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Santa Cruz Heckler SL First Look Review

Santa Cruz Heckler Spec Review 2023

Among the mid-sized (i.e., not Specialized, Trek or Giant) legacy bike brands, Santa Cruz has had a reputation for making some of the better mountain bikes going. They introduced their first eMTB three years ago. They retooled their popular Heckler model as an e-bike and it has been a bona fide hit. Well now Santa Cruz has introduced a new, lighter version of its eMTB, the Heckler SL.

In our Santa Cruz Heckler SL review we will take a look at how this eMTB compares to the standard Heckler as well as how it measures up on its own. Santa Cruz is respected for both how their designs handle as well as how the VPP (virtual pivot point) suspension performs.

The Heckler SL is designed as a mullet (29-in. wheel in the front and 27.5-in. wheel in the rear). The frame comes in two different versions as well, either with the standard C carbon fiber construction or their CC carbon fiber construction, which uses some fancier layers of carbon fiber to reduce the amount of material in the frame which preserves strength while lowering the frame’s weight.

The extra muscle comes from Fazua’s 250W Ride60 motor and 430Wh battery. This is a different system than found on the regular Heckler, and part of how the Heckler SL comes in at a lower weight.

Normally, we would say this is an e-bike that leaves the realm of trail riding and moves into all-mountain/freeride territory thanks to its use of a 160mm-travel fork and 150mm-travel rear suspension, but Santa Cruz is calling this a trail bike, though a longer-travel one for sure.

Buyers can choose from five different builds. All of them are equipped with SRAM components and at the low end someone can expect to spend a bit more than $7000, while the high end version comes in a bit more than $12,000.

With such a premium product, one-size-fits-most isn’t a thing. Santa Cruz makes the Heckler SL in five sizes: S-XXL. They suggest that the sizing run should accommodate riders from as diminutive as 5 feet 1 up to 6 feet 7; each of the sizes features some overlap so that riders on the bubble have options.

In plain English, the Heckler SL is neither someone’s first mountain bike nor someone’s first e-bike. Let’s dig into this exciting new release.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL Spec Review: Bike Overview

Santa Cruz Heckler SL Spec Review

The Heckler SL is no ordinary eMTB. It’s designed for riders who aren’t just competent; they are badasses. With a 160mm-travel fork and a 150mm-travel rear, this is an eMTB that Santa Cruz has designed to be on the ground no more than absolutely necessary.

In terms of handling and travel, both the Heckler and the Heckler SL bear much in common with the un-electrified Bronson.

So how is the Heckler SL different from the current Heckler? Santa Cruz went for both a different motor and a different battery. Both motors are 250W mid-drive units, but the battery shrank from 720Wh to 430Wh to help shave some of those all-important pounds.

As a mullet design, the idea is that the 29-in. front wheel will give the rider a superior ability to roll up and over all the things, while the smaller (27.5-in) rear wheel increases the eMTB’s maneuverability, making it more flickable as we like to say.

Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is just how SL (as in superlight) the Heckler SL is compared to the standard Heckler. Depending on the build level and that particular

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Magnum Vertex Review, 2024

Magnum Vertex Review 2024
Riders looking for a versatile hybrid e-bike with commuter and off-road potential should look no further than the Magnum Vertex! This awesome “lite” electric mountain bike (eMTB) can traverse dirt trails and asphalt with ease. After testing the performance of its motor, battery, and brakes, the reviewers at Electric Bike Report give you the scoop in this Magnum Vertex review!

The three main elements that make the Vertex so capable across most types of terrain are its 500W mid-drive motor, its 27.5” x 2.8” knobby mountain bike tires, and its Suntour suspension fork with 130 mm of travel. Respectively, these give the bike the power, traction, and shock absorption to handle the demands of off-road riding.

We loved the mid-drive motor’s adaptive and responsive nature – both are features that result from the use of a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor. This allows the Vertex to feel and respond like a non-electric bike, while granting access to faster speeds and confident uphill power.

