Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
This type of electric bike utilizes a motor system that is positioned at the middle of the frame, usually exerting force on the same chain that the rider is cycling as they pedal. They are known for their balanced weight distribution, unsprung weight advantage, battery use efficiency (because they benefit from gear shifting, just like the rider), and improved climbing power. Because they often require custom motor interfaces, mid-drive ebikes tend to cost more money. They exert more strain on the chain, belt, and drivetrain than hub motor and friction drive, and usually do not offer throttle on demand power. Most high-end and European ebikes utilize mid-drive motor systems.
This was the second time I’ve been able to test ride a Specialized Turbo Levo model and thankfully I got some help from Garret at Rock N’ Road Cyclery in Laguna Niguel California. This shop has some demo models and in addition to the footage shown in the video review above, Garret has gone off-road […]
Despite the many, many models and trim levels that Haibike is producing for model year 2016 they are only offering the FullNine (full suspension 29er) models with the SDURO Yamaha drive system. I got to check out the RX version with a taller friend who was able to appreciate the larger wheelset and frame size… […]
The Brühaul is one of two electric cargo bikes offered by Felt, a bicycle company with performance racing heritage, for 2016. What you get with this model is an impressively light weight, responsive and great looking hauler that only comes in one size and uses a more expensive but much more refined and powerful drive […]
Flux (renamed to FLX Bike) is a brand new electric bike company that launched its first three models on Indiegogo in Q1 2016 at discounted rates… after just three days of funding they raised over $150k (more than 2x their funding goal) and I was given an opportunity to test ride the final prototype model […]
The ALLMTN group is one of my favorite SDURO (Yamaha powered) electric bike lines from Haibike. It comes in four trim levels with varying levels of component groupsets and I tested the RC which is one step up from the bottom, priced at $4,299. That’s $600 more than the entry level SL model and the […]
The Haibike XDURO Dwnhll Pro was one of the only production downhill electric bikes available at the time of this review… meaning you could get a truly capable platform in a range of sizes with a solid two year warranty and not have to customize anything for it to hold its weight on rigorous terrain. […]
The FullLife is an amazing full suspension electric mountain bike… that has been slightly modified to better suit women. As a guy, I had a blast riding this thing and didn’t notice much of a difference in the frame (shorter top tube) or saddle (shorter with a wider rear pelvic support area) but definitely appreciated […]
The E3 ProTour is one of the coolest looking ebikes in the entire 2016 lineup from IZIP because the battery is integrated, the circular motor hides behind the chainring and you get every sort of accessory you could ever want to make it the perfect commuting platform. From integrated LED lights that run off the […]
The Raleigh Sprint iE is one of the sleekest, most unassuming electric bikes in the lineup for 2016 because the battery is integrated directly into the downtube and the motor is compact and circular… mirroring the chainring sprocket. It’s fast, capable of hitting 28 mph in the highest level of assist when pedaling with the […]
This is a review for the 2016 IZIP E3 Sumo electric fat bike. You can see the latest model here which uses a Bosch CX mid-drive and is available in two frame sizes. The price jumped up $100 but the brakes and drivetrain are significantly upgraded. Electric powered fat bikes have become super popular since […]
