A powerful, well balanced and feature-rich electric cargo bike from Yuba, it offers a wide range of accessories and mounting points for hauling gear, passengers or children
Purpose built frame with internally routed cables, inset battery mount, high-clearance motor interface and smaller rear wheel (for increased strength, torque and loading convenience)
Integrated lights stay with the bike and run off the main battery, reflective tires increase your visual footprint, large hydraulic brakes stop you quickly without requiring a lot of effort
Only available in one frame size and color but the handlebar is highly adjustable, standover height is low, seat post is extra long (for tall riders) and the color is highly visible
16.75" Seat Tube, 23.5" Reach, 25" Stand Over Height, 81" Length
Frame Types:
Mid-Step
Frame Colors:
Gloss White with Red Accents
Frame Fork Details:
Rigid Steel, 100 / 9 mm Skewer with Quick Release
Frame Rear Details:
135 / 9 mm Skewer with Nuts
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack Bosses, Front Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses
Gearing Details:
10
Speed 1x10 Shimano Deore, 11-32T Cogset
Shifter Details:
Shimano Deore Triggers on Right
Cranks:
Alloy 170 mm Crank Arms, 20T Chainring
Pedals:
VP Aluminum Alloy Platform
Headset:
VP T501TM, Semi-Integrated Ahead, 1-1/2" Diameter
Stem:
Alloy, Adjustable Angle, 100 mm Length, 7° Rise, One 20 mm Riser, Two 10 mm Risers, Two 5 mm Risers
Handlebar:
Swept Back, Alloy, 31.8 mm Diameter, 26.5" Length
Brake Details:
Shimano Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Rotors, Shimano Two-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach
Grips:
Ergonomic, Rubber, Locking
Saddle:
Velo Hybrid
Seat Post:
Aluminum Alloy
Seat Post Length:
400 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
30.9 mm
Rims:
Weinmann HL32 32 mm Width 36 Hole Front, 32 mm Width 48 Hole Reinforcement Eyelets Rear, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Silver with Nipples
Tire Brand:
Front: Schwalbe Big Apple Plus, 26" x 2.15" (55-559), Rear: Schwalbe Big Apple Plus, 20" x 2.15" (55-406)
Wheel Sizes:
26 in (66.04cm)20 in (50.8cm)
Tire Details:
Reflective Sidewall Stripe, 30 to 55 PSI, Performance Line GreenGuard
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Aluminum Alloy Fenders with Mud Flaps (63 mm Width), Adjustable Length Kickstand on Left, Integrated AXA Blueline50 Headlight (50 Lux), Integrated AXA Blueline Backlight, Alloy Vented Motor Protector Skid Plate, Deflopilator Spring Fork Stabilizer, Chain Tensioner, Optional 500 mm Extra Long Seat Post, Optional Double-Leg Kickstand ($89), Optional Bamboo Sideboards ($99), 2-Go Side Bags ($209), Optional Soft Spot ($40), Optional Mini Soft Spot ($30), Optional Bread Basket Front Rack with Liner and Net ($180), Optional Carry On Rear Rack ($99), Mini Monkey Bars ($150), Hold On Bars ($69)
Other:
Locking Removable Battery Pack, 1.7 lb 4 Amp Charger, Maximum Rider Weight 200 lbs, Maximum Load in Loading Area 300 lbs
Bosch Intuvia, Removable, Adjustable Angle, Grayscale, Backlit LCD, (Hold Reset and i for Settings Menu)
Readouts:
Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Odometer, Trip Distance, Estimated Range, Clock, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Time, Shift Assist Recommendation
Display Accessories:
Independent Button Pad with Tactile Feedback on Left, 5 Volt 500 mA Micro-USB Port on Display
Drive Mode:
Advanced Pedal Assist
(Measures Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 50% 40 Nm, Tour 120% 50 Nm, Sport 210% 60 Nm, Turbo 300% 75 Nm)
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
Yuba is a leader in the two-wheeled cargo bike space, and one of the first mainstream companies in the US that I saw experimenting with electric drive systems. It makes perfect sense because a fully loaded cargo bike can be quite heavy with groceries, lumber, children or even a second passenger! The Spicy Curry was introduced in 2016 after Yuba abandoned hub motors in favor of efficient, well balanced, mid-drives. And for 2017, they’re refining the concept by adding two addition gears to the drivetrain, in order to make pedaling more comfortable, and switching drive system providers. Rather than use TranzX, which offers a solid mid-level product, they have upgraded to Bosch. For you, this means the addition of shift sensing to reduce strain on the chain, sprockets, and derailleur… a lighter weight, more compact battery with a handle so you won’t drop it as easily… a removable display panel with integrated Micro-USB charging port and a world class two-year comprehensive warranty with a wide network of certified and trained bike dealer technicians. The past two Spicy Curry models have actually been a collaboration between Yuba and Raleigh electric, formerly Currie Technologies, who have been producing ebikes for over a decade. And please note, this review shows a pre-production model with a slightly different motor casing and chain tensioner setup, the final version will also have an adjustable angle stem.
