Retrospec Roo Rev XL Review | This Wallaby Wants to Work

We tested the Roo Rev XL’s minimum and maximum range using the process explained above. With the bike’s 700 watt hour (Wh) battery and 750W rear hub motor, our testers rode 39.8 miles in Turbo mode and 63.2 miles in Eco.

Compared with similar cargo e-bikes we’ve tested, the bike’s Eco mode result is roughly average, while its Turbo mode result was a few miles above average. The bikes we compared it with traveled 62.9 miles in their low power test and 34.7 miles in their high power test.

The Roo Rev’s results are consistent with its battery size and its motor’s efficiency. The bikes used for comparison had larger 733 Wh batteries, on average, but used more energy (12 and 21.5 Wh/mi in their low and high PAS tests, respectively).

Retrospec’s motor used fewer watt hours per mile in comparison (11.1 and 17.6), so it was able to achieve similar or better results with its slightly smaller battery. With a wider gap between its high power test results and those of similar bikes, the results make sense.

Of course, we performed our testing with no cargo on the bike’s extended rack, so those hauling passengers or cargo should expect to travel fewer miles on a single charge. Still, we expect that the Roo Rev XL would be plenty capable for typical cargo e-bike uses, including grocery trips, family Rides to the park, or potentially even some commercial applications.

The bike is paired with a two amp charger, so its roughly 14.6 amp hour battery should take roughly 7 hours and 20 minutes to charge.

We are still in the process of building a new data set for e-bikes at the Devil’s Backbone, as we only recently made a switch from our previous test location, called Hell Hole Trail. As such, we have only a single model to compare the Roo Rev XL with.

The two bikes’ throttle times were identical, showing that Retrospec equipped and programmed its cargo bike appropriately.

In its pedal test, the Roo Rev XL was five seconds and less than a mile per hour slower, which is likely a result of its slightly less powerful motor. The e-bike used for comparison has a motor that peaks at 1310W, while the Retrospec model tops out at 1150W. Both motors produce 85 newton meters (Nm) of torque.

Historically, cargo e-bikes have been some of our best performers in this test. For perspective, the Roo Rev XL is currently tied with three other bikes for the 4th fastest time in its throttle test.

Its pedal test result was slightly less impressive, placing it in the top third when compared with all e-bikes we’ve tested at the Devil’s backbone, though its results are still on par with some of the most powerful cargo and fat tire e-bikes we have data for.

As such, it’s safe to say that the bike is well equipped and powerful enough to tackle most hills. Riders looking to clear Hills the fastest may wish to rely on the throttle, but those who choose to pedal will not find the bike lacking.

Like its sibling, the short-tail Roo Rev, The Roo Rev XL features a two-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brake system. We tested the brakes’ performance using the method above, and found the bike’s average stopping distance to be 21’4”.

For comparison, a group of similar cargo e-bikes we tested previously averaged 19’10”, however, this pool of similar models includes one outlier with an impressively low score. With the outlier removed from our dataset, the average increased to 20’6”, making the Roo Rev XL less than a foot slower than average in its braking performance.

We’re very pleased with the results.

In an uncommon twist, the Roo Rev XL’s brake system uses a 180mm front rotor and a larger 203mm rear rotor. Extra braking force provided by a larger rotor is usually reserved for the front wheel, but our contact at Retrospec shared that the design choice was intentional, with the goal of improving control and reducing brake pad wear.

Well we cannot speak to the latter, the bike felt well under control while braking without skidding or fishtailing. The Roo Rev XL stopped safely and reliably, giving us confidence in its performance when under load.

Beginning with its sizing, Retrospec offers its long-tail cargo e-bike in a single frame size. The Roo Rev XL is intended for riders between 5’5” and 6’5”, with multiple points of adjustment to tailor its fit.

For example, its dual-telescoping seatpost has an adjustable height range of 13 inches, ensuring that riders on the taller end of the spectrum can find a comfortable fit with proper leg extension. Its BMX-style handlebars can be rotated closer or further away as needed to fit the rider’s proportions and preferences.

We found the cockpit pleasantly roomy, and we liked the bike’s wide 760mm handlebars. Combined with its relatively light frame and 20×3” fat tires, the Roo Rev XL steered predictably and felt much more nimble than its size might suggest.

The Roo Rev XL’s center of gravity is kept low, which adds to its overall handling. This helps ensure that a load of cargo feels balanced and controlled, while the 3” wide tires help to keep it feeling stable while riding and cornering.

The bike could feel quite powerful when we wanted it to, but it also had an overall air of safety. We greatly appreciated the front and rear turn signals (the combination is still a relatively uncommon feature these days) and the bike’s manageable 20 mph speed limit. We were also happy to note that the Roo Rev XL and its battery are both fully UL certified.

Our few points of critique are relatively minor. In some instances, when taking corners too sharply, the bike’s dual-leg center stand occasionally struck the ground; riders should keep in mind the need to take turns relatively gradually. Additionally, while we like the style and width of the handlebars, they inevitably felt somewhat crowded by all of the included control modules.

That said, we liked the color coded nature of the display and the bike’s overall simple operation. We’ve tested an increasing number of e-bikes loaded with tons of features that result in a relatively complex user interface. It’s nice to see something without so many bells and whistles—and a much simpler learning curve—for those who just want to hop on and ride.

I mentioned previously that the Roo Rev XL could feel either relaxed or punchy depending on how much pressure was applied to the pedals. We wouldn’t mind seeing a slightly more dialed-in torque sensor with a smoother ramp up in power, instead of two relatively distinct feels in how the motor delivers power, but we appreciate the overall responsiveness and adaptability of the pedal assist system.

In summary, the Roo Rev XL felt comfortable, predictable, controlled, and very capable without seeming overly complicated. Its overall handling and active pedal experience make it suitable for more than just moving cargo or passengers; this is a bike with plenty of leisure and exercise potential, too!

Case in point: the bike’s performance was average to above average in our Speed, Brake, Range, and Hill Tests. It offers a well-balanced pedal assist system with an easy to use interface and an efficient motor and battery pairing that yields appreciable range. It also proved to be powerful enough for moving cargo, climbing hills, and safely bringing a load of gear or passengers to a stop.

In short, there isn’t much to critique about this bike. Our only complaints were minor; the kickstand could contact the ground when cornering if we weren’t careful, and the bike’s limited handlebar real estate felt somewhat crowded.

Otherwise, the Roo Rev XL is a fun, nimble, and uncomplicated e-bike suitable for everything from family outings and picking up groceries to taking a solo cruise and getting in a good workout.

If you’re looking for a cargo e-bike that’s accessible, adjustable, adaptable, and family friendly, we’re happy to recommend the Roo Rev XL based on our hands-on experience.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Retrospec Roo Rev XL down in our comments section.