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Retrospec Valen Rev 2 Review | A Solid, Affordable, and Fun Moto-Style E-Bike

Unique Moto Looks and Class 2 Speed at a Budget-Friendly Price.

Moto- or moped-style e-bikes are often less accessible to budget-conscious shoppers, with prices for quality models commonly starting between $1500 and $2k. Retrospec has answered the call for a more affordable bike in this category with the Valen Rev 2. A decked-out version of the bike also exists, but in this Retrospec Valen Rev 2 review, we will focus specifically on the capable but cost-friendly model.

As the budget-tier version of the bike, the Valen Rev 2 includes fewer features than its sibling the Rev Plus, but we found that it still delivered on the overall moto-style experience. With a powerful 750W rear-hub motor, it can conquer hills and speed through flats up to a Class 2 max of 20 mph – so while its cost is low, it doesn’t sacrifice much in terms of performance.

The bike was fast and fun, but we also identified some aspects of its motor with room for improvement. Whether using throttle or pedal assist, slower-than-expected motor engagement left us waiting for the acceleration to kick in. Additionally, we found it difficult to modulate speed with the thumb throttle.

Otherwise, we appreciated the overall simplicity of the Rev 2; a single-speed drivetrain and LED indicator panel made the bike functional and easy to use. Riders who prefer a variety of gears or a display should turn to the Valen Rev Plus, but those seeking quick, straightforward operation and affordability should find the Rev 2 appealing

Continue to our full Retrospec Valen Rev 2 review below to discover more about its feel and performance!

8 Tips for Riding in the Rain—How to Stay Comfortable While Pedaling

Rain seems to be the litmus test for how serious a rider is. If someone tells you they rode their e-bike in the rain, then you know they really like riding their e-bike. The person who doesn’t like it is more likely to use a word like “caught,” as in, “I got caught in the rain.” Most of us don’t really want to start a ride when rain is falling.

My Norwegian ancestors were known to say, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” To the rest of us, that translates as, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.” It’s a point reasonable people could argue, but riding in the rain doesn’t have to mean suffering, and we’ve got a set of tips that can make riding in the rain no big thing.

You don’t need all of these to make peace with water falling from the heavens, but every one of them can make those wet days a bit more pleasant.

Rain Jacket

The single most helpful tip we can offer for riding in the rain is to buy a good rain jacket. The secret to comfort in the rain is keeping your core warm, and the drier you are, the easier that is. A good rain jacket will keep the weather off your torso, which will help you stay comfortable.

A good rain jacket will have long sleeves so you can bend forward and reach the handlebar without the sleeves riding up your forearms. Many rain jackets also have a drop tail, that is, a long tail in back to protect from spray coming off the rear wheel. Many will have either zippers in the armpits (pit zips) or breathable panels to allow moisture to escape. Some will use a more water-resistant material in the front and something more breathable across the back; such jackets are aimed at riders who will be pedaling hard.

Other details that can be handy: A storm flap or waterproof zipper will help keep your front dry. A high collar can help prevent rain from finding its way into the jacket. Some offer adjustable cuffs on the sleeves to keep rain from blowing in. Almost all of them will feature reflective hits to help make you more visible to drivers and pedestrians. Some are small enough and light enough to keep in a backpack to they can be accessed in the event of a sudden downpour, and some of those can be packed into a pocket to make managing them as easy as possible when not in use.

One note about the value of a truly waterproof jacket: The more waterproof a jacket is, the less breathable it is. That means that any perspiration your body releases will stay inside the jacket, so while you’ll be protected from rain that may be cold, the inside of the jacket will feel like a rainforest.

Fenders

We’re pleased that fenders have become an accepted part of an e-bike’s standard accessory package. Fenders do more than keep you dry when it’s raining. They also keep spray from reaching you if you get surprised by a puddle.

Here’s the thing about fenders that we don’t always know until it’s too late: Not all fenders are created equal. Fender length matters. The best fenders are long, often looking longer than necessary. Fenders that are long enough will keep your feet dry or nearly so and will prevent spray from the e-bike’s rear tire from painting a wet stripe up your back. If after riding in a downpour you find that your back is wet or your feet are soaked, you may need longer fenders.

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Waterproof backpack

There’s a particular kind of horror we feel when we open our backpack and discover the contents are wet. Of course, laptop computers are more averse to water than a cat, though perhaps a bit more stoic. You can save yourself a degree of worry by picking up a backpack that combines the waterproof performance of a drybag with the protection of a padded laptop sleeve.

