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John S. Bozick

Yamaha Wabash RT E-Bike Review, 2024

This powerful, well-crafted e-bike makes gravel riding accessible and fun!

With a name that means “water flowing over white rocks,” it would only be right that the Wabash RT would be Yamaha’s fluid, responsive gravel e-bike. We were impressed after reviewing the brand’s CrossCore RC city/commuter e-bike, so we had high expectations from this offering. Read our thoughts in this Yamaha Wabash RT review!

At the center of the bike’s riding experience is its PW Series ST mid-drive motor. Also made by Yamaha, this 250-watt drive unit makes pedaling easy, but preserves the analog feel of a non-electric bike. With four types of sensors to inform its motor, we think dedicated cyclists will quickly get hooked on the bike’s traditional yet powerful feel.

The Wabash RT gains other benefits from its heritage; with 30 years of experience and separate divisions for motors and batteries, Yamaha clearly knows how to maximize the efficiency of its components. The pairing of the bike’s 250W mid-drive and 500 watt-hour (Wh) battery allowed us to ride for a frankly ridiculous number of miles before needing to refuel!

When riding on doubletrack, we appreciated the stability and control granted by its flared 44cm drop bars. The drops themselves, which measure 55cm center-to-center, helped us to steer precisely while providing easy access to the brake and shift levers.

These are just a few elements that stood out to us during our time on the bike. To see how it performed in our Speed, Brake, Range, and Hill Tests, check out our full Yamaha Wabash RT review below!

How To Make Bikepacking More Enjoyable & Easier

There are a host of different types of e-bikes that lend themselves to the more adventurous side of life. Fat Tire e-bikes often feature aggressive tread for tearing up nearly any terrain. Folding e-bikes can easily be stashed in a van or camper when traveling the country with the family. And road or gravel e-bikes encourage long-distance trips with a focus on endurance.

But what can riders do when wishing to spend a night or two (or more) away from home with their bikes? On our list of the Best Electric Bikes, we named the Mokwheel Basalt the Best E-Bike for Camping. Owners of other e-bikes should not fear, though – this is where bikepacking comes in!

What is Bikepacking?

Whether using an electric or analog bicycle, just about any bike can be loaded up with gear for extended adventures. Like backpacking, bikepacking allows its enthusiasts to explore the road less traveled – but with the addition of wheels, adventurers on a bike can travel much farther than those on foot.

Bikepackers tend to travel as light as possible, often using much of the same specialized gear as their backpacking counterparts to maximize the amount of equipment and supplies they can carry. Bikepackers usually carry their gear in various bags that attach to the bike’s handlebars, saddle, frame, etc.

With bikepacking requiring such a spartan approach, riders must use careful and efficient packing techniques to keep their weight balanced, and to keep essential items accessible. Some degree of mechanical knowledge and experience is also useful, as bikepackers may need to perform repairs in remote locations far from a friendly bike shop mechanic. Thus, traveling with replacement items like innertubes is also highly encouraged.

The Burley Coho XC trailer features a yoke to attach firmly to your bike and a single-wheel design to handle difficult terrain.

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Bikepacking With an E-Bike

E-bikes offer some distinct advantages over traditional bicycles when used for bikepacking, but they also come with specific limitations.

On one hand, e-bikers are less likely to feel the effects – namely, exhaustion – of added weight due to the assistance offered by their bike’s motor. Riders of e-bikes can also take advantage of their throttles to take a break from pedaling, though this leads us to one of the tradeoffs that bikepackers on analog bikes needn’t be concerned with.

For starters, many off-road trails do not allow e-bikes, so route planning with this in mind is essential. More specifically, however, e-bikepackers need to consider the battery life and range of their e-bike. With the addition of extra weight, an e-bike’s motor will need to draw more power from the battery, thereby reducing the distance an e-bike can travel on a single charge. Riders using their throttle will deplete battery charge even faster!

