Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024
A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.
Here at Electric Bike Report, a good chunk of the e-bikes we review come in three colors: black, white, or grey. The Cosmo we tested came in “Coral,” which is just one of the myriad youthful, refreshing, and eye-catching splashes of color that Magnum offers for the bike. With a fully-integrated battery painted to match, we think the Cosmo 2.0 looks great!
The quality of the ride was enjoyable as well; with a cadence sensor, the bike’s 500W rear-hub motor propelled the bike smoothly along without the need for intense pedaling. The ride was relaxing and easy – perfect for leisurely evening rides or cruising into town on the weekends.
With a single frame size, the Cosmo fits riders 5’ and up by offering plenty of adjustability and customization in fit. We liked that we could set a comfortable upright riding position with the bike’s adjustable stem, and we found that the wide saddle and ergonomic grips enhanced the overall feel.
To dive into all the details – including the results from our series of real-world performance tests – continue reading our full Magnum Cosmo 2.0 review below!
- Bright, bold colors and an appealing contemporary design! Fun colors like Cobalt, Calypso, and Coral really stand out from the crowd!
- A relaxing and casual ride experience from the moderately-powerful 500W motor and cadence sensor.
- A comfortable and customizable fit with the plush saddle, adjustable stem, and ergonomic grips.
- An easy-to-mount step-thru frame with a low standover height of 16 inches..
- Quick handling with 660mm handlebars and 26” wheels.
- Simple and straightforward operation with 4 pedal assist settings and a Revoshift twist shifter.
- Ships as a Class 2 with throttle and pedal assist up to 20 mph but can be converted to Class 1 or Class 3.
- The commuter-friendly accessory package is appreciated, but brake light functionality would make the bike safer on the roads.
- We think the Cosmo 2.0 is already one of Magnum’s best looking e-bikes, but a color display and cleaner cable management would be the icing on the cake.
- Battery: 48V, 624 Wh Li-NMC
- Display: Magnum Branded VeloFox, 8 x 7 cm. Display Screen, Backlit Monochrome LCD
- Motor: VIH 48V, 500W (750W peak) rear-hub
- Headlight: Integrated front and rear lights
- Taillights: Integrated front and rear lights
- Pedal Assist: Cadence Sensor, 5-Stage Pedal Assist (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo, Boost)
- Range: 25-50 miles (estimated)
- Throttle: Thumb throttle included
- UL Certification: UL 2271 Certified (UL 2849 Certification pending)
- Claimed weight: 65 lbs (66 actual)
- Rider height range: 5’-0” and up
- Maximum load on the rear rack: 55 lbs
- Total payload capacity: 220 lbs
- Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic
- Fenders: Front and rear included
- Fork: Suspension 80mm travel with Lock-Out
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Drivetrain: Shimano 7 Speed w/ a 48T chainring and 11-32T cassette
- Grips: Black Faux Leather
- Saddle: Velo Gel Comfort
- Kickstand: Included
- Pedals: Wide Plastic Platform with Reflectors
- Tires: 26 x 2.35 CST
Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review: Speed Test
The Cosmo 2.0 ships as a Class 2 e-bike with both throttle and pedal-assisted speeds limited to 20 mph, but riders are free to pedal above the speeds the 500W rear-hub motor is limited to. By disconnecting the throttle, the bike can be converted to a Class 1 e-bike, and it can also be unlocked to Class 3 pedal-assisted speeds of up to 25 mph through the settings menu. We tested the bike in its factory Class 2 settings.
Our speed test on the Magnum Cosmo 2.0 involved riding the bike in each pedal assist system (PAS) setting and recording our maximum speed. We first pedaled the bike with the PAS deactivated to establish a baseline; this facilitated our understanding of the bike’s programming and the difference between each setting.
With no pedal assistance, we reached a maximum of 11.1 miles per hour, which did not change as we activated the PAS in Eco Mode. We later learned that this setting provides pedal assistance up to roughly 8 mph, so the motor did not engage during our test because we were already moving faster. Tour Mode provided a pleasant boost up to a 12.1 mph before settling down to a steady cruising speed of 11.8 mph.
This was a pattern we observed throughout the test; each setting provided an initial burst of acceleration slightly above the cruising speed. We reached a maximum speed of 16.1 mph in Sport mode before settling at 15.8 mph. Turbo mode carried us to 20.3 mph before reducing our speed to 19.9 mph.
While Eco mode felt underpowered to us based on the fact that we were able to pedal the bike above its speed limit without assistance, we recognize that not every rider will have the same ability. Our results in Eco mode aside, the Cosmo 2.0 showed consistent, even increases in speed across its PAS settings. We consider this distribution to be ideal, as it means that riders get an expected level of power in each setting – so we give kudos to Magnum for the bike’s results in this test!
