This review was provided for free, but iGO and Cap’s E-Bikes did organize delivery of a temporary demo bike to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of iGO Electric products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the iGO Electric bike forums.
Observations:
- iGO Electric has been selling ebikes since 2006, way before EBR had even launched! I considered their products when I bought my first ebike in 2011 because they used purpose-built frames, offered free shipping in the US and Canada, and were available to answer questions via email and phone. They still do a great job with support, and have expanded the lineup quite a bit in recent years. The Core line is their most affordable, and the biggest trade-off is that the batteries and displays tend to be more basic, they don’t have a smartphone app for this bike and the display is greyscale vs. color.
- There are several Core models, all of them used to use a semi-integrated battery pack. Now, they’ve moved to fully integrated (which looks great) and introduced an upgraded display panel with USB charging port. Compared with the Core Extreme 2.0, the 3.0 has a lower stand-over height, shorter reach (for improved control and comfortable body position), larger 4.5″ fat tires vs. 4.0, and lighter punched out rims that are easier for the motor to turn (somewhat offsetting the heavier tires). It’s about two pounds heavier but is actually less expensive by $100 in USD and CAD.
Pros:
- 100% feature-complete with everything you’d need to ride in the rain, mud, snow, sand, or commute to work… day or night! Sturdy and extra wide 110mm aluminum alloy fenders, above-average integrated lights with side windows, and a custom rear rack with pannier hangers and positioning that maximizes carrying space without colliding with the saddle in the lower positions.
- The fully integrated downtube battery pack provides lots of space mid-frame, so you could add a triangle frame bag. iGO included a set of bottle cage bosses on the seat tube which could be used for fluids or accessories like folding locks or mini pumps, because you might not always want to bring a trunk bag or panniers… or wear a backpack.
- iGO was definitely trying to keep this product affordable, but none of the parts are entry-level. The Shimano Altus drivetrain is one step up from base, the 8-speed drivetrain uses a nickel plated cassette with respectable 11-34 tooth spread, and the Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes utilize large 180mm rotors and top-end rubberized brake levers with an integrated bell. I love these brake levers because they keep your fingers warmer than all metal, the bell is durable and happy sounding, and both levers have motor inhibitors for extra safety when stopping.
- Even though the frame only comes in one size, the adjustable height seat post and adjustable angle stem provide a wide range of options for different body sizes. Overall, the diamond frame is sturdy and stiff, which is what you want for off-road riding, but the sloped top tube makes it fairly approachable and easy to stand-over.
- At first, I thought that maybe this was a mid-drive electric bike because of the black box thing at the bottom bracket. This is actually just a storage compartment for wires and the powerful 22 amp battery controller which iGO calls the Electronics Access Port. Separating the controller like this makes it easier to replace, keeps the battery cooler, and makes additional battery packs much less expensive because the electronics in each pack are simpler.
- Inside that bottom bracket box is 32 pulse cadence sensor that is VERY responsive and durable. Most of the cadence sensors that I see and test on competing products utilize 6 or 12 magnets. They can get bumped around more easily because they are external… but the electronic sensor that iGO chose seems like an upgrade, and it worked well during my tests.
- Great hardware choices on the Velo locking grips and adjustable suspension fork. You get lockout and preload adjust which helps to dial things in for your body weight (pre-load the spring for heavier loads, lock out the suspension to reduce bobbing and perform more efficiently on hard or paved surfaces). That said, the suspension fork is a bit heavier as a spring fork vs. air and felt kind of bouncy during my test rides.
- The shorter reach on the 3.0 vs. the 2.0 combined with a highly adjustable stem allows for a more upright body position that feels commanding and can be more comfortable for casual riding. For me, it also allows for reduced back and neck pain. Note that iGO also upgraded the seat post from 27.2mm to 30.4mm diameter, which is sturdier, provides more options for suspension posts and dropper posts aftermarket.
- Great attention to detail with the little things: adjustable length kickstand positioned perfectly at the rear of the bike (won’t get kicked or cause pedal lock and will support a loaded rack), rack is far back so it won’t block the seat coming all the way down, rubber bumpers on the downtube reduce damage from oversteer or accidents where the fork crowns could collide with the frame, large aluminum alloy Wellgo pedals feel secure and work well with boots, most of the supporting hardware is black and matches beautifully (rims, spokes, hubs, fork, seat post, cranks, stem, handlebar etc.)