For this reason, it is recommended that e-bikepackers use the lowest pedal assist system (PAS) setting possible to get the most from their batteries. We also suggest doing a test ride with a fully-loaded bike to get a sense of the distance the bike can travel before running out of juice. The Range Tests we perform in each of our e-bike reviews can be a good starting point, but considering that our range testers are relatively light (the 150 lb. range), our data is less likely to be accurate with a heavier load.

For extended trips beyond the range of a single charge, e-bike adventurers should plan their route carefully depending on their anticipated method of charging. Awareness of potential charging locations is paramount, as is knowledge of how long your battery takes to charge. To determine the number of hours this will take, divide the amp-hour rating of your battery by the amperage of the charger. Easy peasy!

Those spending their nights indoors – perhaps in motel rooms or on a friend’s couch – shouldn’t need to worry about where they’ll plug in, and for those who prefer sleeping under the stars, electricity is often available in many campgrounds. A conveniently-located coffee shop may work in a pinch if you find yourself running low on charge; a couple of hours of topping up might make the difference when your destination is still a ways out.

For shorter trips, staying within your e-bike’s range is key, but bringing a second battery may be an option to consider, even if only for added peace of mind. And if your e-bike is light enough, pedaling without the motor can extend your charge or get you home if your battery expires.

A coil suspension on the Coho’s wheel helps to prevent cargo from bouncing around (or out of the trailer entirely).

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What Type of E-Bike is Best for Bikepacking?

Truthfully, just about any e-bike with a traditional frame design and good control (moped- or beach-cruiser-style e-bikes may not be the best fit) can be adapted for bikepacking with the right equipment. This might include tires appropriate for any off-road riding your route requires and gear bags that are (ideally) weatherproof.

While cargo or utility e-bikes may seem like an obvious choice for bikepacking, they may not always be the best option for off-road environments. Those looking for a comfortable ride might consider an eMTB or all-terrain e-bike with a full suspension, but dedicated bikepackers often stick with rigid frames. The static forks on these bikes can hold more gear, and some even include pack mounts for bags and bottle cages.

If you’re interested in bikepacking, we recommend starting with short trips using the equipment you have, learning from your experience, and making upgrades as needed. Research is important, too, and REI has some helpful guides to get you started on your adventures.

But what if you don’t have any of the specialized, lightweight equipment that bikepackers often use? Or what if you’re the type of person who tends (or prefers) to overpack when traveling?

With the addition of a trailer such as the Burley Coho XC, nearly any e-bike can essentially be transformed into a cargo bike!

The Coho XC’s yoke includes a quick-release lever to connect or disconnect in mere seconds.

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Considerations When Adding a Trailer to Your E-Bike

Trailers like the Coho XC can vastly increase the amount of equipment you can transport on your adventures and they can remove the hassle of having to pack methodically, but there are some key considerations to be aware of when attaching one to your e-bike.

Weight capacity is one of the most important elements to keep in mind. Every e-bike is rated to carry a maximum amount of weight; this is often referred to as the total payload capacity. This number includes the weight of the rider (sometimes also listed separately as maximum rider weight), any cargo secured directly to the bike, and – when towing a trailer – the weight of the trailer itself and any gear it holds.

Sticking to the bike’s total payload capacity is essential for the health and longevity of its motor. With too much weight, the motor can become overheated and overexerted; when pushed too far, this can cause it to fail completely. All brands should include their e-bikes’ weight limit either on their webpage or in the owner’s manual, but you can reach out directly to them if this information is not readily available.

The next thing to consider is the axle on your e-bike, which may also be affected by the type of motor it uses – we discuss the two types of motors in our throttle vs. pedal assist article. In our experience, the Burley Coho XC trailer worked best on e-bikes with mid-drive motors; we used the Coho Thru Axle on the Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0. Owners of e-bikes with rear-hub motors may have better luck with the Burley Nomad, a hitch-mounted trailer with the option to slide on skis instead of its two wheels.