With geometry that blends commuter and mountain bike positioning, 720 mm-wide handlebars, and ergonomic grips, the Vertex strikes a great balance between comfort and control. Great handling is essential for rough riding, and ergonomics help long rides feel much more enjoyable.

See our full Magnum Vertex review below for more!

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E-Bike News: Cube’s New Longtail, Rad Power UL Certification & Lots More!

Electric bike news 15th September

You might assume that UL safety certification (and most critically UL 2271 for lithium batteries) was something that was limited to the highest quality e-bikes being that (as our recent article explains), it is a voluntary standard. However, Rad Power Bikes – probably the biggest e-bike company in the US aiming at the ‘value’ end of the market – has now said it will roll out not just the UL2271 standard for all its batteries but also UL2849 that certifies the electrical safety of the whole electric drive system. This has to be good news for e-bike safety, as where Rad Power goes many others follow. New York City’s move to ban the sale of non-UL rated e-bikes may well have played a part and it will be interesting to see if any other jurisdictions follow their lead. With Rad Power on board, buying an affordable UL-certified e-bike just became a whole lot easier.

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Cube Longtail – a high quality, highly capable e-cargo bike
  • Greenworks move from powertools to e-bikes
  • Rad Power Bikes to introduce UL certification across entire range
  • Freeway offering Stromer subscription in the Bay Area
  • Ride1Up Roadster V2 gets a throttle
  • UK-compliant CYC Photon conversion kit now on sale

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Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru Review, 2024

An ultra-affordable cruiser that uses simple design for classic look with easy-to-ride appeal

Denago Cruiser 1 Review 2024
There was something rather refreshing about the Dengao Cruiser 1 Step-Thru we were sent in to review. Cruiser electric bikes tend to be heavier and cost more than comparable urban bikes, which begs the question: where do you find a cruiser that’s lighter and costs less? Well, Denago was aiming to provide one with their Cruiser 1 ST, a classic looking electric bike based on a simple design and a scaled down collection of components that keep this bike’s price competitive at just over $1000.

One of the keys to this bike’s appeal is its simplicity. Cruisers, by nature, are designed to provide riders comfort and ease in controlling the bike so they can focus. And a simple design means fewer parts to maintain and service.

Denago skipped on over-the-top frills that require more maintenance and adjusting not only to keep the price down but to also align with cruising’s “keep it simple” motto. If you’re someone who just wants to ride, and not worry about technical stuff, then the Cruiser 1 probably fits your riding style.

Along with a simple design, the Cruiser 1 has an attractive look, too. The overall design carries the quintessential look of cruisers from the past. However, the Cruiser 1 Step-Thru is not just about good looks and leisurely ride, we’ll cover the important parts to consider – performance and quality – in the our in-depth Denago Cruiser 1 ST review below.

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Magnum Pilot Review, 2024

A Bike That Looks Classy, Gives Balanced Motor Engagement and a Comfortable Ride

Magnum Pilot Review 2024
Billed as a touring bike, the Magnum Pilot merges the quality ride features of a commuter e-bike with the comfort features of a cruiser e-bike. Taking a hybrid approach, Magnum blended features like fat 26” x 3” tires, comfy Selle Royal Freeway seat and upright posture, with a workhorse mid-drive motor, suspension, and a battery that can take you far.

Powered by the Ananda 500-watt mid-drive motor that generates 135 Newton meters of torque, the Pilot can take you up steep hills and down busy boulevards. It uses a torque sensor to help economize energy consumption, so you can ride further between battery charges.

The frame integrated removable lithium ion battery has a 15 amp-hour capacity and carried our test rider well beyond the 50-mile range we were anticipating. Sporting its stylish step-through design and classic white wall tires, the Pilot utilizes broad 10-speed gearing that can help you get in the right speed, whether you’re riding through town, or to the next town over. Our Magnum Pilot review will cover the key details, along with the results from our performance tests to help you find out if this bike has what you’re looking for.

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Juiced RipRacer Review, 2024

A whole lot of fun in a pint-sized package.

