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John S. Bozick

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.

Yamaha CrossCore RC Review, 2024

This intrepid long-hauler has the look of a commuter with the handling and feel of a lightweight city bike.

It’s not every day that we, the reviewers at Electric Bike Report, have the opportunity to test an e-bike from a brand that’s nearly 70 years old. It’s equally uncommon for us to see an e-bike made by the same well-established company that manufactures its motor and battery. With those things in mind, we had high expectations for the Yamaha CrossCore RC in our review!

One of the first things we noticed about the bike was the smooth, natural feel of its 250W mid-drive motor. With four pedal assist settings, the motor output ranges from subtle to strong; the CrossCore RC can feel just like an analog bike on the low end, or take advantage of its Class 3 speeds up to 28 miles per hour with maximum power.

Over the course of our testing, we learned to appreciate the remarkable efficiency of the Yamaha motor and battery pairing, which affected the bike’s range. With its 36V, 500 watt-hour battery, the bike just kept going! We discuss the specifics of our Range Test later in this Yamaha CrossCore RC review, but we were highly impressed by the bike’s capabilities.

The CrossCore RC is a unique hybrid; its frame and suspension fork give it the appearance of a conventional commuter, but we found that it handled more like a lightweight and minimalistic city bike. With a relatively short wheelbase, 27.5”x2” tires, a mid-weight frame, and 640 mm handlebars, the bike felt nimble and highly maneuverable.

Our full Yamaha CrossCore RC review below has the full scoop on this striking road and city wrangler!

Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024

A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.

If riding in style is your jam, look no further than the Magnum Cosmo 2.0. This cool and cheery-looking commuter e-bike puts the fun in functional! We tested the bike on our local network of paved bike paths to evaluate its ride feel and real-world performance – see what we thought in this Magnum Cosmo 2.0 review!

Here at Electric Bike Report, a good chunk of the e-bikes we review come in three colors: black, white, or grey. The Cosmo we tested came in “Coral,” which is just one of the myriad youthful, refreshing, and eye-catching splashes of color that Magnum offers for the bike. With a fully-integrated battery painted to match, we think the Cosmo 2.0 looks great!

The quality of the ride was enjoyable as well; with a cadence sensor, the bike’s 500W rear-hub motor propelled the bike smoothly along without the need for intense pedaling. The ride was relaxing and easy – perfect for leisurely evening rides or cruising into town on the weekends.

With a single frame size, the Cosmo fits riders 5’ and up by offering plenty of adjustability and customization in fit. We liked that we could set a comfortable upright riding position with the bike’s adjustable stem, and we found that the wide saddle and ergonomic grips enhanced the overall feel.

To dive into all the details – including the results from our series of real-world performance tests – continue reading our full Magnum Cosmo 2.0 review below!

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

A hardtail eMTB with great range and exhilarating power for work AND play

As the most traditional of the e-bikes in iGo’s Outland line of adventuresome off-roaders, the Sawback RS is an entry-level hardtail eMTB. We put the bike through its paces on singletrack, doubletrack, and paved bike paths in our testing. This iGo Outland Sawback RS review has the full scoop!

One of the bike’s biggest highlights is its mighty 500W mid-drive motor. With 130 Newton-meters of maximum torque output, it flattens hills and makes riding at speed effortless and smooth. We were impressed by how quickly it responded to changes in pedaling, providing more or less power almost instantaneously.

While it’s a little more complicated than this – in general, higher battery capacity results in better range, which means more time on the bike before needing to recharge. The Sawback RS features a high-capacity 720 Wh battery, ensuring that its motor can keep pumping out the power you need.

We found the Sawback to be a competent trail bike, but we were pleased to note that it was also flexible enough for multipurpose use. Through the iGo Ride app, the bike can be unlocked to a Class 3 maximum speed of 28 mph making it a capable commuter. The inclusion of a throttle can help get the bike moving quickly through busy intersections, or simply allow the rider to take a break from pedaling.

See our full iGo Outland Sawback RS review below for all the details on the bike’s specs and performance!

*iGO has shared an exclusive discount code with the Electric Bike Report audience. Use code: GOELECTRIC100 at checkout for $100 off your e-bike purchase.

John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Hobbies

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!

Yamaha CrossCore RC Review, 2024

This intrepid long-hauler has the look of a commuter with the handling and feel of a lightweight city bike.

Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024

A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

A hardtail eMTB with great range and exhilarating power for work AND play

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John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

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Favorite Style of E-Bike

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Hobbies

John S. Bozick

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!

This intrepid long-hauler has the look of a commuter with the handling and feel of a lightweight city bike.

A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.

A hardtail eMTB with great range and exhilarating power for work AND play

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