Whether your e-bike uses a bolt-on axle or a thru axle, Burley has an axle guide for the Coho XC to help you determine which accessories you’ll need to properly mount the trailer so you don’t run into the same problem we did!

Finally, it’s important to be aware that the addition of a trailer and cargo will change your e-bike’s handling. A trailer will add length, and may potentially impact its turning radius. With added weight, the bike will move slower, and may feel less balanced. To reduce the likelihood of balance issues, proper packing techniques are essential; the heaviest items should be placed at the front (bike side) of the trailer, and the weight of all cargo should be distributed evenly from side to side

Burley offers optional storage bags as well as a bungee net to keep up to 70 lbs of gear secure.

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Bikepacking With the Burley Coho XC Trailer

We tested the Coho XC trailer and found it remarkably easy to use once the axle was set up properly. On the Specialized Turbo Tero X, it took about 20 minutes to properly remove the existing thru axle, replace it with the Coho XC thru axle, connect the trailer, and make a few fit adjustments.

We learned that the trailer’s connection mechanism was secure, yet incredibly simple; once the axle was installed, we had only to spread the yoke of the trailer to fit, press it into place on the connectors, and check that it was locked on. Removing it was just as easy with a pull of the quick-release lever. We also adjusted the height of the trailer’s highly effective kickstand for proper stability by selecting one of the three positions for the kickstand stop.

We loaded up the trailer with about 40 lbs of weight and went on our way, taking the bike and trailer on asphalt, dirt, and gravel. Even when riding in the open desert with rocks and plenty of bumps, the trailer did well. The single wheel allowed the Coho XC to adapt to the terrain more easily than a two-wheeled trailer would have. Its fender protected our cargo from dirt when riding through mud, and its suspension kept our gear from getting tossed around as we rode over rough ground.

For those who plan to go bikepacking in difficult, less stable terrain, Burley offers an optional fat tire for the trailer with off-road tread. Other accessories, like their Trailer Storage Bag or Dry Bag seem like excellent inclusions as well, though we did not have the opportunity to try them. We did test the optional Cargo Bungee Net, which connected and disconnected from the frame easily, and stayed fastened despite the rough test rides.

Overall, we were highly satisfied with the Burley Coho XC’s performance, its ease of use, and its ability to create new possibilities for e-bike use. Considering the trailer’s practical design and functionality, we think it’s well-made and well-worth its price of about $500 – especially if it’s something you’ll use regularly.

The included tire has minimal tread for low rolling resistance, but Burley also offers a 16” fat tire with off-road tread for rougher adventures.

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E-Bike Trailers Can Give You More Freedom

With the addition of trailers suited for different purposes, e-bikes can be adapted for carrying kids, pets, recreational equipment, camping supplies, and more. In the case of the Burley Coho XC, the weight and space limitations of traditional bikepacking become greatly removed, allowing a variety of e-bikes to become suitable and user-friendly for long-distance adventures.

If you’re thinking of diving into e-bikepacking as a new pastime and you want the flexibility to haul a fair amount of gear, we highly recommend considering the Coho XC as a traveling companion. We might also suggest considering some of Burley’s optional accessories to keep your equipment protected from the elements, and we think the Bluetti AC200P Power Station might be a useful method of recharging on the go if you’re able to carry most of your gear elsewhere (it’s relatively heavy but awesome).

When using an e-bikepacking-appropriate trailer like the Burley Coho XC, the sky is truly the limit as long as you have food, water, and a way to refuel your battery!

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Super73 S2 Review, 2024

A super speedy and fun moped-style e-bike from an iconic brand – enough said!

If there’s one brand that comes to mind when thinking of moped-style e-bikes, it’s Super73. Based on hype alone, we highly anticipated the opportunity to review one of the brand’s mid-tier models, the S2. Find out how the bike fared in our testing process in this Super73 S2 review!