- This is a purpose-built frame with fully internal cable routing. This reduces snags and protects sensitive bits if the bike crashes or is ridden in close proximity to brush and sticks. Having a box at the bottom bracket vs. a bunch of wires protruding exposed seems like a great upgrade that could be overlooked if you aren’t looking really closely. I also like the aluminum alloy bash guard chainring guard that protects the chainring.
- iGO upgraded the chainring for the Core Extreme 3.0 from 42 tooth to 38 tooth with a narrow wide design. The smaller size means you get more leverage and power for starting and climbing, the NW tooth configuration reduces chain drops and allowed the to drop the heavier chainring guide for a more standard chainring guard (bash guard).
- I love that they positioned the locking cylinder and battery charge port up high on the right side (drivetrain side) of the bike. This is EXACTLY where it should be for convenient access and minimized damage if you remove the kickstand and lay the bike down on the left side (non drivetrain side).
- The charger is pretty average, offering 2 amp output, but the fact that you can charge the battery on or off the bike means that you can store the bike in a hot or cold environment (or outside) while taking better care of the battery (store in a cool dry location and keep at least half full). This will help the battery last longer, it also means that you can easily reduce the weight of the bike by ~7lbs if you have to lift it onto a car rack or do repairs.
- The battery connects to the frame without requiring the key, it secures with a click and feels solid. I did not hear it rattling around during my test rides and I found that it was easy to remove when I was done. Considering that this is a custom frame, everything worked well… which is not always the case, especially for more affordable ebikes.
- The display is easy to use and fairly intuitive with only four buttons. Use the + and – buttons to navigate through the nine levels of assist and hold + to activate or de-activate the lights. Hold the – button to activate walk mode if you’re struggling to push the bike up a hill or through grass. Press the shoe button (or possibly an M depending on your hardware) to navigate through readouts like max speed, average speed, odometer, trip distance, and timer, or hold it to get into settings.
- It’s nice to have pedal assist that can go slower and be quiet and efficient as well as throttle override with full power on demand in all 1-9 levels of assist. Overall, I really like the display and trigger throttle operation. For off-road riding, I have found that triggers are less likely to be activated accidentally than twist throttles, which can be twisted faster if you get scared and are just trying to hold on and not crash. You can also completely remove the throttle if you want to convert the bike from Class 2 to Class 1 for riding on certain mountain bike trails.
- The front wheel is connected via quick release, making it easier to remove and stow if you’re limited on space in your truck bed or home etc. I would love to see a 15mm thru axle vs. the standard 9mm quick release skewer, and I’d also love a tapered steer tube and air fork… but that would easily add $500 to the price tag.
- The rear rack was specifically designed to stay out of the way so the seat can drop further down. It’s rated up to 25kg (55lbs) of weight, and seemed securely attached. I appreciate that the rack has standard gauge pannier hangers welded onto the sides (though I wish it had more of a pannier blocker and bungee loop at the base)
- I love that they color-coded the wire connectors at the front of the bike, in case you need to disconnect them someday and aren’t sure which goes to which. The older version of the bike had some threaded sealed connectors that seemed even more durable, so that might have been a slight downgrade for this generation.
- The way that the rear light is positioned on the rack keeps it protected during shipping, it’s under and behind the rack tubing… The bike also ships with a derailleur guard that helps keep the sensitive power cable and derailleur from getting bumped.
Cons:
- This is a heavy electric bike, weighing in at roughly 73.9lbs (33.5kg), so it could be difficult to lift. Consider removing the battery and quick-release front wheel to lighten the load a bit. That said, the bike shouldn’t get any heavier because it already comes with fenders, a rack, and lights… which could all be removed to save some weight if you don’t need them ;)
- The tires don’t have reflective sidewall stripes, and I didn’t see any icons for puncture protection. In all fairness, I don’t think there are many options for tires in this size, and the thicker knobs and rubber might be durable enough as-is. The fact that the bike has integrated lights with side cutouts is already a big win for safety.
- Adjustable stems are nice for improving body position, but they tend to be less sturdy than a fixed stem. I spoke with the founder about this particular choice and he said that they researched a bunch of models and chose one that they had seen in use on exercise bikes (which are adjusted daily) that seemed to hold up well in the real world. Still, given the increased weight of the bike and off-road use, I’d recommend keeping that bolt tight and re-tightening if you notice it starting to wobble. If it begins to strip, consider replacing it with a rigid stem that’s the same angle and length you prefer, and look for a 31.8mm clamp diameter to fit the handlebar that comes with this ebike :)
- The integrated headlight is pretty bright and protrudes a bit on a plastic adjustable stand, so it should be visible from the sides and able to aim down towards the road over the front fender. One drawback is that the default mounting position is on top of the suspension arch, so it could bounce around more than if it was up on the stem or handlebar. At least the headlight points where you steer and is wired in to the main rechargeable ebike battery.
