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I raced an eMTB at Sea Otter. Here’s what it was like.

Sea Otter Classic eMTB Race

I raced an eMTB at Sea Otter. Here’s what it was like.

Racing bicycles is nothing new, but what about racing an electric bike? At this year’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, I got a chance to find out what e-bike racing is all about. Bosch loaned me a Cannondale Moterra powered by the Performance Line CX motor and I hit the track for the Sea Otter eMTB race.

I’ve ridden and raced quite a bit on my enduro bike and I’ve also had plenty of miles in the pain-cave on my XC bike. Both of these disciplines are ones that I’m very familiar with and feel comfortable doing, but I wasn’t sure what to expect racing an eMTB.

Sea Otter Classic eMTB Race

The 2021 Sea Otter Classic eMTB racecourse was built specifically to challenge modern e-bikes.

The race took place on an XC short-track style course that was about 3.5 miles long. The goal? Do as many laps as you can within an hour. I didn’t think much of the challenge, as I figured I’d be railing on maximum assistance simply holding on to the bike as it did its thing. I got the “hold on” part right, but it ended up being a challenge of harnessing the beast of a motor, and maintaining speed on steep, loose terrain.

The bike I used was a 2020 Cannondale Moterra powered by a 250W Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor and PowerTube 625 battery pack. With 85 Nm of torque, there’s no forgetting the Moterra is an e-bike. It’s an enduro-oriented model that had the power and poise on nasty terrain to give me an edge on the steep, loose climbs that were a large part of the race course.

[Read more…] about I raced an eMTB at Sea Otter. Here’s what it was like.

Career Opportunities

Staff Writer / E-Bike Expert

Located in beautiful St. George, Utah, ElectricBikeReport.com is a leading authority on all things e-bikes. We are a consumer-oriented company dedicated to, among many other things, guiding e-bike newcomers as they learn about the sport, lending a hand to experienced riders as they look for their next bike and helping brands grow while challenging them to make a better product.

We set ourselves apart from our competition by being nuanced and detailed, and expect our contributors to be experts in their respective fields. ElectricBikeReport.com’s reputation as a reliable source for all things e-bike has been growing for several years, and we’re looking for a new team member who can attract the attention of more experienced riders and help build the website as a destination for all things e-biking.

ElectricBikeReport.com is one of three outdoor and fitness review sites operated by the company. Our mission is to help riders learn about the sport and help guide buyers to quality products that fit their needs. Our reviewers test each product that is sent to us, compare it vs. competing brands and do their best to help consumers know the pro’s, con’s, best use cases and if that bike is right for them. They also are responsible for providing constructive feedback to the brand so they can in turn improve their product in future models.

In an industry where an increasing number of e-bikes are sold directly to consumers with little chance to ride the bike before buying, we think of ourselves as a place people can go to learn how an e-bike will actually feel and perform before they make a purchase.

The best part? We live and work in one of the most beautiful corners of Utah. Zion National Park is just a stone’s throw away, Las Vegas is two hours to the south and Lake Powell is two hours to the east.

[Read more…] about Career Opportunities

Ebike News: Rad Power gets (another) $150M in funding, the world’s smallest e-bike, new Trek eMTBs and more!

This week brings news that there may be hope for those who want an ultra-light, ultra-compact electric bike … as long as you’re willing to look a little ridiculous while riding it.

The 30% e-bike tax credit looks to be back on after another round through congress. We’ve also got some very new and very cool eMTBs from Trek, news that Rad Power Bikes may or may not have a Scrooge McDuck-style swimming pool of cash and a patent on a cardboard box that bike industry wonks are reading like a Ouija board

In this week’s news::

  • The (allegedly) world’s smallest rideable e-bike
  • The proposed e-bike federal tax credit is back to 30%
  • Trek releases new Rail eMTBs
  • With another $150 mil investment, Rad Power becomes “most funded electric bike company in the world”
  • Camelbak & Lifestraw team up for filtration bottles and packs
  • Trek files patent for apparent D2C bike box

[Read more…] about Ebike News: Rad Power gets (another) $150M in funding, the world’s smallest e-bike, new Trek eMTBs and more!

Hiplok D1000 Bike Lock Review

Hiplok D1000 review

Call this Hiplok D1000 bicycle lock review tempting providence, but this hunk of angle grinder-repelling, Ferosafe-reinforced metal is the closest to theft proof of any D-lock we’ve ever tested, researched or heard of.