Juiced RipRacer Review 2024
Like a tiny, spicy, and exotic-fruit-flavored candy bar in your trick-or-treat bag, the Juiced Bikes RipRacer is a “fun-size” e-bike that’s likely to surprise you! With its unique hybrid Fat Tire/BMX influence, it packs a ton of power into a small package. The reviewers at Electric Bike Report explain its performance and feel in this Juiced Bikes RipRacer Review!

Considering the bike’s diminutive size, we were blown away by the power and capability of its 52V, 750W rear-hub motor. As a Class 2 and 3 e-bike, the RipRacer can reach a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 28 miles per hour, and comes equipped with a throttle limited to 20. In addition to cranking out blood-pumping speed, this bike eats hills for breakfast!

While it rides a bit differently than a full-size e-bike, the RipRacer’s size has some added benefits. First, with a short wheelbase and small 20” wheels, the bike is awesomely maneuverable! Second, at 66 lbs (including the removable battery), it’s relatively lightweight and much more portable than many of its 85-lb Fat Tire cousins!

In addition to being blazing fast and a blast to ride, the RipRacer is simply a really unique e-bike! There aren’t many bikes on the market with a similar style, design, and combination of features. To top it off, the RipRacer comes in 4 uncommon, eye-catching colors including the Hi-viz Yellow of our test bike.

We’ve only just scratched the surface, so be sure to dive into our full Juiced Bikes RipRacer review below!

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E-Bike News: New E-bikes from Trek, Gazelle and Juiced & Lots More!

Electric bike news 25th August

There are a number of tried, tested and proven designs on show this week, with e-bikes from Juiced, Gazelle and Trek featured, demonstrating that very keenly priced fat tires, good value e-mtb hard tails and superb quality ‘do anything’ e-bikes respectively are still very much at the forefront of bike manufacturers’ thoughts. As is often the case, it’s the last, briefer news feature on a prototype that may point the way to the future. Pashley’s chainless e-trike has made an appearance at a trade show and most exciting of all the UK manufacturer say it’s slated for release next year. What makes it even more exciting is that Pashley are a traditional UK company not at all prone to hype and what’s more they are trike specialists, so it’s clear they at least think there is a future for this exciting sounding chainless tech which has – thus far at least – failed to make a big impact in the e-bike world. Could Pashley be the one to break the mold?

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Juiced Scorpion X2 – it’s back and it’s more powerful than ever
  • Gazelle’s Eclipse – an e-bike marrying high quality with versatile performance
  • Trek’s classic mountain bike, the Marlin, gets a Bosch drive system
  • Lectric brake fault recall details
  • Can Paisley succeed with their chainless e-trike?

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Electra Ponto Go! First Look Review

Electra Ponto Go! Spec Review 2023

The Electra Brand has been known for cruisers and city bike, both electrified and not. They’ve left road bikes, eMTBs and cargo e-bikes to other brands (like their parent, Trek). Instead, they’ve focused on the category for which they are known. They’ve now introduced a new e-bike, the Ponto Go!, which takes a little sidestep from the world of cruiser e-bikes.

In our Electra Ponto Go! review, we will look at how this e-bikes is modeled on a moped design, with a long bench seat that is lower to the ground than we see with more traditional e-bikes. Its frame splits the difference between a traditional e-bike frame and the “box” frame we are used to seeing with mopeds/motorcycles and the like. It has big tires and a suspension fork for a comfy ride quality and a high-rise handlebar that can be rolled forward or backward to increase or decrease the rider’s comfort.

It is spec’d with a 750W brushless, geared hub motor which is powered by a 650Wh battery, operated by a controller that gives riders five different PAS levels. Riders will be pleased with some component upgrades we see over some similar designs, such as hydraulic disc brakes and an 8-speed drivetrain.

In short, Electra has approached this style of e-bike with a fresh take, giving riders something different, something that may better fit their needs.
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Mokwheel Asphalt ST Review

Hit the pavement running with this sleek and speedy step-thru commuter e-bike.

