The Marin Alpine Trail E2 is a gravity bikeand a good one at that. The bags are cavernous and have multiple ways to fit awkward loads. Smooth assist, light weight, and great brakes at an impressive price. E-bikes have an important role in transportation and recreation by decreasing our reliance on cars and making bike riding accessible to more people. Trek believes there is a group of riders who want an e-mountain bike but dont like the feel, handling, or weight of the many bikes which are designed for aggressive trail and enduro riders. Relative to the wider tires we usually see on urban e-commuters, the Gazelles 1.75-inch Schwalbe Energizer Plus tireswhich are smoother down the center and grippier on the sidesare fairly narrow. We thoroughly enjoyed riding this bike in a variety of environments, from city streets and suburban neighborhoods to paved and crushed-gravel rail trails. The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL carbon e-road bike weighs around 27 poundshalf the weight of many e-bikesand therefore feels more like a zippy, responsive road machine than anything else weve tested. Prices constantly change and its impossible to compare them all yourself. The button layout is intuitive, and setting your desired level of assistance is as straightforward as shifting gears on a conventional bike. By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of cookies. A stalwart brand delivers with stability and panacheand decent value. Shimanos latest e-bike motor is one of the best: lighter than many, relatively quiet, powerful, and efficient, with excellent power profiles (Trail mode is particularly impressive). eBikeTips Editorial and general enquiries: info@ebiketips.co.uk, Advertising and commercial: sales@ebiketips.co.uk CLASS Every e-bike falls into one of three classes. Marin Sausalito E2. The Ribble Hybrid Al e is also worth a mention if youre after a commuter hybrid although its important to note that while its a few hundred quid cheaper at 2,199, this is in large part because it sports a hub motor teamed with a 250Wh battery. Were confident one of these e-bikes will fit your needs. Weight: 49.7 lb. Both the E1 and E2 are specced with large 180mm disc brake rotors. Owners say they are able to ride their Sausalito uphill, without the battery. In our time with the Sausalito, the only significant shortcoming we found was with the Suntour NVX-E suspension fork, as it would harshly top out on even a medium-sized bump. Then we have to break down just enough to fit in the shipping box. The cargo box, which has a hauling capacity of 220 pounds, has a drop-down door to make loading and unloading groceries easy, and a forward-facing seat that fits two kids side by side. Even in Turbo mode, which on some bikes can be a bit jerky at low speeds, I found the power delivery to be smooth. With only 40Nm of torque, the E1 can struggle on steeper hills. One reviewer says the E2s Suntour NVX-E suspension fork bottoms out easily. We have read all expert and user reviews on the Marin Sausalito. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Brake Cable Kits for DIY Maintenance, The 7 Best Bottom Brackets for Upgrading Your Ride, Best Bike Fenders to Keep You and Your Ride Clean, 8 Best Bike Stems for Upgrading Your Ride, Save Big on Rainy-Day Cycling Gear at Amazon Now. On slightly off-camber sections of road, I found that countering my weight helped keep the bike planted. One of the hydraulic lines had not been attached properly, so when I pressed the lever fluid just dripped out. Bikebling.com has turned a 1950's era ten thousand sq. Handling is outstanding, largely thanks to wide, low-rise handlebars. This button also turns on the bikes head and taillights (if it has them) and initiates Bluetooth pairing. The 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost isnt a cheater bike for group rides, and its not for loaded backcountry camping adventures. With it, you can set your desired cadence using a handlebar-mounted remote, and the hub automatically adjusts to keep you at that selected cadence. Despite its top speed, the 70-pound bike is heavy enough that it doesnt feel particularly zippy (especially with a load), though it does trundle up to speed eventually. Pushing this brute around is Shimanos excellent EP8 motor, which provides plenty of torque when called upon. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. I found the battery to be more than adequate, with a very impressive range despite me using it for some very steep hills and generally in the highest assistance level. You will only have to install the seat post, front wheel and fasten stem over the steer tube of the fork. On most e-bikes the pedals tend to act less like pedals and more like an accelerator, but with Shimanos system, it just makes you feel like youre on a really good day without much effort. The aluminum-framed Gazelle Ultimate is powered by a Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor (with 75Nm of torque) and has a 500Wh battery that lasts up to 55 miles on one charge (25 miles on turbo). The bike puts you in an endurance riding positionnot race low, and not touring highand the long wheelbase and chainstays create a stable platform thats ideal for all-day rides over mixed terrain. When you pedal hard, the software tells the motor to give you more assistance. It zips along smoothly, and the motor has just the right amount of torque to get you moving without feeling uncontrolled. If you find a lower price, email us at [emailprotected] with documentation of the price. Thats enough speed and range for spirited group rides with the fastest of the pack. I could recharge it from empty to 100% in around four hours and the indicator lights on the battery helped to give an indication of the charge level, which is always a welcome touch. Weight: 51.1 LB / Class: 3 / Maximum Torque: 85Nm / Battery Size: 500Wh. Low weight makes it easier to live withparticularly if you reside in a walk-up or have to maneuver tight parking garagesand simply makes it feel more like a traditional bike. The motor and battery are one unit, which riders can remove if theyd like to ride the E-Caliber like a traditional XC bike. The heavier the bike, the more torque it needs. The Prologs low weight is due, in part, to the smaller battery and Mahle X35 motor, as well as the generous use of carbon fiberthe frame and fork, fenders, seatpost, and one-piece bar/stem system are all made of it. Providing the Level's muscle is a rear hub motor, which Aventon claims puts out 500 Watts of sustained, and 750 Watts at peak power. Its a large-capacity electric cargo bike designed to haul kids, move dogs, deliver pizzas, carry groceries, and transport anything else you can dream upwith a little help from e-power.D. This LeMond is two-and-a-half times lighter than the other city e-bike I have in my possession: a 70-pound Stromer ST3. The $8,999 R14 comes with two 500Wh batteries and a Rohloff E-14 hub that lets you skip through three gears at once. Weight: 28 LB / Class: 1 / Maximum Torque: 40Nm / Battery Size: 250Wh. Thanks to the upright riding position and suspension (as minimal as it is), I felt like I was hovering over the road, and I appreciated the powerful Shimano brakes in heavy city traffic (production bikes will have Tektro hydraulic brakes). If a class-3 e-bike has a throttle, the throttle assist cant exceed 20 mph. Other features we love include the stubby 45mm stem and 740mm-wide handlebar that provided a fun feel and upright riding position while also giving a nod to Marins roots as a mountain bike brand. Marin Sausalito E2 Urban E-Bike: The power to move through the urban landscape cleanly and efficiently is now as simple as pedaling. As a class-3 e-bike, the Level comes out of the box with a max pedal-assisted speed of 28mph. Other e-bikes are certainly lower priceda Canyon Spectral:ON 9 with a similar build is $4,500 lessbut when it comes to putting a smile on your face, and having the best e-ride possible, it doesnt get much better than the new Turbo Levo.M.P. A Shimano BT6010 418Wh battery supplies at least 51 miles of range. Overall, the handling offers no surprises. At 5-foot-4, I found the step-through version to be easier to get on and off and to put a foot down at stop signs or when traffic got sketchy. Weight: 46.1 LB (XL) / Class: 1 / Maximum Torque: 60Nm / Battery Size: 418Wh. The Sausalito E1 is an impressive bike, but it has competition too. On the E2, a Shimano STEPS E6100 motor supplies 60Nm of torque. Series 3 Butted and Formed 6061 Aluminum, 650B Wheel, Forged Motor Mount, Hydroformed Downtube Battery Mount, Integrated Wiring, Internal Housing, Kickstand, Rack, and Fender Mounts, SR Suntour NVX-E, 63mm Travel, Disc Specific, Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. 
