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Griffin Hales

NYC To Lower E-Bike Speeds, Specialized Globe Haul Recall, Vanmoof Launches New Rides | TWR Ep 35

Plus, can you carry folded e-bikes on a hitch rack, Canadian versions of US e-bikes, E-Bikes for somebody 6’5” & More!

It was a busy week in the world of e-bike news. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan to lower the city’s e-bike speed limit to 15 mph, citing safety concerns. In other safety-related news, Specialized issued a recall on more than 11,000 Globe Haul ST and LT models due to a faulty seatpost that could break during use. Meanwhile, VanMoof revealed its latest models: the S6 and the mid-step S6 Open.

John and Griffin also tackled a range of audience questions this week, including recommendations for tall riders, whether folding an e-bike to fit it on a basket-style hitch rack is a good idea, and how U.S. and Canadian e-bike regulations—and motors—differ.

To wrap things up, John takes us on a scenic ride along a 100-mile trail stretching through Oregon and California.

Saris Edge Hitch Rack Review | E-Bike Carrying Made Easy?

The Edge has a high weight capacity, is easy to operate, and looks sharp. It’s a great all-around hitch rack that works well with many different bike types.

The Saris Edge checks many of the boxes riders want in a modern e-bike rack: simplicity, reliability, and heavy-duty, “no-sweat” construction to handle the extra weight that motors and batteries bring.

The Edge can largely be operated with one hand, making it easier to wrangle your bike while opening the rack and prepping it for transport. The front tire drops securely into place, and the spring-loaded hook arm quickly fastens over the tire, freeing you up to strap down the rear wheel against—or on top of—the chock.

Once your bikes are loaded, there’s little worry about them going anywhere. The Edge is built solidly and manages to look clean and modern rather than purely utilitarian—so it’s not an eyesore when resting on your hitch.

The rack fits a wide range of bikes, has plenty of space between each tray, and with generous wheelbase compatibility and support for various tire sizes that cover nearly all adult bikes. It can even accommodate some fendered models, as long as the fenders aren’t full-length. And since the rack makes no contact with the frame, it’s friendly for carbon, aluminum, or even bamboo frames (hey, ride what you ride).

What are the downsides? Not many. Most are simple tradeoffs. You get great spacing between bikes and plenty of clearance from your vehicle—but say goodbye to your backup camera in the process.

All in all, the Saris Edge is a solid, versatile rack that fits a wide range of vehicles and bike styles.

Lectric XPeak 2.0 Review | The Fat Tire Value King?

The XPeak 2.0 has an impressive blend of performance and versatility; the value of the ride is hard to match.

Fat tire e-bikes are coveted for their power and versatility. Their wide tires make for comfortable riding on paved roads and add a bit of a wild side, as the chunkier tread pattern and broader surface area help you navigate rough or loose terrain without sliding around or losing control.

Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 delivers all the hallmarks of a good fat-tire bike but manages to put its own unique spin on the experience while also offering better features than you’d expect at its price point.

The motor experience is a standout. The XPeak 2.0 has plenty of power, but its unique delivery, thanks to the brand’s in-house torque sensor, is what truly sets it apart. Even a light turn of the cranks moves you along with ease, but the bike rewards harder pedaling with more power. It creates a relaxed, natural ride feel even at low power levels, making this 80+ pound bike surprisingly easy to maneuver.

Many of the 2.0’s upgrades improved its handling. The XPeak’s frame feels stiff and superbly confidence-inspiring, while its drivetrain, handlebars, and tires work together to help you climb hills, navigate turns, and ride comfortably. The brakes offer better value and performance than before, and nice quality-of-life improvements like a sharper aesthetic and a color display are much appreciated.

The XPeak 2.0 handles both paved and unpaved roads well, making it a reliable choice for daily commuting or exploring.

When you stack its spec sheet against the competition, anything that matches it spec-for-spec typically costs hundreds more, making the XPeak 2.0’s value hard to ignore.

Its shortcomings are typical for such an affordable ride: sizing covers most riders but is somewhat limited, and while other Lectric models offer color options, this one locks you into either white or black (depending on whether you choose the step-thru or high-step model).