As we progress through the other items below, it will become apparent that a sizable backpack is handy because to be truly comfortable in the rain, you may find yourself putting your shoes, socks and pants inside your backpack and donning items specifically for that rainy ride.

Rain pants

A good rain jacket and waterproof backpack are necessities for anyone commuting in the rain. Once those are covered, the next most important item a rider can pick up to improve their comfort while pedaling in the rain is a set of rain pants.

Rain pants come in two different broad classes. Some are form-fitting enough that they are meant to be worn as your only pants, while some are cut loose enough to fit over chinos, slacks or jeans. Most don’t include traditional front pockets so that they don’t collect water, though some will include a single hip pocket.

Like some rain jackets, rain pants will sometimes feature a water-resistant fabric in the front with a more breathable fabric in the rear to prevent the rainforest effect. Others are weatherproof all the way around. Most are nothing more than a shell and don’t include any insulation.

Gloves

Riding an e-bike requires some dexterity, less because of steering than operating the brakes and gears. For this reason, we rarely recommend mittens, even when conditions turn both cold and wet. If conditions aren’t too cold, neoprene gloves can provide sufficient warmth to make wet hands a non-issue. Neoprene gloves generally do a good job of providing grip when it’s wet, as well.

In truly cold conditions (such as when the mercury drops below 45 degrees, a waterproof winter glove will provide more comfort. Warm hands are the goal here; they will still be damp from perspiration, but at least that moisture will be warm.

It’s important to check gloves not only for fit, but dexterity, which is one reason neoprene gloves rank high on our list. Some waterproof winter gloves are filled with so much insulation that the dexterity necessary to brake and shift gears can be lost.

Hat

Keeping your head protected from the elements is another notable ingredient in staying comfortable when riding in the rain. A waterproof cap will keep the weather out and the heat in, too. This would be an occasion to stick with a cycling cap with a short brim; baseball caps, thanks to their longer bill, tend to catch the wind and get blown around, and most won’t fit beneath a helmet. The short brim of a cycling cap also does a fair job of keeping rain out of your eyes, which is handy, considering eyewear is often useless in the rain.

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Waterproof socks

If your e-bike’s front fender isn’t long enough, your feet will notify you. To keep your feet dry, and hopefully happy, an alternative to a longer fender can be provided by waterproof socks. Most waterproof socks run twice the thickness of athletic socks, so they are most comfortable in a pair of loose shoes.

Lube your chain

Not all chain lubes are created equal. To paraphrase George Orwell, some lubes are more equal than others. During the monsoon season, or if you simply ride on wet streets, if a lube is too light, even a single ride in wet weather can wash the lube away, leaving behind an orange chain. Choose a lube intended for wet conditions. These lubes tend to be heavier and stickier, bad qualities for dry and dusty conditions, but ideal strengths on any ride that turns damp.

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We Need More of This: Oonee Expanding Public Bike Storage & Charging

Oonee offers secure storage and charging in a variety of attractive solutions.

We recently ran a piece that considered whether e-bike charging stations or battery swap kiosks were the future of e-bike infrastructure. While we think that battery swapping is the most efficient approach, due to the technical challenges of having so many different batteries on the market, charging stations seem to be an easier solution to implement. Oonee is a relatively new company that is providing e-bike infrastructure to communities that has decided to skip the either/or question and move toward offering both.

Oonee makes a variety of bike storage and e-bike charging solutions. They range from as small as a five e-bike charging station called a Dock all the way up to Dutch-style storage rooms (Hub) that can store 100+ bikes and e-bikes and provide charging as well.

While the Hub is a solution that is implemented in a building, the midsize designs—Pod, Mini and Lite—are small enough that they can be constructed outside transit stations. They feature controlled entry and exit, ADA ramps, assisted-lift bike racks, and a rooftop planter with irrigation. The Pod and Mini are big enough to step inside, while the Lite is a multi-bike locker.

Oonee has already provided solutions in New York and New Jersey and is about to begin a pilot program with the city of Minneapolis. Minneapolis plans to set up 15-20 locations over the course of the three-year program.

Oonee intends to cover the expense of running the locations by offering advertising, but may charge a nominal fee to users through their app.

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The idea behind Oonee is simple enough: More people would make trips by e-bike if they felt confident that they could safely store their e-bike. Oonee aims to remove the e-bike rider’s concerns by providing a secure location to store their e-bike and while not all locations will provide charging, they have stations that do provide charging and they intend to offer battery swaps at some locations.