- The mechanical brakes are a step-down in terms of quality and usability when compared with hydraulic… and that would have been a great upgrade for such a heavy ebike! However, the larger 180mm disc brake rotors provide a good mechanical advantage, and it’s usually easier for people to adjust their own brakes when they are mechanical vs. hydraulic… still, there is no adjustable reach on these, and the right lever may require more hand effort since the cable goes further to reach the rear wheel. Also, the rear cable housing is angled down so water and dust can collect inside more easily as I point out in the video review above.
- This bike is only available in one color and one size… but I think they chose very well and it looks awesome for the price. The “one size fits all” approach allows the company to keep the price down, and I feel like they chose well and it felt good (I’m 5’9″ and 135lbs). The matte grey paint, metallic red accents, and black matches all of the accessories (including the wires and battery) and won’t show dirt and smudges as much as white… but it’s not as safe if you’re riding at night, especially without reflective tires. Consider a light colored helmet or reflective clothes if you’re using this in the city or near automobiles.
- iGO really tries to support dealers by dedicating online sales to regional dealers. They sometimes ship bikes to dealers for assembly and support… but if you buy direct, there’s some work to do unpacking, assembling etc. These bikes come 95% assembled: just attach the racks, put the stem onto steer tube, add the pedals, the front wheel, fender, and the headlight. This can take some time, and the tools they include are pretty basic.
- This is a very minor point, but the throttle doesn’t work in assist level zero. This means that you’ll have to arrow up to 1-9 levels of assist in order to activate, but then the throttle offers full power! For me, five levels of assist would be enough, it’s a lot of clicking to get all the way up to 9, and the menu doesn’t cycle back to zero, so you click down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down to get back to level 1. Also, the display doesn’t remember your last setting, it always starts in zero.
- The trigger shifter component that iGO chose from Shimano doesn’t offer two-way high shifting, you have to pull back on the lever with your right index/pointer finger. This is a very small consideration, but it’s something I notice because Shimano also sells a two-way trigger that allows shifting with your thumb for high and low, which is more comfortable to me because I can keep my hand gripped more securely at all times while dedicating my index and middle finger to braking.
- The display panel is not removable and doesn’t have a password setup for riders, just for the settings menu. If you park at a public rack, the display could get scratched or tampered with and will take more sun and weather damage in general. You could probably swivel it to reduce glare if you don’t over-tighten the clamp screw.
- This is a very minor gripe, but the trigger throttle is near the left grip vs. right. I grew up riding dirt bikes, jet skis, snowmobiles etc. that all put the twist or trigger throttle on the right. Many ebikes choose not to do this because they put trigger shifters (for the bike gears) on the right side.
Useful Resources:
- Official iGO website
- Local iGO bike shop directory to find an iGO dealer near you for fitting and test rides
Douglas says
Those winter-y pics are great!
Court says
Thanks Douglas! It was a special day for sure, I thought they looked amazing too… the bike is just glistening with the fresh clean snow and spray from riding around all morning :D
Bart says
How do you feel about this bike in comparison to Voltbike Yukon 750? I ordered Voltbike because of the 17.5ah vs 13ah battery as well as hydraulic brakes on Yukon. The rest feels very similar in specs. I had a chance of test-driving Yukon, and at the time Yukon was $200 cheaper than iGo (sold in Costco). It was a tough decision to make and I’m still waiting for my Voltbike to arrive. I’m not sure if I made the right choice though. Any suggestions?
Court says
Hi Bart! I feel that VoltBike has been doing a wonderful job in recent years. I haven’t covered their latest models, but they look great. It’s a company that has earned my trust, who I see working hard to provide good customer service. I think that you made a great decision. This iGO is a fairly new model that probably wasn’t available in the final form (or maybe it was at Costco?) I think both of these Canadian companies are doing good, and I hope you enjoy your bike. Feel free to share about it here or in the VoltBike forums as you receive and ride it :)
Alan says
How does the iGO Core Extreme 3.0 compare to NCM Moscow which is $1,700 Canadian during Christmas season now?
