In a market where cruiser e-bikes tend to stick to the basics, Blix has introduced the Sol X—a surprisingly tech-savvy beach cruiser that keeps things affordable at $1,499. The “autopilot” in the title might catch you off guard, but it’s not far off from what this bike delivers.
With automatic 8-speed gear shifting and a unique “Auto PAS” mode, the Sol X intuitively adapts the pedal assist (and gear changes) in real-time, responding to your pedaling style without you having to make constant adjustments. It’s a level of smart tech we rarely see on a laid-back cruiser like this, and it makes for an effortless, smooth ride that feels almost like having a co-pilot for your cycling.
Blix has clearly designed the Sol X with riders looking for a carefree experience that still feels advanced. After a week of testing, I’ll walk you through what’s new, where this model stands out in the beach cruiser category, and whether it’s a good fit if you’re looking for a relaxed, yet tech-enhanced, ride that just about takes care of itself.
My Experience Riding The Blix Sol X E-Bike
This new ‘X’ version takes the well-loved Sol platform and adds some fun new tech that’s worth talking about. But before we dive into the fancy new features, let’s break down what it’s actually like to ride this bike day-to-day.
First up, let’s talk about looks and build quality. The Sol X comes in three colorways – I’ve been testing the seafoam green version, which hits a nice balance between classic cruiser vibes and modern styling with its clean lines and blacked-out components. The step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easy enough, and while some step-through designs can feel a bit flexy, the beefed-up crossbar on this one keeps things surprisingly solid. With a low 17-inch standover height and practical additions like full fenders, integrated lighting, and a MIK rear rack, it’s ready for pretty much anything you throw at it.
In the comfort department, the Sol X delivers what you want from a cruiser-style ebike. The combination of wide, cushy saddle, 3-inch tires, and upright geometry makes for an easy-riding experience. Even without a suspension fork, those fat tires and comfy seat do a solid job of smoothing out road vibrations. One quirk I noticed was the swept-back handlebars can bump your legs during really tight turns – not an issue during normal riding, but something to note if you’re navigating tight spaces.
The 750W rear hub motor is quiet and well-programmed. You get smooth, controlled acceleration from a stop (no unexpected wheelies here), and it builds speed confidently up to both Class 2 (20 mph) and Class 3 (28 mph) levels. With 70Nm of torque on tap, hills become way less daunting – the bike climbs with authority when you need it to.
Now for the tech features that set the Sol X apart. The Auto PAS function is a new take on the wildly popular wireless shifting found on higher-end bikes – basically, the bike reads your pedaling effort and speed to adjust assistance levels automatically. It works pretty well most of the time, making the whole riding experience more intuitive since you’re not constantly thinking about changing assist levels.
The eShift system (still in beta) is an interesting piece of tech that automatically changes gears based on your pedaling, speed, and the terrain. You activate it through Auto PAS mode by holding the ‘+’ button for three seconds. On flat ground and rolling terrain, it handles gear changes decently, but it can be a bit slow to react on hills – sometimes waiting until you’re halfway up before dropping to an easier gear. Blix is pushing regular over-the-air updates, so this feature should improve over time.
For stopping power, you’ve got Blix’s in-house hydraulic disc brakes. While I can’t predict longevity or servicing issues given their new proprietary nature, they did give me confident braking in all of my rides.
All-in-all, riding the Sol X is easy and more importantly it’s fun. It balances the power delivery with a comfortable and capable ride that looks the part.
Range
Estimated Range (from Blix): Up to 70 MIles
Real World Range Test Results:
- PAS 1: 86 miles
- PAS 5: 38 miles
Blix rates the Sol X’s range at up to 70 miles, which is a solid claim for a beach cruiser. But, as usual, real-world riding tells a more nuanced story, depending on the level of pedal assist you’re using. In my tests, the Sol X actually exceeded expectations at lower assist levels, managing an impressive 86 miles on PAS 1. At PAS 5, the highest level range came down to around 38 miles—still decent for this class of bike.
What this means for potential riders is that the Sol X offers some flexibility. If you’re cruising at a relaxed pace, you can stretch the battery quite a bit, making it perfect for longer rides without stressing about charging. But if you’re planning to keep it at higher speeds or want that extra boost all the time, expect a lower range, which is typical for most e-bikes.