Even so, these minor drawbacks don’t take away from what the XPeak 2.0 offers. It’s fun to ride, loaded with features, priced lower than most competitors, and performed great throughout our testing. For all the details, see the full testing breakdown below.

Innovations at Bentonville Bike Fest, New Turbo Levo Alloy, Revel Bikes is Back | TWR Ep 33

Plus The Fat Tire E-Bike With The Best Torque Sensor, Sporty Rides For Bigger Riders, E-Bike Vs E-Moped & More!

This week’s e-bike news brings a wave of new releases and one welcome comeback story. At the Bentonville Bike Fest, several notable brands showed off their latest gear, but what stood out were the displays from newer and emerging companies. Many brought fresh innovations, whether in bikes, components, or supporting infrastructure.

Specialized has already launched the Gen 4 Turbo Levo lineup, but more budget-friendly aluminum models are now hitting the market. These retain many of the same internal components as their pricier carbon counterparts, offering riders a powerful, big-battery all-mountain rig at a significantly lower starting price.

And in a positive twist after a string of brand closures, Revel Bikes is making a return, now back in the hands of its original founder Adam Miller who plans on reshaping the team and returning the brand back to its roots.

Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy First Ride Review

The more economical options in the Levo line still deliver serious power, a massive battery, and Specialized’s second-to-none frame design for all-mountain riding.

Specialized made waves with the launch of the updated Turbo Levo Gen 4, but it initially rolled out only in the premium S-Works and Carbon models, leaving many riders wondering what the more affordable versions would offer.

Well, now we know.

The all-new Turbo Levo Alloy and Turbo Levo Comp Alloy are here, and they bring the same high-powered motor, large battery, and outstanding geometry that grabbed headlines months ago, but now at a price point accessible to a wider range of riders.

Both bikes are powered by Specialized’s beefed-up 3.1 motor, which delivers 666W of peak output (250W nominal) and a whopping 101Nm of torque, offering more than enough muscle for fast trail riding and steep climbs. Feeding that motor is a massive 840Wh battery, helping ensure long days in the saddle.

The Levo Alloy shares the same award-winning geometry as its carbon siblings, but starts at a more attainable $5,799 for the base model, or $7,299 for the upgraded Comp Alloy version, which features a higher-end component package.

With 150mm rear and 160mm front travel, a mixed-wheel setup (29” front / 27.5” rear), adjustable geometry, and six frame sizes to choose from, this bike is clearly built for serious trail fun. The tradeoff? A bit of added weight from the aluminum frame compared to the carbon builds, but that’s expected and well worth it for many riders.

We just got our hands on the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy for testing, and after a few early rides, we’ve been seriously impressed. Could this be the high-quality ride at a more down-to-earth price that riders have been waiting for?

Let’s find out.

