The cycling world has a saying: “Steel is real.” And while that might sound like insider bike-speak, there’s a reason why the Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2 opts for this traditional frame material in an era where aluminum dominates the e-bike market. Steel frames have a reputation for their natural vibration damping and that classic ride feels that aluminum just can’t match.
After spending a week putting this Dutch-style city electric bike through its paces – powered by its 350W rear hub motor – I’ve gotten to know its personality. From the 40-mile range to the full commuter setup with integrated lights, fenders, and a rear rack, there’s more going on here than you might expect at this price point.
At $999, the Beaumont Rev 2 is making some interesting moves. While the single frame size (ranged for riders from 5’0″ to 5’10”) might limit its audience, Retrospec has managed to squeeze in some familiar names like Shimano, Tektro, and KMC for the core components. They’ve even thrown in six color options, which isn’t something you typically see at this price point.
It’s positioned in that sweet spot where potential buyers expect some compromises but hope for a few surprises. And this refreshed model definitely has both. Let’s dig into where this bike delivers solid value and where Retrospec might have room for improvement.
My Experience Riding The Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2 E-Bike
Let’s talk about how the Beaumont Rev 2 actually rides. Our test bike came in “Eggshell” – a clean cream color that turns heads, though you’ve got five other options if that’s not your thing.
Fit-wise, there’s an elephant in the room: this 16.5″ frame is a one-size proposition, rated for riders 5’0″ to 5’10”. At 5’11”, I was just outside that range, and while the bike was rideable, it definitely felt a touch small. If you’re 6′ or taller, you’ll want to look elsewhere in Retrospec’s lineup.
The bike’s personality really shows in its ride quality. That steel frame and fork do what steel does best – take the edge off road buzz – while the 2.4″ city tires and cushioned saddle handle the bigger stuff. Drop the tire pressure a few PSI, and things get even smoother. The Dutch-style bars sweep back into a natural, upright position that makes sense for city riding and spotting traffic.
Power delivery from the 350W hub motor is punchier than expected for this price point. The cadence sensor kicks in quick – about a quarter to half pedal rotation – with that characteristic on/off feel these sensors are known for. Sure, it’s not as refined as a torque sensor, but it gets you up to the Class 2 speed limit of 20 mph without breaking a sweat. The five assist levels are straightforward: 1 for a gentle nudge, 5 when you need to get moving.
Small touches show attention to detail: the color-matched aluminum fenders and chainguard are surprisingly rattle-free, and the minimalist LED control panel (no fancy display here) keeps things simple while giving you all the essential info through light bars.
Braking comes courtesy of Tektro mechanical discs. They’re not as smooth or powerful as hydraulics, but they get the job done and they’re from a name brand that’s easy to service down the road.
For what it is – an affordable Dutch-style city cruiser – the Beaumont Rev 2 hits its marks. Between the included rear rack, lighting package, and fenders, it’s ready for daily duties without needing extra upgrades. It’s not trying to be a high-performance e-bike, but rather a practical, wallet-friendly way to get around town.
Range
Estimated Range (from Retrospec): Up to 38 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN PAS: 41 miles
- MAX PAS: 16 miles
Let’s talk range – arguably one of the most important factors when shopping for an e-bike. Retrospec advertises the Beaumont Rev 2 as capable of reaching up to 38 miles on a single charge, so, I put that claim to the test.
For a $999 Dutch-style commuter running a 36V battery and 350W hub motor with a cadence sensor (versus the pricier torque sensor you’ll find on higher-end rides), those numbers landed pretty close to the mark.
In my real-world testing, I was able to log just over 40 miles in minimum pedal assist, where you’re doing most of the work and the motor’s just there to take the edge off. Crank it up to maximum assist, though, and that range drops to about 15 miles – which is exactly what you’d expect with a cadence setup at this price point.
With a cadence sensor, the motor kicks in based on whether you’re pedaling or not, rather than how hard you’re pushing. This simpler system is one way Retrospec keeps the price down, and it works just fine for casual riding and commuting.
You’ll feel the motor engage with a bit more of an on/off feel compared to the smoother, more dynamic assist you get with torque sensors, but you’ll also have enough juice to handle most daily rides, whether that’s getting to work or running errands around town.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Beaumont Rev 2 rolls with a 350W rear hub motor and while Retrospec doesn’t publish peak watts or torque numbers, the real-world performance tells the story. The power delivery hits a sweet spot – punchy enough to tackle urban terrain without being intimidating for newer riders. You won’t be winning any drag races, but that’s not really the point here.
Juice comes from a removable 36V, 10.4Ah battery (that’s 360 watt hours for the spec-sheet crowd) that’s UL 2271 certified. The battery locks onto the frame or can pop out for charging or storage. Nothing groundbreaking in these numbers, but they’re solid specs for a city cruiser in this price range.
The whole setup is pretty much what you’d expect from a value-focused e-bike: capable enough for daily use without any fancy features driving up the price. It’s the kind of straightforward system that just gets the job done without making a fuss about it.
Components
At this price point, component selection is always about making smart compromises, and the Beaumont Rev 2’s build kit is clearly aimed at the everyday rider who just wants to get around town reliably, maybe replace a car trip or two, and not worry too much about maintenance.
