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John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Originally from a small town in northeastern Ohio, John was eventually drawn elsewhere in the pursuit of self-actualization. What began as a creative background slowly shifted into the technical; John’s early interest in art led him to learn design, fabrication, and manufacturing techniques while attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He applied his creative, mechanical, and critical thinking skills in various industries including fine art, orthotics, furniture and interior design, construction, etc. before arriving in his current position at Electric Bike Report. Bikes have been present to varying degrees throughout John’s life; as a teenager, he spent much of his free time on a Diamondback BMX, and during/following the pandemic, a secondhand Specialized trail bike offered a way to blow off steam. Writing has been similarly ubiquitous; a natural skill with the written word developed through formal education into a source of pride and passion. At Electric Bike Report, John uses his analytical mind, technical writing skills, and dry sense of humor to share the best e-bikes with the world!

Get to Know John S. Bozick

Certifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Entertainment Design

Favorite Style of E-Bike

City, All-Terrain, Hybrid Path

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Ride1UP Revv 1

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Magnum Vertex

Hobbies

Cooking, Hiking, Camping, Gaming, and Traveling

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John S. Bozick

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.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Review

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!

[Read more…] about Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Review | Sleek, Savvy & Stealthy

Mokwheel Obsidian Review

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

Mokwheel Obsidian Review 2023
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.

[Read more…] about Mokwheel Obsidian Review

Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST Review

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

Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST Review
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.

[Read more…] about Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST Review

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.

Yamaha CrossCore RC Review 2024
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!

[Read more…] about Yamaha CrossCore RC Review, 2024

Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024

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

Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review 2024
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!

[Read more…] about Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

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

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review 2024
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.

[Read more…] about iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

Himiway Cobra Pro Review

This pedal-friendly, all-terrain powerhouse ssssssseriously pushes the limits of offroad e-bike possibilities.

Himiway Cobra Pro Review
Many e-bikes in the increasingly popular and versatile fat tire category are labeled as “all-terrain,” but few (in our experience) can put the corresponding walk into that talk. The Himiway Cobra Pro has no such issue. This upgraded version of the company’s already powerful (and popular) Cobra fat tire e-bike presents a handful of significant changes that we couldn’t wait to experience for ourselves. We take a close look at what makes this bike stand out in our Himiway Cobra Pro review!

The Cobra pro features a full suspension system, a beastly 1000W mid-drive motor with a torque sensor, and some seriously huge and chunky 26” x 4.8” CST tires. These combine to give the bike true off-road capability, and a large degree of comfort in more rugged environments.

The bike also has an impressive maximum range of over 60 miles thanks to that mid-drive, but also its gigantic 960 Watt-hour (Wh) battery. In the case of many e-bikes with relatively small amounts of output in their low pedal assist system (PAS) settings, this wouldn’t mean a whole lot – but the Cobra Pro pumps out a fun and practical amount of assistance even in PAS 1.

The Cobra Pro’s awesome power makes it an uphill champion, too – but you’ll have to read on through our review of the Himiway Cobra Pro to see how it compares to some of the other fat tire e-bikes we have put to the test!

*Himiway is sharing some savings with the EBR audience! When you click the button above and use the discount code ELECTRICBIKEREPORT you will save $50 at checkout!.

*Editor’s Note: Updated Nov. 20th, 2023 to include award badge, and links to latest info and pricing.

[Read more…] about Himiway Cobra Pro Review

Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review

A lightweight city bike for easy carrying, commuting, and cutting across town.

Trek FX+ 2 Review
With the FX+ 2, Trek added an internal battery and small rear hub motor to its massively popular FX city bike, which gives its rider a subtle but effective boost for zipping around town. But this e-bike has certainly not lost its soul; the FX+ 2 has clearly been designed to maintain the overall feel of its non-electric cousin. In the following Trek FX+ 2 review, we’ll take a close look at the specs, performance, and ride experience through the eyes of the testers here at Electric Bike Report.