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Spec & Features

	Turbo Levo Comp Alloy	Turbo Levo Alloy
Motor	Specialized 3.1 Motor, 101Nm torque, 666Nm power	Specialized 3.1 Motor, 101Nm torque, 666Nm power
Battery	840Wh battery / Specialized 4amp charger	840Wh battery / Specialized 4amp charger
UI/Remote	MasterMind T3 Display System, 2.2″ high resolution color screen, fully customizeable with Specialized App	MasterMind T3 Display System, 2.2″ high resolution color screen, fully customizeable with Specialized App
Frame	Levo 4 M5 Alloy frame, 150mm travel,, adjustable chainstay, adjustable head tube angle, adjustable bottom bracket, internal SWAT storage 148mm spacing, 29″ front wheel/27.5″ rear wheel, fork travel up to 180mm, six sizes	Levo 4 M5 Alloy frame, 150mm travel,, adjustable chainstay, adjustable head tube angle, adjustable bottom bracket, internal SWAT storage 148mm spacing, 29″ front wheel/27.5″ rear wheel, fork travel up to 180mm, six sizes
Rear Shock	FOX FLOAT X Performance with Specialized GENIE Shock Tech, Ride Dynamics Trail Tune, 2-position lever, LSR adjustment, 210x55mm	Marzocchi Bomber Inline, EVOL LV air sleeve, rebound adjust, 210x55mm
Fork	FOX 36 Rhythm, 29″, S2-S6: 160mm S1: 150mm, GRIP damper with Sweep adjust, 44mm offset, 15x110mm boost, through axle	Marzocchi Bomber Z1, 29″, S2-S6: 160mm, S1: 150mm, sweep adjust compression
Brakes	SRAM Maven Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 220mm Centerline rotor front, 200mm rear	SRAM DB8 Stealth, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 220mm Centerline rotor front, 200mm rear
Drivetrain	SRAM 90 trigger, 12-speed, single click, 34t chainring, 10-52t cassette, SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type derailleur	SRAM 70 trigger, 12-speed, single click, 34t chainring, 10-52t cassette, SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type derailleur
Wheels & Tires	Specialized 29/27.5, hookless alloy, 30mm inner width, tubeless ready, Butcher, GRID GRAVITY casing, GRIPTON® T9 compound, TLR, 29×2.4″ front, 27.5 x 2.4” rear	Specialized 29/27.5, hookless alloy, 30mm inner width, tubeless ready, Butcher, GRID GRAVITY casing, GRIPTON® T9 compound, TLR, 29×2.4″ front, 27.5 x 2.4” rear
Handlebars	Specialized, 6061 alloy, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 30mm rise, S1-S2: 780mm width, S3-S6 800mm	Specialized, 6061 alloy, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 30mm rise, S1-S2: 780mm width, S3-S6 800mm
Saddle	Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr-mo rails 155/143	Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails
Seatpost	X-Fusion Manic, infinite adjustable, two-bolt head, bottom mount cable routing, remote SLR LE lever, 34.9, S1: 100mm, S2: 125mm, S3: 150mm, S4: 170mm, S5/S6: 190mm	TranzX dropper, 34.9mm, S1: 100mm, S2: 125mm, S3: 150mm. S4-S5: 170mm, S6: 200mm
Extras	SWAT internal downtube storage	SWAT internal downtube storage
Weight	56 lb, 11.2 oz (S4)	57 lb, 7.8 oz (S4)

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Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy Review: Top-End Power With Surprisingly Natural Engagement

There’s just something different about riding with a motor that cranks out triple-digit torque. But creating a high-torque motor isn’t the hard part; taming that wild stallion is the real art form. So far, we’ve been highly impressed with how well Specialized’s 3.1 motor handles power delivery on the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy.

Specialized has been promoting the Gen 4 Levo line with the tagline, “Where Super Meets Natural.” At first glance, it sounds like marketing fluff, but after a couple of rides, it’s clear there’s some truth to it. When you’re pushing the bike to its limits, it really can feel eerily like a regular mountain bike—even while doing things you normally couldn’t.

With 666W of peak output and 101Nm of torque, the motor has all the grunt needed for sustained climbs and steep, punchy efforts. Whether you’re grinding it out at a low cadence or spinning fast toward a summit, the 3.1 motor keeps things feeling smooth and responsive.

The motor pairs with Specialized’s Mission Control app and MicroTune feature, allowing you to finely adjust the power profile. That said, we’ve mostly ridden it in the stock configuration, and honestly, the tuning feels dialed right out of the box.

Case in point: On his very first lap aboard the test bike — without any tuning, and still on a pair of embarrassingly bad stock pedals — our biker-in-chief Justin snagged 8th place on a local trail segment named “Asskick Hill.” A Strava top-10 isn’t everything, but it’s a clear indicator of just how much performance this bike delivers, even when Justin had just barely gotten to try the bike.

One of the welcome surprises with the new alloy model is that range hasn’t been sacrificed for price. Specialized has standardized the 840Wh battery across the Turbo Levo Gen 4 line, and that’s exactly what we’d hope to see on a bike with this kind of power—a spacious gas tank to match the motor.

Battery flexibility is another highlight. Riders can add a 280Wh range extender for even longer rides, or purchase a lighter secondary 600Wh pack if they want to shave weight. The main battery is easily removed from the side of the downtube, and the smaller pack even opens up room for internal storage.

