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iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

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

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.

E-Bike News; Boost for Brompton Kit, Serial 1 Sold and Lots More!

Where are e-bikes made and does it matter? Are the effects of the post-Covid supply chain crisis still with us? We have a new Brompton after-sales kit that’s partly made in the UK (where Brompton’s are also made) as well as the big news that Serial 1 e-bikes, the Harley-Davidson spinoff, is in new hands who say they will move production to Florida. Not to mention new company Bloom, who want to make Detroit, Michigan the micromobility manufacturing capital of the country. Is it really the start of reshoring?

In this week’s e-bike news:

Boost for Brompton – lightweight rear wheel kit for the classic folding bike
Harley Davidson’s Serial 1 sold with the promise of US manufacture
Whyte’s 2024 range with lightweight e-mtbs and budget hybrids
Lime profitable – Bird not

E-Bike Holiday Gift Guide: What to get for the e-biker in your life

Whether you’re shopping for yourself, the rider in your life or handing off a list to your family, we’ve put together a holiday selection for gift-givers. No matter what your budget is, we have everything from the necessities that should be in your garage, to fun upgrades and even a few of our favorite e-bikes. Many of these items are discounted for the holidays, making this the perfect time to buy. Here are some of our favorite gifts the Electric Bike Report team has found for this holiday season.

For the Adventurer: Aventon Aventure.2

One of our favorite e-bikes of 2023 has been the Aventon Aventure.2. It offers a terrific blend of affordability and features. With its 750W motor, 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and torque sensor, the Aventure.2 is a versatile all-terrain e-bike with an estimated range of up to 60 mi. It comes in two frame designs and both designs come in two sizes to fit a wide range of riders. Further adding to the rider’s comfort are 4-in.-wide tires and a 100mm-travel suspension fork. It also comes with a commuter-friendly package of accessories including a rear rack, fenders, front and rear lights and a kickstand. This is an exciting e-bike that will please nearly anyone shopping for an e-bike.

The Something for Everybody: Lectric XP 3.0

If there’s a better deal on an e-bike, we haven’t found it. Not only did Lectric produce the most affordable geared e-bike we’ve reviewed, they gave it a parts selection that we trust. The XP 3.0 features a 500W hub motor, 499Wh battery, 7-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, making it competitive with e-bikes that cost hundreds of dollars more. Commuters on a budget will love that it comes with a rear rack, front and rear lights, full fenders and a kickstand. Best of all is that it folds up in seconds and can easily fit in a car trunk or closet.

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The Unique / Custom One: EBC Model R

E-bikes are fun. Period. But finding one that fits your look and style is sometimes less straightforward. So how about an e-bike you can customize? The Electric Bike Company Model R is a great choice with fantastic standard features like the 750W motor, suspension fork, and step0through frame. The rest can pretty much all be tailored to your liking. Pick your handlebar, wheel size, drivetrain, and more. That only scratches the surface though. You can pick custom paint colors for the frame, fork, basket, and a whole lot more. If you have somebody in mind for a gift that isn’t a fan of anything cookie-cutter, then make sure to deck out a Model R in a way that represents them!

For the One Who Likes To Ride Fast: Ride1UP 700 Series

For the commuter who wants Class 3 speeds (28 mph max pedal assist), the Ride1UP 700 Series strikes a remarkable balance between performance and value. It reaches cruising speed thanks to a 750W Bafang hub motor and is estimated to reach as much as 50 mi. of range per charge. Hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain make for a quality ride. Ride1UP included a full complement of commuter accessories: rear rack, full fenders, front and rear lights, plus a kickstand. And it comes in both a traditional frame and step-thru.

For The Rad One: Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5

The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is one of our favorite commuters. We love the low standover height of the step-thru frame and short reach to the bar to allow you to sit upright and see everything around you. If you’re planning to use the rack to carry work items or a load of groceries, it’s better than most thanks to a weight capacity of 59.5 lbs. The 750W hub motor has the muscle necessary to assist a rider up to 20 mph or to take over the whole job with the help of its throttle. A 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes round out a solid selection of parts.

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The Most Reliable, Economical Hitch Rack: Hollywood Rack SportRider Hitch Rack

Hollywood’s Sportrider is one of our favorite hitch racks for e-bikes for a couple of reasons. First, it’s one of the only hitch racks that can handle e-bikes weighing up to 80 lbs. Second, it’s noticeably more affordable than most of its competition. It lacks a ramp to be able to roll an e-bike into place, but that’s the only knock we have against it. They also introduced a new e-trike attachment so that people don’t need a big SUV or a pickup in order to drive somewhere with it. It can handle e-bikes with a wheelbase of up to 60 in., which covers a number of compact cargo e-bikes. It can even handle e-bikes with step-thru frames, with the addition of an accessory.

