OHM XU450 E2 Review

Ohm Xu450 E2 Electric Bike Review 1
Ohm Xu450 E2
Ohm Xu450 E2 250 Watt Hub Motor
Ohm Xu450 E2 Battery And Rack
Ohm Xu450 E2 Fenders And Shock
Ohm Xu450 E2 Belt Drive
Ohm Xu450 E2 Electric Bike Review 1
Ohm Xu450 E2
Ohm Xu450 E2 250 Watt Hub Motor
Ohm Xu450 E2 Battery And Rack
Ohm Xu450 E2 Fenders And Shock
Ohm Xu450 E2 Belt Drive

Summary

  • A sturdy, elegant and simple-to-use ebike with auto-shifting gears, a quiet belt drive system, fenders and rack
  • SRAM EMATIC motor, battery and control system offer efficiency in power and range and look great
  • No twist throttle, only two gears and all of the weight is positioned at the rear (motor and battery)

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

OHM

Model:

XU450 E2

Price:

$2,899 USD

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Frame, 1 Year Components and Battery

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

20132014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

49 lbs (22.22 kg)

Motor Weight:

9.9 lbs (4.49 kg)

Frame Material:

ADVANCE Hydroform Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

16.5 in (41.91 cm)18.5 in (46.99 cm)20.5 in (52.07 cm)22.5 in (57.15 cm)

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour NEX Suspension

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

2 Speed 1x2 Internally Geared Auto-Switch at 11 mph

Handlebar:

Riser

Brake Details:

SRAM Elixir 3 Disc

Grips:

Ergonomic

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Energizer Plus

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

Reflective Sidewall, GreenGuard Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Gates Carbon Drive Belt, SRAM E-Matic Rear Carry Rack, Spring Latch on Rear Rack, Optional LED Lights, Plastic Fenders, Pletscher Zoom Kickstand, Bell on Left Bar

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

SRAM E-Matic

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

60 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

6 ah (Optional 8 ah or 10 ah)

Battery Watt Hours:

216 wh (Optional 288 wh or 360 wh)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

OHM is known for producing high quality bikes that look beautiful and are simple to use. The XU450 leverages the SRAM EMATIC drive system (motor, battery and controller) that do a good job but offer a bit less power than some other kits. While all of the weight from this system is positioned towards the back, overall the bike still rides well and the rear rack is useful for adding panniers or a storage bag. The E2 part of the name stands for “electric” and two speeds which are actually switched automatically based on pedal cadence. Riding this bike is nearly thoughtless, and it’s pretty quiet because of the belt drive system that won’t get rusty and squeak like a chain might. You press the on button, sit down and pedal – the bike does the rest.

The SRAM EMATIC system is designed to be thoughtless and it’s perfect for riders who just want to relax and cruise around. This same system is used on the Electra Townie Go! which has a similar look and feel. My preference is actually for OHM bikes because their frames tend to be more focused on function than style. The XU450 E2 has two water bottle mounting points, the belt drive system, an awesome kickstand and a nice shock absorber all of which the Townie lacks. The motor itself is geared which creates a bit more noise than gearless options but is lighter weight and provides more torque. While 250 watts may not sound like a lot of power, it’s the standard in Europe and is put to good use on this bike with torque sensing pedal assist. It’s not ideal for off road or extreme climbing but works great everywhere else.

The battery pack driving the XU450 E2 uses Lithium-ion technology, keeping it light weight and offering upwards of 1,000 charge cycles before capacity decline. It comes with a 12 month warranty and can actually be bought in three different sizes. The smallest, 36 volt 6 amp hour pack, is enough to reach 25 to 30 miles and keeps the overall weight down. To activate the bike you simply press a large circular power button on the side of the battery pack. It’s a nice system and SRAM is a trusted name in the world of bicycles, traditionally focusing on shifters and cassettes but now exploring electric drive systems.

This bike would perform well as a rental unit or in other situations where simplicity and durability are important. It’s well thought out and uses high end parts that work well together. The low-step frame design is accessible to mount but still looks cool which makes it appealing to all audiences. All the little extras add up and make this bike attractive and fun. From the fenders, metal pedals, ergo grips, solid rack, belt drive, kickstand and bell to the thoughtless drive system and optional lights, this bike is a winner. I’d venture to say it’s one of my favorite SRAM EMATIC designs available and I want to add that the team at OHM are very friendly and supportive.

Pros:

  • Seamless motor, battery and control system is easy to use
  • Battery is available in three sizes for increased range: Small 36V 6Ah – 30-60km (19-37 mi) 2.2 kg (4.9 lb), Medium 36V 8Ah – 40-80km (25-50 mi) 2.8 kg (6.1 lb) Add $99.00, Large 36V 10Ah – 50-95km (31-59 mi) 3.3 kg (7.2 lb) Add $189.00
  • The hollow crank reduces weight and looks cool
  • Ergonomic grips feel great and reduce strain over long distances
  • Belt drive is light, quiet and won’t rust over time
  • Standard bell adds fun and safety to the mix
  • Lights are available as extras for added safety
  • Front and rear fenders keep you dry and clean, since the wheels are 26″ vs. larger 29″ the front fender stays clear of feet when pedaling
  • Disc brakes offer great stopping power in wet conditions
  • Rear rack uses standard gauge tubing size that works with most bags and panniers
  • Step-through design is approachable for women and less-flexible riders but the paint job is unisex vs. hot pink making it a bit more guy-friendly
  • Awesome kickstand that works well and stays out of the way
  • Automatic switching between two gears in rear hub based on pedal cadence, this keeps riding simple and the gears clean and quiet
  • Two mounting points for water bottles! or perhaps a pump or other accessory
  • Front shock and medium sized hybrid tires smooth out the ride
  • Two year frame warranty, one year on battery and components
  • Uses a torque sensor vs. pedal assist to smooth out the ride

Cons:

  • Fewer gears to choose from and weaker motor system means this bike works best for cruising on easy terrain
  • Does not come standard with front and rear lights but they are available as extras
  • Only offers pedal assist, no throttle mode

Resources:

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