Mokwheel Asphalt ST Review
A year after entering the e-bike market, Mokwheel has expanded its lineup to include – among other things – a variety of commuter-focused options. The Asphalt ST features a sleek design with flashy color options and plenty of speed. We cover the bike’s specs, features, and performance in this Mokwheel Asphalt ST review!

As a hybrid commuter/cruiser e-bike made for extended street rides, the Asphalt ST uses a 500W rear-hub motor with a torque sensor to mimic the feel of a non-electric bike. Some similar models we’ve tested have felt jerky when pedaling, but the Asphalt ST’s motor engaged smoothly with none of the slightly jarring inertia that we’ve felt on other bikes.

The Asphalt was simply an incredibly comfortable bike to ride. Its front suspension fork soaked up bumps and smoothed out dips, its saddle was a cushy perch from which to observe our surroundings, and the bike’s upright positioning allowed others to see us better too.

We were surprised by the Asphalt’s appetite for speed; our test bike was able to exceed the Class 3 limit of 28 miles per hour. The bike’s throttle blasted beyond the standard 20 mph speed limit also, though Mokwheel advised us that the bike should ship as a Class 3 with proper limitations.

We think the Asphalt ST is a fun and comfortable means of getting around, whether riding to work on weekdays or just going for a relaxing spin. To see how the Mokwheel Asphalt ST performed in our testing, continue to our full review below!

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Ride1UP Prodigy V1 ST E-Bike Review, 2024

A Great Motor at a Desireable Price That’ll Keep Active Riders Happy

Ride1UP Prodigy ST E-Bike Review 2024
One of the easiest ways to show off the premium quality of an e-bike has been to equip it with a mid-drive motor. Hydraulic disc brakes all look alike from 10 ft. away—same for drivetrains. But a mid-drive motor stands out, even at a distance. And because they have generally appeared on e-bikes around closer to $3000 and up, seeing one has meant that the e-bike in question is a step up.

But what if an e-bike with a mid-drive motor didn’t have to be that expensive? That’s where the Ride1UP Prodigy ST comes in. This is an e-bike that doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s built with a Brose mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a 9-speed drivetrain and comes with a full accessory package including fenders, rear rack, lights and kickstand. In our Ride1UP Prodigy ST review we’ll look at how these choices affect the ride and just what sort of value proposition this e-bike offers.

Ride1UP is a company with a reputation for building high-value e-bikes; your dollar goes a long way with them. In addition to the Brose mid-drive motor, they chose a 500Wh battery which might seem to be a modest capacity, but when paired with a 250W motor, you’ll see just how much performance you can get with it.

So who will this e-bike appeal to? Primarily commuters, though that shouldn’t be a surprise, in part due to the included accessories. It will also appeal to riders who want finer control over the motor’s output and don’t mind getting more of a workout as they ride – but you can make any amount of work light too.

Ride1UP makes the Prodigy in not one, not two but three different versions. The XR and ST are both set up as commuters, with the difference being that the ST is a step-thru frame, rather than a traditional diamond frame, and it runs on the smaller side. The Ride1UP Prodigy XC opts for knobby tires, a suspension fork and lower gears for off-road riding. It also skips the fenders and rack.

Ride1UP suggests that the Prodigy ST will fit riders from 5 feet 1 up to 6 feet 3, while the XR and XC will fit riders from 5 feet 6 up to 6 feet 4. In nearly every instance a fit range of more than five inches is optimistic and riders at the high or low end of the size range may need to change out the stem and/or handlebar for optimal comfort, though they can manage with the bike as is.

At just 50 lbs (for the frame)., the Prodigy ST is notably lighter than most commuters we encounter. Even so, it has a total weight capacity of 300 lbs., and the rack will hold up to 40 lbs.

Let’s get into our testing and review to see how the Prodigy ST stacked up, and if that premium motor makes the rest of the bike worth while (spoiler alert: it does).

*Looking for the latest on the Prodigy? Check out the Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX review.

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