks cleaner but also creates stronger joints. Plus, this style of open frame makes maintenance or service easier as all the wires, cables and components are nice and accessible without needing to perform bike ‘surgery’ to take a look.
The cockpit is pretty well thought out for a cargo bike. You’ve got BMX-style alloy rise bars with a cross bar for extra stiffness, which gives you good leverage when steering with a full load. The Tektro brake levers include e-cutoff sensors that kill the motor when you brake, the 7-speed Shimano shifter, a throttle, bell, and the center-mounted color TFT display. Everything’s topped off with lock-on comfort grips that won’t slip around when your hands get sweaty.
Shimano 7-speed Tourney setup with over-the-bar shifters. The drivetrain uses a 14-34T cassette paired with a 52T steel chainring and double chainguard, which gives you a decent range for starting from stops and climbing hills (with pedal assist).
The 20″ double-wall aluminum rims with 36 holes and 13-gauge spokes with brass nipples are built for cargo duty. The 20×3″ CST Big Boat tires with puncture protection and 60 TPI construction are fat, stable, and should handle the weight well. The 20″ wheel size is actually smart for cargo bikes – lower center of gravity and easier loading/unloading compared to larger wheels.
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with properly sized rotors – 180mm up front and 203mm in the rear where you need the extra stopping power under a heavier load. Both use semi-metallic pads and ebike-specific rotors. This is exactly what you want on a 400-pound capacity bike, and the hydraulics provide consistent stopping power even when loaded down.
The ZOOM fork provides 80mm of travel with preload adjustment and lock-out. It’s not going to win any awards, but it does the job of smoothing out bumps when you’ve got passengers or cargo on the back. The lock-out is useful for more efficient pedaling on smooth surfaces.
The DDK 500GT saddle sits on an aluminum telescoping seatpost with a 380-552mm range and quick-release clamp, giving you good adjustability for different riders. The bike weighs 71 pounds with battery and comes with an aluminum twin-leg center kickstand for stability when loaded to keep the rig stable when parked.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Rev Roo XL comes with a center-mounted 2.5″ full color TFT display as part of their Ananda e-system. It’s a decent size for a cargo bike – big enough to read while riding but not so massive that it looks ridiculous on the handlebars.
The display shows all the usual ebike info you’d want:
- Battery charge status
- Headlight indicator
- Turn signal indicator
- Current speed
- Odometer
- Trip meter
- Max speed
- Average speed
- PAS level in use
The handlebar-mounted buttons control everything – throttle, lights, turn signals, pedal assist levels, and walk mode. It’s pretty straightforward and covers all the basics without being overwhelming.
One nice touch is the USB charging port built into the system, so you can charge your phone on longer rides. For a cargo bike that might be doing grocery runs and family outings, that’s actually pretty practical.
There are also advanced menus to tweak smaller features like screen brightness, speed controls and other features. You can reach the advanced menu by holding the Plus and minus PAS buttons at the same time for about 3-5 seconds.
Retrospec doesn’t offer a companion app for the Rev Roo XL, which honestly I’m fine with. I’m good with not needing another app on my phone just to ride a bike.
Retrospec Rev Roo XL Model Options
The Rev Roo XL comes in one size – a 17″ frame that’s designed to fit riders from 5’5″ to 6’5″. That’s actually a pretty wide range for a single frame size, thanks to the telescoping seatpost (380-552mm range) that gives you plenty of adjustability. For a cargo bike that families might be sharing, having that broad fit range is practical.
The Rev Roo XL comes in two color options: Matte Graphite and Mint. Pretty limited selection, but at least they’re both fairly neutral colors that won’t look dated in a few years. The Mint is actually kind of nice if you want something that stands out a bit.
Out of the box, you get a decent package: rear cargo rack, front and rear lights with automatic function and turn signals (which is actually pretty cool), full fenders, and a kickstand. The lights are integrated into the bike’s electrical system, so they turn on automatically and even have brake light functionality.
Plus, there are several optional accessories like the passenger foot pegs or Thule Yepp 2 Maxi Rack Mounted Child Seats (This bike can hold up to 2 seats) and the Rover Plus kids bike trailer in both a single or double configuration.
If you don’t need the extra cargo space, there’s also the standard Rev Roo at $1,899 – $100 less than the XL. The regular Rev Roo has the same motor, battery, and features, but with a shorter wheelbase and smaller rear rack. It’s better for city commuting and maneuverability, while the XL is designed for bigger hauls and multiple passengers. Both have the same 400-pound weight capacity, so the difference is really about how much stuff you can physically fit on the back rather than how much weight you can carry.
Is The Retrospec Rev Roo XL Worth Buying?
The Rev Roo XL nails the fundamentals of what makes a solid cargo bike. It’s stable, quiet, and surprisingly capable with that 750W motor and torque sensor. The build quality feels solid, the hydraulic brakes inspire confidence when loaded, and the integrated lighting with turn signals is a nice safety touch. At $1,999, it’s competitively priced for what you’re getting.
The twist shifters feel a bit clunky compared to trigger shifters, and I wish they offered more color options beyond just two. The one-size-fits-most approach works for most people but might leave some riders wanting better fit options. And like most cargo bikes, it’s not exactly something you’d want to pedal unassisted for hours on end.
If you’re looking to replace some car trips with bike trips, haul kids around the neighborhood, or just need a capable cargo hauler that won’t break the bank, the Rev Roo XL delivers. It’s particularly good for families who want something reliable and straightforward without getting into boutique cargo bike pricing. Retrospec has put together a thoughtful package that should serve most cargo bike needs well.
Pros
- The battery placement and weight distribution means you’re not constantly fighting to keep it going straight like some cargo bikes
- That 750W with torque sensor doesn’t feel wimpy and actually responds to how hard you’re pedaling instead of just kicking in randomly
- The 700Wh pack with good LG cells actually gets close to 75 miles, and you can charge it without dragging the whole bike to an outlet
- The integrated lights with turn signals and brake lights actually help people see you, especially with kids on board
- Integrates with Thule Yepp child seats for a safe way to take kids along for the ride.
- Doesn’t sound like a leaf blower coming down the path, motor’s quiet and no weird rattles
Cons
- The over-the-bar Shimano thumb shifters work but feel clunky and look cheap compared to trigger shifters that are way more intuitive
- With a fit ange of 5’ 5” to 6’ 5”. the range is good but some people might want a frame actually sized for them for a genuinely good fit.
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