Initially, we had questions about the implications of a bigger battery: Would it push the weight up too far? Would it mess with balance? The Comp Alloy tips the scales at 57 lbs, which is certainly not featherweight, but the bike feels noticeably more nimble than the number suggests, and the weight feels evenly distributed throughout the frame.

Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy: The Spec Levels and the Ride

Offering both an Alloy and a Comp Alloy model gives riders some welcome flexibility. The base Alloy model is slightly heavier but saves you money upfront, and it’s a solid choice if you’d rather upgrade components over time (if at all). The Comp Alloy, on the other hand, is for riders who want higher-end components right out of the gate.

The good news? No matter which version you pick, the motor, battery, integrated display, and adjustable geometry remain the same. Both models come with 150mm rear and 160mm front suspension, a 12-speed drivetrain, 4-piston hydraulic brakes, and a dropper post with 100–200mm of travel depending on frame size. The differences come down to the component tier.

Early impressions of the Comp Alloy model we’ve been riding are strong. The bike moves with great agility, and while we’re still dialing in the suspension settings, the Fox suspension system has performed exceptionally well so far.

As for the geometry, the Turbo Levo remains one of our favorite setups in the all-mountain category. It feels aggressive and confident on descents, yet still has enough playfulness in corners to keep the ride fun and lively.

The stock Butcher tires have been grippy and dependable, offering solid traction for carving berms and maintaining sure-footed control on technical, loose climbs. We’re pro-mullet here, and like the control of the larger front wheel, with the increased manueverability of the smaller diameter rear tire.

Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy: Questions We Still Want Answered

We’ve spent plenty of time testing the Turbo Levo line through the years, but mostly on the carbon side. So far, the Alloy frame doesn’t feel like it weighs 57 lbs, but we’re curious to see how it handles over time compared to its lighter carbon sibling. Will the extra weight show itself in different riding scenarios?

We’re also keeping an eye on range. Specialized quotes up to five hours of ride time from the battery—can we get close to that in real-world trail conditions?

Those are our immediate questions, but we want to hear from you too. What do you want us to test or investigate as we put the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy through its paces? Drop your thoughts in the comments as the metaphorical phone lines are open to all callers, and we’ll do our best to give this bike a proper shakedown.

For now, though, the ride has been a blast—and we’re confident it’s only going to get better as we fine-tune the setup.

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Electra Townie Go! First Take Review

The refreshed Townie Go! adds sleek styling, modern tech, and a throttle for the first time.

The Electra Townie Go! just got a makeover, and it’s not just looking sharper—it’s smarter too. For the first time ever, this beloved cruiser adds throttle functionality, making it easier to start from a stop, recover if you left it in too high of a gear, or just take a break and let the motor do the work.

The modern updates go beyond the throttle. The new frame design is sleek and still prioritizes comfort, thanks to Electra’s Flat Foot Technology. The geometry allows riders to put their feet flat on the ground when stopped, while still getting proper leg extension while pedaling—a signature feature that delivers confidence and comfort.

The Townie Go! comes equipped with a 500W rear hub motor, a fully integrated 520Wh battery, and a wall-mounted charger that looks like it could juice up a Tesla (don’t try it—it won’t). Other standout features include a full-color display, a heavy-duty rear rack, and an integrated Quad Lock stem mount for your phone.

At $1,999, it’s priced more competitively than some past Townie models, making it a stronger rival to today’s crop of value-focused e-bike brands.

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Electra Townie Go! Motor & Battery: Cruiser Power with a Punch

By cruiser standards, the new Townie Go! packs serious pep. The 500W rear hub motor delivers 60Nm of torque—more than what you’ll find on many laid-back beach bikes. Electra leans into real-world performance with a torque sensor that reads how hard you’re pedaling and adjusts motor output accordingly. It’s a natural-feeling assist that’s beginner-friendly but still packs a punch.

The 520Wh battery is UL-certified and thoughtfully paired with the motor, delivering a claimed 50-mile range. That’s right in line with what we’d expect from this setup.

The new EasyMag charger is another highlight. The magnetic quick-connect makes charging simple and safe—it’ll detach harmlessly if tripped over. LED indicators let you check charging status at a glance, and the compact design makes it easy to toss in a bag if you need to charge on the go.

