To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by VoltBike. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of VoltBike products.
VoltBike has updated their line for 2019, but in addition to that, they have added a new bike, the Outback, which we are taking a look at today. The Outback is a new full suspension model and it is somewhat similar to their mid-drive full suspension, the Enduro. This version however is hub-drive, so you save a bit of money vs the Enduro ($400-$600 depending if you are in US or Canada) and you get a little bit more throttle performance. Speaking of which, it is rare to see a throttle operated full suspension ebike, so I am glad VoltBike offers it. It comes in one frame size, weighs 61.8lbs, and is $1,699 US or $1,899 CAD. The front suspension is a spring fork with just preload clickers, but it does have 32mm thick stanchions, a little wider for the bigger wheels and should offer some stability. The rear suspension is an air suspension with some air pressure adjustment as well. The bike may bot be as light, premium, or utilitarian as some mid-drive models out there, but it definitely has comfort and that is a really big deal for a lot of riders, including myself. Not only is there comfort through the suspension but through features like these plus size tires… these are 27.5” x 3” Kenda Havok nobby tires, making for a comfortable and capable setup. I should mention, however, there is no puncture protection or reflective sidewalls here. The seat post is 30.4mm so you could even swap that out with a suspension seat post, however, with the rear suspension, you may find everything feels great already. Looking over the bike I see a lot of included extras here, like the adjustable angle riser stem, neoprene slap guard, aluminum alloy chain ring guard with a rust resistant chain, and ergonomic (non-locking) grips. The bike also has a battery integrated headlight which I really appreciate. On the other hand, the supplied rear light is an independent light that is on the cheaper side and powered by 2x AAA batteries. Honestly, the fact that it is not an integrated feature, but they decided to throw one in anyway, shows that they care about safety where as most companies wouldn’t even give you one, so I really appreciate that. This is doubled by the fact that they also throw in a free DOT approved helmet with every purchase! I do have to call out that there are no rack provisions or bottle cage bosses here though. But that might not be so bad considering the other included features, such as this adjustable length kickstand, Wellgo aluminum alloy platform pedals, integrated compass/bell, and tapered head tube for changing the fork out to something more of your liking.
Driving the Outback is this 500 watt Bafang planetary geared hub-drive motor with 9 modes of pedal assist and a twist throttle with throttle lock out via an on/off switch. It has a 12 magnet high resolution cadence sensor, which used to be kind of a premium setup, but nowadays it is considered somewhat older technology. Compared to todays top of the line systems, it tends to feel sluggish because it has this very pronounced on or off feeling, so I recommend using the throttle to ramp up your speed if you want that smoother feel. It kicks up to 20mph with no problem and stopping is nice since they also equipped it with motor inhibitors. On the mechanical side, they have a 7 speed Shimano Acera derailleur which is 3 whole steps up from the typical entry level derailleurs I usually see on value priced ebikes. I love that it has a derailleur guard too, that really helps protect these systems in the shipping process of if the bike gets knocked over. It has a 14-28 tooth on the cassette… not the best for climbing but is fine for cruising around the city. A thumb shifter is here, and I have never been a big fan of these, but I understand if you have a twist throttle attached, sometimes the thumb style shifter is the only option for the engineers to mount a shifting system. The Outback has a big win here; it features some 180mm rotor Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors! I really love the immediate stopping power and responsiveness of hydraulic brakes, so I really appreciate the setup here.
Powering the VoltBike Outback is a 48v 14.5ah lithium ion battery pack. I would consider this a high capacity battery with that 14.5ah rating. The amp hour designation refers to how long the battery can perform at its peak, while the volts act as the peak itself. With a rating such as this, it would be able to go the extra mile and then some. Overall it weighs about 7.4lbs. I love that included on the battery itself is a USB port, so you can literally remove the battery and use it as a power brick for your USB device like a phone or laptop, really a cool option and I love that it’s here. The battery is secured via lock and key and that key comes with the bike along with some tools as well. It also comes with this super fast 2.3lbs charger which charges it at 5amps. The only real negative here is that the charging port on the bike is mounted at the bottom near the crank arm, so do be careful to not let that get in the way if you are charging on the bike itself. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.
Operating the VoltBike Outback is straightforward, in fact, it’s using the exact same display system and button pad as some of the other VoltBike models. The LCD is large, backlit (if you hold the up arrow), and adjustable angle to reduce glare. It is not removable, but there does appear to be a disconnect spot for easy replacement if you experience damage at some point down the line. All of the standard readouts about current speed, battery capacity, and assist level are shown, and if you tap the power button (the little rubber button on the remote pad) it will cycle through advanced readouts like average speed and max speed. Holding down on the button pad activates walk mode, and double tapping the power button opens a menu where you can adjust the maximum speed of the bike, though you’ll need a password from VoltBike to do so. This cold be handy for people who want to ride slower for safety reasons… but you can always just arrow down on assist for less power. The real consideration is how fast the throttle will get you going, because it’s always offering up full power when pushed all the way down. I was able to reach just over 20 miles per hour in the highest assist level during my tests. I would have been happy with a 5 level assist vs. 9 because I don’t love clicking through so many levels when trying to focus on riding. At least the display is within reach and easy to learn (there are only three buttons). After a bit of practice, it’s easy to click up or down without even looking at the display for feedback. The one thing I have noticed about this particular button pad is that if you snag the buttons with fabric or somehow bump them when parking, the plastic cover can get bent up and become vulnerable to breaking off. I have only seen this once, but I have never seen the rubberized buttons get broken, so I consider it a point of consideration and extra care.
When comparing the Outback to other value priced eBikes, it stacks up quite well. As I said before, it is rare to see full suspension plus tire bikes with a throttle. It is very comfortable and a lot of fun to ride as you can see by the video review. However, there are some tradeoffs to consider. For example, there is no derailleur guard, no bottle cage bosses, no rack provisions, and the included rear light is not integrated and seems like a rather nominal offering. That beings said, the cost of the bike is very competitive at $1,699…. VoltBike has been around for years now and has established itself as a company and brand. I also love that a free helmet comes with every bike too! A big thanks to VoltBike for showing me the new warehouse and letting me get to know their current lineup.
As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the VoltBike Ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)
Pros:
- A value priced full suspension bike at $1,699 ($1,899 in Canada) and includes a throttle, high capacity battery, hydraulic brakes, and plus size tires
- Kenda Havok 27.5” x 3”, a great plus size tire with good nobby tread and capable of off roading and trail riding while feeling comfortable on the streets too
- The front suspension is a spring fork with preload clickers, has 32mm thick stanchions, while the rear suspension is an air suspension with some air pressure adjustment as well
- They have a lot of included accessories, such as integrated compass/bell, neoprene slap guard, adjustable angle riser stem, and Wellgo aluminum alloy pedals
- Comes standard with battery integrated headlight, which I love, and they even threw in a independent 2x AAA battery operated rear light for safety
- The adjustable kickstand included is mounted away from the pedals in the rear, so that eliminates pedal lock, an annoying occurrence when reversing a bike with the kickstand down that this bike doesn’t have to worry about
- 7 speed Shimano Acera derailleur which is 3 steps up from entry level, something you don’t often see on lower priced ebikes
- The 500 watt rear hub motor is responsive and I love that the throttle has a lockout if you want to turn it off and on, overall a really capable electric setup
- The 48v 14.5ah battery is a solid choice here, it really can get up and go, having it be removable with a USB attachment to charge other devices just really opens up the capabilities a whole lot more
- While it may not have a ton of utility or be as premium as some mid drive offerings, it is very responsive and comfortable, something a lot of riders like myself appreciate
- You can order the bike online and not only is it easy to assemble but it also comes with a free helmet!
Cons:
- The tires here do a wonderful job of tackling both on and off road conditions, however, there is no puncture protection or reflective sidewalls, something that is becoming more a more common feature
- Kind of a minor gripe here, but if you know me, you know that I am going to mention if a bike has bottle cage or fender bosses, unfortunately, this bike has neither
- The included independent rear light is definitely on the basic side, it runs off of 2x AAA batteries, so someone could forget to turn it off and the batteries could drain, there is not much visibility but I am glad they included something though
- The drivetrain is a bit basic with just a 14-28 tooth cassette so it would be nice to see a larger sprocket to help the more active pedaler have that range
- The charging port for the battery is near the crank arm, so do be mindful of those pedals in the way, they could get knocked around and cause problems with the wire
- 9 modes of pedal assist may be a real treat for some, but for me personally, I did not enjoy scrolling through all the many levels to get to the one I wanted
- The controls for the display have a groove in them that can catch cloth and other material, so if you are wearing gloves for example, be aware of that
- The front suspension is a spring suspension, rather than air, but I suppose you could switch that out with a fork of your choice since the head tube is tapered
Resources:
Robert Anderson
6 years agoHello again. I just commented on your Voltbike Enduro review and now you have answered my wish with the Outback review. These are the 2 bikes I have on my short list. The Voltbike site information leaves a lot to be desired for the Outback for some reason, so I have been scrambling to do research. Again you have done an excellent job, thorough and precise. I do have a question though, can you confirm whether the Outback comes with a derailleur guard? In your review in the written review portion, 3rd paragraph you say there is a guard, but in the 6th paragraph you say there isn’t. Can you also confirm it has a tapered headset? I looked up the fork listed, Zoom Vaxa, and it is not tapered, or am I missing something? Thanks again for another great and timely review. I hope Voltbike gets that you are an asset to their business.
Bob
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Bob! Awesome, I’m so glad this review helped out and I appreciate the kind words! To answer your questions, my understanding is that due to the full suspension frame design, this ebike does not have a derailleur guard. It also does not have a chain guide, just a chainring guard (the metal plate that helps your pants not touch the chain but is only on the outside vs. both sides). As far as the headset, it appears to be tapered. This is my best guess remembering back and looking at the pictures and specs I recorded. Those specs are all done by me, but I have gotten some help with editing and writing recently to speed things up, so it’s possible there were little mistakes made in the full written review. I hope this helps you out Bob, let me know which one you go for :D
ReplyVoltBike
6 years agoHi Bob, I am glad you are considering Voltbike Outback. The existing version of VoltBike Outback does not have derailleur guard. However this is something you can install after. The frame does allow mounting regular derailleur guard. For the next production cycle derailleur guard would come standard on VoltBike Outback.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoAwesome! Thanks for this feedback guys, it’s nice to know that a rear derailleur guard CAN be added after market :)
ReplyRobert
6 years agoOne more question Court. Both of these bikes list a cassette in the “bike details” section. Are they actually cassette or are they freewheel? Your help is much appreciated as I am new to researching the Voltbike brand. The people at Voltbike have been helpful too and I think they have great value and selection. I had decided on the Enduro but it is not in stock so I was taking a close look at Outback. I am going to apply to be an Ambassador once I have delivery, hence the need to get my facts straight. Thanks to Voltbike for the info on the guard too.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoGood question, Robert. I’m not actually sure. This would be good to ask VoltBike and I’d welcome your feedback once you find out. I need to get that info more in the future… sorry.
ReplyGary
6 years agoI am undecided between the volt enduro and outback, my usage will be road and trail nothing competitive and some hard sand, looking for comfort and reliability, I am 6 ft 2 and weigh 150 pounds.
thank you
Replygary
Court
6 years agoHi Gary! I enjoyed both bikes, but the full suspension is very nice if you have any knee or back sensitivity. Hardtail electric bikes can feel fairly comfortable if you add a seat post suspension or ride mostly on paved smooth sections, but your ankles and knees still take a hit when you stand up to protect your back when going off of a curb or over rough terrain. With both front and rear suspension, your entire body is protected and I love that the Outback also has a mid-drive with throttle. To me, this ebike does it all for ergonomics but you miss out on having a good rear rack or rack attachment point/fenders/bottle cage). I would probably swap the stem out and maybe get some riser or backswept handlebars for this ebike, just to make the body position more upright/relaxed :)
ReplyGary Goldberg
6 years agoAppreciate your feedback, the outback and enduro are both full suspension. Which one do you recommend for comfort trail performance and reliability? The other bike i was considering was the addmotor hithot.
thanks
gary
Tom
4 years agoWhen I ordered this bike in March, buying process and delivery were reasonably fast. It looked like a great, sturdy bike for a good price. However, after 2 months of light use, both Tektro brakes started leaking from the reservoirs at the lever, as well as from the rear caliper. My local bike shop said it is a manufacturing fault and I need to replace front and rear brake. In addition, they noticed, that the rear wheel is out of balance, but did not have time to check further. I did not have any crash or drop the bike, but have to prepare for another nasty surprise.
Voltbike service cannot be reached by phone and the email I sent more than 2 weeks ago is still not answered. Meanwhile, I found out that only the electrical parts are covered by warranty – not surprise anymore. Don’t get deceived by the looks and the price and go for a quality bike from a reputable manufacturer.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoOh man! That breaks my heart… I’m so sorry, Tom! I’ve visited these guys and feel like I know the founder. They’ve been growing and have a big building and nice employees who are supposed to check every bike by hand before shipping out. It’s what I tried to show in the video reviews. I’m so sorry that you’ve had these issues… though, the value parts just aren’t as sturdy or reliable for any brand (big or small). I wonder if COVID has played a part in all of this? Please try again, I really think that they should be reachable and should help. If you’re not able to get any resolution, you can text me and I’ll send you $100 via PayPal to help fund the fixes. My number is 650.930.0342 and my name is Court.
ReplyTom
4 years agoThanks for the offer, Court. It’s not so much about the money, then about the disappointment. I was really happy with the bike and thought your review was spot on. I had the most comfortable ride ever thanks to the fat tires, the full suspension and the great seat. Now we have best biking weather and it’s standing there, meh. My local bike shop said they are a little swamped right now and it takes about 4 days to get an appointment.
So I guess you are right regarding Covid. They are probably overwhelmed, too, but to hear nothing at all as soon as a problem comes up and learn that only electrical parts are under warranty is just a bit too much. My new brakes arrived today and I hope I’ll be back on the road soon. Will see what the shop says once they had a closer look into the rear wheel…
Tom
4 years agoHi Court, Ha, I finally got my bike back! I ordered a set of Shimano brakes online and had them installed. Bike store also did what they could about the rear wheel. Voltbike meanwhile contacted me, too. They were nice enough to cover the price of the brakes and the labour. Hopefully, this was only a hickup and I’ll be riding happily ever after :-)
Best,
ReplyTom
Court
4 years agoSweet! That’s great news, thanks for the update Tom. Enjoy the ride and chime in with any comments and feedback in the future ;)
ReplyGeorge Krastev
4 years agoHi Tom, I apologize for the delayed resolution for the issues you had with your VoltBike Outback bike. This season was indeed unusual which caused some temporary delays with answering emails and phone calls. I see that we come to solution with your bike and I am glad you are back on the road. Let me know if you need help with anything else.
ReplyTom CW
4 years agoHi Court, thanks for your review, however, unfortunately the “ultra-affordable” part only kicks in after you bought the bike. I ordered the Outback last year and had numerous problems with it.
After a few rides, the brakes leaked and had to be replaced by my local bike shop. I did not hear anything from VoltBike service until I posted a negative review. Then, at least, they reimbursed me for the brakes. After that, the rear wheel got out of balance and rubbed against the frame. Regular use of an almost new bike, not even been offroad once. My bike shop was able to fix it somewhat, so it does not touch the frame. It keeps wobbling and I hope it won’t get worse over time. Once again, no response from VoltBike.
This year, I took it out of winter storage. After a few rides, the power does not turn on anymore, even though the battery is fully charged. Needless to say: not a peep from VoltBike. Obviously, with this bike you get what you pay for: bad quality and no service.
Cheers,
ReplyTom
Court
4 years agoHmm, thanks for sharing this testimonial Tom. Sorry to hear that the bike has been delicate and support has been limited. Yes, most of the very affordable ebikes do tend to use cheaper hardware and support can be hit or miss. I have considered VoltBike to be one of the better companies for customer support, maybe not as good as Rad or Surface 604 or possibly Aventon based on if a dealer is available. In any case, that sounds frustrating, especially if you’ve been mostly on-road. Look at the bike, it’s definitely positioned as a light trail bike, I’m surprised it didn’t handle things better. I hope this is a limited issue, not impacting too many other owners, but the limited customer support or difficulty there does sound frustrating as well.
ReplyRandel
4 years agoYikes, that sounds heart breaking Tom. I just ordered two Outback’s and am now concerned about my purchase. I really hope that Voltbike comes through for you. I am wondering if I should cancel my purchase :(