Ride1Up 700 Series Review

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Ride1up 700 Series Electric Bike Review
Ride1up 700 Series
Ride1up 700 Series Shengyi Geared Hub Motor 500 Watt
Ride1up 700 Series Downtube Integrated Battery Reention Rhino 48v
Ride1up 700 Series Swept Back Handlebar Ergonomic Grips
Ride1up 700 Series Color Display Panel
Ride1up 700 Series Color Tft Lcd Display In Low Light
Ride1up 700 Series Gtmrk Spring Suspension Fork 100mm Travel
Ride1up 700 Series Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 160mm
Ride1up 700 Series Front View Blaze Lite Headlight
Ride1up 700 Series Blaze Lite Single Led Rear Light On Rack
Ride1up 700 Series 45 Tooth Chainring With Alloy Guard
Ride1up 700 Series Selle Royal Gel Saddle Center Kickstand
Ride1up 700 Series 7 Speed Shimano Acera 11 32 Tooth Dnp Freewheel
Ride1up 700 Series High Step Model
Ride1up 700 Series Optional Gub Handlebar Phone Mount
Ride1up 700 Series Optional Pannier Bags
Ride1up 700 Series Optional Insulated Pannier Bags
Ride1up 700 Series 2 Amp Ebike Charger
Ride1up 700 Series Stock Step Thru Gray
Ride1up 700 Series Stock High Step Gray
Ride1up 700 Series Electric Bike Review
Ride1up 700 Series
Ride1up 700 Series Shengyi Geared Hub Motor 500 Watt
Ride1up 700 Series Downtube Integrated Battery Reention Rhino 48v
Ride1up 700 Series Swept Back Handlebar Ergonomic Grips
Ride1up 700 Series Color Display Panel
Ride1up 700 Series Color Tft Lcd Display In Low Light
Ride1up 700 Series Gtmrk Spring Suspension Fork 100mm Travel
Ride1up 700 Series Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 160mm
Ride1up 700 Series Front View Blaze Lite Headlight
Ride1up 700 Series Blaze Lite Single Led Rear Light On Rack
Ride1up 700 Series 45 Tooth Chainring With Alloy Guard
Ride1up 700 Series Selle Royal Gel Saddle Center Kickstand
Ride1up 700 Series 7 Speed Shimano Acera 11 32 Tooth Dnp Freewheel
Ride1up 700 Series High Step Model
Ride1up 700 Series Optional Gub Handlebar Phone Mount
Ride1up 700 Series Optional Pannier Bags
Ride1up 700 Series Optional Insulated Pannier Bags
Ride1up 700 Series 2 Amp Ebike Charger
Ride1up 700 Series Stock Step Thru Gray
Ride1up 700 Series Stock High Step Gray

Summary

  • A commute-ready ebike with sturdy aluminum alloy fenders and versatile rear rack with triple bungee and pannier hangers, available in two frame styles (high-step and step-thru), two color choices, and ships to US, Canada, and Mexico
  • Great value given the name-brand components: 160mm Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Selle Royal comfort saddle, 11-32 tooth 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, high-capacity frame-integrated Reention Rhino battery with Samsung cells, Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires, and integrated Blaze-Lite front and rear lights
  • Lots of attention to detail here, the color scheme looks professional, they included bottle cage bosses on both frame types, the charging port and battery locking cylinder are mounted high up on the frame, the TFT LCD display is color and is fairly easy to use and adjust with multiple settings, higher top speed of ~27mph makes this a great platform for commuting
  • More assembly required because the bike is broken down to fit in a smaller box... but shipping is very affordable (or free in contiguous USA), No slap guard or chain guide, basic pedals get the job done but aren't as large or durable, no USB charging ports, step-thru frame only comes in small size, basic two-amp charger takes longer with the high capacity battery

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Ride1Up

Model:

700 Series

Price:

$1,449 (Free Shipping in the Contiguous US, $150 Outlying, $25 to Canada)

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2), Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

United States, Canada, Mexico

Model Year:

20192020

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

62.2 lbs (28.21 kg)

Battery Weight:

8.2 lbs (3.71 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

16 in (40.64 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Step-Thru: 16" Seat Tube, 22" Reach, 17.5" Stand Over Height, 31" Minimum Saddle Height, 25" Width, 71.5" Length, High-Step: 19" Seat Tube, 21.5" Reach, 28.5" Stand Over Height, 34" Minimum Saddle Height, 28.25" Width, 71.5" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step, Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Matte Gunmetal Gray with Black Accessories, Matte Taupe Grey with Black Accessories

Frame Fork Details:

GTMRK 330 Spring Suspension, 100mm Travel, Hydraulic Compression Adjust with Lockout, Preload Adjust, Black Steel Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

138mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Slotted Axle with 19mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Acera Derailleur, DNP Epoch Freewheel 11-32 Tooth

Shifter Details:

Shimano Acera Rapid-Fire Triggers on Right (One-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever)