Like a Starbucks latte, a MacBook Pro, or a pair of Air Jordans, there’s often a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to name brand products. Since 2016, Super73’s moped-style e-bikes have become ubiquitous on the West Coast, planting the brand firmly as a recognizable manufacturer. They tend to turn heads for their aggressive and appealing designs – and the S2 is no different!

The bike ships as a Class 2 with its throttle and pedal assist system (PAS ) limited to 20 mph. To suit the needs of different riders, the S2 can be adjusted through the Super73 app to a Class 1 with no throttle or Class 3 with pedal assist up to 28. Users can also set the bike to an Off-Road Mode, allowing both the throttle and PAS to reach 28 mph.

We found the bike decidedly fun to ride at top speed, but we also appreciated its simplicity. With a single-speed drivetrain and just 4 PAS settings, selecting the right amount of power is easy for those who choose to pedal. But, of course, the bike also includes a throttle for an effortless ride!

Read our full Super73 S2 review below for more.

Denago eXC1 E-Bike Review, 2024

A budget-friendly but powerful entry-level eMTB with tons of upgrade potential.

It’s not uncommon for entry-level e-bikes to feel like entry-level e-bikes – especially out on the trails. Fortunately for those seeking an affordable starting point to cross country mountain biking, the Denago eXC1 does the job right! We tested the bike on paved paths as well as desert singletrack; see how it performed in this Denago eXC1 review!

One of the most impressive elements of the bike was its mid-drive motor. The 250-watt Bafang M410 delivered smooth and responsive power when we needed it to facilitate climbing and quick acceleration. It met – and exceeded – our expectations for a cost-friendly but still robust mid-drive.

We were also highly satisfied with the bike’s geometry. A slackened head tube angle kept the bike feeling stable, a steeper seat tube angle made climbing more effective, and a longer reach made riding in ready position feel balanced and controlled. Overall, the bike felt well planted on doubletrack and light-to-moderate singletrack.

Considering the eXC1’s specs and ride feel, we would have expected it to be more costly. With a price point between $2,500 and $3,000, we think Denago built a solid foundation that provides excellent bang for the buck. So how did the bike perform in the real world?

Read on in our Denago eXC1 review below to find out!

The Electric Bikes at CES: All The New E-Bikes on Display

Carbon Fiber Frames, Integrated Displays, Glossy Paint, and LEDS Galore!

New year, new tech! With the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in our backyard, we took a day off from testing and reviewing the best e-bikes already on the market to check out what cool up-and-coming products were on display.

Our time at the show was limited, but we still managed to see a host of new e-bike models, speak with brands both new and old, and of course, squeeze in a ride. Follow along as we cover some of the latest developments in e-bike technology we saw at CES in Las Vegas!

Himiway: A Revamped Lineup with a Carbon Fiber Crown Jewel

Perhaps one of the most unexpected surprises of the show was Himiway’s expansive booth which was brimming with glossy new e-bikes – some fresh and some familiar. The brand has completely revamped their line of e-bikes with new models, polished aesthetics, upgraded components, and naming conventions which group the bikes by their intended purpose.

The rebranded D series of e-bikes, for example, are sportier off-road capable models that are refreshed versions of the old Cobra and Zebra. The D7 Pro, which replaces the Cobra Pro, features upgraded components including a 4-piston brake system, a Shimano CUES drivetrain, a dual-crown inverted suspension fork with 220mm of travel, and a dropper seatpost.

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The commuter-friendly Zebra has been renamed the D5, and like the D7, is now available in a Pro version with a mid-drive motor. We were surprised to note the Himiway branding and learned that the motors are now made in partnership with Ananada.

The new C line is intended to be family oriented with both child- and adult-sized versions of a new moto/moped-style design. The smaller C1 (pictured below) uses a 350W rear-hub motor and is limited to 15 mph, while the full-size C5 (above) features a 750W motor and a Class 2 limit of 20 mph.