Best way to buy it: Sign up on Specializeds site to be notified when its back in stock, or find it through a local dealer or retailer. The hub motor has regenerative braking, which converts your kinetic energy to electrical energy and feeds it back into the battery. Specializeds third-generation Levo Pro is the benchmark trail e-bike. Weight: 35.4 LB (L) / Class: 1 / Maximum Torque: 55Nm / Battery Size: 250Wh. Thats perhaps more geared towards off-road riding though and is fitted with a Bosch mid-motor. The Adventure Neo 3 e-commuter falls somewhere between a traditional townie and a larger cargo model. The 27.5 x 1.95-inch-wide Kenda Kontact tires are slightly narrower than the 2-inch or wider tires we typically see on commuter e-bikes, but they were wide enough to feel speedy and provide comfort on pavement and bumpy bike paths. TORQUE Measured in newton-meters (or Nm), torque is a rotational measurement of forceand the number to pay attention to when you want an idea of an e-bike motors output. 1450 Technology Lane, Suite 100, Petaluma, CA 94954 I tended to use the bike for my 8.5 mile commute to and from work, so each day it would do around 17 miles. All of this makes for a unique riding experience that should appeal to folks looking to get in more trail miles instead of shuttle runs.Dan Chabanov, Weight: 26.4 LB (M) / Class: 1 / Maximum Torque: 40Nm / Battery Size: 250Wh. The mid-drive Bosch Active Line motor is nearly silent, and the PowerTube battery is neatly integrated into the alloy step-through frame. Although you dont get the instant acceleration, it feels natural and more like youre cycling rather than just travelling. As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicyclings product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). The Cairn offers just enough assist to take the edge offyoull sweat and youll get a workout, but youll go farther or up a steeper climb with a lot less hurt. Weight: 49.4 LB (Mid-step) / Class: 2 / Maximum Torque: 50Nm / Battery Size: 504Wh. Unlike the motors found on most class-3 e-bikes, the Mahle will not treat you with a cheat mode: You still need to breathe hard and get sweaty. This means that you can hit almost anything and youll be comfortable. It can haul a lot132 pounds on the back, 10 pounds in the frontand with the optional dual battery, it has a maximum range of about 100 miles, making it camping- and touring-friendly. The E2 is capable over a variety of surfaces, including pavement and gravel. With the battery at 100% I could get to work and back three times without needing to charge so at least 51 miles. The Neomouv Adonis 2 (2,36) is another mid-drive option this time a Neoassist and comes with a 522Wh battery. Lighter bikes are easier to live with. The simple handlebar display lets you know your speed and remaining battery life, in addition to various other metrics. Similarly, the 650b x 47 WTB Horizon tires, Shimano Deore wide-range 11-speed drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors added to the mountain bike aesthetic, while proving to be super practical in everyday use. It has a coil-over shock, a Fox 38 fork, and a 63-degree head angle. But that doesnt mean you cant make yours more utilitarian: Rad Power sells a slew of accessories, including front and rear racks, fenders, bags, a kickstandand the RadMission has plenty of mounts to attach them all. Its a nice idea, but we doubt many riders are going to want to ride a 28-pound XC bike with racy handling and limited travel. For $999 you get a stripped-down single-speed that moves along at 20 mph with a throttle to help you get up to speed or to the top of punchy hills. Though mid-motors are usually known for their power, the Evation puts out a relatively tame 55Nm of torque (Bosch, Specialized, and Shimano mid-motors put out 85Nm or more) with low peak watts (250 in stock tuneother mid-motors generate 500 or more). Its ideal for getting to the top of a fire-road climb, but it felt a bit overwhelming on tight and twisty singletrack, which is where River mode shines. With super-quiet operation, 40Nm of torque, and a 20mph-assist cutoff, the Subito provides a more subtle experience than you get with a high-torque, class-3 e-bike. 1996 - 2022 bikeride.com Elite CafeMedia Publisher. A Shimano XT rear derailleur moves the bike through its 10 gears to provide you with all you need to zip uphill and fly on flats at a steady cadence. Were committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling! The 418Wh battery is affixed to the down tube and can be removed easily for charging. The Marin Sausalito E1 is a fantastic commuter e-bike that offers the most natural electric-assist of any e-bike Ive tested combined with fantastic range. With the prevalence of Shimano throughout plus the quality of the build, this is the exact bracket I would expect. The Fazua Evation motor is new for Trek, which has long used Boschs motors in its e-mountain bikes. One rider reports 37mi of riding on the highest assist level, with battery to spare. Its a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. The last four miles of the 17 are generally all uphill too, which gives a good test outside of a simple flat run. Electric bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores. Due to tire choice, the E1 rides on gravel comfortably without suspension. Adding to the RadMissions visually clean, simplistic approach is a Rad Powerbranded hub motor drive unit that delivers 50Nm of torque, and a 504Wh battery. Add a throttle, and a class-1 e-bike becomes a class-2. In fact, it is, so far, one of the lightest e-bikes to be tested by Bicycling. The standard and step-through versions of Sausalito feature a Series 3 aluminum frame with butted tubes and robust forgings, specifically designed to house the drive unit and removable battery, as well as mount a variety of commute accessories directly to the frame. Series 3 Butted and Formed 6061 Aluminum, 650B Wheel, Forged Motor Mount, Hydroformed Downtube Battery Mount, Integrated Wiring, Internal Housing, Kickstand, Rack, and Fender Mounts, SR Suntour NVX-E, 63mm Travel, Disc Specific, Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific. Join Bicycling All Access for in-depth bike reviews. The 2021 Spectral:ON gets a major upgrade with Shimanos new EP8 motor, a bigger 630Wh battery, and 85Nm of torque. A Fazua mobile app allows users to edit the default assist modes and even create their own custom modes. Its traffic-ready, too: The rear light blinks brighter when you hit the brakes, its horn is loud enough to cut through pedestrians earphones, and the TRP brakes are appropriately powerful for stopping a 70-pound bike traveling at 30mph. Once the brake lines had been fixed the Shimano MT201 callipers worked well, the 180mm rotors giving you plenty of reliable and predictable stopping power without any hint of the grabbiness that you can sometimes find. It has fender mounts, rack mounts, dynamo routing, and three-pack mounts on each fork leg for attaching extra water bottle cages, cargo cages, or Cairns Range Extension Pack that lets you carry an extra battery for longer rides. And if you forget your PIN code, Stromer can unlock your bike for you. One final thought. It goes without saying that the Coupe does not have the best turning radius. However, I found it was best to slow down when riding with the box empty, especially when navigating downhill corners, where its easy to get carried away and get the bike up on two wheels or even tip it over. A class-3 e-bikes pedal assist tops out at 28 mph. So figure, if a 504Wh battery paired with a 500-watt motor gives you one hour of ride time at the highest assist, riding at about half that power will double your range. Cruising on the Neo is a relaxing experience. That makes the Prolog so much more convenient to carry up steps, hang on a hook to save space, or just maneuver tight spaces when its time to lock it up. The EQ in the bikes name stands for equipped, and this bike comes with lights, fenders, and a rear rack designed to haul panniers or a lighter load strapped to the top. Of course, you cant take full advantage of a great motor if you dont start with a great-riding bike. The Spectral:ON runs two different-size wheelsa smaller 27.5-inch in the rear and a 29er upfrontto grant the bike some of the shortest chainstays around (435mm). With a Shimano STEPS E6100 motor system, the E2 is seen as a good value. The belt-driven motor, which gets a new, more durable belt than the previous generation, is, by my ear, the quietest and smoothest on the marketwithout vibrations or lash pulsing through the frame. The Shimano STEPS E6100 system that its built around is hard to beat and combining it with the Shimano Deore groupset means that it is reliable too. Theres the Load above, and now the Multicharger, a mid-tail wnderbike. The smaller, 27.5-inch wheel in the rear helped Marin achieve the bikes 435mm chainstay lengthone of the shortest rear ends youll find on an e-mountain bike (the Specialized Levo in this issue has 442mm stays).
