[NOTICE: A customer named Shannon commented below that Biktrix has changed their design to torque sensing vs. cadence sensing. I am leaving the review as-is to show what we saw during our review in June 2019, but you may wish to contact them directly for confirmation and feedback about the latest build.]
To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Biktrix. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Biktrix products.
I was excited to check out the entire line up of the new Biktrix bikes, and today I got to check out another version of the Stunner, the Stunner LT. The Stunner is an electric cruiser bike with a powerful hub-drive motor, capable and comfortable fat tires, and a a relaxed seating style. Everything works together quite well in harmony, but let’s go over some of the bike features before we get straight into that. So as I mentioned, it is a cruiser bike with a relaxed style and upright riding position. It only comes in step-through, but it does have different tire sizes (a 20”, 24”, and 26”) as well as 3 frame sizes each with a unique color. While the smaller wheel size is very fun and nimble, today we are looking at the 24” in Blue. It retails for $1,799-$3,998 depending on configuration and has a lot of comfort features like swept back handle bars that kind of meet you as you sit in the lower seat. This comfort is extended from the tool-free adjustable angle stem and front suspension fork. The front fork is a RST Guide fork that helps absorb the bumps quite nicely. This is a spring fork with both lockout as well as preload adjust. For tires, the Stunner LT is equipped with a set of Kenda Gigas fat-tires, in this case 24” x 4”, so great float, comfort, and can even tackle loamy terrain like sand and snow. The Stunner also has a battery integrated headlight. This is an LED light which is great for visibility, however, it is mounted on the front suspension fork, so the light could bounce up and down if you were on bumpy terrain. There are some nice metal fenders here which are nice and light weight with a couple of points for adjustment…I love all the little features like the ergonomic grip, derailleur guard, comfort saddle with bumper springs, but probably my favorite is the included rear rack. It may not be long enough for most panniers, but it is color matched and has some nice thick and strong tubing, adding to the utility of this bike. Other notable points include a chain ring guard and an adjustable length kickstand (positioned further back to eliminate pedal lock when reversing).
Driving the bike is a zippy hub-drive motor from Bafang. This is a 750watt nominally rated mid-drive that has a peak rating of 1000watts and 120nm of torque! Very fast, very capable, and a lot of fun to drive. The bike is electrically powered by either the throttle mounted on the left, or by cadence based pedal assist via the 12 magnet cadence sensor. Either work great although cadence based systems can have a very pronounced feel of being ‘on’ or ‘off’. Some may be put off by the external controller mounted behind the seat post, but it actually serves to a couple advantages this way. For one, it keeps the system air cooled instead of being crammed in with the battery or motor, also it makes maintenance or replacement easy if something goes wrong. Mechanically, you have an 8 speed Shimano Acera system with a 11-32 tooth cassette. It is nice to see an Acera setup here, since many value priced ebikes opt for the cheaper Shimano Tourney components. In the front you have a massive 52 tooth chain ring and the entire system is topped off by a big win here: hydraulic disc brakes. The disc brakes use quite large 180mm rotors, so great stopping power, and it is complimented perfectly with motor inhibitors that cut power to the motor when you press on the brake handles.
Powering the bike is a 48v 12ah lithium ion battery pack. I would consider this a high capacity battery pack and really necessary for that powerful motor. But in case you wanted more juice, Biktrix offers battery upgrades on the battery to 17ah or a whopping 21ah… very cool! Anyway, the battery is mounted via lock and key, however, you don’t need the key to start the bike, it is just for battery security. The battery has a power button and I love the LED display read out on it so you can check to see round about how much juice is left. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.
The cockpit controls are great, its nice to see levers for shifting instead of the usual thumb shifter. Most of this is possible since the throttle is on the left along with the display controls. On the right is your shifting levers as well as a gear display window. Right in the middle of the handlebars is the large and easy to read display. The display does have an adjustable angle, but is not removable which can sometimes leave you feeling insecure when parking it or leaving it to the elements. The display is grayscale and features a backlight for nighttime riding. To start the bike, press power on the battery, hold the M button to turn on display. The large display offers a wealth of information starting at the battery levels. The battery infographic is shown in 10 separate 10% intervals which does a better job of leaving guess work out compared to other bikes with 33% or even 20% steps. You can scroll through several modes of pedal assist (1-5) and can use the throttle on any as long as you get that pedal rotation in. Other display options include odometer, trip A, trip B, battery voltage, and a timer. Also, if you hold down the down arrow, you can engage a walk mode. There is a deep dive menu if you want to play with other various settings. Hold up and down arrows for a couple of seconds to initiate this menu of settings. Once inside, you will have access to backlight settings, unit readout, wheel size configuration, and top speed. The top speed is really since since out of the box it is a Class 3 bike. If you want to lower it to a Class 1 or 2, you could change some of the settings and even extract the easy to remove throttle to comply with certain jurisdictions. To exit this menu, hold M to leave.
When it is all said and done, I found the Stunner LT to be a ton of fun. The fat tires were both cushy and capable, making this a very smooth ride with a lot of comfort. However, there are some tradeoffs here so I did want to call those out. For example, the wires are a little out in the open up front, no wire looms to coral them in. Also, the integrated headlight is a nice touch, but having a rear light here would be perfect too. And finally, the pricing can be a bit confusing. During the filming of this review, I found it hard to nail down an MSRP on the bike. However, I soon understood the reasoning behind this… Biktrix is a direct to consumer brand, and you can literally build your bike on their website! So while this may seem like a con, it is actually a bit more of a pro since you have flexibility in options and choices. This one I tested came in around $2749, but I am told they can range anywhere from $1,799-$3,998 respectively. Overall, the bike is really a blast and well put together, I would like to thank Biktrix for inviting me up to come check it out.
As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own a previous version of the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Biktrix Ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)
Pros:
- A comfortable cruiser ebike with a powerful hub-drive, throttle, hydraulic disc brakes, and comfortable riding position as well as front suspension fork
- The system is very complimentary with the motor and internal hub working together, it has quite a refined feel for a value priced ebike starting at $1,799 before customizations
- The external controller is mounted behind the seat post, it serves to a couple advantages this way, for one, it keeps the system air cooled instead of being crammed in with the battery or motor, also it makes maintenance or replacement easy if something goes wrong
- Available in different tire sizes (a 20”, 24”, and 26”) as well as 3 frame sizes each with a unique color
- The bike is configurable in a number of ways on their site, including some battery options like 12ah, 17ah, and 21ah!
- Features swept back handle bars that kind of meet you as you sit in the lower seat, this works great wit the tool-free adjustable angle stem
- I love the RST Guide fork with lockout and preload adjust, it helps absorb the bumps quite nicely, also absorbing bumps is the comfort saddle and fat 4” tires
- You get a great battery integrated headlight, this is an LED light which is great for visibility and safety, I love that more companies are including it
- Rounding off the features is an included rear rack, chain ring guard, derailleur guard, metal fenders, and adjustable length kickstand
- Features a powerful 750watt nominally rated hub-drive that has a peak rating of 1000watts and 120nm of torque! …very fast, very capable, and a lot of fun to drive
- Large, easy to read backlit display with a lot of information and features you can deep dive into
- Wonderful stopping power with the 180mm rotor hydraulic disc brakes, these are more responsive than mechanical brakes and pair great with this powerful motor
Cons:
- With the larger battery, front fork, fat tires, and hub-drive motor, this is a heavier setup, so loading the bike may be a hinderance to some
- The wires are a little out in the open up front, no wire looms to coral them in, this could be annoying if you ever wanted to add any accessories on the stem or handlebars
- Has an LED headlight which is great for visibility, however, it is mounted on the front suspension fork, so the light could bounce up and down if you were on bumpy terrain
- I love the rear rack that is included, but it probably won’t fit a lot of available panniers, however it should be able to hold fitting cargo just fine as it uses stronger, thicker tubing
- Control center can’t be removed, leaving it vulnerable to theft and scratching when the bike is left at a public bike rack
- Only one frame style here, a step-through, so if you are someone that likens step-through frames with gender, or you just prefer high-step models, you may want to look at some of their other models.
