Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
This type of electric bike is optimized to be lightweight and efficient. It’s mainly used for sport riding over long distances on smooth paved surfaces. Narrow tires reduce friction and drag while an aggressive geometry positions the rider’s upper body down and forward, making them aerodynamic. Electric drive systems can add a lot of weight, so road ebikes tend to use cutting edge technology to shave off the pounds, and that can make them relatively expensive. They frequently utilize drop bars with three hand positions (hoods, flats, and drops) to allow riders to change arm and hand position, reducing fatigue over longer distances.
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 Zeitgeist City is a premium, all-Carbon fiber speed pedelec. It’s an electric bike that can high 28 mph and only weighs ~43 lbs which is impressive given the 500 watt hub motor and 48 volt battery pack. At one point, I believe this model was being called the Zeitgeist by Karma Bikes but the […]
The Daymake EC1 (electric, carbon, first edition) is an affordable, light weight ebike built around a carbon fiber frame. It debuted on Kickstarter in late 2015 for $899 and met its funding goal with $70k+ in sales but the standard product has since jumped in price to $1,899. There is a bit of confusing linking […]
The Specialized Turbo S is the fastest, most powerful electric road bike available from Specialized and for 2016 they’ve improved the drivetrain, doubled nominal motor power and increased battery size by ~40%. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies however, the price has increased from $6k to $7k, weight has gone up from ~50 lbs to […]
The Haibike XDURO Urban is a light weight, efficient road bike with a premium mid-drive motor system and battery from Bosch that together are capable of impressive range and climbing performance. It offers a 20 mph top speed, which is a bit lower than the other road-style Haibkes (the Race and Superrace), but can easily […]
The EVO Race is an “evolved” version of the older NEO Race and part of the new line of electric bikes from Easy Motion for 2015 in North America. The earlier Neo series launched in 2013 and during its time was one of the most popular series of ebikes that I got to test and […]
The Haibike XDURO Race is an efficient, fast and beautiful electric bike. This thing is a race car with deep dish aero rims, drop bars, an 11 speed cassette and streamlined integrated lights… Lights? Kickstand?! Yeah, it comes with these extras that you might not be used to seeing on traditional road style bicycles because […]
The Easy Motion Nitro series builds on the Neo line from 2013 / 2014 and delivers high-speed ~28 mph performance in “Boost” pedal assist mode. The Nitro Cross is the more stripped down version of two products in this series and does not include a rear rack, fenders or chain guide that the Nitro City […]
The Felt SPORTe Step-Thru is a more approachable version of the standard SPORTe. It’s available in two smaller sizes and both have a lower stand over height so they’re easier to mount and hold at stop signs and lights, especially if you’ve got gear on the rear rack. This thing is part road bike, part […]
The Felt SPORTe is part road bike, part city bike. You get a stiff, relatively light weight aluminum alloy frame (though not as light as their NINEe hardtail) with efficient narrow tires mounted on a 700c medium-dish rim. While aluminum is known for being durable, it’s not super comfortable over extended distances at higher speed… […]
