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CUBE 20″ Compact Sport Hybrid Spec Review – 2020

In this Spec Review, we’ll take a look at the components and specs to get an idea of design, quality and functionality of the CUBE 20” Sport.

The CUBE 20” Compact Sport ebike is an updated model from CUBE, a European ebike company with over 10 years experience in the ebike industry. This sporty bike features innovative geometry that maximizes rider comfort but maintains a small frame size for convenience. The 20” wheels keep the wheelbase low and the step-thru frame is easy to get on and off while the telescoping handlebars and seat post make it adjustable for different size riders.

There are lots of compact bikes available with folding features that maximize functionality while minimizing frame size. CUBE has included the Speedlifter Twist handlebar adjuster on the stem which allows the handlebars to be raised up or drop down. The Speedlifter has another trick up its sleeve: flip the lever and you can twist the bars round so they’re parallel with the frame. This is a real bonus if you have limited storage space at home or at work.
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Orbea Rise – Is This Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike a Game Changer?

Today, Spain-based bike manufacturer Orbea released their latest electric bike in their lineup, the Orbea Rise. The Rise is an all-mountain/trail ebike that is targeted towards sporty mountain bikers who are looking for a more natural mountain biking experience with an EMTB.

Our first take on the Orbea Rise:

This is an obvious shot across the bow to the Specialized Turbo Levo SL, which is Specialized’s light-weight EMTB. Coming in just above 35 lbs for the highest/most expensive version of the bike, the Orbea Rise is lighter than the Specialized Turbo Levo SL but has more torque (60 Nm vs 35 Nm). This will be very interesting to test out, especially on uphill climbs and through technical sections. The SL has been a fantastic emtb (one of our favorites) because it feels much more like a normal mountain bike. The Orbea Rise has the potential to do that while possibly providing even more power.

Gecko Tyres Review – Puncture Proof and Sustainable

What Are Gecko Puncture Proof Tires?

Having a puncture can be a total nightmare; you might find yourself stuck in unpleasant weather attempting the fix, or discover your particular type of tyre are one of those hard to get off the rim ones, or find that that you thought you had removed the object causing the puncture only to discover that the tire goes down again immediately after ‘fixing’. Or a whole host of other problems…if only there were a truly puncture-proof tyre…

In fact so-called puncture proof tyres have been around a while. We aren’t talking the ones with kevlar and other types of reinforcement that are still in essence pneumatic and can still suffer punctures from very sharp and sizeable objects. Truly puncture-proof tyres are one-piece construction and have no inner tube but rather are a ‘solid’ tyre, though ‘solid’ can be something of a misnomer, as we discover later.

But product launches of ‘solid’ tyres over the years have come and gone and reviews of them in the cycling press have been almost universally critical. They were found to be extremely harsh to ride and at worst potentially dangerous because of issues such as derimming and skidding. At best they were hard to ride with huge rolling resistance and a jarring, uncomfortable ride.

Gecko tyres replace the puncturable air space in a pneumatic tyre with a unique cellular – and totally unpunctureable – form of rubber.

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Order 3376 – Encouraging eBike Use On Public Lands

As electric bikes continue to grow in popularity, more and more governments and state legislatures are developing laws and codes that will state the rights and areas of usage for eBikes. Such is the case with the new Department of the Interior Order 3376, which has implemented the new rules for eBike usage on public lands for much of the United States. These rules have been implemented with the goal of simplifying where you can and cannot use an eBike, and will lead to better, more defined trail systems as time goes on and more parks implement the new rules. However, the new order can be a bit complicated to understand, so we’re here to break down the major changes and rules as put forth by the Department of Interior here in the United States.
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Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 5 Spec Review 2020

Looking for a sturdy crossover bike that is well-built and fun to ride? In this spec review, we’ll look at the Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 5. This stylish ebike is French-engineered with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, Bosch 625Wh PowerTube battery and Shimano 11 gear groupset. Moustache has branded this an XRoad bike, which means it is suited for urban roads or light trails. The Xroad 5 maintains the European feel of a stable Class 1 ebike but adds a 40mm suspension seatpost and 100mm of front fork suspension for increased travel and comfort. You can ride this around town loaded with cargo, or you can enjoy a bit of gravel or off-road playtime! The suspension keeps the frame buoyant and fun to ride while the added accessories such as fenders, lights, rear cargo rack, and five PAS levels make this a safe option for city riding as well.

Bike Category: Class 1: Pedal assist to 20mph. No throttle.

Who It’s For: Riders looking for a powered and progressive commuter for chic urban riding with a touch of off-road flair

Tern HSD S8i eBike Review – 2020

The Tern HSD S8i is a low profile folding ebike designed to haul both you and your stuff with ease. In this Spec Review we’ll take a look at the HSD, what it can do, who it’s best suited for and if it’s the right bike for you!