Cranks:

Forged Alloy Arms, 170mm Length, Square Taper Bottom Bracket, 45 Tooth Steel Chainring with Alloy Guard

Pedals:

Wellgo M248DJ Platform, Cage Style on High-Step, Rubberized Edge on Step-Thru

Headset:

Neco, Threadless, Sealed Cartridge, Straight 1-1/8"

Stem:

Promax, Aluminum Alloy, 90mm or 80mm Length, 10-Degree Rise, 31.8mm or 25.4mm Clamp Diameter, 20mm Cone Spacer, Two 10mm Spacers, One 5mm Spacer

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Low-Rise or Swept-Back, 20mm or 30mm Rise, 710mm or 630mm Length, (Stem and Bars Specific to Models)

Brake Details:

Shimano M200 Hydraulic Disc with 160mm Rotors, Dual-Piston, Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach and Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Padded, Stitched, Faux Leather, Non-Locking

Saddle:

Selle Royal Freeway Plush Comfort

Seat Post:

Promax, Aluminum Alloy, Forged Head Single Bolt

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4 mm

Rims:

Alexrims, 3D Sidewall Design, Aluminum Alloy, Double Walled, 33mm Outer Width, 36 Hole, Black

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge Front 12 Gauge Rear, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Super Moto-X, 27.5" x 2.4" (62-684)

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 55 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 BAR, Performance GreenGuard

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Integrated Blaze-Lite Headlight (Single LED, 300 Lumens), Integrated Blaze-Lite RL1900 Rear Light (Single LED), Center-Mount Adjustable Kickstand, Aluminum Alloy Fenders (70mm Width), Custom Rear Rack (25kg 55lb Max Weight, Pannier Hangers, Triple Bungee Cord Included), Optional Insulated Water Resistant Reflective Panniers ($65)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack (Reention Cylinder and Key), 22 Amp Current Controller, Sans 1.5 lb 2 Amp Charger, Basic Assembly Toolkit, Max Weight 275lbs

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Shengyi

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

1000 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

(Reention Rhino) Samsung, 52 4P13S 18650 Cells 3500 mAh

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

672 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

6 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

60 miles (97 km)

Display Type:

APT 500C, Fixed, Backlit, 2.25" Color TFT LCD, Buttons: +, -, Mode, Power, Lights: Hold +, Walk Mode: Hold -, Settings: Hold M

Readouts:

Motor Wattage, Motor Voltage, Current Speed (MPH or KMH), Trip Distance, Trip Time, Odometer, Avg Speed, Max Speed, Lights Icon, Walk Mode Icon, Error Indicator, Assist Level (0-9)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (Sealed 12-Magnet Sensor)

Top Speed:

27 mph (43 kph)(20 MPH Throttle, Adjustable)

Written Review

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Ride1Up electric bikes. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Ride1Up products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the Ride1Up electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • This is the third and most expensive model that Ride1Up launched, the company began in September 2018 and has grown quickly. They sold electric skateboards for a time but decided to stop and focus on ebikes
  • The 700 Series comes in two frame colors with black accents, they offer it in high-step and step-thru with 19″ and 16″ frame sizes respectively, the handlebar, stem, and pedals are different between the two bikes
  • Ride1Up is based in San Diego, California but has a warehouse in Sparks, Nevada where products are shipped from. The bikes fit into a smaller box and require more assembly than a lot of the other models I’ve tested… you need to put the fork onto the frame, assemble the headset and mount the stem, mount the front wheel, and add the seat post and saddle. It would help to have a bike stand, but they do include a basic toolkit and have good tutorial videos here (under the instructional guides tab)

Pros:

  • Low price is one of the big draws for Ride1Up and I feel that their $1,449 price point is a great value considering the two frame styles and integrated battery design, they even offer a $40-off coupon for people who pledge to reduce their drive commute by two trips per month, how cool is that?!
  • Good choice on the cadence sensor here, the sealed 12-magnet design is responsive and durable, it performed well with the 9-settings of pedal assist… the lower levels didn’t feel too abrupt or overpowering
  • Trusted Samsung battery cells, name-brand Shimano derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes, premium Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires with puncture protection lining, solid one year warranty with good customer support (based on feedback from owner comments on YouTube and the EBR Forums)
  • Suspension fork reduces wrist, arm, and shoulder fatigue when paired with the comfort saddle, grips, and slightly larger 2.4″ tires here, I like that this fork has black stanchions to match the look of the bike, that it doesn’t have branding stickers on it, and that it offers progressive compression adjust with lockout
  • Nicer rims on this model help to support the wider tires, they match the black spokes beautifully and tie in with the back hub and hub motor just like the black fork
  • Rust resistant chain and sturdy alloy chainring guard should hold up well over time, I’d love to see a full chainring guide to prevent drops, but didn’t have issues during my test rides
  • Both brake levers have motor inhibitor cutoff switches for safety, this is important since cadence sensors often delay a bit when you stop pedaling and the motor is fairly powerful
  • Very cool display panel, I didn’t think I’d like it at first, but the readouts are engaging and it’s easy to read in bright sunlight, you can set a password and there’s even some haptic buzzing and gentle noises when you interact with it… I didn’t find the noises annoying but there is a way to shut them off in the settings!
  • It’s nice that the battery pack is removable, to reduce weight, the new Reention Rhino looks great in the downtube and lowers the standover height of the step-thru model
  • I was amazed that they offer free shipping in the contiguous USA and only charge $25 for Canada. They also shop to Hawaii and Alaska for just $125 extra and even Mexico… that’s kind of rare for electric bike companies because it requires more effort
  • The throttle works at full power (up to 20mph / 32km/h) in assist level zero as well as all nine of the pedal assist modes… this is great for people who want help starting off and zipping up to speed regardless of their assist setting, it requires fewer button presses and feels empowering to me, it’s my favorite setup!
  • One the one hand, having nine levels of assist requires extra button presses… but I like that the lower levels of assist feel more gentle and natural, and I think you can update the number of assist levels in the settings men, so you an take it to just 3 or 5 if you prefer that
  • Decent drivetrain, the 11-32 tooth freewheel is rust resistant and provides a good range of pedal speeds for starting, climbing, or riding at higher speeds, which is great because this ebike can get up to ~27mph in the highest level of assist
  • Great accessories, this ebike comes with everything you need for commuting including wide sturdy aluminum alloy fenders, a nice rack with triple bungee strap and pannier rods, and integrated front and rear lights
  • I like that the 700 Series has bottle cage bosses on both frames, this is a feature that was missing for the 500 series and it’s just so handy to be able to reach fluids when riding… or use it for a folding lock or mini pump etc.
  • The motor on the 700 series can get up to ~27 mph compared to the 500 series, which tops out around 25 mph, it also peaks around 1,000 watts vs. 750 watts and uses a 22 amp controller vs. 18 amps… simply put, it’s more powerful and faster, but it does still produce some zipping noises so maybe it uses a square wave controller? I appreciate that the motor is about the same weight and size, it’s a perfect choice for this bike
  • The minimum saddle height on the step-thru frame is very low at ~31″ for people who actually want to be able to stand-over the saddle when mounting or stopping at lights and stop signs etc. just loosen the bolts in the bottle cage mount to go all the way down… I like that the rear rack is far enough back not to block it
  • The battery charging port and locking cylinder are mounted high up on the side of the frame, so you don’t have to bend way over to reach them, and they won’t get bumped by the pedals or cranks as easily. Nice job there!

Cons:

  • The center-mount kickstand is adjustable and keeps the bike stable, but it can cause pedal lock if you’re moving the bike with it down, I tend to prefer rear mounted kickstands… especially if there’s a rear rack that could be loaded up with gear
  • No USB charging ports on this ebike, which is too bad given the higher capacity 672 watt hour battery pack, the more affordable 500 Series model from Ride1Up does have a USB port built into the side of its battery pack
  • As with many direct-online electric bikes, there is some assembly required here (more than average)… you’ll need to mount the fork, add the spacers and stem, get the handlebar straight and then mount the front wheel, the front fender, finishing with the seat post, saddle, and pedals… it would help to have a bike stand, some chain lubricant, some poly grease, and I’d expect it to take from one to three hours depending on your physical flexibility, strength, tools, and the setting. What you save on money here, you may spend in time and effort compared to some ready-to-ride models or shop ebikes
  • Minor complaint, the lever that shifts gears higher is a one-way design, so you must pull it with your pointer finger vs. being able to push it with your thumb… Shimano does offer a shifter that allows both levers to be actuated with your thumb and that’s my preference, but it probably costs more and could raise the price of this ebike
  • While the bike is classified as “Class 3” speed pedelec, my experience was that it really topped out closer to 27mph unless you really pedal hard. That’s just fine for me, it’s close enough, and it’s actually faster than the cheaper 500 Series which only reaches ~25mph in the highest level of assist
  • I love that the bike offers hydraulic disc brakes, but the rotors are average size at 160mm. Given the higher weight of 62.2lbs and higher top speeds, I think a larger 180mm front rotor would cool faster and provide improved stopping power
  • Minor consideration here, the lights are more “be seen” than truly lighting the path, still, I was impressed with how well the headlight performed during the night ride of this review
  • My experience removing and then re-installing the battery pack was that I had to use both hands and turn the front wheel slightly, it’s a tight fit due to the larger tires and front fender… the fenders are quiet and wide, but the front one didn’t go down as far as it could to truly protect feet and ankles in wet conditions
  • The right chainstay didn’t have a slap guard, so it could get some chips in the paint over time from the chain bouncing up and down while riding on bumpy sections at higher speeds (usually when the chain is on the smallest sprocket, closest to the chainstay)
  • The display panel doesn’t go dim when you activate the lights, you can enter into the settings by holding M and then manually lower the brightness, but this takes time and effort vs. being automatic like some other displays I’ve seen
  • The step-thru frame isn’t as stiff as the high step, so you could experience a bit of frame flex if you’re a heavier rider and have that rear rack loaded up, I didn’t notice any speed wobble though

Useful Resources:

Review Updated On

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Comments (63) YouTube Comments

Justin
5 years ago

Ordered this bike (step-thru version as it will probably go to my father later) last week and it arrived two days later. Was easy to set up and has been a lot of fun to ride. No complaints. Have found some easy ways to increase the top speed and have turned it into a beast on my commute. It’s winter here and the built in fenders have come in pretty handy. Would recommend to anyone wanting to jump into the e-bike world. Definitely punches above it’s weight.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

That’s awesome, wow! Fast turnaround by Ride1Up on the shipping. Thanks for sharing the experience so far, very thoughtful of you to plan on donating to your Father… I’m sure he’s proud (and thankful). Rock on, feel free to share your thoughts again after some miles on the road ;)

  Reply
Blasst
5 years ago

How did you increase the top speed?

  Reply
Jeff
4 years ago

Interested how you increased the top speed. Thanks

  Reply
Naoki Ajikata
5 years ago

I was looking into Stromer STX1 or the new ST1, but as you know, they are pricey …and this was looks like a Stromer! and much cheaper!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Naoki! Good observations, while Stromer is very fancy and high-end, I haven’t seen them as much in the US lately. I think the company has had some restructuring. There are definitely some differences between the 700 Series here and any of the Stromer models (which use gearless hub motors that can produce some regenerative braking) but they also tend to weigh more and have some drag as a result. I feel like Ride1Up is putting a lot of time and energy into their customer support and for the price, it’s an exciting and good quality bike in my opinion. Whatever you choose, I hope you have fun out there!

  Reply
Blasst
5 years ago

Court, I have been reading this site for many months and after experiencing ebikes in Taiwan last spring, I have been wanting one. Almost pulled the trigger on several models but held off. The 700 ST really grabbed my attention after watching your review on it. I bought the one you used for your video along with another one as its even more fun when two people can ride together :)

Vince Caruso
5 years ago

Looks like a nice design and a good value. Their web site states do not ride in the rain. Seems a little strange if you ride to work and on your way home you get some rain and then the bike is not functional? Do not see this very often in EBike designs especially for a commuter bike. Have a rain cape for riding in the rain and have two EBikes at the house and neither has issues with rain in many years of use, but that is not to say you can ride through a big pool of standing water. Would be good to note that in the review. Was considering order one but not sure with the ‘not in the rain’ clause. Thanks again for the reviews, great resource.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hmm, thanks for calling that out Vince! I didn’t notice it before filming but have seen a couple of comments mentioning it now! I’m also not used to seeing that kind of warning clause from companies. I suppose it could be an extra safety liability notice, but my experience with ebikes is that a bit of light rain or gentle washing with water should not be an issue. I’ll ask Kevin about this the next time we talk to see if it’s general guidance or something more specific to their systems ;)

  Reply
Vince Caruso
5 years ago

You may be right, it is just a comment from them that riding in the rain may not be safe generally. They do say in the FAQ the bike may get wet (rated rated IP-65, can handle water exposure) and just want folks to be careful in wet weather on any bike as losing traction in wet weather is more likely and may be unexpected.

Here is their FAQ: “The bikes are not water-proof, they are water-resistant, rated IP-65. While we do not recommend leaving the bikes out in the rain or riding in the rain or other hazardous conditions due to personal safety, the bikes can handle water exposure.”

In this case more likely to get one.

Saravanan
5 years ago

Anyone had a chance to attach a bike trailer to ride 1up 700 Series. For example: Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer.

Thanks,
Sara

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Sara! I have not, but perhaps someone else will chime in with some feedback. You could also ask around in the Ride1Up ebike forums here.

  Reply
Tom
5 years ago

What is the torque output on the motor for the 700 ST? I’m in Colorado and we have as you know good hills!!!!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Tom, I was told (and I think the Shengyi website says) it’s rated up to 50nM of torque. That’s pretty good, and I think that if you shift thoughtfully (downshift before and as you approach hills), this ebike would be very capable. I grew up in Colorado and just imagine you climbing some of the foothills or steeper sections of road/trail in the Rockies :D

  Reply
Juan De Abreu
5 years ago

Hello, I would like to know what information they have about the Arrow brand ebike, they are widely used in New York but there is no person, page or store that can give you the specifications of the bikes. I am thinking of buying one but I still have not decided which will be the best to travel about 35 miles a day and that suits my budget.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Jaun! I’d love to help you with this, but am not sure which manufacturer or product you’re talking about? I did a search on Arrow Electric Bikes but nothing came up? Could you please provide a link so I can learn more?