With a base price of $4,500 and a veritable cornucopia of accessories, ranging from $30 to $209, it’s good that this electric bicycle is so capable… because in many cases, it could actually replace your automobile and associated license, insurance and gas costs. Depending on where you live, the price to fill the battery on this bike would be less than $0.10 and it will go 20+ miles per charge, up to 50 miles if the terrain is flat and smooth, you aren’t overloaded and are pedaling along more actively. And stopping won’t be an issue with the 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. These are mountain bike level parts that provide great power without the need to exert a lot of hand strength. One tip here, avoid touching the metal rotors because the oil from your hands can gunk up the brake pads and reduce effectiveness.
Powering the new Spicy Curry is a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. It’s the zippiest, highest-torque motor they offer and I usually see it on electric mountain bikes! Compared with the Active Line which offers 48 Newton meters of torque and the standard Performance Line which offers 63 Nm, the CX give you a whopping 75 Nm of torque for zippy starts and excellent climbing performance. It’s just what you need when the bike, cargo and rider (or riders) weigh more. The front portion of the bike can support ~200 lbs (rider, front basket, front child in seat) while the rear can support ~300 lbs (passenger, gears in bags, rear child seat) and that’s one of the highest combined ratings of any electric bike that I have seen at ~500 lbs… Note the smaller rear wheel which has 48 spokes vs. 36 on a lot of standard wheels. This smaller wheel brings the cargo weight down for stability but also makes it easier to lift onto the bike. And since the motor is pulling your chain and turning that smaller wheel, it isn’t having to work as hard as if it were turning a much larger heavier wheel. The only downsides here are that the derailleur and running boards can bump up against curbs if you get too close and taller riders who might be sitting on the rack, riding as a passenger, can feel a little squished due to limited leg extension. The front wheel is a standard 26″ which makes it less “twitchy” and spans cracks and gaps more smoothly. When you look at the bike from the side (like the main picture above) you can see that the motor and battery are near the center of the bike… actually a little bit forward, and this is designed to balance out the load and allow you to haul as much gear as possible without reducing traction and steering at the front. In short, the motor is great. It’s well protected from the bottom by an alloy skid plate and is angled up and mounted into the frame so that it doesn’t hang down as much as some of the older motor designs. It delivers some basic software driven shift sensing but you’ll help it to perform best by reducing your pedal force just before shifting gears so that the chain, sprocket and derailleur don’t get so much pressure on them as they move.
Powering the bike is a standard Bosch Powerpack 400 battery. It’s filled with lightweight, long-lasting, Lithium-ion cells and is charged by one of the best battery chargers I have seen in the electric bike space. The charger can connect to the battery when it’s mounted to the bike or when it’s off the bike for convenient fillups at the office or friends’ houses’. And because it puts out 4 Amps vs. 2 Amps on a lot of other chargers, it will fill the pack from empty in ~3.5 hours or about 80% from empty in just under two. The pack has an LED charge level indicator on the side to help you determine how full it is even without attaching it to the bike. It has a plastic loop handle at the top, making it easy to carry, and is relatively light at ~5.4 lbs. You can help the battery last longer by storing it in a cool, dry location at about 80% full. If you haven’t used it for a while, check the capacity by clicking the LED charge indicator on the side and fill it up to four of the five dots if it has dropped down to three, two or one. My only complaint about the battery is that you don’t get the latest Bosch Powerpack 500 standard with the Yuba Spicy Curry… Considering the heavy-duty target use and higher price of the bike, I feel like the larger battery would be both warranted and deserved. The good news is, you can purchase this high-capacity battery later and it will connect to the same mounting interface on the bike. With the charger in tow and possibly a second Powerpack 400 someday if you really need the range, you’ll do just fine. I guess I have to gripe about something! Note how low the top tube is on this bike, it lines up visually with the rear section and makes mounting and steadying at stops less difficult. This was done carefylly because they needed to leave enough space above the battery to clip it in (it pivots at the bottom and clicks at the top). I just wanted to call this out because you may find that unlocking and re-seating the battery takes some hand flexibility… and make sure that it clicks when you push it down to really be sure it’s locked in! It’s a bit tight but they were striking that balance of comfort, strength, and utility.
Activating the bike and getting setup to ride is very straightforward and uncomplicated. Once the battery is mounted and charged, just press the power button near the lower left corner of the Bosch Intuvia display panel. It flickers on very quickly compared to other systems and from here you’ll see a five-bar battery indicator, mirroring the five-LED indicator on the battery pack, along with your speed, trip stats and an assist indicator on the right. This assist chart goes from off up to eco, tour, sport and turbo. You can click up or down through these settings using the up and down arrows on the independent button pad, mounted near the left grip. This pad is easy to reach and press as you ride, even without looking down. It produces a tactile click and has a rubberized i button between the up and down arrows which serves as a reference point (both in depth and texture). This i button (which stands for information) cycles through the different trip stats on the display panel and can get you to an area called Range. I like this readout because it dynamically updates as you cycle up and down with pedal assist settings. The higher you arrow up, the lower expected range you will get. And those range stats are generated based on the last three miles of riding combined with the remaining battery capacity and assist setting. Other highlights of the display are that it’s backlit for ease of reading at night, it’s larger than some other models so you don’t need to have perfect vision to see it, it has a lights button built in to control the front and rear LED lights and it can be changed from miles to kilometers by holding reset and i for a few seconds to enter the settings menu. When you’re ready to stop riding, just press the power button again and consider taking the display off so that it won’t fade in the sunlight or get scratched at the rack.
The Yuba Spicy Curry with Bosch really is an impressive electric bike. A platform that can be used for so many activities but still handles like a bike and can fit through narrow spaces. At ~63 lbs, it’s not unreasonably heavy, and the front wheel, battery and display panel can all be quickly removed to save space or make lifting easier. I’m an avid proponent of safety features and the Spicy Curry with Bosch is painted off-white, has reflective tire stripes and integrated LED lights (with side-windows on the headlight) so you’re going to be highly visible. I realize that the video made some of the motor and chain noises seem pretty loud, and the motor is slightly louder than some competing brands, but it’s not so bad when you’re actually riding. The responsiveness and zippy feel of the motor more than makes up for the electronic whirring noise and while I would’ve liked to have seen a chain cover… the pulley wheel and full-coverage alloy fenders do a solid job of keeping the chain on track and your clothes relatively dry and clean. I test ride a lot of full suspension mountain bikes and found that the rigid Aluminum frame and steel fork were not as cushiony on the streets of Brooklyn, New York as I might have liked… but it’s important to keep the frame stiff and strong for hauling gear. The frame did not flex as much as some other e-cargo models but was still relatively easy to mount and stand over at stops (as you can see in the video review above). So the ergonomic grips, fatter tires and hybrid saddle offer a lot in the way of comfort while still preserving the utility of the bike. Big thanks to the Yuba team for partnering with me on this review, and Ben, the founder, for speaking with me via phone to answer questions before I performed this review with Chris from Propel bikes. We had a blast and I came away thoroughly impressed with Yuba’s iterative improvements and investment in the ebike space since they began tinkering with it in 2011/2012.
Pros:
Mid-drive motors bring weight towards the center of a bike which is great for cargo bikes in particular because you might have a lot of gear or even a second rider at the back
Yuba is known for making great cargo bikes and this is actually their fourth electric iteration… they started with hub motors and then made a mid-drive in 2016 but the latest Bosch powered model is the most refined and offers the most torque for hauling heavy loads and climbing hills, the Bosch CX motor delivers up to 75 Newton meters of torque
The motor and battery are mounted in such a way that they don’t stick out and lower your ground clearance or force the top tube to be extra high, notice how the downtube is actually flattened and indented to accommodate the battery pack
The rear wheel is much smaller than the front which allows it to support more weight but also lowers the back of the bike for easier loading and more stable handling (it also has more spokes and fatter spokes than normal), having a larger wheel in the front improves stability and smooths out cracks and bumps
You get integrated lights! As someone who commutes in the morning and evening at times when it can be dark out, I appreciate lights… especially when they are always on the bike and never having to be charged separately (since they run off the big ebike battery here)
I like that they went with a unisex color scheme and that it’s light because that will make the bike more visible to automobiles at night, also, the tires have reflective stripes on the side :)
Soooo many options! whether you need a sturdier kickstand, rack seating accommodations or extra large custom pannier bags and running boards, Yuba has you covered
Ergonomic grips, comfort saddle, steel fork (steel takes off some of the vibration) and larger high-quality tires improve the comfort of the ride without sacrificing frame strength or stiffness
A 10-speed Shimano drivetrain with mid-level components lets you pedal the bike easily in all sorts of situations and should stay in tune longer (the older Spicy Curry only had eight gears and used a lower level groupset)
Weighing in at ~63 lbs, this thing is ~10 lbs heavier than most standard electric bicycles… but it’s actually not too bad for a cargo electric bike and you can easily remove the battery, display and front wheel to reduce weight if you need to, I like that the battery has a loop handle at the top so you don’t drop it as easily
The tires are an upgrade, they should last longer and get fewer flats because they have Performance Line GreenGuard lining, I like that the front wheel is quick release so that it’s easy to work with if you do get a flat
Powerful 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes provide the control and stopping power needed for a larger bike with extra gear, these are what you see on mountain bikes, and the brake levers offer adjustable reach so you can bring them in if you have petite hands or are wearing gloves
The rear wheel is protected on both sides by a plastic cage piece so that bags and clothing don’t rub or snag on the tire and spokes
Great pedals, sometimes bicycle companies skimp on the pedals because they figure the rider might upgrade them or use clip-in shoes and pedals… but with a cargo bike like this, I think they chose well and that most people will keep them (they are large, stiff and offer plenty of traction)
The maximum weight capacity for this e-bike is very impressive, you can load about 200 lbs up front (like the rider plus a Yepp Maxi child seat) and up to 300 lbs in the back (children, a Yepp Mini child seat or cargo) whereas most normal ebikes can only hold up to 250 lbs total
The motor is very responsive, it measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque 1,000 times per second so even though there’s no throttle here, you get the feeling of instant support without the complexity of additional systems that could get bumped or cause distraction, the motor also senses shifting so it won’t grind the gears as much as some cheaper systems
The Bosch Intuvia display panel has a Micro-USB port built into the right edge so you can tap into the ebike battery and charge your phone or other electronic accessories…
but unfortunately it only puts out 500 milliamps vs. 1 Amp and that isn’t enough for some devices like iPhones, I think it just maintains them vs. charging
Cons:
It’s only available in one frame size and color… but the swept-back handlebar,
adjustable seat and relatively low standover height makes it approachable for short riders…
and if you’re tall, the adjustable angle stem and optional extra-long 500 mm seat post offer a comfortable fit as well
Because the rear end of the bike is lower (due to the smaller wheel) you need to be careful how close you get to curbs and other obstacles because the derailleur and running boards could scrape easier
This bike costs more than some other cargo ebike options… but you get the best most reliable drive system around (which includes shift sensing), the accessories are well made but they can add up too
It looks like you get the Bosch Powerpack 400 battery with this bike vs. the newest Powerpack 500 which offers more capacity, considering the higher price point and potential for hauling lots of gear… it would be nice to have the larger pack, but it uses the same mount so you could always buy one later to use
No chainring guard or chain cover? this might be updated but the stock photos and our demo bike were uncovered which could lead to greasy pant legs or dress bottoms and even snags, I do appreciate that at least they included sturdy alloy fenders with mud flaps
I was told that the final version of the bike will have an adjustable angle stem which is great for improving the fit and reach but can come loose over time if you ride on a lot of bumpy terrain (depending on which part they use), just keep an eye on the stem and keep it snug
A sturdy, reliable, non-flexy, front loading electric cargo bike with plenty of accessories to transport kids or even other adults, rated to haul over 330lbs. Highly visible with reflective tires and integrated LED lights, great fenders and chain protector...