The Townie Go! comes in two versions: the standard model (20 mph top speed) and the Townie Go! S (28 mph). Note that the S version isn’t available in California due to recent throttle regulations.

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Additional Features & Accessories

Electra didn’t skimp on the rest of the build either. The full-color display gives riders real-time ride metrics. Hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power, and integrated lighting includes both brake lights and turn signals—great for safety and visibility.

The included MIK HD rear rack can carry up to 60 pounds, making it compatible with kid seats, pet carriers, and cargo accessories.

A final standout: the integrated Quad Lock mount on the stem. Pair it with a compatible phone case to securely attach your device and access the Trek Central App for navigation, advanced metrics, and bike settings.

The bike has a nice mix of comfort, practicality, and fun from a looks standpoint, and time will tell soon when we get our test model in over the coming weeks how it’ll do performance-wise.

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Trek FX+1 First Take Review | A New Chapter for Trek

A throttle and a $2K price point? Trek just fired a shot across the bow of new-age e-bike brands. With a combination of crowd-pleasing features and serious name recognition, the FX+1 offers what people have been asking for from legacy brands.

Even one of the world’s biggest cycling brands still has new ground to break. Trek’s latest release, the FX+1, marks a first: the addition of a throttle. And at a launch price of $1,999, this is the kind of price we’re used to seeing on clearance—not on debut.

Throttle-enabled e-bikes aren’t new, but legacy brands have largely been slow to adopt the feature. So this move by Trek, especially at such a competitive price, feels like a clear message to newer brands like Aventon, Lectric, Ride1Up, and others that have filled this market demand in recent years.

Trek has kept what’s worked in the FX series: a lightweight aluminum frame, well-balanced geometry for a nimble ride, and a motor that’s setup to deliver a precise experience—not overpowering the ride. Now with a throttle, you get more flexibility for how you ride—whether it’s to help start from a stop, assist on hills, or just take a break and cruise.

Other highlights include a color display, integrated brake lights and turn signals, a detailed Trek Central app for advanced ride metrics and navigation, and a standout charging setup with a magnetic charger and wall-mountable unit featuring status LEDs—it looks more like an EV charger than a traditional bike plug.

The Trek FX+ 1 comes in both mid-step and high-step frames, 20 or 28 mph top speed variants (for California compliance), and a variety of colors depending on which frame you pick—the FX+1 brings a lot to the table. At this price, it’ll be interesting to see how it stacks up against the younger, value-focused brands.

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Trek FX+1 Motor & Battery: Plenty of Power and Charging Tech That Excites

The FX+1 promises to be one of the most powerful models in the FX family to date. Its 500W Hyena rear hub motor delivers 60Nm of torque—higher output than both the FX+ 2 and FX+ 7. While the FX+2 focused on ultra-natural, lightweight assistance, and the FX+7 used a mid-drive setup (which makes direct comparisons tricky), the FX+1 looks poised to deliver a stronger, ‘easier’ ride.

The motor pairs with a torque sensor to provide a smoother, more intuitive experience. Rather than simply detecting pedaling like a cadence sensor, this setup adjusts power dynamically based on how hard you’re pushing on the pedals. So it’ll keep things fairly natural, but there seems to be an emphasis on approachability and the option to get extra power when needed (hence the throttle).

Powering the motor is a 520Wh integrated downtube battery. It’s not designed for easy removal (dealers can remove it, but it’s not user-friendly for daily charging off the bike), which is a bit of a letdown. Still, with a Trek-quoted range of up to 50 miles, it should hold up well for most commutes and casual rides.

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Trek is also introducing a new EasyMag charger. It uses a magnetic connector to reduce trip hazards and protect both rider and equipment—something anyone who’s ever tripped over a charging cable will appreciate. The charger can be wall-mounted and features a glowing LED ring that shows charge status at a glance. It gives off electric car vibes in all the best ways, but it’s still designed to be portable and easily detached from the wall mount.

Lastly, the Trek Central app ties the motor and battery systems together. You can tune motor output, estimate throttle and assist range, and even activate a long-term storage mode to help protect battery health during off-seasons.