  Reply
MaxMaxed
4 years ago

That’s the point! All delivery people in NYC ride Arrow bikes. Very rugged and basic, but fast ebikes. And no one knows where they get them. They don’t exist online and the only place to get them is Craigslist from other people. That is a huge mystery.

Tommy Gates
5 years ago

I have been reading the EBR’s review of the Ride1Up 700 Series versus the Aventon Pace 500. They both seem like solid bikes with similar ratings. Curious to the EBR selection to rank them #1 and #2?

Overall, it would appear that the Ride1Up 700 gets higher marks with the big exception of the Pace 500 larger brake rotor at 180mm vs 160mm for the 700-Series: the Pace 500 will have better braking on higher speeds. And the 700 Series spokes are 13 and 12 gauge while the Pace 500 has 13 gauge spokes on both front and rear wheels.

Key advantages of 700 Series:

  1. Comes with a front fork suspension for a smoother ride
  2. The 9 pedal-assist settings vs 5 with the Pace 500
  3. The 700 Series comes with integrated LED lights vs. Pace 500 no lighting
  4. The 700 Series comes with fenders, rear rack and pannier all additional costs with the Pace 500

Saddle Question: is the Selle Royal Freeway Plush Comfort better than the Velo Comfort with Rubber Bumpers?

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Tommy, in addition to your list of comparisons there, I have heard shops mention that the Aventon ebikes tend to require a lot of effort to build. They save money by shipping with a slimmer box, but that means more parts have to be installed by the shop/customer including the derailleur on some models! I’m definitely a fan of the Ride1Up ebikes, even though I believe they are a smaller company than Aventon. As for saddles, these are both pretty comfortable. I have been very impressed with Velo, despite their cheap price point. Some Selle Royal are okay (such as the one on this Ride1Up) but others didn’t feel as great as I was hoping. I actually really like some of the more active Specialized saddles, the Ergon saddles, and I do not like the hard Fi’zi:k saddles that I have tried very much. Interestingly, Fi’zi:k is owned by the same parent company as Crank Brothers, Brooks, and Selle Royal, and they are based out of Northern Italy :)

  Reply
Tommy Gates
4 years ago

Did Ride1Up upgrade the brake rotor on their 700 series from 160mm to 180mm?

Don
4 years ago

Hi Tommy. I own the Ride1Up 700 series and I have a friend that has the Aventon Pace 500 and am familiar with the differences, so maybe you’ll find this helpful. I really like the Ride1up 700, and as EBR reviewers have stated, it’s a very good overall package. Having said that, the quality of the Aventon Pace is actually slightly better in my opinion (and it has a longer-range battery) but there are serious drawbacks to the Pace 500 which are resolved in the Ride1up 700 series:

  1. Overly aggressive, non-programmable pedal assist on the Aventon Pace 500. To put it bluntly, the Pace 500 has 5 preset levels of assist which range from “go fast now” to “rocket ship”. There’s nothing subtle (or slow) about even PAS mode 1 on the 500 series and that’s problematic for a commuter bike that has to sometimes navigate congested sidewalks with lots of pedestrians, mom’s pushing strollers, etc. The fact that these levels are apparently non-programmable is incredibly unfortunate, as they need to be dialed back BIG TIME in my opinion to make the bike more street friendly. By contrast, the Ride1up 700 series has 3, 5 or 9 (your choice) of PAS levels and for each level you can decide the EXACT percentage of motor assist you want for that level. I have spent months playing with that configuration and have a bike that fits my riding style, allows me to keep up proportionally with my non E-bike friends, and is VERY pedestrian friendly on the paths and streets. Either bike hits 28mph though with ease, and Aventon is geared to allow you to pedal at that speed whereas the Ride1up 700 runs out of gearing at about 23mph and simply requires you to “faux” (pretend) pedal to keep it pegged at 28 mph.
  2. Aventon does not permit throttle without pedaling. Because you MUST turn the crank a full turn or so before the throttle kicks in on the Aventon Pace 500, it makes the bike MUCH more difficult to cross streets, start on hills, or navigate difficult terrain that requires both feet on the ground. And don’t even THINK about doing something like an easy single-track trail on the Aventon Pace 500, it just cannot be done when so much of the track requires you to just keep both feet hovering above the ground for safety. By comparison, the Ride1up 700 series permits full throttle (1,000 watts peak) from the moment you press it in ALL PAS modes (including mode 0) so you can zoom across intersections and start on hills even in the wrong gear with no issues. And I have done light single-tracking with no issues with the Ride1up 700 series. Aventon’s peculiar throttle configuration choice here is very unfortunate.
  3. Assembly on the Aventon 500 is arduous. In my opinion, anyone who purchases a Pace 500 should have a professional bike shop do the assembly. Even the derailleurs have to be installed along with everything else and it’s just a huge job for the average consumer. By comparison, I had the Ride1up 700 series assembled in about 2 hours with the tools that come with it (and some blue thread locker!).
  4. Lack of integrated lights. For some unknown reason, Pace simply forgot to include a reasonable set of integrated lights on the Pace 500 which is a HUGE safety concern in my opinion. By comparison, Ride1up has included a fairly basic but decent set of integrated lights that run off the main battery and I’ve used them at night with no issues.
  5. Expected accessories are not included. For most commuter bikes, the expectation of fenders and a rear rack are pretty commonplace. Aventon does NOT include either with the Pace 500 whereas Ride1up includes a VERY sturdy rear rack and quality fenders with their 700 series. One would also expect a COLOR display at this price point and Ride1up delivers that whereas Pace provides you only a black and white display by contrast.
  6. Tires. The Aventon Pace 500 have tires which work well on paved paths and streets but are sub-optimal for off-road use (gravel and dirt) when compared to the tires used by Ride1up on their 700 series which work well in all conditions.

That’s it, hope that helps!

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

That’s an excellent list, Don! You communicate very well and touched on some of the trade-offs I’ve heard from shops about assembling the Aventon 500. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with both ebikes!

Al Klesczewski
4 years ago

Hello Court. I am desperately trying to get verification that this bike (700 XR) will work for me. I have emailed the Ride1Up office three times now. I am pretty tall. I need clearance of 38-39″ from saddle top to bottom of the pedal stroke (which is what my other bikes have for dimensions). Their website shows a max seat height of 43″, but doesn’t say if this is to the ground to the bottom of the pedal stroke. This could be a big difference. Pedal clearance to the ground is not specified in the dimensional figure.

Otherwise, I think this will be a great bike for me. Thank you!

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Great question, Al! Unfortunately, I’d just be guessing at this point. The bike (and most single-sized ebikes) is a medium that’s meant to fit the widest range of riders. It sounds like you’d be at the upper end. If fit is very important to you, I’d suggest buying a more mainstream ebike from Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale or others that have a range of sizes. It might not have a throttle or be as affordable, but it would give you the proper fit. Also, I heard that Ride1Up is low on inventory, so orders can take a bit longer to actually arrive once you do buy. There’s always a longer seat post or longer stem as a solution to the fit challenge, so keep that in mind as well. I hope this helps!

  Reply
shawnster
4 years ago

I ordered a 700 a couple of weeks ago. They are on back order so now I just keep reading more and watching more videos. Excited and hope it comes soon. I did a bunch of research too and this looks like a great bike.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Awesome! I hope it comes soon, it seemed like a great bike during my review :)

  Reply
Shawn
4 years ago

Your review of the 700 actually got me to change my order from a 500 to the 700.

Thanks for the info.

Steven Kane
4 years ago

Great review, and it would be helpful if you could let me know your height and how well the step-through frame fit you (and if you had a chance to try the XR frame too). I’m between 5’6″ and 5’7″ and I hesitate to get the XR frame because it might be too big for me. If you have any feedback I’d love to hear it! Thanks so much.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Steve! Unfortunately the XR was not available during this visit, but it looks awesome. I’m a 5’9″ rider who weighs ~135lbs and is fairly fit with longer legs (like a 30.5″ inseam). I liked all of the Ride1Up products, but the 700 Series really impressed me in terms of value. I’m hoping to cover more of their bikes in the coming months.

  Reply
Steve Kane
4 years ago

Hey Court, thanks for offering up your stats. It’s pretty helpful to have the reviewer’s size in mind, especially for bikes that have a limited (or no) selection of frame sizes. Perhaps you could add that info to the EBR videos in the future? Much appreciated!

OlePhart
4 years ago

I have not received my 2 Ride1Up 700’s yet so I can’t tell for sure, but I would really like to mount mirrors and a cell phone holders on mine and my wife’s handlebars, but it just doesn’t look like from the pictures, that there will be enough room on the bars to mount them. If there isn’t room on the handlebars is there an ‘extra thingie’ that you can buy to mount things like this on? Any suggestions would be Much Appreciated.

OlePhart

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

I’m so glad you asked! And, so sorry it took me a week to respond. There is indeed an “extra thingy” to help people who want to mount additional displays, lights, and accessories to their bicycle handlebar. It’s called an accessory bar or handlebar extender. This device mounts to the handlebar itself, extends out a bit, and supports a second bar just for accessories ;)

  Reply
OlePhart
4 years ago

Thanks, I appreciate it. OlePhart

Alan Ontiveros
4 years ago

What is your opinion on the Ride1up 700 vs the Radrover fat tire step thru?