The HSD stands for “Haul Stuff Daily” and this bike does just that! The HSD folds down to save space and when open, it will haul you, maybe a passenger, and even some cargo with an impressive 375 pound weight capacity. The drivetrain on this bike features the Gates belt drive and Enviolo shifter that makes the bike easy to ride. The mid drive motor is low and centered in between the crank arms for safety and a stealthily hidden battery behind the seat post leaves room for both the low step frame and rear cargo rack. Tern has long been an industry leader in folding cargo ebikes and the upgrades on the HSD make it the perfect option for new ebikers looking to replace a vehicle or those who just ride around town with ease!

Bike Category: Class 1: Pedal assist to 20mph. No throttle.

Who It’s For: Riders who want comfort and ease on a folding cargo ebike for around town riding

eBike News: New Kona & Devron eBikes, Swiftmile Charging, NYC Streetfilms, eCargo Developments & Much More! [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

Kona’s New eBike Range
Devron Budget Models for the UK’s Halfords
eKickscooters Push for Legalisation in the UK
Access Clarification for US eBike Access
Swiftmile Charging Funding Success
Cargobike Specific Area for Eurobike
ONOMOTION eCargo Project Gets Euro Rollout Funding
Manchester’s eBike Hire A Step Closer

New eBikes & eBike Systems

Kona Remote Gets a Makeover

Kona recently launched it’s 2021 range of e-bikes and here are some of the highlights:

Kona’s new Remote 160DL uses the latest, most powerful EP8 mid-drive from Shimano

The Kona Remote 160 DL full-suspension e-mtb features the latest, most powerful Shimano EP8 mid-drive system and a 504Wh frame integrated battery. Display and controls are very minimalist with a small top tube on/off button and a small color LCD display on the handlebars. There is also plenty of wireless connectivity to use Shimano’s own app and also allowing you to connect with other third party devices.
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An Introduction to Electric Mountain Bikes

eMTBs’ ‘go anywhere’ ability open up a whole new world of fun

Rather than call this ‘A Complete Guide’, as EBR did in its articles on mid-drives and hub motors, we figured there couldn’t really be a ‘complete’ article to electric mountain bikes. The choice today in terms of different designs of e-mtb and the ever developing technology is wider than ever, so no guide is ever going to cover all the brands and options out there. Instead we take a look at the main areas potential e-mtb buyers might want to think about.

This article aims to demystify the jargon and leave you with a clear picture of all the e-mtb options out there. If you feel like you are missing out on the fun by not exploring the world of e-mtbs you probably are, so read on to get better acquainted with it!

The Basics

Like traditional mountain bikes, e-MTBSs come in three main types based on suspension:

Hardtails

Hardtail e-mtbs from Focus tackling a European classic, the Transalp. Hardtails are good for longer rides over less rough terrain.

eBike News: LIV Women’s eMTB, Forest Trails, Lyft eBike Share & Much More [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

LIV’s New Women’s eMTB
Forest Service Considers More eMTB Access
California Trails Project
People for Bikes New Data
New Uses for eCargo Bikes in London and Paris
Share e-bikes in Santa Monica and Leeds, UK
Plus All the Latest eBike Battery and Business News

New eBikes and eBike Systems

LIV CYCLING INTRODUCES INTRIGUE X E+ TRAIL E-BIKE SERIES

Liv’s Intrigue X E+ is their first women-specific e-mtb with 29 inch wheels

Liv Cycling, the company dedicated to getting more women on bikes, has just introduced the Intrigue X E+, its first trail E-bike with 29-inch wheels. Liv add that ‘The Intrigue X E+ also features a suspension tuned specifically for women by women, flip chip adjustable frame geometry, and a powerful motor making it the perfect trail E-bike for those who want to go further. The Intrigue X E+ is available in XS, S, M and L sizes. Designed to match riders with just the right wheel size for balance and maneuverability, XS frames come with 27.5-inch wheels, while S-L frames come with 29-inch wheels.’
[Read more…] about eBike News: LIV Women’s eMTB, Forest Trails, Lyft eBike Share & Much More [VIDEOS]

Sondors Bikes Fold XS eBike Review, 2020

In this Spec Review we will take a look at the build, design and components on the Sondors Fold XS.

The Sondors Fold XS is a folding Class 2 ebike (Class 3 optional) with playful fat tires, a low wheelbase, telescoping handlebars and a powerful 750watt Bafang rear hub motor with responsive cadence sensor, twist throttle, and 80Nm of torque. The Fold XS has been upgraded in 2020 to make it even more user friendly. The folding frame collapses down so this bike will fit in your trunk or truck bed and the extended one-year warranty is a valuable addition on a direct-to-consumer ebike. Sondors has long been a presence in the ebike space and offers several bikes for users of all abilities. The Fold XS provides a good option for those who want a sturdy folding ebike with impressive kick. The base model does not include extra accessories which keeps the bike price low so you don’t pay for extras you don’t need. The XS is currently offered online from Sondors for $1699 in two colors: Torch orange and Graphite gray. The XS only comes in one frame size, but there are several adjustable features to make it work for riders of all sizes. This is a peppy ebike that is great for trail riding, off-road recreation, zipping around town, or taking a jaunt along the beach.
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CUBE 20″ Compact Sport Hybrid Spec Review – 2020

Orbea Rise – Is This Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike a Game Changer?

Our first take on the Orbea Rise: