Urtopia Chord Review

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2023 Urtopia Chord Electric Bike Review
2023 Urtopia Chord
2023 Urtopia Chord Urtopia Branded Planetary Geared Hub Motor 250 Or 350 Watt
2023 Urtopia Chord Top Tube Mounted Battery Pack Hydroformed Frame
2023 Urtopia Chord Led Display Panel Handlebar Grips Shifter
2023 Urtopia Chord Faux Locking Grips Left Brake Lever Button Pad
2023 Urtopia Chord Shimano Revoshift Grip Shifter 8 Speed
2023 Urtopia Chord Front View Headlight Optional Rack Fenders
2023 Urtopia Chord 8 Speed Drivetrain Shimano Acera 11 32t
2023 Urtopia Chord 170mm Prowheel Crank Arms Plastic Pedals
2023 Urtopia Chord Cst 700x40c Reflective Tires 160mm Tektro Disc Brakes
2023 Urtopia Chord Ebike
2023 Urtopia Chord Kickstand Left Side Of Bike
2023 Urtopia Chord Left Side
2023 Urtopia Chord Multi Sensing Bottom Bracket Class 1 Ebike
2023 Urtopia Chord Rear Light With Side Arrows
2023 Urtopia Chord Rigid Alloy Fork Front Wheel
2023 Urtopia Chord Two Bottle Cage Mounts 54 Tooth Chainring
2023 Urtopia Chord 4 Amp Fast Charger
2023 Urtopia Chord Unboxing Assembly
2023 Urtopia Chord Samsung Battery 36v 9 8ah 352wh
2023 Urtopia Chord High Step Black
2023 Urtopia Chord High Step White
2023 Urtopia Chord Electric Bike Review
2023 Urtopia Chord
2023 Urtopia Chord Urtopia Branded Planetary Geared Hub Motor 250 Or 350 Watt
2023 Urtopia Chord Top Tube Mounted Battery Pack Hydroformed Frame
2023 Urtopia Chord Led Display Panel Handlebar Grips Shifter
2023 Urtopia Chord Faux Locking Grips Left Brake Lever Button Pad
2023 Urtopia Chord Shimano Revoshift Grip Shifter 8 Speed
2023 Urtopia Chord Front View Headlight Optional Rack Fenders
2023 Urtopia Chord 8 Speed Drivetrain Shimano Acera 11 32t
2023 Urtopia Chord 170mm Prowheel Crank Arms Plastic Pedals
2023 Urtopia Chord Cst 700x40c Reflective Tires 160mm Tektro Disc Brakes
2023 Urtopia Chord Ebike
2023 Urtopia Chord Kickstand Left Side Of Bike
2023 Urtopia Chord Left Side
2023 Urtopia Chord Multi Sensing Bottom Bracket Class 1 Ebike
2023 Urtopia Chord Rear Light With Side Arrows
2023 Urtopia Chord Rigid Alloy Fork Front Wheel
2023 Urtopia Chord Two Bottle Cage Mounts 54 Tooth Chainring
2023 Urtopia Chord 4 Amp Fast Charger
2023 Urtopia Chord Unboxing Assembly
2023 Urtopia Chord Samsung Battery 36v 9 8ah 352wh
2023 Urtopia Chord High Step Black
2023 Urtopia Chord High Step White

Summary

  • A completely custom, artistically crafted, 8-speed electric bicycle with a 350 watt hub motor. The frame is hydroformed aluminum alloy with elegant curves and fins added for style. Internally routed cables, semi-integrated removable battery pack, fast 4 amp charger.
  • Available in two frame sizes, with the smaller Chord X being a mid-step with lower stand over height. Two colors, sparkling white or glossy black. Reflective tires, and integrated lights that are very bright and well placed, but the rear light impacts minimum saddle height.
  • Unique LED display panel is large and playful with fun musical chimes, voice detection, and fingerprint scan to unlock, but it's fairly bright and cannot be dimmed. Excellent smartphone app allows for GPS route planning, social sharing, volume and haptic vibration adjustment.
  • Comfortable faux-leather locking grips, intuitive half-grip twist shifter, ergonomic swept-back handlebar that's custom made for the display and button pad. The bike is heavier than expected considering there's no suspension and the battery capacity is fairly low at 352wh, Bluetooth and SIM card may slowly drain the battery, handlebar cannot be rotated or replaced because it's built into the stem.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Urtopia

Model:

Chord

Price:

$1,999 (Free Shipping)

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

14 Day Returns, 2 Year General Warranty

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe

Model Year:

2023

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

48.6 lbs (22.04 kg)

Battery Weight:

5 lbs (2.26 kg)

Motor Weight:

5 lbs (2.26 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy, Hydroformed

Frame Sizes:

17.5 in (44.45 cm)19.5 in (49.53 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Chord High-Step Measurements: 20" Seat Tube, 23.5 Top Tube, 17" Reach, 32" Stand Over Height, 38" Minimum Saddle Height with Rear Light Installed, 27" Width, 43.5" Wheelbase, 72" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Metallic Sparkle White, Gloss Black

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Aluminum Alloy Hydroformed, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

142mm Hub Spacing, Replaceable Hangers, 12mm Threaded Slotted Axle with 18mm Nuts, Frame Break on Right Seat Stay for Belt Drive

Attachment Points:

Fender Mounts, Kickstand Mount, Two Bottle Cage Mounts, Front Rack Mount, Rear Rack Mount, Frame Lock Mount

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano Acera Derailleur, SunRace 11-32 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano RevoShift Half-Grip Shifter with Optical Gear Window

Cranks:

Prowheel Cold Forged Aluminum Alloy Crank Arms, 170mm Length, 50 Tooth Aluminum Alloy Chainring with Aluminum Alloy Guard (The Review Sample Had 54 Tooth)

Pedals:

Generic Plastic Platform with Rubber Tread

Headset:

Sealed, Integrated Design, 1-1/8" Straight

Stem:

Aluminum Alloy, 40mm Base Height, 50mm Length, Integrated into Handlebar, Custom Top Interface for Display Mount, 20mm Tapered Base Spacer

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Swept Back, (Sample Had Bar Merged with Stem, Production Version May Be Adjustable), 670mm Length

Brake Details:

Tektro Hydraulic Disc with 160mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Faux Leather, Flat, Inner Lock Ring

Saddle:

Urtopia Branded Cionlli

Seat Post:

Promax, Aluminum Alloy, 25mm Offset, Single Bolt Clamp

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 700c, 19mm Inner Width, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

CST, 700 x 40c, (42-622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

50 to 75 PSI, 3.4 to 5.1 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripe

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Fingerprint Smart Lock, Electronic Horn, Voice Control, Integrated StVZO Front Headlight, Integrated ARES Rear Lights with Advanced Rear Early-indication System Boundry that Shine Onto Ground (8 LED Back 2 Light Side, Ground Effects), Plastic Fenders with Rubberized End Flaps

Other:

Locking Removable Top Tube Semi-Integrated Battery Pack, 1.8lb 42 Volt 4 Amp Battery Charger, TKm Battery Lock and Key, KMC Chain, 287lb Max Load Capacity

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

AKM100SX

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Torque:

45 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung Li-Ion, Phylion Case

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

9.8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

352.8 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

2.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

75 miles (121 km)

Display Type:

Integrated Smartbar LED Dot-Matrix Display Panel, 441 LEDs, 3.5" Diagonal Measurement

Readouts:

Current Speed, Assist Level (0 Pedal, 1 Eco, 2 Comfort, 3 Sport, T Turbo), Battery Charge Level Infographic, Voice Control Icon, Turn Indicator (Left, Right), Lock the Bike Icon, Over The Air Update Icon, Warning Icon, Turbo Mode Icon, Fingerprint Recording Icon

Display Accessories:

Button on Left for Assist Level and Turn Signal: Up, Down, Left, Right, Button on Right: Fingerprint Reader Lock, Short Press Horn, Long Press Voice Control, eSIM with 4G, Bluetooth, WiFi

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Bottom Bracket Integrated Torque Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Radar)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

This review was provided for free using a demo bike that Urtopia gave me to keep. I will be continue using the bike for a time, sharing it with my Mom on occasion, and then donating it. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Urtopia products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Urtopia electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • Urtopia launched with a single carbon fiber model that I covered 2022. I was amazed by the custom frame, two sizes, multiple color options, and unique display and light systems. The Chord and Chord X are less expensive aluminum alloy ebikes that utilize the same displays, app, and lights, but offer a more powerful motor (only in North America).
  • Unlike most of the other ebikes I review, this one does not use standard parts for the stem and handlebar. They are welded together and have a special interface for the display panel to bolt on. This means you cannot change the stem length or angle, rotate the handlebar, or swap the bar for something else. And also note that the rear light hangs down and may impact minimum saddle height, and may not be compatible with suspension seat posts.

Pros:

  • It’s rare to see an electric bicycle that is designed with such intention and beauty, seemingly from scratch. This includes the hydroformed aluminum alloy frame, custom display panel and headlight, as well as the rear light and ground lights. The pinstripes, the sparkling paint (for the white one), and even the name chord evokes beauty and elegance.
  • The price is very good, in my opinion. When you look at the two sizes and styles (medium/large high step, small/medium Chord X mid-step) and the two colorways (white and black) along with the SIM card, excellent smartphone app, upgraded eight speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and premium charger and other accessories… it really seems like a great value if the style and type of bike appeals to you.
  • The bike is quiet and efficient, although I was not able to test it with the fenders (which I believe come with the bike). It accelerates very smoothly because of the torque sensor (which also has an accelerometer and gyroscopic sensor). My demo bike had a 250 watt motor, but I believe the North America models will ship with 350 watt motors that are rated up to 45 newton meters of torque vs 35nm on mine.
  • Urtopia offers a 14 day money back guarantee, along with a two year general warranty, and free shipping in most locations. That’s pretty great for an online ebike company. Note that their instruction manuals and videos for assembly are above average, and the marketing rep was very responsive and helpful both times I reviewed their bikes.
  • They sell many accessories for the bikes, including a front rack, rear rack, you could also add bottle cages (there are two spots to mount them), along with a frame lock (cafe lock) to secure the rear wheel. The fingerprint unlock and app unlock are both pretty unique and easy to use.
  • I like the 8-speed drivetrain and grip shifter. It’s intuitive to use, and Urtopia specced a nicer derailleur that is two steps up from the base in the Shimano family. You get an 11-32 tooth cassette, and there’s an aluminum alloy chainring guard to protect pant legs, there’s also a very nice rubberized slap guard to keep the paint from getting dirty or chipped.
  • I love how the power cable for the hub motor is mounted on the left side of the frame and protected between the disc brake rotor and sliding dropout. It’s a very fancy setup and it reduces clutter compared to cheaper hub motors that have cables entering from the drivetrain side.
  • Most of the cables are internally routed through the frame, and that includes the button pad on the left side of the handlebar, the rear light that goes through the seat post, the shifter cable that goes through part of the right chainstay, and other cables that must go through the downtube and seat tube. This reduces potential damage, and looks beautiful, though it could make servicing and replacing parts a bit more difficult to setup.
  • The included charger is compact and fairly light at 1.8lbs, but very fast! It offers 4 amp output vs. just 2 amps on many others. They say it will quick charge the battery in just 2.5 hours… it almost seems like overkill to me given the fairly efficient low capacity battery pack.
  • The hydraulic disc brakes performed well and are easier and more consistent to use than mechanical disc brakes. You get basic 160mm rotors and dual piston calipers here, but they are from a name brand that I recognize called Tektro. The levers offer adjustable reach, which allows them to fit different hand sizes more comfortably.
  • Incredible integrated light design. The headlight is high up at the stem so it makes you more visible to cars and fellow cyclists. You cannot aim it, but the set aiming was really good and the light beam was bright and effective during my tests. Because it’s part of the stem and handlebar, it points where you steer. The rear light is extra wide and visible from the side. It has two separate beams that shine down onto the street and project turn arrows that blink as you signal using voice control or the left button pad.
  • This is the first electric bike I’ve ever tested with voice control, and they worked okay when stationary. Once moving, I think the wind and air noise cause it to not pick up as well. It’s an interesting idea that I’m not sure works in all scenarios.
  • A couple of tips: when updating the software from their smartphone app, if you don’t setup the fingerprint scanner you will need to click the bluetooth icon each time you approach the bike and then the unlock power button on the left (all of this is done from the center menu with the shield icon). I also found that when activating the bike, the QR code didn’t scan very easily, and clicking the manual activation just used Bluetooth and was immediate without requiring any typing! So that was nice…
  • I appreciate how the smartphone app shows precise battery percentage and offers GPS mapping. It even records your saved CO2 and past trips. It’s fairly social and includes new features over time.
  • The bike can support up to 287lbs, which is fairly good for a streamlined city electric bicycle. It’s nice that they communicate this limit proactively on their website. I’m told that they are also applying for UL 2849 certification.
  • I’m grateful that the founder, who worked for BMW and Siemens, decided to create something so special. It definite pushes the ebike space forward with some creative systems. He won IF and Red Dot awards and you can tell that the quality and attention to detail here is way above average.

Cons:

  • Since this is a direct to consumer ebike, you have to receive a large box and upack it. Assembly took a bit longer than some other electric bikes I’ve built because of the rear light and front display panel light module. It’s a bit more precise, but they included all of the necessary tools and good instructions.
  • The demo bike for this review had a chainring that I felt was a bit too large at 54 tooth. This resulted in a slow difficult feeling when starting and climbing steep hills. I was told that the production version has a smaller 50 tooth chainring, so this would address my concern. Perhaps a wider cassette would also improve the pedaling experience at low speeds, instead of 11-32 tooth it could go from 11 to 36 tooth or 42 tooth? Once the bike is going, I did use the higher gears, but not the highest one.
  • The battery capacity is just 352 watt hours, and that’s below average for what I see in todays market. I used to see a lot of 360 watt hour, but now it’s 500 or even 625+ which helps improve range, power, and run lights, bluetooth, tracking etc. all of which this ebike has. I would also like to see a USB charging port for smartphones, since this ebike does use the smartphone and has a nice app for iOS and Android.
  • The bike was heavier than I was expecting, heavier than their advertised weight of 46lbs, I measured 48.6lbs and that’s without the fenders that it is supposed to ship with. For an ebike without a suspension fork, having a small 250 watt geared hub motor and low capacity battery pack, I was expecting and hoping for low 40lb range.
  • The battery weighs about 5lbs, which could possibly be reduced if they used higher energy density cells that cost more. Also, they put it up high below the top tube while most competitors position it inside the downtube. Keeping weight low and center improves stability and handling.
  • The bike ships with one free year of ESIM activation for tracking the bike, but after that you’ll have to pay extra. I think the chip and bluetooth are on most of the time, so this could slowly drain the battery, check on it or remove the pack when not in use, and keep the battery in a cool dry environment, extreme heat and cold can be hard on it.
  • The rear light is very good with eight bright red LEDs, but the arrows that shine down onto the street can only be seen when it’s very dark (as shown in the video review above). These arrows blinked like turn signals on the Urtopia Carbon 1 model, but they are just always on for the Chord model.
  • The stem and handlebar are welded together on the demo bike, and they create a special mounting point for the special display panel. There was no way to switch to a longer or shorter or steeper stem, no way to swivel the handlebar, or replace the bar with a flat or long cruiser bar. The only real adjustment are saddle height by adjusting the seat post and saddle position by sliding it forward and back. I was told that the production bike does have an adjustable handlebar, but I’m not clear on how it works, it may be able to rotate but not be replaced.
  • The stand over height of the bike is fairly high at 32″ here, and the saddle is much higher at a minimum of roughly 38″ because of the special rear light that hangs down. I had no problem with it, being a 31.5″ inseam, but some riders might struggle, so consider the mid-step Chord X in that case but note that the seat just cannot go as low as many other bicycles and you might not be able to swap for a suspension seatpost without removing the rear light.
  • I love that they sell a front rack and rear rack, but the weight ratings are pretty low. For the rear rack, I believe it’s only 26lbs which is not enough for most child seats, and is a lot less than the standard 50 or 55lbs I see on other aftermarket racks. And unfortunately, I think you’ll have to use their rack since the interface is fairly unique.
  • There is no suspension on the bike, and the tires are meant to be inflated to higher PSI, which makes them feel harder and sometimes less comfortable. The result is an ebike that feels efficient and fast, but could vibrate more if you’re navigating bumpy terrain. I didn’t see a puncture protection rating on the tires, but I did see reflective sidewalls for safety, and the front wheel is quick release and the rear wheel has a motor quick disconnect point for easier servicing of the tube and tire.
  • Because the rear light is mounted near the top of the seat post, it could get blocked if you’re wearing a long jacket that hangs down. Please keep this in mind as the weather gets cold and your garments get longer. Thankfully, they included a secondary light that could attach lower on the seat post or seat stays to add more visibility. This light runs on two AAA batteries vs. being wired in.
  • While the display panel is large and fairly easy to understand, it offers limited readouts, cannot be swiveled to reduce glare, and did not appear to dim at night… so it’s kind of bright shining in your face. I’m not sure I love all of the chimes and songs it plays, but at least you can adjust the volume :)

Review Updated On

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