Ride1Up has built a reputation in the e-bike market by consistently delivering solid value propositions. The California-based company has a knack for packing capable components into bikes that compete well above their price points – their recent CF Racer1 being a prime example, offering a full carbon electric gravel bike kitted with a SRAM Rival groupset at just $2,195.
Enter the Ride1Up Turris, their take on the do-it-all touring e-bike. At first glance, it checks the expected boxes: a 750W rear hub motor, Shimano drivetrain, and Kenda 27.5 x 2.4 tires. After putting some serious miles on the Turris across varied terrain and use cases, I’m here to break down where this bike hits its stride and where there might be room for improvement.
My Experience Riding The Ride1Up Turris E-Bike
Range
Estimated Range (from Ride1Up): 30 to 50 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN PAS: 52 miles
- MAX PAS: 21 miles
Let’s talk range – something that can make or break an e-bike’s practicality. Ride1Up claims the Turris can cover 30-50 miles on a single charge, but my real-world range test results tell me they’re not just throwing random numbers around. In the minimum PAS (pedal assist), I covered 52 miles before the battery called it quits – not bad at all. Cranking it up to max assist at PAS level 5 for those days when you just want the bike to do the work? I still managed 21 miles going all out.
These aren’t just numbers on paper – they translate to some pretty practical scenarios. Commuting 5-10 miles to work each day? You could potentially knock out a full week of riding on a single charge by keeping it in a lower assist level. Planning a longer weekend ride? Mix up your assist levels based on the terrain, and you’re looking at a comfortable 30-40 mile range that lets you explore without constant battery anxiety.
Sure, the Turris isn’t setting any endurance records here, but the range makes sense for what this bike is built to do. Whether you’re running errands around town or heading out for a proper weekend adventure, the battery capacity feels right-sized for whatever your agenda has.
Power (Motor & Battery)
At the heart of this bike sits a 750W rear hub motor pushing 90Nm of torque. The standout feature here isn’t just raw power though – it’s how that power gets delivered. Ride1Up’s Current Based Cadence System (CBCS) programming deserves some credit. While you’re technically working with a cadence sensor, to me, the power delivery felt very close to what you’d expect from a pricier torque sensor setup.
Juice comes from a 48V, 14Ah battery packing 672 watt hours – and yes, it’s UL 2271 certified which is always impressive to see with a bike built around a value price point. The battery can be locked into the frame or removed for charging and storage, giving you some welcome flexibility.
Power delivery is handled through five pedal assist levels, each stepping up the juice as you climb the scale. There’s also a thumb throttle on the left side of the bars that’ll get you up to 20mph without pedaling. Want to go faster? You’ll need to put in some leg work – pedal assist will take you up to the Class 3 limit of 28mph.
For a bike that’s meant to handle everything from commuting to light touring, this power system hits the mark. I found the motor is surprisingly quiet, with smooth power whenever I needed it, and still has enough punch to handle loaded touring without breaking a sweat.
Components
When it comes to the components for the Ride1Up Turris, starting up front, you’ve got a basic but functional 100mm coil spring fork with lockout. It’s not winning any fancy suspension awards, but it handles everyday bumps and light trail duty just fine. The 27.5-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 2.4-inch rubber – a sweet spot width that rolls well on pavement while still giving you some confidence when the path gets choppy.
The drivetrain keeps things straightforward with a 7-speed Shimano Altus setup. You’re looking at a 46T chainring up front paired with a 12-32t cassette in the back. It’s entry-level Shimano, but it shifts reliably and gives you enough range for most situations. The over-the-bar shifter is intuitive, though folks coming from trigger shifters might need a minute to adjust.
The cockpit setup keeps things practical – a 45mm stem and riser bar combo that puts you in a heads-up riding position without feeling too beach-cruiser casual. Those ergo lock-on grips and the KNUS gel saddle add some much-appreciated cushioning where it counts. When it comes to slowing down, the LBN hydraulic stoppers with 180mm rotors aren’t going to win any spec sheet battles, but they deliver consistent braking power with good modulation.
Looking at the complete package, Ride1Up made some smart choices here. No, you won’t find any boutique bling, but everything plays well together. It’s the kind of setup that you can actually maintain without breaking the bank – something your local shop can wrench on without hunting down weird proprietary parts.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Turris keeps things simple in the display department with a 2.2-inch LCD KD21C unit. No bells and whistles here – just the essential readouts you need: current speed, pedal assist level, battery status, odometer, and a headlight indicator. The display uses that classic calculator-style font that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight, and there’s a backlight for when things get dim.
While some might miss having a USB port for phone charging, the waterproof design makes more sense for a bike that’s meant to handle whatever weather you throw at it. Navigation is straightforward with five pedal assist levels that you can toggle through.
There’s no companion app to fiddle with, which honestly feels right for this bike. Sometimes simpler is better – you can just hop on and ride without worrying about software updates or Bluetooth connections. The display gives you what you need to know without overcomplicating things.
Ride1Up Turris Model Options
The Turris comes in two frame styles: the XR (high-step) and ST (step-through). The ST accommodates riders from 5’1″ to 6’2″, while the XR fits folks between 5’6″ and 6’4″. Both frames come in three colors: Forest Green, Graphite Grey, and Eggshell – though “Forest Green” feels like an understatement for that deep matte finish.
Frame design includes the essentials for a touring-capable bike: mounting points for fenders (which come included), a few bosses on the seat tube, and attachment points for a rear rack. Speaking of racks, Ride1Up offers a solid menu of add-ons including their own rear rack, basket, and pannier setup if you’re looking to maximize cargo capacity.
Other optional accessories hit the practical notes: a suspension seatpost for extra cushioning, a phone mount for navigation duties, and even a replacement battery if you’re planning some seriously long hauls. The frame-mounted battery tips the scales at 8.3 pounds – worth knowing if you’re planning to regularly remove it for charging.
All this comes backed by a one-year warranty, which is pretty standard for the price point. It’s worth noting that everything’s currently available without the wait times we’ve seen plague some e-bike makers lately.
Is The Ride1Up Turris Worth Buying?
After putting the Ride1Up Turris through its paces, here’s the deal: it’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. The bike hits that sweet spot between everyday utility and weekend exploration – whether you’re dodging traffic on your commute or hitting fire roads with some camping gear strapped to the rack.
Now for the reality check – a couple things to consider. The two-frame approach means some riders might end up with a “close enough” fit rather than dialing it in perfectly. And if you’re a bigger rider looking to load up for serious touring, that 300-pound payload capacity might have you doing some math before packing your panniers.
Pros
- Bang for Buck – At $1,195, you’re getting legit components (Shimano drivetrain, LBN brakes, Kenda rubber) paired with a punchy motor and solid range. That’s impressive math any way you slice it.
- Don’t let the “basic” coil spring fork fool you. Once you dial in the preload, that 100mm of travel handles rough stuff better than you’d expect.
- Between the upright geometry and that generously padded saddle, the Turris nails the comfort factor without feeling sluggish.
- No proprietary headaches here. Your local bike shop can wrench on this thing without hunting down obscure components.
- Integrated lights, full fenders, and smart mounting points mean this bike can switch roles from daily commuter to weekend explorer without missing a beat.
Cons
- The two-frame approach (XR and ST) means some riders might have to compromise on fit rather than really dialing it in.
Is it perfect? Nope. But it knows what it is: a capable daily driver that won’t leave you hanging when you decide to venture off the beaten path. For many riders, especially those just diving into the e-bike world, that’s exactly what they need.
Reader Interactions