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Sturdy cargo bike with add-on electric kit that struggles in some areas. Lots of great mounting points for baskets, cargo racks and a rear seat sold separately...
Good to see a review on the new version of this bike and pleased they went with the CX version of the Bosch system. I’m a bit disappointed that they still aren’t including a double kickstand in the base system, especially with the price bump. It’s honestly unsafe to load kids on without one and heavy cargo is iffy. With the intended use of this bike the double kickstand should really be standard.
I have the 2016 Spicy Curry and I will say that the single kickstand is really quite strong, a lot stronger than I would have expected. That said, the double is definitely a good idea if mounting/hauling kids. Very excited that Yuba decided to upgrade the motor to Bosch!!! Two thumbs up!!
Awesome! Glad to hear that the bike is working out for you Fiona. I agree that a double stand would be nice, but they do add weight and cost, it’s nice to know that the single side is feeling solid to you so far :)
Thank you for sharing about the Stand. Actually as pointed by Fiona the single kickstand does a very good job at balancing a load, even with a small kid installed in a seat on the back of the rack. As a reminder the kickstand is adjustable in height.
I have the opportunity to buy a 2016 at a great price and am trying to compare to the newer Bosch version. I’ve heard an issue with sliding dropouts on the 2016, has anyone reported it on the new 2017? Also how does the Bosch compare to the Currie motor?
Hi Jon! In my experience, the TranzX motor was powerful and capable but lacked shift detection and wasn’t as responsive so the drive system might tear up your chain and gearing more quickly. If price was the same, I would definitely go for Bosch… and even with a discount, I would still choose Bosch because of their solid reputation for durability and the much better ride experience. They redesigned the bike to be more balanced (like where the battery is positioned) and yes, it appears that the dropout also changed which might be a result of the issue you mentioned. It depends on how much you intend to use the bike and how mechanically inclined you are (and maybe even how you ride) but I’d say the Bosch model is going to hold up better and be well worth it in the long run. Good luck! I welcome your feedback if/when you make a decision so that others can learn… and perhaps others will chime in with feedback of their own :)
Court, I can’t seem to be able to load geometry specs for the Spicy Curry (yuba bikes website won’t load them, and their catalog PDF is essentially blank). Realistically, I’m 6’3″, 33″ inseam. Am I too tall for this cargo bike? Thanks for your work.
Hi Kovas, I do think that this ebike could work well for you, even being taller and having a longer inseam as you shared. Most cargo bikes only come in one size right now, so you’ll be dealing with a bit of fit adjustment regardless of which model you choose, and I love the Spicy Curry with Bosch because the Bosch drive systems are so responsive and reliable. The two areas to adjust with this e-bike, to make it work well for you, would be the handlebar position and seat post. You could extend the seat post almost all the way (be sure to look for the minimum insertion height stamp) and then maybe flip the stem down and use all of the risers to keep it high (effectively extending your arm reach) or maybe swap the bar entirely for one that is less swept back. Worst case scenario, you could purchase a brand new extra long stem to fit this bike and that would solve your inseam issue and give you full comfortable pedal strokes. I’d love to hear back about how this works and if you’re able to get the bike feeling comfortable :)
The yuba spicy curry review does list “commuting” as a Suggested Use. Curious why you would not suggest this bike for commuting? I notice a similar bike, the Tern GSD, does have “commuting” listed as a Suggested Use.
In part because I’m not perfect or consistent all the time with these reviews… I try my best but there are aspects that could go one way or another. I listed the Tern GSD as a possible commuter because of its smaller form factor (which could fit at racks, in elevators, near workstations a bit easier). I think that almost any ebike could work as a commuter and think that the Yuba Spicy Curry is ahead of the game here with lights and fenders. I actually commute with a full suspension mountain bike for comfort, it’s worth the trade in efficiency and I wear lights since the bike doesn’t have them. I guess I just didn’t target the Spicy Curry as a commuter as much as a cargo based on its length and I try to keep the categories somewhat limited. Thanks for sharing your feedback!