The Oonee Power project will provide a kiosk that will allow for swapping batteries in their system or for users to charge their personal batteries.

In New York, Oonee has converted two former newsstands into delivery worker rest stops. They provide an area to rest, charging and bike repair/maintenance.

It’s out-of-the-box solutions like these that society needs as we transition to fewer trips made by car. Just as today’s gas stations devote their space to what drivers need when they are out and about rather than repairs, we need infrastructure for e-bikes that reflect what riders need when they get around by e-bike. It’s nice to see a company take an imaginative approach to such an obvious need
.

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Temu Recalls Kids Helmets

The size small version of the helmet does not meet CPSC impact certification requirements.

Online retailer Temu.com has recalled some kids helmets sold through its online store. The helmets, imported by Chau River Sports Outdoors, do not comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for impact safety.

The recall affects roughly 200 helmets. The helmets in question can fail to offer sufficient protection to the child in the event of a crash. Anyone owning one of the helmets should stop using it immediately.

The affected helmets are size Small and are primarily blue and decorated with dinosaurs. All of the helmets feature black pads and straps and have a dial adjustment on the rear of the helmet for fit. Inside the helmet they feature a white label that says Model KY-E008.

Owners of these helmets should contact Chau River Sports Outdoors. They will respond with instructions on how to obtain a refund. Helmet owners can also go to the Chau River Sports Outdoors website and message them.

The affected helmets were sold from June 2023 to January 2024 for between $16 and $40.

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Consumers wanting to find more information about the recall can visit the CPSC’s product recall page.

Looking for a replacement? We have suggestions.

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Check This Out: Trek’s CarBack Might Keep You Safer On The Roads

This rear-facing radar can alert you to cars that come too close as they pass.

Trek has released a new rear light that does a lot more than help drivers see you as you ride. The CarBack is a rear-facing radar unit that will communicate with a GPS unit or smartphone to let you know the position and speed of vehicles approaching from behind you.

The CarBack (the name is taken from what cyclists say to each other when they hear a vehicle approaching from behind) can track vehicles as far away as 240m (787 ft.—more than a tenth of a mile). And thanks to a battery with seven hours of life, you can ride all day, or go days between recharging if your rides are shorter.

The light offers four different flash modes, depending on the time of day and whether you want a steady or flashing light.

Connecting a GPS unit or smartphone to the CarBack can be accomplished either by Bluetooth or ANT+, and it will work with phones running either iOS or Android. Once connected, the CarBack will send out an audible alarm to alert you to approaching vehicles. On the screen of the GPS or smartphone, there will be a visual display showing how many vehicles there are as well as how far away they are and how fast they are closing—everything a rider needs to know to stay informed.

Another helpful feature of the CarBack is that it will indicate if the vehicle is moving to their left or right, such as when they are moving out to give you more room as they pass.

It charges with a USB-C cable and is rated to IPX7, which is enough to withstand torrential rain (IPX7 can be submerged to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes). A four-bar LED indicates battery level. It goes for $199.99.

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Of the many things we deal with as cyclists, the most consistently annoying/scary is being passed by vehicles that come close enough to startle, which, for most of us is anything closer than about 5 ft. Getting a notification several seconds ahead of being passed that would allow us to move even farther right would make any ride more pleasant.

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Tenways AGO T Review | A Classy Commuter That Rides As Good As It Looks

A head-turning Dutch-style commuter with uncommon tech for an elevated, casual, and low-maintenance experience.

With headquarters in the Netherlands, it should be no surprise that Tenways offers not one, but two Dutch-style commuter e-bikes! The AGO T is the brand’s newest step-thru model with contemporary European styling and a 250W mid-drive motor. We explore its specs, performance, and feel in this Tenways AGO T review.

At the time of writing, the AGO T is one of Tenways’ highest-priced e-bikes with an MSRP between $2,500 and $3,000. To justify that price tag, the brand specced the bike with a handful of uncommon, ride-elevating components including a Gates CDX belt drive and an Eviolo continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The CVT’s gearless internal tensioning system allows for complete customization over the amount of resistance at the pedals. By adjusting the twist grip on the right handlebar, we could smoothly and seamlessly increase resistance on flat terrain or make the ride easier when pedaling uphill. The belt drive and CVT also combine for an extremely clean, quiet, and low-maintenance system.