The Dutch-style alloy handlebars and comfort grips nail that upright riding position that lets you see traffic and spot that coffee shop you’ve been meaning to try. They’ve matched this with a Retrospec cruiser saddle that’s comfortable enough for running errands or your commute without needing padded shorts, but hey, if you love lycra – go for it! The platform pedals keep things simple – perfect for hopping on in whatever you’re wearing that day.
In the drivetrain department, Shimano Tourney handles shifting duties across a 7-speed setup with a 42T chainring up front and a 14-34T spread in the back. While Tourney is Shimano’s entry-level groupset, it’s perfectly adequate for cruising to work or meeting friends for lunch. The gear range should handle most urban routes, though you might want to give those steeper hills a second thought.
Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors bring you to a stop – they’re not fancy, but they’ll work in the rain and aren’t complicated to maintain if something needs adjusting. For someone who just wants their bike to work when they head out the door, that’s a plus.
The rigid steel frame and fork, paired with 27.5″ wheels and cushy 2.4″ city tires, is a setup that makes sense for urban riding. No suspension needed – those wider tires will smooth out most of what the city throws at you, from uneven sidewalks to occasional potholes.
This component package isn’t trying to impress the local bike shop crew – it’s built for people who view their bike as a practical tool for getting around town and making everyday trips more enjoyable. Everything here is chosen with simplicity and reliability in mind, which is exactly what you want in a bike like this.
Screen / User Interface / App
Let’s talk about the display – or rather, the lack of one. The Beaumont Rev 2 takes a decidedly minimalist approach here with just LED indicators and four buttons. No fancy LCD screen, no smartphone app, no calorie counting or GPS tracking. Instead, you get the basics: a power button, PAS up/down controls, a walk mode button, and LED bars showing your battery level and assist setting.
You know what? For a bike at this price point, it’s kind of refreshing. The LED setup is visible in bright sunlight (something fancier LCD displays sometimes struggle with), and there’s virtually nothing to break.
The five pedal assist levels are easy to toggle through, and the battery indicator gives you a straightforward readout measured by five light bars. Is it basic? Sure. But when you’re just trying to get across town, do you really need to know your CO2 savings, your exact speed down to the decimal point, or your current wattage output? Most folks don’t either.
For anyone who’s ever fumbled through complicated menus on a bike computer while trying to get to work, this back-to-basics approach might be a breath of fresh air. It’s one less thing to worry about, one less screen to protect, and one less battery to keep charged. Sometimes, it’s the little things that all add up.
Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2 Model Options
The Beaumont Rev 2 comes in one size, fitting riders between 5’0″ and 5’10”. That’s a pretty hard limit – if you’re outside this range, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Frame options include six colors that step outside the usual black-and-silver playbook – from subtle Matte Graphite and Eggshell to more expressive choices like Blush pink and Mint green. The Matte Everglade and Larmiar blue round out the palette.
For cargo duty, you’ve got mounting points where they count: headtube mounts for a front basket, three downtube bosses for a bottle cage or lock mount, and an included rear rack. The bike also ships with integrated lights – both nice inclusions at this price point.
Warranty coverage is straightforward: lifetime on the frame, two years on electrical components (minus the battery), one year on the battery, and six months on everything else. That’s pretty standard for this price range.
Optional accessories include all the usual suspects from a bike brand, things like a front basket, bike lock, helmet, and bike trailer.
Is The Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2 Worth Buying?
So, who is the Beaumont Rev 2 for? At $999, it’s for riders who want to dip their toes into e-bike commuting without diving into the deep end of their savings account. If you’re between 5’0″ and 5’10”, want something simple to ride around town, and appreciate having money left over for a good lock and maybe a coffee habit, this bike makes a lot of sense.
Let’s be clear about what you’re getting: a straightforward Dutch-style cruiser that handles daily riding duties without fuss. The steel frame soaks up road buzz, the 350W motor gets you where you’re going, and the included rack and fenders mean you’re ready for real-world use right out of the box. Those six color options don’t hurt either.
Pros
- At $999, you’re getting a fully-equipped commuter with integrated rack, fenders, and city-ready components – solid value for an e-bike in this category
- Steel frame and fork deliver that characteristic vibration dampening that steel is known for, a thoughtful choice for mixing value with ride comfort.
- Nice curb appeal with six different color options, from subtle (Matte Graphite) to standout (Blush Pink) – nice to see choices at this price point
- 27.5 x 2.4″ tires strike a good balance – enough volume to smooth out rough roads when aired down, while the tan sidewalls add a classic touch that accents well with the tan seat and grips.
Cons
- Single frame size limits the bike to riders between 5′ and 5’10” – if you’re outside this range, you’ll need to look elsewhere in Retrospec’s lineup.
- Front and rear lights run on AA batteries instead of being wired into the main system.
There are some compromises, sure. The battery-powered lights, while functional, feel like a missed opportunity – integrated lighting would have been nicer for daily commuters. The one-size frame limits the potential rider pool, and the cadence sensor won’t win over riders used to torque-sensing smoothness. Hills? You’ll get up them, just don’t expect to set any records.
But here’s the thing: most of those compromises make perfect sense when you remember the price tag. The Beaumont Rev 2 isn’t trying to be the fastest, fanciest, or most innovative e-bike out there. Instead, it focuses on being a reliable, affordable way to replace car trips around town. For many riders, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.
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