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John S. Bozick

Aventon Level.3 Review | A Massive Level Up for Commuting!

This sleek, sporty commuter e-bike rides like a dream and hosts a heap of hi-tech security features.

The Level 2 served as a marker of growth for Aventon by unifying many features that defined the brand’s second generation of e-bikes. It raised our expectations for a sub-$2k commuter with its integrated turn signals, Bluetooth connectivity, color display, and torque sensor: features that other brands took years to include on similarly-priced models.

The redesigned and heavily upgraded Level.3 promises to push the envelope again by including many features the brand pioneered with its Abound SR utility e-bike—and one or two extras.

With the integrated Aventon Control Unit (ACU), the Level.3 offers a host of security features that are nearly unheard of at its price point. With 4G connectivity, the bike’s location can be monitored, its motor can be remotely deactivated, and geofencing boundaries can be established to ensure the bike and its rider stay where they are wanted.

Additionally, the bike is equipped with a suspension seatpost to increase rider comfort and a refined torque sensor to provide a remarkably responsive and natural pedal experience. In other words, it feels great to ride and responds much like a non-electric bike—just faster and easier!

As with every e-bike our team reviews, we put the Level.3 through a series of standardized, real-world performance tests. We evaluated its speed capabilities and programming, its range, its braking power, and its hill climbing capabilities in addition to thoroughly testing its security and customization features.

Is this Aventon’s best commuter yet? Find out in our full review below!

Aventon Sinch 2.5 Review | Functional Folding With Upgrades

Whether you stash it in a closet or stow it in an RV, this folding e-bike delivers a fun, comfortable, and easy ride.

Based on our testing of hundreds of e-bikes, we’ve come to accept that certain tradeoffs usually come with those in the folding category. The increased portability resulting from their hinged frames and collapsible stems is sometimes offset by twitchier handling, unconventional geometry, and/or compromises in overall ride quality.

Like its predecessor, the Sinch.2 (which we reviewed roughly two years before the 2.5), the Aventon Sinch 2.5 seems to prioritize being a good bike first, with its folding aspect taking a backseat.

So, what’s different about this newer version of the bike? And why isn’t it called the Sinch.3?

Aventon kept the same frame design (with two refreshed color options, Midnight Black and Sage Green) while making a few minor but impactful changes to components and programming.

The Sinch.2 was specced with mechanical disc brakes, a custom derailleur and combination shifter/throttle lever, and Aventon’s standard, full-size color display. The Sinch 2.5 now features hydraulic disc brakes, a left-hand throttle, a Shimano-branded shifter/drivetrain, slightly chunkier 20×4 tires, and a small handlebar-mounted display/control panel.

With the same frame, motor, and battery, we expected that the Sinch 2.5 would share much of the Sinch.2’s performance characteristics. We quickly learned that along with its new display, the bike’s programming also got an update. See our full review below to learn how this influenced the results of our series of standardized performance tests!

Tenways CGO600 Pro-C Review | What Gains Come with a Chain?

This light and nimble urban e-bike combines a quiet and responsive motor with a multi-speed drivetrain and an iconic design.

Our first experience with the Tenways CGO600 Pro came in the form of the original single-speed model with a belt drive. The bike felt nimble, responsive, and generally well put together. It also stood out with a unique, contemporary aesthetic.

Single-speed e-bikes, however, have some innate limitations. Their gearing must be efficient for pedaling on flat ground without creating too much difficulty when climbing hills. Tenways largely nailed this balance, but we were nonetheless excited upon learning that the brand released an 8-speed model with a traditional chain and cassette.

After an initial ride, we were pleased to note that the CGO600 Pro-C (as the chain-driven model is designated) had all of the same characteristics we liked about the belt version.

Most notably, it has one of the smoothest, quietest, and most natural-feeling rear-hub motor/torque sensor combinations we have tested to date. Its 350W of nominal power is noticeable without feeling overpowered, helping riders to accelerate faster and climb hills with less strain.

The Pro-C also retains the belt drive model’s clean and sleek design as well as its crisp, agile handling.

Broadly speaking, the standard CGO600 Pro performed well in our series of standardized tests. With an 8-speed drivetrain and a 290% gear range, we expected the Pro-C to have an extra advantage in our Hill Test. See our full review below to see how this version of the bike fared!

Aventon Abound SR Review | Utility & Security at its Finest

With a remarkably analog-like feel, integrated GPS features, a locking kickstand, and plenty more, the Abound SR is high-tech, practical, and simply cool.

Aventon Abound SR Review | Stable & Secure

Full-size cargo e-bikes are known for their ability to carry tons of weight—often with 400+ lb payload capacities and room for up to two child passengers—but they’re also famously long and heavy. Many are also made to feel overpowered when riding without cargo so that they can effectively manage a full load.

These characteristics can make longtail cargo bikes feel impractical when you simply want to ride to work, blow off some steam with an exercise routine, or take an evening leisure trip around the park.

As a short-rack utility e-bike, the Aventon Abound SR is a natural solution to many of these concerns, as it boasts a shorter wheelbase and a lower weight than a full-size cargo hauler. Aventon didn’t stop there, however, as this bike largely sets a new standard for integrated tech and security features at its price point, slightly below the $2k threshold.

The Abound SR features a smart module (the ACU or Aventon Control Unit) that governs its motor tuning and a host of security features. It incorporates a 4G chip that allows for GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote deactivation in the event of theft. It also has the ability to lock the bike’s kickstand and eject its battery from its sealed dock in the down tube.

It also differs from the norm in terms of its extremely natural ride feel, as the bike includes a 36V, 750W rear hub motor paired with a highly responsive torque sensor. We found that this lower-voltage electrical system (most similar bikes use 48V systems) allowed us to feel more of an active participant in the ride instead of the motor dominating our own effort.

We were extremely curious to find out how this combination of elements would affect the Abound SR’s performance in our series of standardized tests. See our full review below to learn what happened!

Brompton Electric C-Line Explore Review | Cool & Compact

This lightweight English electric city bike performs solidly while quickly folding down to an ultra-portable size.

At least here in the US, folding e-bikes are somewhat of an enigma. Sure, they can become more compact to save on space and increase portability, but even when folded, they’re often bulky and cumbersome—some weigh over 70 lbs!

Of course, many of these bikes feature robust motors, large batteries, and all-terrain tires to satisfy American appetites for speed and power. But what options exist for city dwellers who rely partially on public transit or those in cramped third-story apartments?

The Brompton Electric C Line Explore (the 12-Speed model) may present the ideal blend of ease, portability, functionality—and, most importantly, fun.

This e-bike, one of three electric models in the British brand’s lineup of analog and battery-powered bikes, features a proprietary folding design, making it one of the most compact models we’ve tested. Additionally, it weighs just 38 lbs, including its removable battery pack (32 lbs without), so it’s also one of the lightest.

The bike lightens its rider’s effort level with a custom 250W front-hub motor paired with a 36V, 300-Wh battery that is built into an easily removable carry bag. It feels much like a non-electric bike thanks to its responsive torque sensor, making the ride engaging, natural, and active—but not strenuous.

For those unfamiliar, Brompton is a well-established company that began making folding analog bikes in 1975 and e-bikes in 2017. With 50 years of experience under its belt, the brand has become known as the gold standard for compact cycles.

Prior to this review, we’d been itching to get our hands on a bike from Brompton! Now that we have, our goal was to discover if it was everything it was cracked up to be. Read our full review below to find out how the bike felt, folded, and performed in our series of standardized performance tests!

Vvolt Centauri II Review | It Doesn’t Get Much Easier!

A lightweight commuter e-bike with a powerful and natural motor, automatic shifting, and a fun and responsive ride.

As “bike people,” sometimes it’s easy for us to forget how complex and intimidating e-bikes can be for those who are new to them. First, there’s all the esoteric terminology—things like derailleurs, watt-hours, and Newton-meters. Then, there are practices while riding, like trail etiquette, hand signals, and shifting discipline.

Some of those things should be learned before buying an e-bike, and others may be non-essential for many riders depending on where and how they ride. Good shifting practices are important for all riders—unless you find yourself riding the Vvolt Centauri II, that is.

Why, you may ask?

The Centauri II features an exceptionally user-friendly drivetrain that pairs a 350W mid-drive motor with a 3-speed automatic internal gear hub (IGH). This system requires no action from the rider, as it changes gears at pre-set intervals: roughly 12 and 20 miles per hour. We found it to be effective, easy, and functional for the bike’s Class 3 speeds.

With a Gates CDX belt connecting its mid-drive and IGH, the Centauri II is also remarkably low-maintenance. The internal gears of the IGH are protected from damage and wear, while the durable belt is rated to last twice the mileage of a chain. As a bonus, the system uses no grease, so riders need not worry about getting a messy pant leg.

We liked the Centauri II’s easy-to-use-and-own nature, but we also found its ride to be seriously fun and natural. The bike’s mid-drive responded quickly to deliver smooth power. With a peak of 650W and a surprisingly powerful 120 Nm of torque, it also felt highly capable of climbing hills.

Uphill capability is one of many aspects of the Centauri II we tested. See our full review below to see how the bike performed!

Blix Sol X Review | The Cruiser/Commuter of the Future?

This relaxed beach cruiser boasts a powerful 750W motor, a responsive and natural ride, electronic shifting, and a cool, contemporary design.

Cruiser-style e-bikes are known far and wide for their comfort, with upright riding positions and a relaxed, leisurely feel. They’re often simple, feature-light, and uncomplicated, which makes them easy to operate—but this also means they may lack some functional elements.

Additionally, beach cruisers don’t usually have a reputation for being high-tech or high-performance, but the Blix Sol X isn’t your average cruiser.

Like the Vika X we reviewed a short time prior to the Sol X, this bike is loaded with cool technology features that are uncommon for its style and price point. The Sol has an electronic shifting system. It also pairs with the Blix Connect app for ride data and customization, and it offers an Auto pedal assist setting with optional automatic shifting.

The Sol X also offers a comfortable ride with better-than-expected handling and a responsive feel. It pedals similarly to an analog bike thanks to its torque sensor, and its relatively light construction keeps it feeling lively and highly maneuverable on the road or path.

On top of that, it includes a variety of commuter-friendly features to enhance safety and functionality. The bike has integrated turn signals and lights (including a high- and low-beam LED headlight), a cargo rack, and fenders.

The Sol X even breaks from the norm in its appearance; where many electric cruisers look like they’re fresh out of the 1950s, Blix opted for a much more contemporary vibe with black trim and a selection of cool, trendy colors.

Intrigued yet? Keep reading our full review of the Sol X below to find out how it fared in our series of standardized Speed, Brake, Range, and Hill tests!

Specialized Globe Haul LT Review | Tested & Proven

This powerful, highly practical cargo e-bike embodies and evolves Specialized’s tradition of building top-tier rides.

Prior to the resurrection of the Globe brand, Specialized offered a variety of moderately powered e-bikes intended to ride as naturally as an analog bike. These “Turbo” models, ranging from commuters and city cruisers to high-performance electric mountain bikes, all adhered to the European philosophy of providing pedal assist with no option for a throttle.

The Haul line of electric cargo bikes, including the full-size Specialized Globe Haul LT, changed things.

When designing this bike, the development team focused on appeasing famously voracious American appetites for speed, power, and rugged construction. To achieve this aim, the defunct Globe brand was revived and assigned as the home for this new line of bikes built with a completely different philosophy.

Instead of relatively reserved mid-drive motors, the Haul lineup features robust, highly capable rear-hub motors, previously the antithesis of Specialized’s ethos. The bikes do not include throttles, but aftermarket modules can be purchased affordably and added to propel riders and heavy loads without the need for pedaling.

We previously tested the Haul ST—Globe’s debut short-tail utility/cargo bike—and were floored by its extremely high weight capacity, powerful and responsive motor, shockingly accommodating geometry, quick handling, and some of the best results we have ever recorded in our series of standardized performance tests.

As such, we had extremely high hopes for the extended Globe Haul LT (long-tail). Continue to our full review below to find out if the bike lived up to our expectations!

Lectric XP Trike Review | Read BEFORE Buying

An accessible, affordable addition to the Lectric lineup that raises the bar for e-trikes!

Riders looking for the stability, accessibility, and carrying capacity of an electric tricycle will be thrilled with Lectric’s latest offering – the Lectric XP Trike! As we expected from Lectric, the XP Trike comes packed with features but won’t break the bank. In this Lectric XP Trike review, we take a close look at this affordable e-mobility solution!

With a price tag of around $1,500, we were shocked by everything that’s included with the Trike. A 500W rear-hub (well, sort of) motor, a throttle with different speeds tied to the pedal-assist system, a 672 watt-hour (Wh) battery, hydraulic disc brakes with parking brakes, lights, plenty of cargo space, and tons more – you simply won’t find another similarly affordable trike from a brand with Lectric’s level of name recognition and quality.

The XP Trike takes a different approach with its motor; Lectric adapted a hub motor for use as a pseudo-mid-drive. This design keeps the rider’s weight over the motor, which grants the trike better traction than the myriad of other electric tricycles with front-hub motors.

Weighing just 62.5 lbs with its battery removed, The XP Trike is decidedly more portable than many other e-trikes on the market – some others can weigh 90 lbs or more! And as with a majority of Lectric’s other models, the Trike’s frame and stem fold down to reduce its overall size as well, allowing it to fit in the back of an SUV or even a hatchback; we tested that too!

We were also impressed with the feel; this trike felt rock-solid when holding a straight line.

These are just a few of the highlights, though; we discuss all of the trike’s major features as well as its real-world performance results in this Lectric XP Trike review!