The Stylish Shoe: Giro Deed Shoe

Not all cycling shoes make you walk like a duck. The Deed from Giro looks like a regular sneaker but is built to offer riders a bit more support than you get with street shoes and it has an upper that is scuff-resistant and the outsole is made from a very grippy rubber to keep feet from slipping off the pedals. This lace-up shoe comes in both men’s and women’s sizes

Classics Never Die: Vans Classic Slip-On

Vans have been popular with cyclists and skateboarders for as long as they’ve been around. Thanks to their grippy waffle outsole they are ideal for gripping pedals. They come in enough colorways to fit even the fussiest fashionista’s style requirements and the low-profile upper and padded collar add style and comfort. They also come in sizes to fit anyone from a toddler to an NBA player.

The Reliable Favorite: Thousand Helmet

Wearing a helmet is a good idea, full stop. But we get that no one wants to look like they are an extra in a bad sci-fi film, which is what makes the Thousand Heritage 2.0 Bike and Skate Helmet such a great option. It casts a stylish look without overdoing it. And though it looks normal enough from the front, sides and rear, it includes six vents at the top to keep the rider cool on hot days. It also includes an innovative little port in the back through which a lock can be passed so that you can lock your helmet to your bike, protecting your investment.

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For the All Hours Rider: Giro Escape Mips Helmet

Visibility is often a concern for commuters, especially as the days get shorter. Giro’s Escape Mips helmet offers a fresh take on being seen. The designers included rechargeable lights in the front and rear of the helmet. The front light provides a power of 75 lumens, while the rear light provides 40 lumens. The battery will keep the lights flashing for up to 10 hours. Riders who tend to run hot will appreciate that it incorporates 15 unobtrusive vents into its design. This helmet also includes a MIPS liner that helps to reduce rotational force should someone suffer a fall. Giro is one of the best helmet makers on the planet and the Giro Escape Mips Helmet provides first-rate quality without a first-rate price.

It’s A Family Activity: Thule Yepp Child Seat

Child seats have come a long way. The Thule Yepp seat demonstrates just how far. The entire seat is padded and is shaped in a pleasant curve that kids find comfortable. It can handle children as large as 40 lbs. and up to 43.3 in. tall. The five-point harness will keep even confirmed pint-sized Houdinis from wiggling free. Because the seat uses no fabric and the padded cover is waterproof, all it needs is a quick wipe should it get wet. The seat includes a reflector in the rear to increase visibility as well as an attachment point for an additional light. It can be purchased either with or without the frame mount for the e-bike.

It’s A Big Family Activity: Burley D’Lite X Child Trailer

For the family with two kids, a trailer can be a great way to ride with kids. The e-bike is easier to handle without so much weight up hi and most kids love the panoramic view. The seats are adjustable and there is additional cargo space behind the seats for things like blankies, toys and diapers. When not hooked to the back of an e-bike the D’Lite X can double as a stroller and the five-point harness will keep kids from escaping. It folds up for compact storage when not in use.

GPS For Safety & Fun: Garmin Edge Explore 2

Not everyone is looking for a bike computer that will drill-sergeant you into better fitness, but a good GPS unit offers a number of handy ways to enhance your riding life. In addition to offering more real-time cycling data than an e-bike’s display, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 will record the routes you ride as well as allow you to upload a route it will guide you through. It also includes some terrific safety features such as incident detection that will alert your loved ones if you’re in trouble. It also includes handy fitness data like the calories you burned during your morning commute.

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May As Well Complete The Ecosystem: Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch

For the active person who wants to track their riding with GPS, monitor important health metrics, receive push notifications or even receive workout suggestions and fitness coaching, the Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch will do all of that and much, much more. It comes in three different bezel sizes for personal style and ease of viewing along with a number of different colorways. Some include solar charging, night vision goggle compatibility, or a battery of surf-related data such as tide. In addition to tracking health basics such as heart rate, it also serves up snapshots of your sleep, blood oxygenation, resting heart rate and even abnormal heart rate alerts. Garmin Pay will allow you to make contactless payments.

If Garmin Isn’t For You, This One Will Do: Wahoo Fitness Elemnt Roam

If you like to go out and explore, a GPS unit can enhance your experience in a number of ways. First, they allow you to track the exact route you pedaled, and it will display your total distance, where you went and average speed, among many other data points. The Elemnt Road will also allow you to use a site like Ride With GPS to create a route and then upload it to the Elemnt Roam and receive turn-by-turn directions. No getting lost. The user can choose just which data they see on the color LCD display and—for those of us who don’t ride with our reading glasses—you can select just how large the numbers are to make reading the screen easy while rolling.

No Cyclist Can Live Without: Blackburn Core 2 Floor Pump

Everyone who owns an e-bike needs a floor pump. A floor pump is the easiest way to make sure that an e-bike’s tires are pumped up to the same pressure before each ride, and consistent pressure means consistent traction and handling. The Blackburn Design Core 2 Floor Pump is a remarkably affordable floor pump and it includes a large, easy-to-read gauge built into the base. The pump head will work with any type of valve (Schrader is most common with e-bikes) and the hose is long enough to reach the valve no matter how it is oriented.