Overall, the Sol X’s range is more than enough for typical beach cruiser or city riding, and for a bike at this price, it’s delivering well on range.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Blix Sol X packs a 750W rear hub motor with a solid 70Nm of torque, which is plenty of power for a beach cruiser. This setup lets the Sol X reach a top speed of 28 mph, giving it Class 2 and Class 3 versatility depending on where you’re riding. For a cruiser-style bike, this motor keeps things lively without feeling like overkill, whether you’re rolling along the boardwalk or zipping through town.
The bike’s power is managed by a 614.4Wh battery (48V, 12.8Ah), which provides a good balance between range and weight. For typical cruiser rides, it’s enough capacity to keep you going without constantly searching for a charger. And with drive modes like Eco, Tour, Sport, and Auto, you’ve got options to dial in how the motor responds based on your ride style. Eco mode stretches your range, while Sport gives you a quick punch of power, and the Auto mode adapts to your pedaling input—a nice feature that makes for a more intuitive ride.
With this setup, the Sol X strikes a balance between power and range that suits its purpose as a laid-back but capable cruiser. Whether you’re taking it easy or opening up the throttle, this motor and battery combo has enough kick to keep the ride fun.
Components
The Blix Sol X has a well-rounded component lineup that suits its style as a beach cruiser, with a few upgrades that add extra comfort and durability for longer rides. Starting with the wheels, you get 26-inch alloy rims paired with 26×2.4-inch puncture-resistant tires. The reflective striping on the tires is a nice safety touch for city riding, helping you stay visible in low light. These wheels and tires bring a good mix of stability and nimbleness, making the Sol X easy to handle on both boardwalks and neighborhood streets.
For the drivetrain, the Sol X comes with an 8-speed setup powered by Microshift, with a 46T chainring and 13-32T cassette that offer a decent range for the kind of relaxed cruising this bike is built for. The electronic rocker pad shifter is a nice feature, allowing you to change gears with a light press rather than needing a full lever pull.
Blix also gave some thought to comfort, outfitting the Sol X with a padded saddle and ergonomic rubber grips, plus an adjustable stem that lets riders fine-tune their handlebar height and reach. The handlebars are 660mm wide, offering a comfortable, relaxed riding position without making the bike feel unwieldy. On the braking front, the Sol X is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and 2-piston calipers.
Rounding out the build, the Sol X has solid alloy pedals with traction studs and reflectors, a detail that keeps things practical and safe for everyday riding. Blix didn’t go overboard with the components but made smart choices that match the bike’s purpose: a capable, comfortable cruiser that’s ready to go wherever you want without fuss.
Auto Shifting Feature
The drivetrain on the Blix Sol X is an innovative hybrid electric system that’s unlike most I’ve come across. Instead of a traditional mechanical cable, the control pad sends an electronic signal to a control box near the bottom bracket, which then uses a sealed mechanical lever to pull the actual shift cable connected to the Microshift 26 rear derailleur. It’s a unique piece of tech—cool in concept and generally well-executed. However, with such a niche system, there’s always the question of how easy it will be to service or repair down the line, given its specialized nature.
When it comes to auto-shifting or e-shifting, the bike really shines in theory but still has some room for improvement. The system allows you to use the app to set a specific cadence and power wattage range, which, along with terrain sensor data, dictates when the bike shifts automatically. It’s a very cool idea that just needs a bit more fine-tuning. Right now, the feature is listed as “Beta” in the app, and it performs accordingly. Sometimes, the bike shifts awkwardly at odd moments, while other times, it feels spot-on. The good news? OTA updates should iron out these kinks as Blix gets more feedback from riders, so I’m optimistic that it’ll improve without needing a trip to the shop.
In manual mode, the Microshift 8-speed system, paired with a 46T chainring and 13-32T cassette, works smoothly and efficiently. It gives you a decent range for city riding, moderate hills, and the ability to pick up speed on flat terrain. Overall, the drivetrain is a solid mix of innovative tech with room to grow, and the more traditional manual shifting holds up well in the meantime.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Blix Sol X comes equipped with a clean, easy-to-read display that gives you all the key info you need during your ride. It shows your assist mode, speed, range, trip meter, gear mode, odometer, and even calorie consumption, which is a nice extra touch for those tracking their fitness. The display is intuitive and doesn’t feel cluttered, so whether you’re cruising around town or pushing the bike harder on longer commutes, all the important details are right there at a glance.