Lemond Prolog Review | Lightweight Carbon City E-Bike

Lightweight and life-changing; this carbon fiber city e-bike leans toward loyal cyclists looking for a traditional bicycle feel.

Subtle, minimal, sophisticated; these are the first words that came to mind when attempting to describe the LeMond Prolog. This elegant and alluring e-bike is one of two models released at the re-launch of LeMond Bicycles in 2021, and we were thrilled to finally get our hands on it! We take a look at this stylish, super-light city bike in this LeMond Prolog review.

A non-electric hybrid road/city bike lies at the heart of the Prolog’s riding experience, which is no surprise considering its brand’s heritage. Originally founded in 1990, LeMond Bicycles is the brainchild of Greg LeMond, the first American (and more broadly, non-European) winner of the Tour-de-France in 1986. The company has been through a lot since then ( our LeMond review hub includes a brief summary), but in its current form, focuses on creating highly functional, beautifully-designed carbon fiber e-bikes.

Weighing in at an incredible 26 lbs(!), the Prolog’s handmade carbon fiber frame (just one of many components on the bike) allows it to be one of the lightest e-bikes we’ve ever tested. This, along with a modest 250W rear-hub motor, gives it an extraordinary ride feel that we honestly struggle to find something to compare to; it’s fun in the sense of being somewhat life-changing.

With a ride experience that grants the sense of superhuman ability, a featherlight frame that is incredibly maneuverable, an array of impressive integrated technology, and unique visual appeal, it’s fair to expect that the Prolog would prove itself to be a prodigy.

Read on in our review of the LeMond Prolog to see if these elements combined to create an effective urban e-bike that met our lofty expectations!

John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

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Aventon Level.3 Review | A Massive Level Up for Commuting!

This sleek, sporty commuter e-bike rides like a dream and hosts a heap of hi-tech security features.

Aventon Sinch 2.5 Review | Functional Folding With Upgrades

Whether you stash it in a closet or stow it in an RV, this folding e-bike delivers a fun, comfortable, and easy ride.

Tenways CGO600 Pro-C Review | What Gains Come with a Chain?

This light and nimble urban e-bike combines a quiet and responsive motor with a multi-speed drivetrain and an iconic design.

Aventon Abound SR Review | Utility & Security at its Finest

With a remarkably analog-like feel, integrated GPS features, a locking kickstand, and plenty more, the Abound SR is high-tech, practical, and simply cool.

Brompton Electric C-Line Explore Review | Cool & Compact

This lightweight English electric city bike performs solidly while quickly folding down to an ultra-portable size.

Vvolt Centauri II Review | It Doesn’t Get Much Easier!

A lightweight commuter e-bike with a powerful and natural motor, automatic shifting, and a fun and responsive ride.

Blix Sol X Review | The Cruiser/Commuter of the Future?

This relaxed beach cruiser boasts a powerful 750W motor, a responsive and natural ride, electronic shifting, and a cool, contemporary design.

Specialized Globe Haul LT Review | Tested & Proven

This powerful, highly practical cargo e-bike embodies and evolves Specialized’s tradition of building top-tier rides.

Lectric XP Trike Review | Read BEFORE Buying

An accessible, affordable addition to the Lectric lineup that raises the bar for e-trikes!

Lemond Prolog Review | Lightweight Carbon City E-Bike

Lightweight and life-changing; this carbon fiber city e-bike leans toward loyal cyclists looking for a traditional bicycle feel.

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John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Get to Know John S. Bozick

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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

This sleek, sporty commuter e-bike rides like a dream and hosts a heap of hi-tech security features.

Whether you stash it in a closet or stow it in an RV, this folding e-bike delivers a fun, comfortable, and easy ride.

This light and nimble urban e-bike combines a quiet and responsive motor with a multi-speed drivetrain and an iconic design.

With a remarkably analog-like feel, integrated GPS features, a locking kickstand, and plenty more, the Abound SR is high-tech, practical, and simply cool.

This lightweight English electric city bike performs solidly while quickly folding down to an ultra-portable size.

A lightweight commuter e-bike with a powerful and natural motor, automatic shifting, and a fun and responsive ride.

This relaxed beach cruiser boasts a powerful 750W motor, a responsive and natural ride, electronic shifting, and a cool, contemporary design.

This powerful, highly practical cargo e-bike embodies and evolves Specialized’s tradition of building top-tier rides.

An accessible, affordable addition to the Lectric lineup that raises the bar for e-trikes!

Lightweight and life-changing; this carbon fiber city e-bike leans toward loyal cyclists looking for a traditional bicycle feel.

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