Sponsor

The Stocking-Stuffer: Bontrager Thorn-Resistant Tube

Flats are no fun, amiright? One of the ways to cut down on flats is to run puncture-resistant tubes. These 4.1mm-thick tubes aren’t flat-proof, but the normal causes of flats—thorns, pieces of glass and other sharp bits—will have a tough time with these tubes. It’s an ideal upgrade for the commuter who doesn’t want to take a chance with a flat on the way to work. They come in nearly every size to fit any tire. It’s a small investment that results in big peace of mind.

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Bakcou Mule E-Bike Review: Ultra Power, Ultra Utility

Their best-selling electric bike, the Bakcou Mule is an electric fat bike equipped with an ultra-powerful mid-drive motor designed to take you and some gear into backcoutry areas discreetly and efficiently.

Bakcou loaned Electric Bike Report a Mule to test ride during the Big Gear Show in Park City, Utah this August. We were limited by time and little access to e-bike friendly off-road terrain, but I was thoroughly impressed with the Mule’s super powerful motor, stable handling and thoughtful component package.

Backou Mule Electric Bike Review front angle

Hints at Bakcou’s hunting roots are never too tough to find.

Bakcou is one of several e-bike companies with roots in hunting. Though they’re building on those roots and are now designing their bikes as sort of an all-terrain electric utility vehicle, the first Bakcou bikes were built to replace the noisy and foul-smelling ATVs or side-by-sides hunters previously used to access backcountry locations. Those motorize vehicles disturbed the wildlife, so hunting e-bikes became a great substitute. Now, Bakcou’s e-bikes are built for anyone trying to access difficult to reach terrain.

Himiway Cobra Pro Review

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

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.

Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review

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

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!

Gocycle G4 Electric Bike Review 2024

We review loads of different folding electric bikes here at Electric Bike Report, but few have gotten me more excited than the GoCycle G4.

Arguably one of the highest performing electric fast folders on the planet, this GoCycle G4 review dives into the form and function of the G4 and parses out how good this e-bike really is.

Thought up by a former designer at McLaren Cars, the GoCycle is steeped in automotive engineering and parts of its frame are even manufactured using techniques taken directly from the automotive industry. Among fans of fast folding e-bikes — or just those who like innovation in this space — the GoCycle is iconic. From its front hub motor to its drivetrain, it’s chock-full of innovation and cool tech you won’t see on any other e-bike.

I’ve gotten to spend a brief few hours on the G4’s higher-specced sibling, the G4i+, at an industry show last year and have since been itching to get the thing in for a long-term review. It’s finally happened, so stick around to find out if this fast folder lives up to the hype.

E-Bike News; Giant’s Momentum to Feature Throttle, Patent Filed for New Shimano Mid-drive and Lots More!

You might not have thought putting a throttle on an e-bike was a big deal but to some US manufacturers it clearly has been. So it’s big news in the small world of e-bikes that Giant’s ‘liestyle’ brand, Momentum, have followed the likes of Specialized and Trek in doing just that. It also follows the trend of similar premium brands introducing more keenly-priced hub motor models and making them somewhat more competitively priced, whilst still being several cuts above the very cheapest brands out there in terms of both quality and price.

In this week’s e-bike news:

Momentum Cito E+ – Giant gets into throttle-powered cargo bikes
Shimano many be planning a new lighter, smaller mid-drive
Eovolt goes upmarket for 2024
REMCO bikestand lifts 100lbs
Rad Power to close New York store

iGO Outland Torngat RS Review, 2024

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

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.

E-Bike News; New Specialized Kenovo SL2, Fiido E-fat, Rotwild E-gravel & Lots More!

There’s a definite off-road flavour to this week’s news. Specialized have launched a more powerful updated version of their downhill E-MTB, the Kenovo whilst champions of unique e-bike design Fiido have come up with an electric fat bike with the option of a triple battery claiming a 250 mile range and Rotwild have produced one of the coolest looking and most sophisticated lightweight e-gravel bikes ever.

In this week’s e-bike news:

Specialized Kenovo SL2 – more torque, less noise
Fiido Titan – an e-fat bike with triple batteries
Rotwild R.R275 carbon framed hi-tech e-gravel bike
NYC double Citibike e-bike incentive program numbers
Hiplok’s toughest security system yet

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

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

E-Bike News; Boost for Brompton Kit, Serial 1 Sold and Lots More!

E-Bike Holiday Gift Guide: What to get for the e-biker in your life

Bakcou Mule E-Bike Review: Ultra Power, Ultra Utility

Himiway Cobra Pro Review

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

Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review

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

Gocycle G4 Electric Bike Review 2024

E-Bike News; Giant’s Momentum to Feature Throttle, Patent Filed for New Shimano Mid-drive and Lots More!

iGO Outland Torngat RS Review, 2024

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

E-Bike News; New Specialized Kenovo SL2, Fiido E-fat, Rotwild E-gravel & Lots More!

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

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

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

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

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