Side note: while we look forward to testing and reviewing the full-size C5, we are currently working on a review of the C1 kids e-bike. The picture above provides a good indication of what our 6-year old tester, AJ, thinks about it!

A new cargo/utility bike dubbed the C3 features a long step-thru frame, a 350-lb carrying capacity, and a custom wedge-style saddle. Like the C5, it hosts a 750W motor and 960 Wh battery for extended range capability.

Perhaps the most visually stunning, however, were the X5 Pro and X5 Ultra carbon-fiber eMTBs. While both tiers of the brand’s new enduro bike will only be available in a single frame size, they will be offered in full-suspension, hardtail, and fat tire variants.

The premium X5 Ultra will be equipped with a host of impressive components including a SRAM Eagle drivetrain, a Rockshox BoXXer suspension fork, a Rockshox wireless electronic dropper post, a clean top-tube-integrated display, a tubeless tire setup with carbon rims, and a 500W Bafang M600 mid-drive motor.

Reminiscent of the Rambler, the A7 Pro rounds out the brand’s new lineup. This full-suspension commuter includes a quick-adjust seatpost, a 500W mid-drive, and a display integrated into its adjustable stem.

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Urtopia: Dashing Into the Future with Polished Designs and ChatGPT Integration

With all the recent buzz around AI in general and ChatGPT in particular, we were highly intrigued by the idea of integrating such functionality into an e-bike. In addition to offering stylish, futuristic designs for their three unique e-bikes, Urtopia grabbed our attention by being the first to do so.

The brand’s flashy carbon fiber flagship, the Carbon Pro 1, features an unexpected design with a seamless, floating top tube/seat tube/seat stay element. The bike houses a 4G eSIM card that allows it to track the bike’s location for phone-free navigation and security, play music through an integrated bluetooth speaker, and connect to ChatGPT.

Our contact said that the GPT integration can do such things as helping riders set up custom routes, find the nearest coffee shop, or simply ask about the weather forecast. Our personal experiences with ChatGPT lead us to question the reliability of its information (at least in the technology’s current state), but we hope to be able to test the Carbon Pro 1 for ourselves in the near future!

Utopia also offers a more entry-level – but still impressively feature-saturated – alloy-frame city/commuter called the Chord. While it does not integrate with ChatGPT, this e-bike still offers navigation, music, etc. and pairs with the Urtopia app. The bike uses a 350W rear-hub motor with a torque sensor paired with a 353 Wh battery.

A currently unreleased model, the Fusion, features a carbon fiber step-thru frame, dual 350W front and rear hub motors, and dual batteries (one main and one auxiliary/range extender) with a total of 860 Wh and a max range of 120 miles.

A second version of the Fusion was offered for European cyclists; in addition to a flashier paint job, this model featured a 250W Bafang mid-drive motor that will not (currently) be available in the US.

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Vanpowers: Affordable Adventure Bikes with Integrated Security Tech

After being pleasantly surprised during our review of the UrbanGlide Ultra, we were excited to see the latest developments from Vanpowers. With two new offerings including a carbon fiber gravel bike and a beefy fat tire touring bike, the brand is clearly interested in diversifying their lineup and proving their competence in off-road environments.

The Ultra version of the fat tire GrandTeton features a 500W Bafang mid-drive and 692 Wh battery, while the more budget-friendly Pro version uses a rear-hub motor. Both have a “smart box” integrated into the top tube with 4G and GPS functionality for navigation and theft protection, but also an SOS feature that can alert a pre-selected contact in the event of a hard impact.

The 39-lb UrbanCross also features the smart hub, and is available in an Ultra version with 46cm flared drop bars or a Pro version with flat bars; both will be offered in three frame sizes. Regardless of tier, the bike uses a 250W rear hub motor with a torque sensor, a 345.6 Wh battery, a stem-integrated display, and Bluetooth connectivity with the Vanpowers app.