Best way to buy it: Sign up on Specializeds site to be notified when its back in stock, or find it through a local dealer or retailer. The hub motor has regenerative braking, which converts your kinetic energy to electrical energy and feeds it back into the battery. Specializeds third-generation Levo Pro is the benchmark trail e-bike. Weight: 35.4 LB (L) / Class: 1 / Maximum Torque: 55Nm / Battery Size: 250Wh. Thats perhaps more geared towards off-road riding though and is fitted with a Bosch mid-motor. The Adventure Neo 3 e-commuter falls somewhere between a traditional townie and a larger cargo model. The 27.5 x 1.95-inch-wide Kenda Kontact tires are slightly narrower than the 2-inch or wider tires we typically see on commuter e-bikes, but they were wide enough to feel speedy and provide comfort on pavement and bumpy bike paths. TORQUE Measured in newton-meters (or Nm), torque is a rotational measurement of forceand the number to pay attention to when you want an idea of an e-bike motors output. 1450 Technology Lane, Suite 100, Petaluma, CA 94954 I tended to use the bike for my 8.5 mile commute to and from work, so each day it would do around 17 miles. All of this makes for a unique riding experience that should appeal to folks looking to get in more trail miles instead of shuttle runs.Dan Chabanov, Weight: 26.4 LB (M) / Class: 1 / Maximum Torque: 40Nm / Battery Size: 250Wh. The mid-drive Bosch Active Line motor is nearly silent, and the PowerTube battery is neatly integrated into the alloy step-through frame. Although you dont get the instant acceleration, it feels natural and more like youre cycling rather than just travelling. As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicyclings product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). The Cairn offers just enough assist to take the edge offyoull sweat and youll get a workout, but youll go farther or up a steeper climb with a lot less hurt. Weight: 49.4 LB (Mid-step) / Class: 2 / Maximum Torque: 50Nm / Battery Size: 504Wh. Unlike the motors found on most class-3 e-bikes, the Mahle will not treat you with a cheat mode: You still need to breathe hard and get sweaty. This means that you can hit almost anything and youll be comfortable. It can haul a lot132 pounds on the back, 10 pounds in the frontand with the optional dual battery, it has a maximum range of about 100 miles, making it camping- and touring-friendly. The E2 is capable over a variety of surfaces, including pavement and gravel. With the battery at 100% I could get to work and back three times without needing to charge so at least 51 miles. The Neomouv Adonis 2 (2,36) is another mid-drive option this time a Neoassist and comes with a 522Wh battery. Lighter bikes are easier to live with. The simple handlebar display lets you know your speed and remaining battery life, in addition to various other metrics. Similarly, the 650b x 47 WTB Horizon tires, Shimano Deore wide-range 11-speed drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors added to the mountain bike aesthetic, while proving to be super practical in everyday use. It has a coil-over shock, a Fox 38 fork, and a 63-degree head angle. But that doesnt mean you cant make yours more utilitarian: Rad Power sells a slew of accessories, including front and rear racks, fenders, bags, a kickstandand the RadMission has plenty of mounts to attach them all. Its a nice idea, but we doubt many riders are going to want to ride a 28-pound XC bike with racy handling and limited travel. For $999 you get a stripped-down single-speed that moves along at 20 mph with a throttle to help you get up to speed or to the top of punchy hills. Though mid-motors are usually known for their power, the Evation puts out a relatively tame 55Nm of torque (Bosch, Specialized, and Shimano mid-motors put out 85Nm or more) with low peak watts (250 in stock tuneother mid-motors generate 500 or more). Its ideal for getting to the top of a fire-road climb, but it felt a bit overwhelming on tight and twisty singletrack, which is where River mode shines. With super-quiet operation, 40Nm of torque, and a 20mph-assist cutoff, the Subito provides a more subtle experience than you get with a high-torque, class-3 e-bike. 1996 - 2022 bikeride.com Elite CafeMedia Publisher. A Shimano XT rear derailleur moves the bike through its 10 gears to provide you with all you need to zip uphill and fly on flats at a steady cadence. Were committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling! The 418Wh battery is affixed to the down tube and can be removed easily for