Trek FX+ 1: The Rest of the Spec

This may be one of Trek’s most affordable e-bikes ever, but it still offers a robust spec sheet.

The drivetrain features a Shimano mixed setup with a 40t chainring and an 11-45t 8-speed cassette, offering a wide 410% gear range. That means solid climbing capability and enough speed without ghost pedaling—especially important considering the torque sensor.

Braking is handled by Rush 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors. Given the bike’s light 48 lb weight, some brands might have opted for mechanicals here, but we’re glad Trek didn’t. We’re strong advocates of hydraulic brakes on nearly all e-bikes, and their inclusion here is a win.

Lighting and visibility features are another strong point. A 180-lumen headlight with side-view channels improves visibility, and the seatpost-mounted taillight includes brake light and turn signal functions. There are also mounts for fenders and a rear rack, with compatibility for Trek’s bag and gear accessories.

The FX+1 includes a color display for quick access to metrics and power level adjustments. Tires are Trek’s Bontrager GR0 Comp in 650x50mm—essentially a hybrid gravel tire with a smooth center tread for efficiency and knobbier shoulders for grip on loose surfaces.

The setup would be passable for light gravel, but it’s clearly optimized for paved commuting and leisure rides.

Burning Questions We Want Answered

There’s plenty we’re excited to test. Our review unit is on the way, and we’ll be diving into performance soon and we’ll be eager to see how it handles.

Trek has subtly shifted its tone in marketing the FX+1. Historically, it emphasized natural-feeling rides despite motor assistance. This time, the language leans more into making rides easier. Will this feel noticeably more peppy? There’s enough muscle in the motor for it anyway. We’ll find out soon.

The FX+1 is also heavier than previous FX models. While we trust Trek’s geometry and ride feel, we’re curious to see how the added weight affects handling.

And then there’s the broader, long-term industry question: how will the competition react? A throttle and $2K MSRP aren’t new—but when they’re coming from a powerhouse like Trek, it’s a different ballgame.

Specialized made a similar move with the Globe Haul ST—offering a hub drive and optional throttle—but it leaned more into utility-focused styling and launched closer to $3K.

Trek making a classic bike frame and stepping into the $2K space—long dominated by brands that weren’t on most consumers’ maps 10 years ago—could mark a major shift. Will other legacy players follow? How will Aventon, Ride1Up, and Lectric respond?

We’ll be digging into all of this in our full FX+1 review. Got questions you want us to answer? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll tackle them in the full review coming soon.

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90 Day Tariff Relief Not Enough For The Bike Industry, Ananda Wins China Cycle Innovation Award | TWR Ep 31

Plus Radster Trail Vs Aventure 3, Is A Wal-Mart E-Bike A Worthwhile Buy, Handlebar Mirror Recommendations, and More!

In a fairly slow week of e-bike news, the biggest headline was a national announcement that the U.S. has entered a 90-day agreement with China to reduce tariffs. The cuts are significant on both sides, offering some relief to an industry that’s seen near-weekly brand closures. Still, many companies remain under pressure, as several key tariffs that impact the cycling sector are still in effect, and meaningful relief can’t come soon enough.

Elsewhere, China Cycle wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, and Ananda took home an award for its integrated motor and gearing system. Unlike popular mid-drive gearboxes like the MGU, Ananda’s setup uses a hub motor, making the accomplishment notably different.

This week’s questions include a head-to-head look at the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail vs. the Aventon Aventure 3, whether a cheap Walmart e-bike is worth considering, and a closer look at cycling mirrors to help keep you safe on the road.

Ride1Up Roadster V3 Review | Light, Nimble, and Surprising

This Light And Sleek City E-Bike Exceeds Expectations At Nearly Every Turn.

Ride1Up made its name by delivering e-bikes with parts and performance a step or two above the average of bikes with similar price tags. Now, with the Roadster V3, Ride1Up has expanded the versatility of its city bike model while still equipping the ride with more premium parts than you’d expect, given its cost.

The Roadster V3 is a dream for active cyclists. It’s subtle and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 44 lbs. This e-bike’s main appeal is how it enhances your pedaling power without overshadowing your effort or taking over the ride entirely. It’s the ideal partner for riders who want a natural-feeling boost, not a complete takeover.