I was all sold on this bike until I read the Maximum weight limit for the driver. Two hundred pounds seems awfully low for the American market. Many other manufacturers of cargo ebikes have a driver weight limit at between 250 & 265 lbs.
I have ridden roughly 150 miles on the 2019 Spicy Curry. I’m a 6’2″ rider who is comfortable commuting in urban traffic.
Typical commute: 6.5miles of which 2.5 miles are with two daughters, weight 60lbs and 35lbs. Mostly flat profile but two 100 yard climbs with grades around 8%. Typical urban traffic congestion and roads are coarse chip asphalt to smooth asphalt.
Experience: The bike is light enough that I can pedal it with the motor off the 4.0 miles to work. The motor is strong enough (in eMTB mode) to get up the steep grades with the kids. The battery will last 3.5 round trips before needing a recharge.
Good Opinions: Reviewed several models and test rode a couple models. I felt the Yuba was superior because of its weight, wheel diameters and motor than other brands. The bike geometry provides for a stable ride even when under full load and at speeds between 15mph and 20mph. Its very comfortable and I feel secure when having to turn expectantly to get around a car blocking the intersection.
Bad Opinions: It would have been optimal to include a bar, with a diameter that matches the standard bike rack so I can hook my panier bag to it when the kids are on board. There is not a lot of storage volume with three bodies on board. The front light could be brighter.
Would I recommend: Heck yah! It’s a spicy ride! The kids love being co-pilots and even were happy when one start time temperature was 29 degrees. The price tag is steeper than other bikes but the research, test ride and subsequent experience on it made it worth it and our family continues to be a one car household.
Wow, your comment is GREAT! Thanks for breaking it down in terms of weight, range, and how your kids like the bike experience. I agree that a standard gauge pannier hanger for rear bags would be a nice touch. Consider looking at the accessories from Rad Power Bikes because I think they fit larger tubing and might work for you, specifically the Ballard Bag.
Gen
8 years agoGood to see a review on the new version of this bike and pleased they went with the CX version of the Bosch system. I’m a bit disappointed that they still aren’t including a double kickstand in the base system, especially with the price bump. It’s honestly unsafe to load kids on without one and heavy cargo is iffy. With the intended use of this bike the double kickstand should really be standard.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoI agree with you Gen, that’s a great point! Sounds like you have some experience using cargo bikes? Thanks for sharing your perspective here :)
ReplyFiona
8 years agoI have the 2016 Spicy Curry and I will say that the single kickstand is really quite strong, a lot stronger than I would have expected. That said, the double is definitely a good idea if mounting/hauling kids. Very excited that Yuba decided to upgrade the motor to Bosch!!! Two thumbs up!!
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoAwesome! Glad to hear that the bike is working out for you Fiona. I agree that a double stand would be nice, but they do add weight and cost, it’s nice to know that the single side is feeling solid to you so far :)
ReplyBenjamin Sarrazin
8 years agoThank you for sharing about the Stand. Actually as pointed by Fiona the single kickstand does a very good job at balancing a load, even with a small kid installed in a seat on the back of the rack. As a reminder the kickstand is adjustable in height.
ReplyJon Bialis
7 years agoHi!
I have the opportunity to buy a 2016 at a great price and am trying to compare to the newer Bosch version. I’ve heard an issue with sliding dropouts on the 2016, has anyone reported it on the new 2017? Also how does the Bosch compare to the Currie motor?
thanks!!
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Jon! In my experience, the TranzX motor was powerful and capable but lacked shift detection and wasn’t as responsive so the drive system might tear up your chain and gearing more quickly. If price was the same, I would definitely go for Bosch… and even with a discount, I would still choose Bosch because of their solid reputation for durability and the much better ride experience. They redesigned the bike to be more balanced (like where the battery is positioned) and yes, it appears that the dropout also changed which might be a result of the issue you mentioned. It depends on how much you intend to use the bike and how mechanically inclined you are (and maybe even how you ride) but I’d say the Bosch model is going to hold up better and be well worth it in the long run. Good luck! I welcome your feedback if/when you make a decision so that others can learn… and perhaps others will chime in with feedback of their own :)
ReplyJon Bialis
7 years agoThanks for the quick and detailed reply!