If there’s anything bicycle commuting has taught us it’s that the above statement is probably bad karma, but we’ve got good reason to tempt the fates with this one. Why? Because Hiplok designed the D1000 specifically to ward off the bike thief’s weapon of choice: The high powered angle grinder.

Hiplok D1000 review - stamps

At first glance it looks like an average D-lock, but this one turns angle grinder blades to dust.

Angle grinders are the Achilles heel of traditional bike locks. Bike thieves use the high power tools to grind through the shackle of most traditional bike locks — or really any lock, for that matter — in just a few seconds. Hiplok’s answer to the angle grinder is a material called Ferosafe, a graphene reinforced ceramic composite that effectively disintegrates angle grinder cutting blades and carbide drill tips.

So naturally, when Hiplok sent us a media sample of the D1000 the Electric Bike Report’s first instinct was to do what any other reasonable person would: Let’s bust out the angle grinder and try to cut it.

[Read more…] about Hiplok D1000 Bike Lock Review

First Look: BULLS Iconic Line

Bulls Iconic TR 1 Full Suspension Commuter Electric Bike

BULLS Iconic line – electric city bikes

The BULLS electric city bike lineup next year will be a little simpler, be entirely powered by Bosch and (hopefully) will have a dash of color.

BULLS, a long time German manufacturer of electric bikes with a growing presence in the U.S., had much of their Iconic e-commuting lineup (alongside their Copperhead eMTBs) on show at this year’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. Adam Anderson, BULLS’ North American marketing manager, walked Electric Bike Report through the Iconic e-bike family and what we can expect from the brand in the upcoming year.

Bulls Iconic eCity Bikes

The BULLS Iconic EVO 1 Speed, a Class 3 e-bike powered by the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and a 625Wh integrated battery.

BULLS doesn’t do model years, so while these aren’t technically 2022 bikes, they’re what’s going to be on offer from the brand for the upcoming year. While some of the bikes are similar to BULLS’ existing electric city and commuter lineup, there are some changes coming down the pike. Namely, the entire city and commuting lineup is being paired down and brought into the Iconic family of e-bikes and all bikes will be powered by Bosch systems.

We’re also going to be seeing several BULLS e-bikes powered by the brand new Bosch Smart System, which includes the new 750Wh Bosch battery. There will also be a number of full suspension commuter and Class 3 options. In total, next year we’ll see four different styles of BULLS electric commuter and city bikes with a number of spec levels of each — making for lots of style, price and spec choices. We got to see a number of these in person at Sea Otter.

To the bikes:
[Read more…] about First Look: BULLS Iconic Line

BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave Review

Bulls Copperhead EVO HD Wave Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike

BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave Review: A step-thru eMTB

German e-bike manufacturer BULLS is one of the earliest adopters of electric bikes and, while their presence is still growing in the U.S., they’ve been a longtime innovator in the e-bike space.

Those innovations have gone further than integrating small motors and batteries into well made bicycles. At the 2021 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, BULLS had one of their more eye-catching (and to some, head-scratching) eMTBs on display — a step-thru hardtail eMTB called the Copperhead EVO HD Wave.

Electric Bike Report got a chance to get our hands on the bike and do a short BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave review in the hills around the famous Laguna Seca raceway. It’s not our typical in-depth review, but it was enough to get some general first impressions of this relatively unique eMTB.

Bulls Copperhead EVO HD Wave Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike

Tradition be damned, it’s about time we see more step-thru eMTBs.

The Copperhead EVO HD Wave is just one of several eMTBs in the Copperhead lineup — including a cool full suspension model and a women’s-specific eMTB we’ll look at below — but it’s one that appears to be getting some special attention.

Why? “We cannot keep it in stock,” said Adam Anderson, BULLS marketing manager for North America. “It’s so popular … (the step-thru design) opens up a multitude of opportunities for so many riders.”

[Read more…] about BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave Review

1UP USA Super Duty Double Bike Rack Review

1Up USA Bike Rack Super Duty

Based out of Wisconsin, 1UP USA is a bike and e-bike rack manufacturer that we had the opportunity to meet up with at the 2021 Sea Otter Classic, in Montery California. We spoke with Robbie Lange, the owner of 1UP USA to learn about their fully aluminum bike racks and what makes them so unique.