It’s also extremely nimble on the roads and moves with a purpose. The handling is crisp, from the fully rigid frame that gives it a stiff build to the narrow handlebar that helps you dart quickly from side to side. Our test model also included a rangey 9-speed cassette that helps you find ideal gearing for moving swiftly on flats or up a climb.

In the past, one of my few criticisms of Ride1Up e-bikes was their limited sizing options. With the Roadster V3, that’s no longer an issue. This model comes in three frame sizes (including a mid-step option), two drivetrain configurations, and two color choices. For a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand, this increased customization is a welcome change, making it easier for riders to find a comfortable fit without driving up costs.

Compared to the previous version, the Roadster V2, the upgrades are clear and meaningful. The motor is more powerful, the battery is now removable, and riders can opt for a single-speed belt drive if they prefer. The 10-speed drivetrain, however, offers incredible value for a Class 3-capable bike. The gravel-friendly tires add versatility, and with a simple Schrader valve swap, they can run tubeless.

While it’s not a flawless e-bike, the few minor issues I encountered were easy to address in minutes. For an affordably priced city e-bike, the Roadster V3 is another standout addition to Ride1Up’s lineup—a versatile, high-quality ride that’s hard to beat.

Velotric Nomad 2X First Ride Review | A Full-Sus Fatty!

Is it a bold leap toward comfort, a nod to hunters and outdoorsmen, or both? Either way, the Velotric Nomad 2X looks packed with potential.

Fat tire e-bikes are about as American as apple pie at this point. They’ve been popular for years thanks to the comfort and go-anywhere versatility they offer. And while fat tire e-bikes are everywhere these days, full suspension options are still relatively rare—something Velotric aims to change.

The Velotric Nomad 2X builds on much of what’s already worked for the brand. It’s a powerful machine with a wild 560 lb payload capacity (not to mention a claimed 1,000 lb towing capacity) and a motor built to match. Like many newer e-bikes, it comes equipped with app integration for enhanced security and ride metrics, but Velotric has added some standout features too like Sensor Swap, which lets you toggle between torque and cadence sensor modes, and built-in Apple Find My compatibility.

Now it can add “full-suspension fat tire” to that list of uncommon accomplishments.

The Nomad 2X could easily stake its claim as the comfort king of fat tire e-bikes. It pairs a 120mm air fork with an 80mm rear shock integrated just behind the seatpost. The rear linkage is beefy—fitting for a bike that’s built heavy and built tough.

While full suspension improves comfort for any rider, it’s especially appealing to off-roaders who’ve traditionally been more willing to pay a premium for the feature. Fat tire bikes like the Nomad tend to split time between pavement and trail, but the move to full-squish seriously ups the off-road potential. It opens up a new realm of possibility for campers, hunters, and overlanders looking for a rig that can handle rough terrain without compromise.

We’ve just unboxed our Nomad 2X and spent a couple of days getting familiar with it. Full testing is still in progress, but first impressions suggest this could be the reasonably priced, full-suspension fat tire e-bike that so many of our readers, and commenters, have been asking for.

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Velotric Nomad 2X Spec & Features: The Key Early Takeaways

Velotric continues to carve out its own space in the e-bike market with the Nomad 2X. It features a stunning paint job with multiple color options (four at launch, with a Multicam variant reportedly on the way), and a clear emphasis on comfort. The geometry supports a relaxed riding position, there’s an adjustable stem for dialing in fit, a thick saddle for added cushion, and of course, the headline feature: dual air suspension.

Early impressions of the suspension are promising. It doesn’t feel overly soft which was my main concern going in, but instead offers a reassuring amount of support when hitting potholes or romping off-road.

This is a big bike, and it comes with a fittingly large battery and motor combo. The Nomad’s 750W (1,400W peak) motor also packs 105Nm of torque and moves the bike effortlessly. One of Velotric’s standout features in recent models is their Sensor Swap tech, which lets riders toggle between a more laid-back but less natural cadence sensor and a more responsive and active-riding torque sensor. Since it’s executing two sensor profiles rather than one, I’m fairly pleased with how both perform, though one caveat is that the bike can still exceed the programmed speed limit by a few extra MPH.

As Velotric’s most expensive bike to date, the Nomad 2X comes with higher expectations, but it largely delivers. The rear linkage is impressively robust, the air fork is a half-step to a step above the usual entry-level units I see, and the overall ride feel is solid. For a fat tire bike, it’s not especially noisy, and it handles speed with confidence. The included MIK HD rear rack makes it easy to bring a heavy load or quickly swap out accessories.

So far, the one area I’m still evaluating is the brakes. The bike weighs at least 80 lbs (official weigh-in still pending) and is rated for a 560 lb payload with a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. It’s equipped with Tektro hydraulic brakes featuring a 203mm front rotor and 180mm in the rear. However, it’s only a 2-piston system, and considering the hauling capabilities Velotric is advertising, I’d prefer a 4-piston setup for extra stopping power. To be clear, braking has worked fine in our early rides, but if folks plan to use this bike for hunting or rugged backcountry use, more bite could be a worthwhile upgrade.

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The Ride Feel

Velotric has largely cemented itself in my mind as a comfort-focused brand, and that rings true on the Nomad 2X. All the contact points are pleasant, and with multiple frame sizes available in both high-step and step-thru styles, plus an adjustable stem, riders are bound to dial in a fit that works for them. The slight sweep of the handlebar is comfortable without feeling overly cruiser-y to me, and the tires further enhance comfort when run at lower PSI.

I’ve only done a few lighter trips through the dirt so far, but it’s faired well for itself. The suspension is balancing a lot on a bike this heavy, but so far has felt good to me. It’s no singletrack MTB experience by any means, but it’s confident enough for some overlanding. (Though personally, I’d hold out for the Multicam color option if you’re doing a lot of offroading—the blue of our test bike is too pretty to risk scuffing!)

In addition to the Sensor Swap tech, Velotric includes three distinct ride modes for its five power levels: a conservative Eco, a middle-of-the-road Trail, and a more aggressive Boost mode. On heavy bikes like this, I tend to spend more time in Boost, but I think all three settings could be practical depending on the rider. The differences in power output feel subtle but noticeable, and they’ll affect both battery life and how much personal effort you want to put in.

One thing that surprised me was the gearing. The 8-speed Shimano Acera is fairly common, but the 48t chainring paired with an 11-40t cassette isn’t. That setup delivers a 364% gear range, which is something I don’t see too often. It does make gear changes feel a bit more like big leaps than incremental adjustments, but that wider range helps eliminate ghost pedaling and slack, especially in the torque sensor setting when pushing to 28 mph.

Lingering Questions

This part of the review could be summed up simply by saying: “Let the testing commence!” I’m mainly curious to see its range and braking.

I think the 802Wh battery is plenty for a 750W nominal motor, but since this one can peak significantly higher, it’ll be interesting to see how far it can really go. It’s also one of the heavier fat tire bikes we’ve had come through our doors, so we’ll see how that weight impacts the overall range.

I’m also curious to see where the brake scores land for similar reasons. It’s a heavy bike, and while it benefits from a larger front rotor, the 2-piston setup may result in slightly more pedestrian stopping performance.

My final question is less about testing and more about the broader market: how will people react? On YouTube and social media, we constantly see folks asking for more comfort and more power from fat tire e-bikes. On paper, this seems like a fair value at $2,399 given the features and components—especially in the tariff-laden landscape we’re in now. But crossing the $2K line of demarcation is a bold move for any brand that’s historically focused on value with bikes in the sub-two grand category.

Will buyers be willing to pay what it actually costs to build a dual-suspension rig like this? Or were they hoping for magic—a full-suspension fat bike without breaking that $2,000 ceiling? Time will tell. That said, I could definitely see the Multicam version gaining traction. Hunting-specific brands have charged more for bikes that arguably don’t match the Nomad 2X in spec or quality. This could be a breakthrough if it finds the right audience.

How about on your end? Any burning questions about the Velotric Nomad 2X? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer them when the full review drops.

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Griffin Hales

Senior Writer | Edtior

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