As for the app, Blix has partnered with the Ebike Connect app, which is available on both iOS and Android. This app adds a layer of convenience by allowing you to adjust settings, like the bike’s top speed, and fine-tune the auto-shifting feature by tweaking the cadence and wattage settings to fit your personal riding style. You can also track your rides using GPS mapping, and the app supports over-the-air updates, which is great for keeping your bike’s tech current without needing to visit a shop. The app itself has a smooth, user-friendly interface that integrates well with the Sol X, making it easy to manage your ride and settings on the go.
Overall, the combination of the display and app works well for a commuter-focused folding e-bike. It keeps things simple but also offers enough customization options for riders who want to dial in their experience, especially with the auto-shifting feature
Blix Sol X Model Options
The Blix Sol X comes in a single, step-through frame, designed to make getting on and off easy—especially fitting for a beach cruiser. With a 17-inch standover height and geometry that accommodates riders between 5’1″ and 6’2″, this model is well-suited to a wide range of body types. The frame is built from lightweight alloy, keeping the overall weight manageable while maintaining a solid, durable feel. For added flexibility, Blix includes attachment points with two bosses on the downtube and a mounting point for a front rack, giving riders options to customize their setup.
In terms of color, Blix keeps it playful with four options: Nü Cream, Seafoam, Slate Grey, and Sky Blue. These color choices give the Sol X a bit of personality and a fun, relaxed vibe, fitting the cruiser style.
For those who want to deck out their ride, Blix offers a variety of compatible accessories. Optional add-ons include a Front Basket X, Large Basket X, MIK front rack, and a top rack bag for more storage. If comfort’s a priority, you can swap in a Thudbuster LT G4 suspension seat post to smooth out the ride further. Blix also offers an extended warranty option, allowing riders to add one, two, or three years to the standard two-year warranty through a third-party service.
Is The Blix Sol X Worth Buying?
After spending quality time with the Sol X, here’s the straight talk: This is a solid cruiser-style ebike that brings some interesting tech to the table. While not every feature is fully polished, there’s a lot to like here.
The fundamentals are dialed – you’re getting a comfortable, capable bike with thoughtful touches like integrated lighting, fenders, and that handy MIK rack system. The 750W motor hits the sweet spot between smooth operation and plenty of power when you need it, and the torque sensor makes the whole riding experience feel natural rather than robotic.
Where the Sol X really sets itself apart is with features like Auto PAS and electronic shifting. Sure, the auto-shifting is still finding its feet in beta, but it’s genuinely useful on flats and rolling terrain. The regular over-the-air updates suggest it’ll only get better with time. The clean, intuitive app interface is another plus, giving you easy control over performance settings.
Now, who’s this bike for? If you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser that can handle both leisurely rides and daily commutes, and you dig the idea of letting the bike handle some of the thinking for you, the Sol X could be your jam. It’s especially solid for riders between 5’1″ and 6’2″ who want a step-through frame that doesn’t feel wobbly.
That said, if you’re outside that height range, you might want to look elsewhere – the single frame size is a limitation. And if you’re the type who likes to tinker with every gear change manually, the auto-shifting might feel more like a hindrance than a help.
Pros
- Innovative tech features like electronic auto-shifting and Auto PAS make this bike feel advanced and intuitive.
- Quiet 750W motor with a responsive torque sensor provides smooth, class 3 speeds for a satisfying ride.
- Full commuter perks are included, from turn signals and all-around lighting to fenders and a MIK-compatible rear rack.
- Comes in four vibrant color options for a bit of added personality.
- With a low 17-inch standover height, it’s accessible to a wide range of riders, fitting those between 5’1” and 6’2”.
- The eBike Connect app, developed in partnership with Blix, offers a clean interface for accessing advanced settings and fine-tuning the shifting and motor performance.
Cons
- The single frame size could limit accessibility for riders outside the standard height range.
- The auto-shifting feature (while still in Beta) still has room for improvement, as it occasionally falls short in functionality.
Bottom line: The Sol X isn’t trying to be all things to all riders, and that’s cool. What it does offer is a well-executed cruiser platform with some forward-thinking tech features. If that matches what you’re after, and you’re cool with being an early adopter of features like auto-shifting, it’s worth a look.
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