Heybike: Taking a Chance with Crowdfunded Carbon Fiber

Heybike made an appearance with three new models, including a full-suspension version of the Ranger S called the Horizon, a cargo e-bike called the Hauler, and a full-suspension, carbon fiber fat tire bike called the Hero.

While details were scarce, the Hero was the star of the show with its unique step-thru frame and flashy orange-and-grey paint job. The bike uses custom carbon fiber handlebars with an integrated display, and is set to be crowdfunded through an indiegogo campaign later this spring.

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Okai: Clean Design and LEDs Are the Future of Commuting

As a relative newcomer to the e-bike market, Okai was a behind-the-scenes manufacturer for prominent e-bike and e-scooter brands such as Bird and Lime. Okai launched three new commuter-focused e-bike models after a year of development, all with tech at the forefront.

The EB60, also referred to as the Traverse, puts a huge focus on minimalistic design. The bike features an LED light bar that stretches across the full length of the handlebars for visibility, but its color and pattern can be customized to suit the rider through the Okai app. The bike uses a 350W rear hub motor with a torque sensor and an integrated 345.6 Wh battery.

We were impressed by the 440 lb weight capacity of the brand’s utility e-bike called the EB70. Another step-thru commuter called the EB80 uses an integrated battery with LED light bars that change color to reflect battery charge.

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Looking Ahead: Design Trends for 2024

While we would have loved more time at CES to explore the host of other e-bike brands with unique models, it was clear from the few hours we were present that a few big trends will be ubiquitous in 2024.

A clean and streamlined aesthetic seems to be the new norm, with brands opting for weld-free carbon fiber frames, fully integrated batteries, seamlessly integrated displays, and automotive-quality paint jobs.

We can’t wait to get our hands on some of these models for an even more detailed look!

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Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 Step Through Review

A spectacularly affordable sub-$1k cruiser with comfort and climbing ability!

While we usually consider the $1,000 mark to be the starting point for a quality e-bike, we were impressed by the solid and comfortable feel of Retrospec’s Chatham Rev 2 ST. As a classic-looking step-thru cruiser with simple construction, it brings an old-school vibe with new-school fun to budget-conscious shoppers. We explore all that it offers in this Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 ST review!

With a list price of $899.99, the bike falls firmly on the affordable end of the spectrum. We are accustomed to major sacrifices in features and performance at this price point, but the Chatham Rev 2 seemed solidly put-together with an uncommonly high-quality ride feel. It’s basic, but still somehow manages to pack everything it needs into a low-cost package.

For example, it has a wonderfully comfortable ride! Fans of casual and relaxed cruisers will feel right at home on the plush, ample saddle. The ergonomic, swept-back handlebars have squishy rubber grips for slip-free steering, and the upright riding position provides a comfortable vantage point for taking in the scenery.

E-bikes of this style are known for a leisurely experience, and the Chatham Rev 2’s 350W rear-hub motor provides exactly that. From reserved to really fast, the bike features 5 levels of pedal assistance to help you confidently climb hills without getting worn out.

We tested the bike’s speed, uphill power, stopping ability, and more – keep reading our full Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 ST review below for all the details!

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 E-Bike Review

Rad’s classic entry-level utility e-bike with versatility, comfort, and the brand’s trademark reliability.

You might notice that the RadRunner 2 isn’t the latest iteration of Rad Power Bikes’ versatile utility e-bike. We originally reviewed the RadRunner 2 in 2022, but since Rad made a splash with a limited (and alas, no longer available) “Pool Shark Blue” paint job, we felt the bike warranted a fresh look. We ran the bike through our series of standardized tests to make sure it still stacked up; see our results in this Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 review!

One reason we’ve rated this bike so highly is its sheer value; with a price tag around $1,500, there’s an absolute boatload of bang for the buck. Whether hauling groceries, bringing the kids along for an adventure, commuting to work, or just taking a leisurely ride, the RadRunner 2 can do it all for a price that is undeniably tough to beat.

With an upright riding position that gave us great visibility, we found it thoroughly enjoyable and comfortable to ride. The bike also includes ergonomically-shaped high-rise handlebars and ergonomic rubber grips for natural-feeling and relaxed hand placement that just felt great!

The RadRunner 2 isn’t loaded down with many bells and whistles, but it can be loaded UP with up to 120 lbs of gear or passengers. Rad also offers a full catalog of compatible accessories including cargo baskets and bags, trailers, passenger seating, pet carriers, and tons of other items to enhance comfort and functionality.

For more on the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2, read our full review below!

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Review | Sleek, Savvy & Stealthy

A no-nonsense, high-tech, and high-performance carbon fiber commuter with incredible range, versatility in spades, and an exceptionally natural feel.

Precision. Performance. Versatility.

These are the first three words that came to mind when reflecting on my testing of the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2.

From first glance (and first ride), it was clear that this sleek, angular commuter made no compromises in its design and function. This machine takes itself seriously, setting a high baseline for being a bike first and then upping the ante with high-end tech and a smart, robust app.

The bike’s foundation is a sculpted, lightweight carbon fiber frame that reminded me of the Batmobile—if Bruce Wayne rode an e-bike to fight crime.

This simultaneously rigid yet flexible material lends the Vado SL 2’s ride a softer quality than aluminum or steel but also increases its agility and maneuverability. The bike felt nimble and energized even when riding with low levels of pedal assist.

The Vado SL 2’s foundation is a respectable, reliable component package. At its core is the 320W Specialized 1.2 SL mid-drive motor and a 520-watt-hour (Wh) battery. The bike is also specced with a stem-integrated Future Shock 3.2 suspension, TRP hydraulic disc brakes, a 12-speed Shimano SLX/Deore XT drivetrain, and custom 700c x 47mm all-terrain tires.

We tested the 6.0 EQ (or “Equipped) Carbon model, which included fenders, an MIK-HD cargo rack with mounting studs and pannier stoppers. The bike also features integrated lights, three bottle cage mounts, a color display, and integrated Apple Find My technology.

With so much going on under the hood, we had extremely high hopes for the Vado. Continue reading below to find out how it fared in our series of standardized performance tests!

Mokwheel Obsidian Review

A powerful, comfortable and affordable all-terrain e-bike for hunting or hitting the dirt.

Mokwheel largely built their reputation with the Basalt; in addition to being an appealing and solidly-performing fat tire e-bike, they paired it with an optional power inverter to allow the bike’s battery to power other devices. With the brand’s latest offering, the full-suspension Obsidian, the Basalt’s evolution feels complete. We discuss the bike’s features and performance in this Mokwheel Obsidian review!

One of the defining elements of the Obsidian is its supremely powerful 1,000W rear-hub motor. This tremendous amount of force allows the bike to handle steep hills, loose ground, and just about any kind of terrain. With a torque sensor, this motor gives you more power from the motor when you pedal harder.

The Obsidian’s frame is essentially identical to the Basalt, with the addition of a hinged rear wheel and shock. Its suspension fork offers a full 130 mm of travel for shock absorption. These combined features add comfort to the ride, allowing rough and rocky terrain to feel much smoother.

As a “Power Station E-Bike,” the Obsidian’s battery can be connected to various devices through the optional power inverter. This device includes various USB, DC, and AC power ports, allowing users to connect to anything from a laptop to a coffee maker. Combined with optional solar panels, the bike can be recharged literally anywhere that the sun is accessible!

So did the Mokwheel Obsidian’s real-world performance live up to our expectations? See our full Mokwheel Obsidian review below to find out.

Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST Review

A comfortable, speedy, and affordable cruiser with classic yet contemporary design!

Don’t be fooled by the retro design of the Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST; this cruiser-style e-bike might resemble an old-timer, but it packs some serious punch! We tested the bike’s real-world performance in addition to just admiring its great looks. Read all about it in this Retrospec Chatham Rev+ review!