We liked the overall power and feel of the bike’s 250W mid-drive motor, though we experienced inconsistent output even after a software update, and observed an unusually sharp decline in power as the battery was depleted. These weren’t dealbreakers, though, as the ride was generally fun and responsive thanks to the motor’s torque sensor.

Additionally, we appreciated the AGO T’s elegant design. Its angular step-thru frame includes an integrated headlight and welded cargo rack for a flashy, futuristic look.

To see how it stacks up against similar commuter-style e-bikes, continue reading our full Tenways AGO T review below!

*Tenways is offering the Electric Bike Report audience $200 off when you use code: EBR200 at checkout.
[Read more…] about Tenways AGO T Review | A Classy Commuter That Rides As Good As It Looks

Even the Littlest Riders Among Us Can Enjoy Carbon Fiber Bikes

The GoCycle Mini is a balance bike based on GoCycle’s innovative design.

GoCycle has added a new model to their lineup of award-winning e-bikes, though this new one isn’t one you’ll be riding. Why not? Well, it’s aimed at riders too young to have a credit or debit card. The GoCycle Mini capitalizes on GoCycle’s innovative (and award-winning) carbon fiber and aluminum frame in a package aimed at kids from 18 months to four years old.

The mere presence of carbon fiber caused us to worry that this would run north of $1000, but that’s not the case; it’s less than $500. So, even though this is clearly a premium product, it’s not exclusive to rich people.

Because of its carbon fiber and aluminum construction, GoCycle says the Mini weighs just 5.7 lbs., making it one of the lightest balance bikes on the market.

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GoCycle had some fun with the product description. Under the battery section they say that the endurance mode runs on natural food, while the sprint mode runs on fruit juice. No word on chocolate chip cookies.

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CPSC Issues Warning on Unit Pack Power Batteries

Warning details risk of serious injury and death to users of the aftermarket battery.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning of “serious injury and death” presented by the Unit Pack Power lithium-ion e-bike batteries. The commission says that public health and safety demand that the warning be issued immediately to warn the public of the risk of the fire and burn hazard posed by the product.

The CPSC wants consumers to stop using Unit Power Pack batteries with the model numbers U004 or U004-1. The batteries are black, triangular and feature straps to attach the battery to the bike’s frame. These are batteries that are part of a conversion kit to turn regular bikes into e-bikes. Either “U004 BATTERY” or “UPPBATTERY” is printed on the side. The model number can be found printed elsewhere on the battery.

The CPSC reports that there have been 13 reports of batteries that overheated including seven fires caused by the batteries in the U.S. Additional fires have been reported in the United Kingdom.

The batteries were sold on the manufacturer’s own website, unitpackpower.com as well as AliExpress, Amazon, DHgate, eBay, Walmart and other online retailers between 2018 and April 2024. The batteries retailed between $280 and $730.

The batteries need to be disposed of safely, according to local and state ordinances. It should not be thrown in the trash or placed in a battery recycling box. It needs to be disposed according the guidelines regarding damaged/defective/recalled batteries, which are different than standard battery disposal guidelines.

Consumers are encouraged to report any incidents with the Unit Pack Power battery at www.SaferProducts.gov. You can read the CPSC’s full notice here.

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The Unit Power Pack batteries provide an unfortunate example of why purchasing UL-certified e-bikes and batteries is critical to keeping your family and home safe.

We’ve reported previously on lithium-ion battery fires and the risk poor-quality batteries pose. We’ve yet to encounter a single report of a problem with a battery or e-bike carrying UL certification. Buying from a reputable company is the best insurance against future problems.

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Brooklyn E-Bike Shop Owner Arrested for Lithium-Ion Battery Violations

Shop owner’s arrest marks first time FDNY filed criminal charges against someone for violating new e-bike ordinances.

A Brooklyn e-bike shop owner has been arrested and charged with violating New York’s new e-bike laws. Tian Liang Liu was arrested for illegally charging and storing e-bike batteries in violation of New York’s fire codes regarding the safe storage and charging of e-bike batteries.

Liu owns Electric Bicycle Shop and FDNY fire inspectors made the decision to charge Liu following several inspections, during each of which Liu was found to be in violation of the fire code.

Liu was charged with reckless endangerment because he was selling e-bikes lacking UL certification, storing loose lithium-ion battery cells, as well as charging multiple e-bike batteries and storing multiple propane cylinders.