Kovas
7 years agoCourt, I can’t seem to be able to load geometry specs for the Spicy Curry (yuba bikes website won’t load them, and their catalog PDF is essentially blank). Realistically, I’m 6’3″, 33″ inseam. Am I too tall for this cargo bike? Thanks for your work.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Kovas, I do think that this ebike could work well for you, even being taller and having a longer inseam as you shared. Most cargo bikes only come in one size right now, so you’ll be dealing with a bit of fit adjustment regardless of which model you choose, and I love the Spicy Curry with Bosch because the Bosch drive systems are so responsive and reliable. The two areas to adjust with this e-bike, to make it work well for you, would be the handlebar position and seat post. You could extend the seat post almost all the way (be sure to look for the minimum insertion height stamp) and then maybe flip the stem down and use all of the risers to keep it high (effectively extending your arm reach) or maybe swap the bar entirely for one that is less swept back. Worst case scenario, you could purchase a brand new extra long stem to fit this bike and that would solve your inseam issue and give you full comfortable pedal strokes. I’d love to hear back about how this works and if you’re able to get the bike feeling comfortable :)
ReplyJon
6 years agoThe yuba spicy curry review does list “commuting” as a Suggested Use. Curious why you would not suggest this bike for commuting? I notice a similar bike, the Tern GSD, does have “commuting” listed as a Suggested Use.
Replycourt
6 years agoIn part because I’m not perfect or consistent all the time with these reviews… I try my best but there are aspects that could go one way or another. I listed the Tern GSD as a possible commuter because of its smaller form factor (which could fit at racks, in elevators, near workstations a bit easier). I think that almost any ebike could work as a commuter and think that the Yuba Spicy Curry is ahead of the game here with lights and fenders. I actually commute with a full suspension mountain bike for comfort, it’s worth the trade in efficiency and I wear lights since the bike doesn’t have them. I guess I just didn’t target the Spicy Curry as a commuter as much as a cargo based on its length and I try to keep the categories somewhat limited. Thanks for sharing your feedback!
ReplyJon
6 years agoMakes sense! Thanks for the reply.
George
5 years agoI was all sold on this bike until I read the Maximum weight limit for the driver. Two hundred pounds seems awfully low for the American market. Many other manufacturers of cargo ebikes have a driver weight limit at between 250 & 265 lbs.
ReplyGeorge
5 years agoI have ridden roughly 150 miles on the 2019 Spicy Curry. I’m a 6’2″ rider who is comfortable commuting in urban traffic.
Typical commute: 6.5miles of which 2.5 miles are with two daughters, weight 60lbs and 35lbs. Mostly flat profile but two 100 yard climbs with grades around 8%. Typical urban traffic congestion and roads are coarse chip asphalt to smooth asphalt.
Experience: The bike is light enough that I can pedal it with the motor off the 4.0 miles to work. The motor is strong enough (in eMTB mode) to get up the steep grades with the kids. The battery will last 3.5 round trips before needing a recharge.
Good Opinions: Reviewed several models and test rode a couple models. I felt the Yuba was superior because of its weight, wheel diameters and motor than other brands. The bike geometry provides for a stable ride even when under full load and at speeds between 15mph and 20mph. Its very comfortable and I feel secure when having to turn expectantly to get around a car blocking the intersection.
Bad Opinions: It would have been optimal to include a bar, with a diameter that matches the standard bike rack so I can hook my panier bag to it when the kids are on board. There is not a lot of storage volume with three bodies on board. The front light could be brighter.
Would I recommend: Heck yah! It’s a spicy ride! The kids love being co-pilots and even were happy when one start time temperature was 29 degrees. The price tag is steeper than other bikes but the research, test ride and subsequent experience on it made it worth it and our family continues to be a one car household.
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5 years agoWow, your comment is GREAT! Thanks for breaking it down in terms of weight, range, and how your kids like the bike experience. I agree that a standard gauge pannier hanger for rear bags would be a nice touch. Consider looking at the accessories from Rad Power Bikes because I think they fit larger tubing and might work for you, specifically the Ballard Bag.
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