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.
The Raleigh Tekoa iE is a powerful hardtail electric mountain bike that feels sturdy, well balanced and light weight thanks to its air fork and custom frame. I like the dark silver color scheme… and that’s good because it’s only available in one color and frame style (traditional diamond high-step). With three frame sizes to […]
The 2016 IZIP E3 Peak is one of the most powerful mid-drive electric bikes I’ve tested for trail and mountain style riding. The M07 motor by TranzX delivers 73 Newton meters of torque and is surprisingly quiet. With a 27.5″ wheelset the bike feels nimble but also stable and comfortable going over bumps. The air […]
The 2016 IZIP E3 Dash features a high torque mid-drive motor while the previous two iterations used gearless direct drive hub motors. This improves balance and frame stiffness while making quick-release on both wheels possible (and easier). You get thru-axles for improved stiffness (12 mm rear and 15 mm front) and hydraulic Shimano disc brakes […]
The Route iE is a speed pedelec that’s setup for comfortable performance… it would make a great commuter platform or urban/city ebike because it can hit ~28 mph in pedal assist mode and offers braze-ons for adding fenders and a rear rack. The motor is powerful, offering 73 Newton meters of torque but it’s not […]
In case you’re comparing the Misceo iE to the Misceo Sport iE (which costs ~$100 less) I’ve identified the following differences… The Sport model is about one pound heavier, does not come in the extra large size of 21″ (just 5″, 17″ and 19″), includes SKS fenders, an aluminum alloy rack with 18 kg weight […]
The 2016 Raleigh Misceo iE is a sporty city bike that could be used for road riding or commuting. The geometry is a bit more aggressive with a flatter handle bar, standard round grips and a firm saddle but it comes in four sizes and offers a carbon fiber fork to improve fit and address […]
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 […]
The 2016 IZIP E3 Path+ looks similar to the 2015 model (which got a face-lift) but switches up the drive system moving from a 500 watt gearless 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 […]
This review is for the 2016 Raleigh Sprite iE, click here for the latest version with a deeper, more updated look. The Raleigh Sprite iE is an approachable electric bike with a low-step frame that’s easy to mount and stand over. The seat goes way down (almost in line with the battery pack) and that’s […]
The original IZIP E3 Vibe has been completely remodeled for 2016 and is now called the Vibe Plus. The suspension fork is gone but the bike weighs nearly 10 pounds less and has a more streamlined battery pack. You get a more powerful and more efficient mid drive motor and a larger battery capacity but […]