Electric Bicycle Shop occupies a storefront below residential apartments, precisely the sort of situation FDNY has found puts people at risk. Inspectors had visited the shop four times previously and detailed each of Liu’s violations during their visits.

“Bureau of Fire Prevention inspectors wrote many violations on our previous visits and they had little or no compliance upon this latest visit,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We spoke with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office about this incident and felt that it met the charges of reckless endangerment.”

Prior to Liu’s arrest, FDNY had only issued financial penalties to shops found in violation of the fire code. Shops can be fined $1000 per SKU for either e-bikes or batteries lacking UL certification.

As proof of the ongoing problem, Commissioner Kavanagh said that there had been five fires involving lithium-ion batteries and ten the previous week.

“The problem isn’t going away,” she said.

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Arresting an e-bike shop owner may seem heavy-handed, but considering that in 2023 New York saw 240 fires that resulted in 17 deaths and numerous injuries, their actions address precisely the circumstance of charging, storage and battery repair that has caused many of the fires. And with so many brands gaining UL certification for their batteries and systems, selling an e-bike without some form of UL certification suggests that the retailer is selling cheap products like those that have caused fires in the past.

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Canyon Neuron ONfly Reivew: The True In Between Of eMTB and Trail?

The Neuron:ONfly combines remarkably low weight with the power of a heavier eMTB, resulting in a playful ride that can keep up with burlier e-bikes.

Of the many e-bikes we saw at the Sea Otter Classic, one of the most exciting was one we couldn’t talk about in our coverage. Canyon has just released its latest eMTB, the Neuron:ONfly, and not only is it Canyon’s lightest eMTB by more than 5 lbs., it achieves that weight without giving up power.

Producing a sub-50-lb. eMTB isn’t easy and the way some companies have accomplished this is by shrinking the battery and motor, resulting in an eMTB that can produce more power than the rider alone can, but lacking the peak power necessary to keep up with other e-bikes. This is where Canyon’s new Neuron:ONfly is different.

Canyon chose the Bosch Performance Line SX motor because, at 4.4 lbs., it is Bosch’s lightest motor, but still produces a maximum output of 600W and 55Nm of torque. And it is powered by Bosch’s CompactTube 400, a 400Wh battery which can offer more than 3000 feet of elevation gain per ride. The combined weight of motor and battery comes in at just 11 lbs. This is a Class 1 e-bike with a maximum assist speed of 20 mph in order to be legal on as many trail systems as possible.

The Neuron:ONfly rolls on 29-in. wheels both front and rear, rather than going with the increasingly popular mullet setup; there are those of us who prefer 29-in. wheels both front and rear. Suspension travel stands at 140mm, both front and rear, thanks to a RockShox Pike fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select + shock.

Thanks to a 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes and other strategic choices, the Canyon Neuron:ONfly weighs just 44.76 lbs., and comes in at roughly $5500 for the complete eMTB.

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Canyon’s release of the Neuron:ONfly is arguably the most exciting new eMTB this year thanks to its combination of low weight and full power.

Mountain bikers face a transition when riding eMTBs after years of regular mountain bike riding. While the greater weight of an eMTB aids traction and makes the bike feel more planted. That’s good. However, in riding a bike that may weigh close to double what their previous mountain bike did, eMTBs tend not to feel as playful. They aren’t as easy to loft over rocks and roots. They tend to bash their way through rock gardens. And getting the front wheel off the ground, while not difficult, requires thought and conscious effort because muscle memory is programmed for much less weight.

The upshot is that riding an eMTB is a somewhat different experience than riding a regular mountain bike and it requires some adjustment. For the rider who may want to switch back and forth, taking their lighter mountain bike out for shorter rides and then going on longer, faster rides with their eMTB, shrinking that weight gap between eMTBs and regular mountain bikes means less adjustment for the rider when switching back and forth.

We spoke with Canyon’s Vernon Felton at Sea Otter and what he says he found so remarkable was that most lightweight eMTBs give up that top-end power, so that on a ride with other eMTB riders, the lighter eMTB with the lower power motor gets dropped on climbs. He found the Neuron to be more maneuverable, easier to negotiate through a rock garden while maintaining an ability to climb with the most powerful eMTBs on the market.

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Retrospec Valen Rev 2 Review | A Solid, Affordable, and Fun Moto-Style E-Bike

Unique Moto Looks and Class 2 Speed at a Budget-Friendly Price.