The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 feels like it’s stepping into some serious competition territory, going toe-to-toe with legacy brands like Specialized, particularly their Turbo Como. Right away, you notice the Brose mid-drive motor—a feature usually seen on much pricier bikes—so that’s a strong start for Ride1Up. The geometry strikes a good balance between an upright commuter stance and a slight forward lean you’d expect from a flat-bar mountain bike. It’s comfortable, though you’ll need to be okay with a bit of forward weight transfer.
The Brose motor on this bike is everything you’d expect: smooth, silent, and powerful. The Prodigy V2’s motor delivers natural-feeling power and more than enough torque, especially when you engage Boost mode. The Tektro Orion 4-piston hydraulic brakes offer fantastic stopping power, almost overkill for most commutes, but better to have more braking than not enough. Plus, the commuter-friendly features—like the integrated lighting, fenders, and rear rack—round out a bike that’s clearly designed to handle the daily grind with ease.
My Experience Riding The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 E-Bike
Riding the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 felt like stepping into a bike that punches well above its price tag. Right off the bat, I was impressed looking at the specs – a Brose mid-drive motor, Maxxis tires, and Tektro Orion 4-Piston brakes—all for $2,295. In today’s market, that’s not something you see every day, and when you compare the feature set to what other bikes offer at this price point, it still feels like solid value, something I’ve come to expect from Ride1Up. The design is sleek, modern, and understated, with the fully integrated yet removable battery adding to that clean, capable vibe. The matte Onyx Black color really pops in person, giving it an understated yet respectable curb appeal.
The geometry strikes a nice balance—leaning forward slightly with those MTB-style handlebars that have a 45mm rise, but still maintaining enough upright posture for comfort on longer rides. I found the position comfortable and practical for both commutes and longer outings. The Brose Allround display is compact at just 1.5 inches, but it’s a color screen with good contrast, even in direct sunlight. It’s not flashy, but it’s clear and gets the job done.
Power delivery from the Brose TF Sprinter motor is smooth and feels very natural. You can feel the torque, but it’s not overwhelming, with the motor providing up to 380% of your effort based on the pedal assist level you’re in. What I really appreciated was how the motor backs off slightly when you shift gears with the Microshift Advent 9-speed system. It gives you about a second to shift under less load, which helps protect the drivetrain—a thoughtful detail I’ve come to appreciate after putting some miles on this thing. It’s little touches like this that make it clear Ride1Up is aiming to compete with bigger brands, and in my experience, they’re doing a solid job of it.
The Prodigy V2’s commuter soul really shines through with its practical features. From the integrated front and rear lighting, full-coverage fenders, and sturdy rear rack, this bike is clearly designed to handle the daily grind while keeping you visible, dry, and ready to carry gear or groceries. It’s built to handle real-world commuting needs without sacrificing performance.
This bike is both commuter-friendly and fun to ride, delivering where it counts and holding its own against higher-priced competitors.
Range
Estimated Range (from Ride1Up):
Real World Range Test Results:
- PAS Tour: 73 miles
- PAS Turbo: 32 miles
The range is one of those specs that everyone looks at, but in the real world, it’s always a bit of a guessing game. Ride1Up estimates the Prodigy V2’s range at 30 to 50 miles, depending on conditions and riding style, which is pretty standard for a commuter e-bike with a mid-drive motor and a 36V 14Ah battery. However, in my testing, I was pleasantly surprised.
On PAS ‘Tour’ mode (which offers a balanced level of assist), I managed to stretch the battery to 73 miles—well beyond the brand’s upper estimate. However, this was a strictly bike path route with very little elevation changes, something to keep in mind depending on your local route.
On the flip side, when I cranked it up to PAS ‘Boost’ (the highest assist level), I got about 32 miles before the battery ran out, averaging about 19 mph. For a bike like this, those numbers are solid and give you a decent range for both long commutes and more power-hungry rides.
The battery’s performance is impressive, but like with any e-bike, the range can vary based on rider weight, terrain, and how much you rely on the motor. If you plan on using it for longer rides, keeping it in the mid-assist levels will help you maximize your distance.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The power system on the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 comes equipped with a Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor with 90 Nm of torque and a nominal 250W output, the motor provides up to 380% of your own pedaling power, making climbs and sprints feel like your a tour pro while keeping the ride natural.
On the battery side, the 504Wh capacity, paired with Samsung cells, offers enough juice to get you through most commutes or long rides with ease. Rated at 36V and 14Ah, the battery is integrated into the frame, giving the bike a clean, streamlined look while still being removable for easy charging.
I found the range to be impressive, especially when using lower PAS levels, and smart BMS (Battery Management System), so you’re not constantly worrying about overheating or performance dips. It’s a well-rounded system that makes the Prodigy V2 not just powerful, but also practical for everyday use.