charging. The Marin Sausalito E1 is a fantastic commuter e-bike that offers the most natural electric-assist of any e-bike Ive tested combined with fantastic range. With the prevalence of Shimano throughout plus the quality of the build, this is the exact bracket I would expect. The Fazua Evation motor is new for Trek, which has long used Boschs motors in its e-mountain bikes. One rider reports 37mi of riding on the highest assist level, with battery to spare. Its a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. The last four miles of the 17 are generally all uphill too, which gives a good test outside of a simple flat run. Electric bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores. Due to tire choice, the E1 rides on gravel comfortably without suspension. Adding to the RadMissions visually clean, simplistic approach is a Rad Powerbranded hub motor drive unit that delivers 50Nm of torque, and a 504Wh battery. Add a throttle, and a class-1 e-bike becomes a class-2. In fact, it is, so far, one of the lightest e-bikes to be tested by Bicycling. The standard and step-through versions of Sausalito feature a Series 3 aluminum frame with butted tubes and robust forgings, specifically designed to house the drive unit and removable battery, as well as mount a variety of commute accessories directly to the frame. Series 3 Butted and Formed 6061 Aluminum, 650B Wheel, Forged Motor Mount, Hydroformed Downtube Battery Mount, Integrated Wiring, Internal Housing, Kickstand, Rack, and Fender Mounts, SR Suntour NVX-E, 63mm Travel, Disc Specific, Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific. Join Bicycling All Access for in-depth bike reviews. The 2021 Spectral:ON gets a major upgrade with Shimanos new EP8 motor, a bigger 630Wh battery, and 85Nm of torque. A Fazua mobile app allows users to edit the default assist modes and even create their own custom modes. Its traffic-ready, too: The rear light blinks brighter when you hit the brakes, its horn is loud enough to cut through pedestrians earphones, and the TRP brakes are appropriately powerful for stopping a 70-pound bike traveling at 30mph. Once the brake lines had been fixed the Shimano MT201 callipers worked well, the 180mm rotors giving you plenty of reliable and predictable stopping power without any hint of the grabbiness that you can sometimes find. It has fender mounts, rack mounts, dynamo routing, and three-pack mounts on each fork leg for attaching extra water bottle cages, cargo cages, or Cairns Range Extension Pack that lets you carry an extra battery for longer rides. And if you forget your PIN code, Stromer can unlock your bike for you. One final thought. It goes without saying that the Coupe does not have the best turning radius. However, I found it was best to slow down when riding with the box empty, especially when navigating downhill corners, where its easy to get carried away and get the bike up on two wheels or even tip it over. A class-3 e-bikes pedal assist tops out at 28 mph. So figure, if a 504Wh battery paired with a 500-watt motor gives you one hour of ride time at the highest assist, riding at about half that power will double your range. Cruising on the Neo is a relaxing experience. That makes the Prolog so much more convenient to carry up steps, hang on a hook to save space, or just maneuver tight spaces when its time to lock it up. The EQ in the bikes name stands for equipped, and this bike comes with lights, fenders, and a rear rack designed to haul panniers or a lighter load strapped to the top. Of course, you cant take full advantage of a great motor if you dont start with a great-riding bike. The Spectral:ON runs two different-size wheelsa smaller 27.5-inch in the rear and a 29er upfrontto grant the bike some of the shortest chainstays around (435mm). With a Shimano STEPS E6100 motor system, the E2 is seen as a good value. The belt-driven motor, which gets a new, more durable belt than the previous generation, is, by my ear, the quietest and smoothest on the marketwithout vibrations or lash pulsing through the frame. The Shimano STEPS E6100 system that its built around is hard to beat and combining it with the Shimano Deore groupset means that it is reliable too. Theres the Load above, and now the Multicharger, a mid-tail wnderbike. The smaller, 27.5-inch wheel in the rear helped Marin achieve the bikes 435mm chainstay lengthone of the shortest rear ends youll find on an e-mountain bike (the Specialized Levo in this issue has 442mm stays).