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hmm, these two ebikes are very different. I love the stability, comfort, and off-road capability of the RadRover. The 700 Series is efficient, probably quieter, and much lighter weight (62lbs vs. 71lbs). It’s difficult to compare these two bikes back to back, because they offer different experiences. I think Rad Power Bikes has a bigger customer support team and has been around longer. Their name is more widely recognized and their battery packs are cross compatible across the range. Ride1Up has amazing prices, I think the 700 Series looks awesome too, but they might not have the mobile delivery/assembly service. I hope these different perspectives and pros/cons help you narrow down, and I’d love to hear what you decide on and how it works out for you :D

  Reply
Mark M
4 years ago

I bought a Ride1Up 700 ST in December 2019. I couldn’t be happier, except for the considerable flexing/torquing of the downtube anytime the handle bars are quickly rotated. When avoiding an obstacle or debris in the road, the bike feels briefly unstable. It is even worse if there is a small load on the rear rack like a messenger bag. Because of this, you could never mount a child seat on the rear rack and safely ride with it b/c of the frame flex. I use my bike to commute about 2 miles across town in Manhattan and it’s been a game changer for the better. But if I knew about the instability of the step-thru frame, I would surely have purchased the standard frame model. I am curious to know if you’ve had this experience with the Ride1Up-ST or other brand step thru e-bikes?

Thanks,
Mark

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Yeah! I know exactly what you’re talking about here, Mark. Most step-thru ebikes suffer from some frame flex, especially with a loaded rack. I’m sorry I didn’t communicate that more during the review. I did not have rear luggage to test with and I am a fairly lightweight rider. I’m so glad that you call it out here, and I’m glad that for the most part the bike is still a very positive thing for you. This is why many companies opt for a mid-step mixte frame instead. I just covered a new model from CUBE with this design that blends approachability with strength for handling and cargo.

  Reply
Mark M
4 years ago

Thank you for your confidence building response and for sharing your experience. It was nearly impossible for Ride1Up customer service to acknowledge what I was experiencing, and they shrugged it off initially as something that I had done improperly in my assembly, and finally once they understood what I was explaining, it was not a big deal to them. It wasn’t encouraging, and one more reason to stress why being an experienced bike rider and mechanic is important if you purchase an e-bike from an online retailer. That said, I am otherwise super-happy with my Ride1Up. I think that this frame flex issue is important in choosing the “best” style of bike for any individual, for example, if you want to put your kid on a rear-rack child seat, a step thru is a really bad idea. Similarly, if you are riding anywhere other than mostly in straight-line commuting, a step-thru is also probably not a great choice. Thanks again for your honesty and helpful information.

Eliduc
4 years ago

Overall the bike is great. There are a couple of cons. The display sucks. The PAS level indicator numbers are dark blue on a dark background. All but invisible in normal light. Customer service also sucks. A message says they don’t answer the phone, leave a message. My wife left three, all unanswered. When I sent an email it came back not deliverable. I haven’t bothered to check the address yet. We are really satisfied with the bike. Our bike mechanic said it compares with $2,300 bikes that he has assembled.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Eliduc, cool name! I’m glad that overall you are satisfied with the bike, but those are some really strong considerations. Thanks for being so straightforward, hopefully it helps the company improve and helps other customers to know what to expect. I often get special treatment as a reviewer, so it’s difficult to express what the real buyer experience would be… I try to focus on the bike and show each part, but I do miss stuff and tend to be constructive. Your feedback here is pretty helpful. Thanks again!

  Reply
burton miller
4 years ago

Does the 700 have a walking speed function?

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi burton! Yes, I believe that it does. During my test rides and review I discovered that if the bike was powered on and in one of the 9 levels of assist (not level 0) then you could hold the minus button and it would activate walk mode. I hope this helps! Keep in mind that sometimes companies will release multiple versions of the bikes and software through the year, so things can change a bit :)

  Reply
Roger O'Connor
4 years ago

The ride 1up is a POS and I have had nothing but problems since it arrived. The back tire is not true and is wobbling causing a ticking sound from the rear. Two days after use the brake sensor failed code 25 and the motor no longer works. Look elsewhere if you want a working bike, ride 1 up is junk and the support is making it difficult to replace or fix. Now I’m out $1500 on a bike that never worked. Looking to sue the company for a refund at this point.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Oh boy! This was painful to read. I’m so sorry, Roger. I wonder if your bike was damaged in shipping or something? The products I usually get to review are pre-built and looked over… which makes it difficult to account for shipping issues. Not getting the customer support that you need is what really bums me out. I appreciate you sharing this testimonial and hope that you’re able to resolve the situation somehow :/

  Reply
Jamie
4 years ago

Hey There! I’ve a new 700 series and really love it. Solid, fast, great utility and excellent quality. My only concern is the length of the cockpit. I feel a little squished. I’ve moved the seat back as far as it will go on the post, just wish it would go a little further. Any thoughts on a good set-back or lay-back seat post, or a saddle with longer rails than the one that comes with the bike?

Thanks!

