2016 Raleigh Detour iE Review

2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Electric Bike Review
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Steps Cranks 250 Watt Motor
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie 36 Volt 11 6 Amp Battery Pack
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Steps Display
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Velo Dual Density Ergonomic Grips
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Velo Commuter Saddle
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Acera 9 Speed
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 160 Mm
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Ebike Charger
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Electric Bike Review
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Steps Cranks 250 Watt Motor
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie 36 Volt 11 6 Amp Battery Pack
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Steps Display
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Velo Dual Density Ergonomic Grips
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Velo Commuter Saddle
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Acera 9 Speed
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 160 Mm
2016 Raleigh Detour Ie Shimano Ebike Charger

Summary

  • An efficient, light weight commuter electric bike available in two frame sizes and high-step or low-step styles, the swept back bars and ergonomic grips support an active upright body position
  • Narrower tires, firm saddle and all-Aluminum frame and fork provide great power transfer when pedaling but can become less comfortable when riding across bumpy terrain
  • Integrated plastic fenders, sturdy adjustable-length kickstand, integrated handle at the back of the saddle and a functional rear rack with standard-sized tubing for use with panniers or a trunk bag
  • The battery is light weight and streamlined in appearance but has to be removed from the bike to charge which presents more opportunities for accidental drops, the display panel is a bit small but backlit and removable

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Raleigh

Model:

2016 Detour iE

Price:

$2,299

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2016

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

49.5 lbs (22.45 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.6 lbs (2.54 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.05 lbs (3.19 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Custom Butted Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

15 in (38.1 cm)17 in (43.18 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

19" Stand Over Height on Step-Thru

Frame Types:

High-Step, Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Silver, White

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Aluminum Alloy

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano Acera, 11-34T

Shifter Details:

Shimano Acera Triggers on Right

Cranks:

44T Chainring

Pedals:

Alloy and Plastic with Rubber Tread

Headset:

Alloy Ahead 1-1/8", 5 Risers

Handlebar:

Promax 25.4 mm Diameter, 630 mm x 55 mm Rise

Brake Details:

Shimano M355 Hydraulic Disc with 160 mm Rotors

Grips:

Velo Dual Density, Ergonomic Rubber

Saddle:

Velo Commuter with Integrated Handle

Seat Post:

Promax Aluminum Alloy with Quick Release Collar

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

Weinmann XTB26 Double Wall, Aluminum Alloy

Spokes:

Stainless Steel 14 Gauge, Black

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kourier, 700 x 35c

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

K-Shield Puncture Resistant Tire Casing

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Single Side Adjustable Length Kickstand, Aluminum Alloy Chain Guard, Plastic Chain Guide

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 3.1 Amp 1.7 Pound Charger, KMC X9E Chain, Joytech Alloy Disc Quick Release Hubs 36 Hole

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Shimano STePs

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

500 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Shimano STePs

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

417.6 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

50 miles (80 km)

Display Type:

Fixed, Adjustable Angle, Monochrome, Backlit LCD, Model SC-E6000

Readouts:

Speed (mph or km/h), Average Speed, Max Speed, Odometer, Trip Meter, Battery Level (5 Bars), Assist Mode (Eco, Normal, High), Time Clock

Display Accessories:

Independent Control Switch near Left Grip

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 50%, Normal 100%, High 200%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The 2016 Raleigh Detour iE looks similar to the 2015 model but switches up the drive system moving from a 500 watt gearless direct-drive hub motor to a 250 watt mid-drive geared design… that peaks at 500 watts. In short, it will offer greater range because it leverages the same cassette you do when you pedal (for efficient climbing or reaching ~20 mph) and there’s no cogging as you get with direct drive motors. That is, drag produced internally by magnets lining the hub motor casing repelling the electromagnetic staters. With this mid-drive motor Shimano has delivered one of the most compact, lightest weight ebike drive systems on the market and while it does not offer shift-sensing (unless you’ve got Di2 electronic gear shifting) it still operates well and won’t mash gears as much when you ease off of the pedals because it relies on a combination of torque and cadence sensing vs. mostly torque. I was impressed with how quietly it operated and just how light the battery pack was ~5.6 lbs vs. 7+ lbs on many others with similar capacity. It’s an average sized battery but should offer 50+ miles of range if you use Eco or possibly Normal assist mode and aren’t scaling large hills or fighting the wind constantly. I love the menus on the display panel (and that you can hold the up and down arrows to enter settings-mode and shut off the beeping noises and backlighting) but wish it were slightly larger for easier reading. The display unit is removable (just like the battery pack) but one gripe with the battery is that it has to be taken off in order to be charged. The charger is small and light weight at ~1.7 pounds so it would be easy to take along on commutes for charging at the office.

This is the lightest weight (by ~5 pounds), most efficient and most affordable Raleigh Detour iE model to date and it’s approachable for tall and short riders alike with the step-thru frame vs. the high-step that I reviewed in the video above. With the step-thru model, the saddle can be dropped super low (especially if you get the smallest 15 inch frame) and stand over height is just ~19 inches. For larger riders, the high-step will be stiffer and sturdier but take care mounting it as you could conk or scrape your knee and leg in the process. I love that both models come with bottle cage bosses, plastic fenders and a rear rack… and that the rack features bungee-clip holes near the lower mounting point for use with clip-on panniers like these. The only question mark for me with this electric bicyle would be comfort because despite the more upright body position, sweeping bars and enlarged saddle, there’s no suspension. Consider adding a seat-post suspension and make sure you get 30.9 mm diameter or use a shim. Body Float makes an excellent product (get the 27.2 mm version and a shim like this) but Thudbusters are less expensive and come in a long travel and short travel design to suite your needs. Be sure to crank the seat tube ring tightly if you do use a suspension post because in my experience the post will slowly drop down as your body weight bounces up and down over bumps.

Pros:

  • Relatively light weight at ~49 lbs considering the fenders, larger handle bar, ergonomic grips and comfort saddle – the mid-drive motor brings some of the weight forward and down balancing out the rack-mount battery
  • The battery pack is locking, removable and only weighs ~5.6 pounds! I like how narrow and small it is and appreciate the surround-rack for carrying a trunk bag or panniers
  • Quick release wheels and seat post for doing maintenance or adjusting fit on the go, I like the swept-back bars and comfort grips which offer a more upright ride experience if you so desire
  • Internally routed cables keep the frame looking clean, beautiful paint job (silver or gloss white on the low-step), I like the thin chain guard and appreciate that it’s color matched to the frame
  • Quality hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano with medium sized 160 mm rotors for easy smooth stops, should reduce wrist fatigue
  • Available in high-step and step-thru frame designs to accommodate a wide range of riders (some who prefer frame stiffness and don’t mind stepping high and others who might not have that flexibility), you also get three sizes to choose from including 15″, 17″ and 19″
  • Sturdy kickstand keeps the bike upright, integrated plastic handle on the saddle makes it easier to maneuver the bike at racks and you get braze-ons for mounting a bottle cage, folding lock or mini-pump
  • Just like the battery pack, the display panel is removable for safe storage… I like that it’s also easy to adjust (hold the up and down arrows simultaneously to enter the menu) so you can mute the beeping noise or turn off back lighting
  • Solid nine speed cassette using Shimano Acera components with a plastic chain guide on the chainring to keep pedaling on track, it’s enough gears to climb or hit 20+ miles per hour easily

Cons:

  • The battery pack has an on/off button that is used to power cycle the bike vs. doing it up at the button pad and you have to completely remove the battery in order to charge it which increases the potential for drops and just takes extra time
  • This ebike is more efficient because it uses a larger diameter wheelset measuring 700c (~28 inches) circumference and the tires are fairly narrow at 35c (~1.375 inches) width so bumpy streets can feel a bit jarring, the fork is aluminum and there’s no suspension seat post or springs or elastomers on the saddle, consider an aftermarket seat post suspension like the Body Float or Thudbuster with 30.9 mm diameter
  • Pedal assist only electric bike with no way to add a boost button or twist throttle, this keeps it rated at Class 1 which is usable in the most locations and also extends range by making you contribute to the ride
  • The Shimano STePs display panel uses a smaller LCD display unit than Bosch, Yamaha, TranzX and some other leading suppliers so reading your speed and settings isn’t quite as easy for near-sighted folks like myself

Resources:

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Comments (8) YouTube Comments

Richlvl
9 years ago

This seem identical with I Zip E3 Path+. Are they made by same company?

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

Great insight, they are indeed sharing the same drive system and part of a parent company called the Accell Group which also owns Haibike, Torker and Mongoose I believe :)

  Reply
David Hirshberg
9 years ago

First, thanks for your hard work and careful analysis. EBR is an amazing resource; the best reviews of anything I have ever seen. There are still 2015 detours for sale at reduced prices but the 2016s are significantly different. Do you see the 2016 models as a better bike worth a few hundred dollars more?

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

Hi David! Thanks for the compliment, doing my best here with the site ;) as for the 2015 Detour, I thought it was pretty solid and appreciated the fenders, rack, and quick release wheels on BOTH wheels (rare for hub motor style ebike). It uses a gearless motor that will be quieter than even the Shimano STePs mid-drive and you can zip around at higher speed regardless of the gear you choose. It won’t get as great of range, especially if you use the twist throttle, but at least it has a throttle! This is one of the cases where as long as you don’t mind that it’s rear heavier and just heavier in general (by about 5 pounds) and that the battery might be slightly lower capacity due to sitting around for a year (all batteries right now degrade slowly over time even if not used) then the 2015 model could be a solid choice :)

  Reply
David Hirshberg
9 years ago

Thanks so much for the fast reply. I will be using the bike in hilly Vermont. I am an older guy and I need help getting up the hills. I like the Detour in particular because I can sit more upright and avoid the neck and shoulder pain I get these days. Coming down hills I go quite fast. Should I be concerned about all that weight on the rear?

tsp
7 years ago

Thank you for this review. I got a 2016 Detour IE and a really good discount and after 300 miles in all over NYC, it is excellent. Took your advice on the Thudbuster and that has really smoothed it out too. I really appreciated you doing the thorough review. Saving $$ on the monthly metro cards too. Thank you!

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Excellent, I’m so happy to hear that the bike is working out well for you! Those Thudbusters are really great, especially on the bumpy streets of NYC, ride safe out there and thanks again for the comment :D

  Reply

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