Court says
Hi Alan! I prefer iGO, even though it’s slightly more expensive. This is because I have seen a strong push for customer service and noticed that their frames, batteries, and displays are customized… but not in ways that are frivolous or introduce complexity. I feel that iGO is doing an excellent job in ways that I care about and I just haven’t seen as much engagement from NCM. I feel like they are aiming for lower prices, and I know that the founder is very smart and has some great international connections. That said, if you buy from Amazon or direct from them, I feel like there could be more issues (this is based on comments in the NCM reviews I’ve done and in the NCM ebike forums). Don’t just take my word for it though, I feel like I’m a bit out of touch with that brand and never had the same level of connection that was built with iGO over nearly eight years now.
Rich says
Hi Court, it’s listed as $2499 CAD on the iGO website.
Court says
Hmm, thanks Rich! Maybe they raised the Canadian price based on demand or limited inventory? I record what I see or am told at the time of review… but this is a very fresh review so maybe I’ll update it ;)
Ken says
I am looking for an e-bike, mainly for commuting, and my work is 5 miles away. I am trying to determine if the RadRover 5 or IGO Extreme 3.0 is better. I read the reviews and compared them, and can’t decide. Since I am commuting on roads, I would weigh easy and reliable more important than rugged. Any thoughts on which would be better would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the reviews, they are extremely helpful!
Court says
Hi Ken! Glad the reviews are helping you out! Great question here… I’d go for the RadRover 5 if my rides were mostly in town. I like their rack accessories… but would skip them to save money and weight if I wasn’t actually using them. The plastic fenders are nice and the wheels in general are not as wide, so parking at bike racks will be easier, same with going through doors. Both have nice lights, the bell, and great customer support. I like the upright handlebar on the RadRover more than the adjustable stem, and I like how universal their battery packs are. You also get excellent resale value with Rad. It’s a close call in many ways, and I love the way the iGO Core Extreme 3.0 looks :)
Ken says
Thanks Court! That is very helpful and made my decision.
Marie-Diane says
Hi Court. We love to watch your reviews! Always very thorough and fun to watch. My boyfriend and I are hesitating between the new IGO Extreme 3.0 and the Teo Velo S500 2021. Tks!
Court says
Hey Marie, thanks! Glad the site is helping you. I haven’t covered a Teo model for a couple of years, I’m not even in touch with them lately? My experience with the S Limited model was pretty good, but they were just starting out. IGO is a much larger company with a long history in the ebike space. Their frames and controllers are very custom, but well done. All things equal, I’d probably go with iGO… but I don’t mean to speak negatively of Teo because I’m sure they would love you as a customer and the S500 looks pretty sweet!
Marie-Diane says
Thanks Court! Purchase made!
Court says
Hey, congrats! I hope it works great for you and I welcome any feedback here. I’m in touch with the company and they do read the comments here, so just chime in if anything needs to be addressed. I see them working hard to make a good product, they seem very genuine and caring :)
Marie-Diane says
Hello Court! Our bikes should be shipped from BC on February 12th. We can’t wait to try them out! We’ll be sure to post our comments. Our biggest concern now is finding a bike rack. The only one that seems to fit the weight of these bikes is from Hollywood Racks (HR1500), but it is sold out at the moment. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
Court says
Hi Marie-Diane! I hear you, lots of ebike stuff has been selling out recently. My friend found this company “Buzz Rack” a while back and he purchased the E-Scorpion 2 for his electric bikes. He said it worked well, and I think he bought it off of e-Bay but this is their official site with all of the models ;) I hope it helps you.
Marie-Diane says
Hi Court! We finally received our new bikes! We are so excited. First time with an electric bike. Lots of power on this one! We’re very happy with our purchase. Unfortunately, all the electric bike racks are sold out at this point. We may opt for a trailer which would allow us to carry our 2 bikes and our 16.5 foot kayak. Thanks again!
Court says
Awesome! So glad the bikes arrived and you’re enjoying the Marie :D there is one brand of car hitch rack that might still be available. Check out Buzz Rack, sometimes they are for sale on eBay and my friend bought one last year and said it worked well for his Specialized Como model. You can also search Google for Buzz Rack and some ads might come up showing other places to buy :)
Greg Ferrao says
Hi Court, excellent review (as always)! I would like to try something totally different so I’m interested in fat-tire eBikes. I’m trying to decide between the Voltbike Yukon (20″) or this iGO Extreme 3.0.