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hmm, I think you have the right idea there. It’s not a product I’m super familar with, but I feel like it must exist… just a seat post with a bend that brings the saddle back a bit? Though, perhaps that could compromise the strength of it. Consider a thudbuster LT (long travel) which could position the saddle back a bit… maybe? Really not sure. There are lots of bike saddles on Amazon, maybe there’s one with longer rails, but I feel like there’s going to be a limit, back to the strength trade-off. I’m sorry that I don’t have a specific product in mind. Maybe someone in the forums accessories area can chime in?

  Reply
Kim Vecchio
3 years ago

Hi Court, I’m a big fan of your reviews!

Ride1up is on my radar as I search for my first electric bike. They just introduced the Cafe Cruiser and I am very interested in this model as it hits a sweet spot on the tire size for me, 26”x3”. I don’t really want a fat bike so I’ve been trying to find a compromise between a comfortable bike on the roads and one that I could ride on the sand with as well. I will be riding easy dirt trails, running errands on local streets, taking the bike path to commute and if I can find the right bike for it taking a spin on the beach. (Note that my beach it’s not super soft sugar sand but more course sand and rocky/pebbly beach.) Yes, I guess I’m asking a lot for one bike.

It seems there is no content out there yet on the Cafe Cruiser since the bike is only going to be released in February. This is a long way of saying I really hope you can get on one soon for a review!

Thank you,
Kim

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Hi Kim,

I was just speaking with the founder of Ride1Up the other day about some bikes. I don’t have plans to cover the Cafe Cruiser as of yet, but it could happen at some point and I’ve noticed other reviewers looking at their stuff. My own experience with their products has been good, considering the low prices. I think inventory was an issue in 2020/2021 but I think they’ve grown enough to place larger orders. If you know that you like the Cafe Cruiser, you might want to call them and ask any questions and then pre-order.

I appreciate suspension, but you can always do a suspension seat. Larger tires add comfort, but also weight and drag. I have found that 4″ or larger tires are ideal for soft sand, but any plus sized tires like the 26″ x 3″ are great for loamy terrain and other semi-soft conditions, especially with lower air pressure. I hope that this general feedback helps guide you, and I wish you luck! You can also ask around in the Ride1Up ebike forums I setup here :)

  Reply
Kim V
3 years ago

Thank you. I appreciate your assessment around the tire size. And, I’ve taken your advice and am cruising through the forums… tons of input and expertise there as well. Thanks again.

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Hi Kim! I’m so glad to hear it has been useful for you. Yeah, there are lots of amazing people sharing feedback there and I’m grateful it can be a resource :)

  Reply
Jim
2 years ago

I have purchased two ride 1 up 700 series bikes. For the most part they are really good. HOWEVER, and this is so disappointing, I have assembled a 3rd 700 series and on my first test ride found that the throttle and power would shut off after braking. Obviously this is a problem and since it is time sensitive I would love to get help. But after $4,800 worth of bike purchases Ride 1 UP techs won’t call back. That sucks! I’m sure my local bike dealer would have dropped everything for someone who just spent so much and had a problem.

Ride 1 Up just lost all of my recommendations.

  Reply
Court
2 years ago

Hmm, that sucks, I’m sorry to hear that support has not replied to your requests for help. I do agree that an in-person relationship might carry more weight and recognition of a good customer. I’m sure they do care, but perhaps with the supply chain issues in recent years, the investment round they received, and perhaps changing staff, maybe they changed their support flow a bit or something. Have you tried reaching out again or trying a different channel such as phone support vs. email? Good luck Jim.

  Reply
Gabriel Weil
2 years ago

The height range on the XR is pretty wide, 5’5″-6’4″. I’m 6’3″ and just want to make sure this bike is going to be big enough for me. Do you trust that it’s really big enough for riders up to 6’4″?

  Reply
Court
2 years ago

Hi Gabriel, good question… it looks like the bike comes in two frame sizes, and the 19″ frame probably could accommodate a taller rider such as yourself based on their estimates, even if the fit isn’t perfect. You are definitely at the high end of their estimate. I see that they offer a standard 350mm seat post which could raise the saddle to nearly fit your full leg extension, and if you bought an aftermarket 400mm seat post it would probably work better. I do think the reach will feel short but you could get a longer or taller stem. At that point, you might notice more frame flex and the steering could feel slightly different. Most affordable electric bikes appear to be targeting the “average” sized person, and it can be difficult to find a perfect fit if you’re outside that range. Bigger companies like Trek, Specialized, CUBE, and Giant would have more options, but they also cost a lot more. All of this feedback is my best guess, and it might not be appropriate if you weigh a lot because that could put additional pressure on the extended seat post and step-thru frame. I hope this feedback helps you to consider the different options.

  Reply
Gabriel Weil
2 years ago

Thanks, that’s helpful. I weigh about 200 pounds. Reach is probably a bigger issue for me than leg extension, since my inseam is only 34.

Assuming I’m not able to find a 700 series to try out, is there a comparably sized bike you’d recommend trying out at a bike shop to see if the fit is satisfactory.

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