When we first saw the Trek FX+ 2, we had to do a double take to make sure we received the electric version; there is really only one obvious indication that this is an e-bike! That surprise continued with our first test rides; aside from an initial boost of speed from the small 250W rear-hub motor, the bike’s torque sensor and tuning provided a ride experience that was remarkably similar to a mid-drive motor, and therefore more akin to a traditional bicycle.

We were also stunned by the FX+ 2’s incredibly low weight. At just 40 lbs, the bike is easy to maneuver at low speeds, and is capable of accelerating to higher speeds quickly. The lightweight frame also added to its non-electric feel by making the bike easy to pedal with no motor assistance if needed.

These features, combined with integrated commuter essentials like a rear cargo rack, front and rear fenders, a headlight, and a taillight make the bike a capable, practical metropolitan meanderer.

For more information about this terrific traverser of traffic, swipe up or scroll down to our full Trek FX+ 2 review!

[Read more…] about Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review

iGO Outland Torngat RS Review, 2024

A powerful fat tire eMTB for long rides over hills and loose terrain in all seasons.

iGO Outland Torngat RS Review 2024
If you’re seeking a rugged, all-season e-bike that can take on steep, loose, and rocky terrain alike, the iGO Outland Torngat RS has you covered. As one of three models in the brand’s Outland series, the Torngat is a fat tire eMTB made for trails and wilderness – but it also has commuter potential. We dive into the details in this iGO Outland Torngat RS review!

The Torngat RS rolls on massive 4.8”-wide Maxxis Minion tires with grip in all types of terrain. In addition to great traction, they help to absorb bumps and smooth out the ride. We liked how stable and planted these tires felt on dirt and sand – and while we don’t often have snow on our Southern Utah trails, we think they’d do just fine there as well. It rides as either a class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike with settings that can be controlled in iGO’s custom app.

Another feature we really appreciated was the bike’s RST Renegade suspension fork. With 120 mm of travel, the stiffness of this air-and-oil fork can be adjusted to suit the rider’s weight and the difficulty of the surrounding terrain. This fork is a higher-tier component that sets the Torngat apart from the other iGO Outland e-bikes we’ve reviewed using spring suspensions.

We also liked the Torgnat’s powerful, responsive 500W mid-drive motor. It encouraged more active pedaling, and delivered more or less power in response to our level of effort. The result was a natural-feeling but enhanced ride that felt perfect for tough trails.

So how did this bike perform in our series of tests? Keep reading our iGO Outland Torngat RS review below to find out!

*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.

[Read more…] about iGO Outland Torngat RS Review, 2024

Ado Air 20 E-Bike Review, 2024

A Lightweight European-Style Folding E-Bike for Easy Carrying and Commuting

Ado Air E-Bike Review 2024
The Air 20 is just one of many folding e-bike options from A Dece Oasis, or ADO. With a lightweight frame practical for carrying on a daily basis, it’s a great solution for commuters with some miles between the bus stop and the office. We explore the bike’s features and performance in this ADO Air 20 review.

In the US, the folding feature of folding e-bikes is often secondary, with some weighing upwards of 70 lbs. At 42 lbs. including its battery, the ADO Air 20 is more portable than many of its peers. It can fold in seconds, and ADO offers an optional magnetic attachment to keep the two halves of the bike together. This might seem minor, but it’s something we’ve often wished for on the folding e-bikes we’ve tested!

Another surprising feature of the ADO Air 20 was the responsiveness of its pedal assistance. The bike uses a torque sensor in conjunction with its 250W rear-hub motor, giving the rider more power when pedaling harder. We think this is a great complement to the subtle assistance provided by the relatively small motor.

Function is the Air 20’s primary concern, as exemplified by its simple operation. To keep things light and easy, it uses a single-speed drivetrain with a Dayco Power Carbon belt for long-lasting and mess-free pedaling. With no shifting, riders need only to adjust their pedal-assist setting or use the throttle!

We had a lot of fun testing this zippy folding e-bike; see our full ADO Air 20 review below for all the details.

[Read more…] about Ado Air 20 E-Bike Review, 2024