The F4W (fast forward) Peak is a basic high-step electric bike with average sized motor and battery that would be most useful for city and neighborhood riding. The suspension fork is as basic as they come but does include lockout (though no rebound adjustment) and the included mud guards are basically just for show (and less useful than the full length fenders offered with the F4W Ride). When comparing the two bikes (which cost the same) you lose the rack and chain guard with the Peak (though the rack and full fenders are optional upgrades). While I appreciate the battery design and solid warranty, this bike isn’t very satisfying to ride given the unique spring-activated pedal assist feature.
The motor driving this bike is a 350 watt geared hub located in the rear. It can be activated via twist throttle (on the right grip) or one of three pedal assist modes. The system relies on a torque sensor that smooths out power activation but causes some other issues as described above given the unique spring-activated design. Geared hub motors are known for offering good torque and power for their lighter, smaller footprint and this one is made by 8Fun (Bafang in China). It performs well enough though it does produce some noise as shown in the video review. Most geared hub motors also freewheel so you won’t experience cogging or drag when the system is powered off.
The battery powering this system is a Lithium-ion pack mounted just behind the seat tube. It can be charged on or off the bike and simply tilts out to the side for removal which is pretty cool. The pack offers 36 volts of power and 9 amp hours of capacity that should take you 20 to 40 miles depending on how much you use the twist throttle verses pedal assist. That’s about average compared with other entry level electric bikes. The cells inside are made by Sony and come with a two year warranty which is fantastic. The battery pack is actually one of my favorite parts about the F4W Peak, they did a great job with it and it even comes with a key to lock it down for security and a little metal screw-on cover to protect the charging port.
Operating the Fast Forward Peak is relatively simple. Just click the toggle switch on the battery pack and activate the bike with the center rubberized button on the LCD display panel. At level zero none of the drive systems on the bike will work but you can still use the control panel to see how fast you’re going, how far you’ve gone and how much battery is left. Once you choose an assist level (there are three) you can activate the motor by either pedaling or using the half-grip twister on the right handle. I don’t see many ebikes that have readouts for battery temperature but I suppose that could be handy if you live somewhere really hot and want to avoid damaging the cells. Overall it’s a simple system, I would have liked to use throttle only at level zero but it’s not a deal killer. While the bike does have adjustable lights, they run off of separate batteries and have to be activated independently with a little switch (making it easier to accidentally leave on).
The F4W Peak has a misleading name in my opinion because it does not offer a great off-road experience. You will not be ascending mountain peaks with the modest 350 watt motor and 36 volt battery system. In fact, if you do go off road frequently I’m guessing the adjustable stem will become loose and the suspension fork will turn into a bouncy spring vs. a smooth dampener. I like that the bike is relatively balanced, decently priced and well warrantied and I’m sure many guys will prefer the high-step frame but the F4W Ride offers more value overall thanks to its accessories. The one leading feature on the Peak is that it has water bottle cage braze ons. Both electric bikes suffer from pedals that become slippery when wet and a spring-activated assist that feels awkward and cheap. If you’re very price sensitive or this is your first ebike it could be a good choice but consider spending more and checking out similar bikes like the e-Joe Anggun that pedal more smoothly and are similarly priced.
More affordable, practical ebike with lights, fenders, rack and basic suspension fork on the front. Average sized motor and battery system offer enough power and range to cruise around town…...
Adora
10 years agoCourt, Thanks for this review. If I want a MB, or even light trail –I’d better pass on this model ;-)
ReplyTravis
10 years agoI think this bike is great for first-time e-bike users like myself. I got mine for $600 (used) and I think it was well worth it, though I wouldn’t have bought this bike for the full price (new). I have a ton of fun on this thing :) And yeah, that little jerk in the pedal is super strange-feeling. I mean, I’ve gotten used to it but I still notice it. Wish that could be fixed somehow.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Travis! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the F4W Peak and that my comments in the review resonate. Sounds like you got an amazing deal on that thing! I recently spent ~$60 on an old basic non-electric bike to use for conversions and testing and had similar thoughts about getting a deal vs. going new. Ride safe and enjoy the bike :D
ReplyChris Tynan
8 years agohi I i have a Peak 2012 . I got at an estate sale with only 4 cycles on it, I cant find any info on it just general sales stuff. love the bike, but i need the user manual . im starting to have problems with the speed readouts ect. Im trying to find a service manual or web site. I live in the US and I Also Want to go faster! 15mph eur 25mph i live on cape cod. please let me know.!
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Chris! My knowledge of the F4W products is limited and unfortunately I never got a manual. Maybe someone else will chime in but this is one of the downsides of companies that slow down or go away… Glad you got a deal at the estate sale, hope you get to enjoy it a bit… maybe find someone local who is willing to experiment and try to fix the battery? For the money though and considering the possibility of fire or other damage it might be best to look at getting a newer electric bike. Hate to say it and hate to see the waste but a fire isn’t worth it.
ReplyFauchet Didier
4 years agoBonjour, on m’a volé mon chargeur de batterie du vélo Fast 4 word peak. Quelqu’un pourrait ma dire ou je sais en acheter un?
Merci Didier
ReplyCourt
4 years agoJe suis tellement désolé d’entendre cela! Je ne suis pas sûr que l’entreprise existe toujours, et les magasins n’ont peut-être pas d’extras, car ces vélos sont un peu plus vieux maintenant. Peut-être pourriez-vous trouver un chargeur universel avec des conseils différents. J’ai fait une recherche rapide sur Amazon et j’ai trouvé ceci. Je ne suis pas un expert et je n’ai pas de documentation pour les spécifications de charge exactes, mais je suppose que quelque chose comme 2 amplis fonctionnerait, d’après ce que j’ai vu des chargeurs plus récents que je dois regarder.
Replyshakeel
3 years agoHello, I need a battery for F4W Peak in Mauritius. Please advise.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Shakeel, perhaps you can have the battery repacked? This is a company that has offered this service and may be able to help. I’m not sure if F4W is still in business, so the battery replacement may not be available.
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