Lange walked us through 1UP’s Super Duty Double bike rack, which, in the two bike variation, has one of the highest carrying capacities of any rack on the market. Each tray is rated for e-bikes up to 75 lbs with a total carrying capacity of up to 225 lbs. You can choose between a silver finish or black, and the rack’s carrying capacity can be expanded to three bikes or four — though adding additional trays will reduce the bike weight it can handle. The black model is $675 and the silver rack is $625.

1Up USA Bike Rack Heavy Duty Double

The 1UP USA Super Duty Double has a very low profile design with the arms folded down. The rack also pivots up when unloaded to sit more flush against the back of your vehicle.

The full aluminum design and 1UP USA’s ratcheting clamp mechanism makes for a stable and secure design that protects your bike’s paint by holding onto the wheels instead of the frame. The Super Duty Double also has a 15-degree incline, so each additional bike has higher ground clearance than the prior. The standard Super Duty Double can fit tires up to 3.1 inches in width, but 1UP also has a well-engineered solution for those with electric fat bikes.

“Anything beyond 3.1 inches would require a fat tire spacer kit, which is just an additional accessory.” Lange said.

[Read more…] about 1UP USA Super Duty Double Bike Rack Review

Blix Vika+ Flex Review 2021

Blix Vika+ Flex Electric Folding Bike Review

Blix Vika+ Flex Review: Overview

What’s painted British racing green, folds in half and rides with all the enthusiasm and excitement of a peppy little go kart? The Blix Vika+ Flex electric folding bike does.

In this Blix Vika+ Flex review, Electric Bike Report takes an in-depth look at the Santa Cruz-based electric bike company’s electric folding bike by putting it through a gauntlet of tests. Those tests — including a hill test, range test and many more — are designed to demonstrate how well this bike performs in the real world so that you can make a better informed choice on if this is the right bike for you.

The Blix Vika+ Flex is a through-and-through electric folding bike designed for urban commuting and riders who need a compact, stowable and efficient mode of transportation. Blix recently updated the Vika in July of this year, so the version in this review is the most recent iteration of the bike with wider tires and a redesigned folding mechanism.

It’s an incredibly pleasant riding e-bike with quick handling, a surprisingly peppy 500W rear hub motor and an overall nicely done finish. And with a claimed weight of 55 lbs, it’s respectably light — an important factor for an e-bike designed to be folded up and stored in tight spaces.

[Read more…] about Blix Vika+ Flex Review 2021

Nutcase Baby Nutty Helmet Review

Bike rides make for classic family fun, but having quality safety gear is essential before the good times can be had. So for this Nutcase Baby Nutty helmet review, myself and the Electric Bike Report team really wanted to make sure it was safe and had all the essential features for taking the little ones out for a joyride.

Our EBR team includes several parents. So while reviewing the Baby Nutty helmet we had each team member with kids weigh in and give their feedback around 3 main questions: Is it safe? Are the features worthwhile? Do we like the overall value?

By the end of this review hopefully you’ll have satisfactory answers to those three questions, and any others you might have regarding the Nutcase Baby Nutty.

[Read more…] about Nutcase Baby Nutty Helmet Review

Blix Sol Eclipse Review 2021

Blix Sol Eclipse Electric Cruiser Bike Review Bike Profile With Red Bricks

Blix Sol Eclipse Review: Overview

The Blix Sol Eclipse is a Class 2 electric beach cruiser that comes with a 48V, 12.8 Ah battery and 750W rear hub motor. With a comfortable and upright riding position and plenty of power, the Sol Eclipse excels at keeping the rider satisfied by keeping things easy.

Throughout the Blix Sol Eclipse review process I found myself liking the bike more and more with time. It’s a great bike to cruise around paved trails and boardwalks on. Blix has designed the Sol Eclipse in a way that makes it great for just about anybody who wants to go on a stress free casual cruise.

The budget-friendly price point mixed with the bike’s smooth sailing riding experience makes it a hard one to ignore. We conducted numerous tests and put in over 100 miles on the Sol Eclipse so that you can get a better understanding of if it’s the right bike for you.

Looking to cruise? Stay comfortable? Own a good looking bike? If you answered yes to any of these questions then I’d highly recommend you read on. Let’s get into it.

[Read more…] about Blix Sol Eclipse Review 2021

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