Two quick questions…
Any advice you could offer between the two bikes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your hard work.
GREG
Court says
Hi Greg! Great questions, and kudos for trying something a bit different… or at least considering it ;)
Fat tires can add weight, drag, and change steering a bit (less quick to turn, but won’t get hung up in deep cracks like train tracks). I also noticed that sometimes as the bike turns, you actually have to steer against the tire wanting to turn further in. This might be called oversteer in the motorcycle world. I like their stability, comfort, and go-anywhere capabilities!
The iGO did feel “approachable” to me, and I know that they worked hard to make a design that was strong but also had that sloped top tube and easier stand-over. This is important for mounting and for dismounting in uneven terrain. You could go all the way to step-thru with something like the RadRover Step-Thru, but the frame won’t be quite as stiff, and you’ll have a hub motor vs. more powerful and more efficient mid-drive with iGO Core Extreme 3.0 :)
Peter says
Hi Court, I enjoyed your video review on the iGO Extreme 3.0, well done and very thorough. You mentioned the bike was a medium/large. I am wondering (because it only comes in one size), if it would be suitable for me at 6’0″ and perhaps my son could also use it? He is 6’4″. What are your thoughts? Thanks, Peter.
Court says
Hi Peter! Yeah, I think it would be workable for you two… and you could always swap the seat post, stem, and handlebar to extend reach and height. I’ve noticed that most frame size differences are just an inch or two in terms of reach or height, so you can get a similar change of geometry with these accessories, even just sliding the saddle back a bit. I hope this helps, it would be nice if they had multiple sizes, but this is one way that many companies keep their prices low.
Greg Ferrao says
Hi Court, thanks for the fun review. It really helped me make a final decision. The bike has been out of stock for a while so I contacted iGo directly and found out they were getting a shipment this week. I was refreshing the Extreme 3.0 webpage more then I would like to admit. Yesterday morning it was still listed as out of stock but at 11 am (ET) the magic ‘add to cart’ button appeared so I was able to purchase one! Very excited. By the evening they were out of stock again. They must get a very limit number of units.
So for anyone looking to buy one I found it very helpful to contact the sales department to get an idea of when they would be in stock again. Really looking forward to getting/riding my new bike!
Thanks again.
Court says
Great suggestion, Greg! It’s nice to be able to reach a sales department that is helpful and has some good info to share. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the bike, but if you have anything to share once you’ve spent some time in the saddle, do chime in here again!
Greg Ferrao says
FYI… I happened to get a iGo customer service reply from an older inquiry. They are expecting the next shipment of Extreme 3.0 bikes in the fall of 2021.
Court says
Wow, sounds like’re backed up with orders. I’ve heard similar things from other Canadian companies including DOST, but it seems like Surface 604 might have some inventory right now. The space has been growing a lot! Thanks for the heads up, Greg!
Mike Eckhardt says
Hey Court, another amazing review. I’ve always been on and off the fence about purchasing an e-bike so have been for close to 1.5yr watching your videos and even if I wasn’t planning on purchasing an e-bike I enjoy your videos. Informative and generally fun to watch.
I have decided on the iGo Core Extreme 3 for purchase but was curious about the weight capacity the bike can handle. Amy advice on that, did I miss it in your video maybe? I am a heavier rider and carry gear when riding so was wondering how it could handle maybe 250-275lbs total. I usually have about 50lbs of gear since this will be used during my camping trips for remote locations.
Thanks again for your time and wicked reviews. Cheers mate
Court says
Hey! Thanks for the positive support Mike. Yeah, this is a good one… Sorry it took me some time to respond to your comment here. I was reading the details and see that this ebike is rated to handle 300lbs max load (that’s what I was told). The rear rack is rated to 55lbs, so you’re looking at about 250 rider + 250 on the rack if I understand correctly. That’s pretty standard for bigger bikes like this, most regular bikes and ebikes seem to be rated at 250lbs. The first failure point seems to be spokes, that get loose and then the wheel goes out of true. Keep an eye on the wheels and make fixes/adjustments quickly. You could also use Loctite blue to secure the nipples if you notice them loosening over time. I haven’t tried this, but have read it online several times ;) good luck!!
Mike says
Hey, thanks for the response my man. Appreciate the feedback. At 200lbs this will be more than enough for me. Thanks again for the feedback and reviews. Keep the reviews coming.
ian says
I purchased the IGO Extreme 3 from Costco in Feb/21. It was missing the battery. I contacted both IGO and Costco to resolve the issue. IGO was unsympathetic and refused to assist me. They wanted to charge $699 retail plus $120 for a battery. Over $800 for a battery, which, btw is only 624Wh! I suggest people stay away from IGO for their poor customer support, and well as their expensive and weak batteries. I also suggest that potential IGO customers research the exorbitant cost of battery replacement on all of their models before purchase. Costco allowed me to return the bike btw. No more IGO for me.
Court says
Hi Ian! Wow, I’m glad that you got a refund. It sounds like you had to jump through some hoops, sorry to hear that the the bike didn’t come with a battery, that’s so odd. My experience reviewing ebikes here can be extra smooth sometimes, because the companies facilitate everything to make it easy. I haven’t ever bought an ebike from a big box store… and while I’d appreciate the convenience, I can see how support might be non-existent for repairs and service ongoing. Sorry to hear that iGo didn’t step up for you more :/
Martin says
Pretty in depth review… one thing not covered that is most important to me is the range of the battery. If pedaling with assist, how far can a single charge take you? I’m looking at a 45km ride to work, and wondering if it could make it that distance. The site says 55km range…but from what I’ve seen, not a single electric bike on the market has ever reached the advertised range. And with this one there must be a difference between letting the bike do all the work vs you pedaling for part of the trip. I don’t want to work that hard on way to work and arrive all sweaty and gross, and would rather have a nice leisurely ride. Going home would be different, but again, I’m not pedaling a full 45km home after a long day, I’d rather the bike did the work! But will this one make the journey on one charge if I charge during the day?
Court says
Hi Martin! That’s a great question, and I’ll do my best to answer based on my own cycling experiences and feedback from shops. Range will depend on battery charge level, age and condition of the battery, outside temperature (freezing cold can reduce range 50% temporarily), tire pressure (low tire significantly cuts range), tire contact patch drag (big heavy tires with deep tread like this one are less efficient), weight of the bike itself the rider and gear, hills, how soft the terrain is, and wind. Pedaling helps, not using the throttle so much also helps, riding with lower levels of assist can help, the type of assist makes a difference (cadence sensors are less efficient than multi-sensors), hub motors are less efficient in general than mid-drives. There are lots of factors, but I do think that you could make it to and from work with this ebike by using the lower levels of assist, pedaling along, and keeping your tire pressure at the higher levels if you’re someone who weighs less than or about 170lbs (that’s the weight that many companies use when testing) and if the conditions are good. My own estimates for range on this ebike are something like 48km to 80km if using pedal assist, but I could be way off :)
Martin says
Hey Court! Thanks for the fast reply… ok, more detail. I’m 5’8″ and only 155lbs, so not much weight for the bike to pull! ha ha I’d be riding mostly during spring, summer and fall and during nice days, I wouldn’t be riding in rain, snow etc. So using pedal assist for most of the 45km journey, as I said, I don’t want to arrive at work sweaty, so counting on the bike to do most of the work while I leisurely pedal. So if keeping it at a low setting, and pedaling the whole way, and keeping tires full, it should make that distance easily? Charge during the day and make it back home hopefully… getting there is mostly downhill grades while coming home would be uphill grades. The black version of the bike is at Costco here in Alberta right now for $1,899 CAD, so that’s why I’m interested. Also, how is the seat for long rides? I sat on it, and it’s not the best seat for comfort I have to say!
Court says
Hi Martin, thanks for the details! The saddle can be swapped out later, it tends to be a personal thing but makes a big difference. I like the Ergon brand saddles myself! Given your weight and the ride details, it seems like the bike should be able to make it. Buying from Costco is convenient, and the price sounds good, but you won’t have a bike shop to get support from that is familiar with iGO and able to get parts. That’s usually the case for more “affordable” ebike except for some companies like Magnum, Surface 604, and Rad Power Bikes that have shop relationships or service trucks. I think iGO makes reliable products, and it should be easy to find replacement tires and normal bike parts, just keep the trade-off in mind vs. a Giant, Trek, or Specialized which would have more complete support. I realize it’s a big yes/no cliff to get this and hope the range works out. I still think you’d be good because of the removable battery and portable charger, you could always top the pack off at work if your workplace allows :)
Paolo Bigit says
I bought mine from Costco BC on Jan 2nd. As of today I’ve done almost 800KM of commuting back forth, and I’m an avid biker and commuter. The weight was the hardest part to get used to… I’ll say roughly after the 20th ride I started to feel the difference and rides got easier and I was able to use less of the pedal-assist.
Freezing temperatures made my battery last for a max of 30KM with pedal assist 2-3. (temps between -10 to -29) As soon as temperatures started to rise, the battery range started to increase. Now, with average 5-10 degrees I’m able to do between 45KM to 60KM using pedal assist 1-4. We had a week with +10 temperatures and I managed to pull a nice 108KM on my battery.
My city has lots of incline areas. From 2.3% inclines all the way to 18% inclines. My best suggestion is that you also ride the bike whenever you are free with little to no pedal assist for weight training. I do this at least twice a week and so far, I’m able to pull more and more KM with the lower pedal assist levels.
Lately I’ve been using the rear rack for my video equipment and also have some extra pockets for my meals and clothes (just overall 25-30 extra pounds) and I’m still able to pull a great 50-67KM range per battery charge. So it depends on your strength, trails/roads you are riding, and how much you use the battery for.
Court says
Hi Paolo, this is excellent data. Thanks for recording and sharing the range you’ve been able to achieve along with the ambient temperature outside. It sounds like you are really enjoying the bike! I spend a lot of time in British Columbia and know how hilly it can be. I like how you’re seeing that riding is building your strength, and even riding without assist at times for strength training. Great job!
Martin says
Wow that’s great info from real world experience Paolo! Thanks for that… Unfortunately the bikes were a one time sale at the Costco here in Airdrie Alberta, and I haven’t seen them come back since! I’m now looking into doing an electric upgrade to my Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike using a kit. I’ve seen some decent motors for $500.
Paul Gareau says
I purchased the IGO Extreme. 3.1EZ. It is essentially an updated step-thru model of the 3.0. I appreciate the step-thru on any bike, but especially on a heavier fat e-bike. Setup was easy – there is a video on the IGO website, and really not all that much assembly required. I had a problem with the display, which IGO immediately took care of – IGO customer support is excellent!
Pros
– The bike is very sturdy and well made.
– Given the large 26 x 4.5 inch tires, and the suspension front fork, the ride is very comfortable
– The motor is very strong and smooth and the hydraulic disc brakes work flawlessly.
– I love having the throttle option….great for starting from a stop or for quick acceleration out of trouble. I also like the thumb throttle over a grip throttle – but perhaps this is just a personal preference.
– Nice choice of gearing that has a choice of lows to easily get you up any hill, and a good high top gear that affords a fast cruising speed.
– I also really like a cadence sensor, although I know this puts me outside most e-bike purists thinking. (Sometimes I like to go fast without peddling too hard. I can appreciate the more natural feel of a torque sensor, but I prefer the strong immediate motor engagement of a cadence sensor).
– The stand does not interfere with the pedal.
– The charging port is super convenient, high on the right side.
– Sturdy metal fenders – no rattles,
– The rear rack is firmly attached with four bolts to the frame (no flimsy bolt attachment to the rear fender)
– Bike design allows for easy access to all cables should servicing be required.
– Looks great – battery integrated into the frame, cables nicely grouped, excellent fit and finish.
– The bike comes fully equipped with fenders, stand, bell, rear rack, water bottle bosses, tool kit and front and rear lights.
– You can go absolutely anywhere on this bike – snow, gravel, sand or regular pavement – it is a beast.
Cons
– It is a fat e-bike, and like most fat e-bikes it is heavy, not very agile, and has a more limited range than regular e-bikes.
– The bike did not come with an adjustable handlebar stem.
– The is no puncture protection on the tires.
– No suspension seat post (I added a Suntour NCX suspension seat post and a more cushy seat for a super comfortable ride)
– I appreciate the included front and rear lights which run off the battery, but I wish that manufacturers would add a flashing option on the rear light which would be great for daytime rides.
I am very impressed with the bike. With its strong motor, sturdy build, big tires and powerful brakes, it can take you through the most challenging conditions or terrain. It could also be a comfortable (if heavy) daily driver. Given the solid build, the quality components and the full array of included accessories, this bike is a very solid ride and a great value.
Court says
Great review, Paul! Thanks for sharing your insights and opinions about the iGO Electric Core Extreme 3.0. The company has been easy for me to work with, and they produce unique thoughtful electric bikes. Nice to have a company like this in the space, especially from Canada :)