The bike’s appearance is really its defining feature, and we think Retrospec nailed the design by balancing form and function. The Chatham Rev+ uses a curved and angled top tube to keep the frame from flexing, while the larger, more contemporary down tube seamlessly hosts its fully integrated battery. It’s an artful design that perfectly fuses new and old!

We were pleasantly surprised by the bike’s pricing; the Chatham Rev+ has an uncommonly high-quality ride feel backed up by unexpectedly good performance for an e-bike starting around $1,300. The bike feels well-made, but also thoroughly thought out, with a number of small but impactful details included – like the chain guard and tires – to elevate its ride quality.

The 26”x3” Compass fat tires add comfort to the ride by absorbing vibrations from the road, but they’re not the only comfort element we appreciated. The bike’s upright riding position is relaxed and enjoyable, and its wide, thickly padded seat is accommodating. These elements, along with the curved handlebars, are defining features of cruiser-style bikes – and why their riders love them so much!

To get the full scoop on the bike’s specs, components, and real-world performance, see our full Retrospec Chatham Rev+ review below.

John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

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Hobbies

Yamaha Wabash RT E-Bike Review, 2024

This powerful, well-crafted e-bike makes gravel riding accessible and fun!

How To Make Bikepacking More Enjoyable & Easier

Super73 S2 Review, 2024

A super speedy and fun moped-style e-bike from an iconic brand – enough said!

Denago eXC1 E-Bike Review, 2024

A budget-friendly but powerful entry-level eMTB with tons of upgrade potential.

The Electric Bikes at CES: All The New E-Bikes on Display

Carbon Fiber Frames, Integrated Displays, Glossy Paint, and LEDS Galore!

Himiway: A Revamped Lineup with a Carbon Fiber Crown Jewel

Urtopia: Dashing Into the Future with Polished Designs and ChatGPT Integration

Vanpowers: Affordable Adventure Bikes with Integrated Security Tech

Heybike: Taking a Chance with Crowdfunded Carbon Fiber

Okai: Clean Design and LEDs Are the Future of Commuting

Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 Step Through Review

A spectacularly affordable sub-$1k cruiser with comfort and climbing ability!

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 E-Bike Review

Rad’s classic entry-level utility e-bike with versatility, comfort, and the brand’s trademark reliability.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Review | Sleek, Savvy & Stealthy

A no-nonsense, high-tech, and high-performance carbon fiber commuter with incredible range, versatility in spades, and an exceptionally natural feel.

Mokwheel Obsidian Review

A powerful, comfortable and affordable all-terrain e-bike for hunting or hitting the dirt.

Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST Review

A comfortable, speedy, and affordable cruiser with classic yet contemporary design!

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John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

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John S. Bozick

This powerful, well-crafted e-bike makes gravel riding accessible and fun!

A super speedy and fun moped-style e-bike from an iconic brand – enough said!

A budget-friendly but powerful entry-level eMTB with tons of upgrade potential.

Carbon Fiber Frames, Integrated Displays, Glossy Paint, and LEDS Galore!

Himiway: A Revamped Lineup with a Carbon Fiber Crown Jewel

Urtopia: Dashing Into the Future with Polished Designs and ChatGPT Integration

Vanpowers: Affordable Adventure Bikes with Integrated Security Tech

Heybike: Taking a Chance with Crowdfunded Carbon Fiber

Okai: Clean Design and LEDs Are the Future of Commuting

A spectacularly affordable sub-$1k cruiser with comfort and climbing ability!

Rad’s classic entry-level utility e-bike with versatility, comfort, and the brand’s trademark reliability.

A no-nonsense, high-tech, and high-performance carbon fiber commuter with incredible range, versatility in spades, and an exceptionally natural feel.

A powerful, comfortable and affordable all-terrain e-bike for hunting or hitting the dirt.

A comfortable, speedy, and affordable cruiser with classic yet contemporary design!

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About

Guides

Reviews

What’s Trending