Components
The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 is built with a solid mix of components that are geared toward both performance and practicality. Starting with the front air suspension fork, it offers 100mm of travel with 34mm stanchions. While the fork itself is unbranded, it does its job well enough, smoothing out bumps and adding some versatility to the ride. The bike rolls on 27.5” alloy wheels wrapped in Maxxis Rekon Race 27.5 x 2.25” tires, which strike a nice balance between speed, grip, and comfort, making it suitable for both pavement and the occasional off-road shortcut along your route when you’re late for work. .
The drivetrain is a 9-speed microSHIFT Advent setup paired with a 48T alloy chainring and an 11-34T Shimano Alivio cassette. Shifting is handled by microSHIFT SL-M819 trigger shifters, and shifting feels crisp and reliable, with enough range for tackling moderate hills and maintaining speed on flats. Finishing off the drivetrain is the 170mm alloy crank arms and flat pedals with traction studs and reflectors.
When it comes to braking, the Prodigy V2 is kitted with Tektro Orion 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors. This setup provides solid stopping power and modulation, giving plenty of confidence for the occasional unexpected stop.
In terms of rider comfort, the V2 has lock-on ergonomic rubber grips and a Selle Royal Viento saddle that I found to be a bit stiff but comfortable enough for my rides. The Brose branded stem is 80mm long and has a 25 degree rise, which pairs well with the 45mm rise MTB-style handlebars, giving you a semi-upright yet slightly forward-leaning riding position.
For commuter perks, the Prodigy V2 includes front and rear alloy fenders to keep you dry, a custom 40lbs rear cargo rack for hauling gear, and integrated front and rear lights for visibility during night rides. All in all, the components are well-chosen to make this bike a strong performer for daily commuting, with enough versatility to handle a variety of riding conditions.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 comes equipped with a Brose Allround 1.5” color display, which is compact but offers good visibility, even in direct sunlight. The display is simple and easy to navigate, giving you all the essential metrics at a glance, like speed, battery level, odometer, trip meter, PAS level, and headlight indicator. While it doesn’t come with an app, the display does a solid job of offering everything you need right from the handlebar without overcomplicating things.
There are four primary drive modes—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Boost—that you can toggle between depending on how much motor assist you want. There’s also a walk mode, which helps if you’re navigating steep ramps or need to push the bike.
Overall, the display setup is straightforward and works well for the Prodigy V2’s commuter focus. You’re not getting app connectivity or a lot of bells and whistles, but for most riders, the Brose display does exactly what you need it to: provide clear, relevant information with minimal fuss.
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 Model Options
The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 gives you flexibility with two frame options: the XR for traditional geometry or the ST for easier mounting. The XR suits riders from 5’5″ to 6’1″, while the ST fits those between 5’0″ and 6’0″. You can also choose between the smooth, low-maintenance CDX Gates Belt Drive paired with an Enviolo CVT hub or a more classic microSHIFT 9-speed drivetrain with an 11-34T cassette.
Available in Faded Bronze, Onyx Black, and Sea Fog, the Prodigy V2 balances style and functionality. Practical mounting points for water bottles and optional accessories like racks, pannier bags, and a suspension seat post enhance its commuter appeal. With customizable options, this bike works for both daily riders and those looking for more versatility on longer trips.
Is The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 Worth Buying?
The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 impresses with a solid blend of performance, components, and commuter practicality, especially considering its competitive price point. The Brose mid-drive motor delivers smooth, quiet power with a natural feel that will appeal to experienced riders and newcomers alike.
With the choice between a chain-driven or belt-driven drivetrain, it offers versatility depending on your maintenance preferences and riding style. The inclusion of hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lighting, fenders, and a rear rack rounds out its commuter-ready design, making it well-suited for daily urban rides or weekend exploration.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price, with a Brose mid-drive motor, Tektro Orion 4-piston brakes, Microshift drivetrain, and Maxxis tires.
- The Brose mid-drive offers 380% assistance and 90Nm of torque, delivering plenty of power for climbs and acceleration.
- The air-sprung fork with 34mm stanchions provides much better performance than the typical coil forks at this price range.
- The Microshift drivetrain includes a clutched derailleur and a shift sensor, which reduces motor power during shifts to protect the drivetrain.
- The Tektro Orion 4-piston hydraulic brakes offer strong stopping power and great modulation.
- Matte paint options look modern and stylish.
- Impressive 73-mile range on a single charge.
Cons
- The small-gauge wire for the headlight is exposed, making it vulnerable to snags and potential damage.
However, there’s always room for improvement. The small 504Wh battery is sufficient for most commutes, but if you’re consistently riding long distances, you may find yourself wanting more capacity. The lack of app integration also stands out when compared to other e-bikes in this price range, though the simple and user-friendly Brose display helps to mitigate this for riders who prefer a less tech-heavy experience.
If you’re someone who values clean design, quality components, and versatile performance without unnecessary bells and whistles, this bike will serve you well. Overall, Ride1Up has delivered a capable, commuter-focused e-bike that punches above its weight in both features and value.
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