Resources:
Barzin Daragahi
5 years agoI have two suggestions for EBR. Your business is growing and you might consider expanding in some areas.
First, a full distance tests at it’s maximum capability (i.e. full assist, or full throttle only). Then a vigorous incline test , say over a 1/2 mile steep climb at full power. These reviews are very popular and detailed, but there is no consistent baseline for the real motor power and battery capacity. The data can prove useful and help guide buying decisions. Without this data, it leaves a pretty large gap for disruption to your business. More meaningful data around real electric capability and comparison might be a good next step. My 2 cents. Otherwise, great review.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoGreat feedback, Barzin! I’ve been working with a gentleman on the East Coast who is going to be posting in the forums, his name is “Ebike Test Lab” and he introduces himself here. Check it out and chime in with your thoughts because he is going to be our “deep dive” tester… He actually has experience with this from former positions. We’re pretty excited! My goal with the videos and stuff on EBR is to be consistent but slowly improve and evolve, so your feedback is great in that sense ;)
ReplyBarry O'Neill
5 years agoI’m a bit confused with the motor rating. The Bixtrix site for Canada states: “Powerful 500W(rated) 750W(peak) geared hub motor” Yet in your video you say 750W nominal and 1000W peak?!?!
Which is accurate?
ReplyBarry
Court
5 years agoHi Barry, my understanding is that Canada has a legal framework where 500 watts is the legal limit whereas USA specifies 750 watts. Perhaps there is a difference between the two websites and the review unit we used here (which was sent to the United States). In my experience, the hardware is usually the same and this is more of a marketing message and possibly some bending of the rules by some companies.
ReplyJames
4 years agoDo you know the specific type of motor on the LT. There are a lot of different Bafang 750w rear motors floating around and the nomenclature is fuzzy to say the least. As you probably know, this has caused some controversy in the case of the 750s used in the RAD Rover.
So, there is the regular Bafang RM G060.750.DC 48V 750W which can also be tuned to 350 or 500. There is also an upgraded version, the BAFANG – RM G062.750.DC. There is also the 48-52v 750w Geared Fat bare Motor (for rear wheel) sold by Luna Cycle which may be the same as the G062 upgraded version. Luna cycle claims that this version can push 1300 watts peak with a 52 volt battery, which fits with what was said about the peak power in the video. Any info you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks.
Lance Michaels
4 years agoThe most recent info on the Biktrix site says the 24′ model Stunner LT has a torque sensor not a cadence sensor. The site also does not mention what class of bike this is and its maximum speed. Can you confirm that the bike has a torque sensor?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Lance! Perhaps Biktrix updated their sensors from cadence to torque? I can see in one of the pictures that this ebike was using a standard cadence sensor at the time of review (2019). It also has a trigger throttle and can reach ~28 miles per hour (45km/h) so that blends Class 3 and Class 2. If you removed the throttle, it would be a Class 3. If you lower the speed setting and keep the throttle… that’s Class 2. If you lower the speed and remove the throttle, that’s Class 1, which is allowed on the most trails. I hope this helps!
ReplyRich
4 years agoThis looks like a pretty nice bike and is very much what I’m looking for. I’m also very interested in the Rad Rover step thru and I was just wondering if you could compare the two a bit. I’m 71 and have a few physical issues so I’m looking for something to ride which I’ll be able to clime hills in the city with that has the power so I won’t be too taxed physically. Comfort is also an issue and this Biktrix LT seems like it would fit my needs well. I’m just a bit betwixt betw. and between as to which would be a better choice betw. the Rad Rover Step Thru and the Biktix LT. The Rad Rover costs less but the physical set up of the Biktrix seems more friendly for an older guy : ) Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Rich
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHey, Rich! Great question. I like both of the bikes, and really appreciate the classic looking frame and beautiful paint job on the Stunner LT. I think of Biktrix as more of a custom builder, since they offer different battery sizes and options for many of their products. Since they’re less standardized, using different batteries for different models, the complexity goes up for the company and I’ve read a few comments on the forums talking about how the product is great for a more technical engineering type of person who likes to tinker. Honestly, I think that the experience between these two ebikes is going to be very similar, and you’ll be happy with either. I’d say, go with your gut… maybe it’s what looks the nicest? The price difference isn’t too much, and if you’re 71 years old, this is a very healthy and fun way to spend some of your money. If you’re on a strict budget, okay, maybe the Rad is worth moving to. I really like Rad Power Bikes because of how they run their business and stuff, but their colors are more standardized and they are becoming bigger. Biktrix is a Canadian company (not sure if that matters to you), and the founder is the kind of guy I’ve seen responding to comments and who I just spoke with a couple of weeks ago.
Well, I hope this helps! I’d love to hear what you choose and how it works out for you ;)
ReplyShannon Ferraby
4 years agoWe just received (today) my Stunner LT. Your review seemed very helpful and was one of the ones we watched to help determine which bike would be the best fit for me. I specifically wanted cadence. You describe this bike as cadence. On our phone, their website shows it as such. But, the bike I received is torque and I am not happy. We are trying to work with the company but our assumption at this point is that they have switched the Stunner LT to torque and I am messaging you to let you know. I was so excited to receive my bike and unfortunately now am very unhappy as it’s not what I wanted and needed. I understand it’s not at all your fault that the company changed this, but for future shoppers, updating your review to state the Stunner LT is torque might be helpful.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoOh man!! That’s a bummer, I will definitely add a note at the top of the review, thanks for your feedback Shannon, so sorry that the bike is not what you wanted. That is such a bummer, especially after waiting so long :(
ReplySteve
4 years agoVery interested in this bike I am 67 yo, 5′ 10″ 215 lbs with a 30″ inseam on pants. Seems like I’m a bit on the cusp between the 24 and 26 sizes. I want to be able to ride on some hills and moderately rough dirt roads in Maine. Your thoughts? Thank you
ReplyCourt
4 years agoI would probably go for the 26″ size if it were me. The wheels will roll more smoothly and given the low-step or mid-step options, you could still approach the bike comfortably. You and I are similar sizes, I’m 5’9″ but I’m also 30 years younger ;) I think both sizes will work, so I hope this helps and am sorry for the slow reply!
ReplyJimmy bates
4 years agoHello Court, a very good review on the Stunner. Lots of good information. I am comparing the X and the LT to possibly purchase one of them. I am looking for all the info I can get. I notice that you list the torque at 120 nm. According to the Biktrix web site, this is the torque listed for the mid drive, 85 nm is listed for the hub? Question: I am 69 yrs old, 6 ft plus, but a 30 in inseam, pants size. I assume 26 inch size is best for me, which frame? Will low step over work with hip and knee issues?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Jimmy! That’s frustrating… I apologize on behalf of Mikey, it appears that he has indeed listed two different torque ratings for the bike. I’d trust the 80nm or 85nm that the company is stating. I have had trouble working with third party contributor reviewers because of mistakes and oversights like this. Mikey is no longer doing reviews here, which means EBR cannot cover as many ebikes, but I hope that the rest of the info here is accurate and that the majority of other ebikes we’ve covered are correct. We do our best, but there are so many things to consider. I cannot confirm the torque rating because I never looked at this specific bike myself.
Reply