We appreciated that the Cosmo’s 500W motor had enough power to move the bike comfortably and effectively, but that it did not feel overpowered. Its acceleration was steady and manageable instead of feeling punchy; we found it easy to maintain control of the bike at all times. Bottom line: it did a great job!
Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review: Range Test
The Cosmo 2.0 is equipped with a 48V, 624 watt-hour (Wh) battery to power its motor. We tested the resulting range of the bike using the process described in the graphic above. In Eco mode, the bike traveled 49.5 miles over the course of 4 hours and 45 minutes, with an average speed of 9.8 mph. With the maximum amount of pedal assistance in Turbo mode, we pedaled for 37.9 mph over 2 hours and 3 minutes. Our average speed in this second test was 18.4 mph.
We were happy with the bike’s Range Test performance, as our data both met and exceeded Magnum’s advertised range as well as our expected results. Magnum advertises between 25 and 50 miles on a single charge, though we think there is potential for some riders to exceed that. Our testers covered over 800 feet of elevation change that required more energy from the battery, so those riding solely on flat roads may achieve better results.
The Cosmo 2.0’s motor/battery pairing proved to be efficient. Using its battery’s Wh rating and the nominal 500W output of its motor, we estimated the bike’s range using the method described in our guide to e-bike batteries. We anticipated that the duration of our Turbo mode test would be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a result of roughly 25 miles. The final result of nearly 38 miles was impressive – especially considering that the battery’s 624 watt-hours (Wh) of capacity is relatively middle-of-the-road.
Comparatively speaking, the Cosmo 2.0’s results lined up well with those we measured from similar commuter and cruiser-style e-bikes. The bike’s results landed somewhere in the middle; some other models managed more miles while some expired after fewer. Overall, we think the Cosmo 2.0 demonstrated solid range with the capability to cover a long round-trip commute or a number of shorter casual rides done solely for enjoyment.
Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review: Hill Test
The Cosmo succeeded in both portions of the test. We reached the top of the hill in 2 minutes and 8 seconds using the bike’s throttle, which carried us at an average speed of 8.5 mph. As is usually the case when testing e-bikes with rear-hub motors, we pedaled up with a notably shorter time in Turbo Mode. With an average speed of 11.7 mph, we finished the course in 1 minute and 33 seconds.
When comparing these results to those of similar e-bikes we’ve tested with 500W rear-hub motors, the Cosmo 2.0 was on the slower side in both tests, which was initially surprising considering that its motor peaks at just 750W with 55Nm of torque – both in the expected range of figures for a commuter.
Considering the results of our Range Test, we saw that the Cosmo 2.0’s motor was demonstrably more efficient (used less power from the battery) when compared to extremely similar e-bikes, this makes more sense. The Cosmo uses power more slowly, meaning that it also does work at a slower pace, even though its output may be the same.
Regardless, our test still proved that the Cosmo 2.0’s motor has the strength to handle challenging and even extreme hills. It offers riders the option to contribute to the ride through pedaling, but it proved capable of doing all of the heavy lifting on its own as well.
Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review: Brake Test
Like many (perhaps even the majority of) e-bikes we have tested, the Magnum Cosmo 2.0 features Tektro E-350 hydraulic disc brakes. This system is rated specifically for e-bikes, and uses two-piston calipers paired with 180 mm rotors. After gathering three sets of data using the testing process described above, we calculated an average stopping distance of 23’-9” for the Cosmo.
While this distance is beyond our current average for the commuter and cruiser-style e-bikes we have previously tested (this being 22’-1” at time of writing), it is within our expected range of results.
Going simply by feel, the brakes responded well – perhaps a bit on the slower side – but plenty capable of bringing the bike to a halt or modulating speed when riding downhill. We noticed that the rear tire tended to squeal and slide when braking extremely hard, but not to an unsafe degree. While the tire tread pattern is visually appealing, it seemed to lack some grip when braking – this likely contributed to our longer-than-average stopping distance.
Ultimately, while we wouldn’t mind some improvement in the future, we consider the Cosmo 2.0’s brakes to be safe and effective.
Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review: Ride Quality
The bike’s seatpost offers 10 inches of height from 27.75” to 37.75”. By altering the angle of the adjustable stem or rotating the handlebars, riders can alter the reach, handlebar height, and riding position. At 5’-11” I found a comfortable fit with a nearly-vertical stem resulting in an enjoyable and relaxed upright riding position.
With an SR Suntour suspension fork with 80 mm of travel, the ride was kept smooth when rolling over uneven pavement and speed bumps. We also enjoyed the quick and responsive handling that resulted from the 660 mm handlebars and 26”x2.35” CST tires.
We found that, with such relatively short handlebars, the cockpit felt somewhat crowded, though not overwhelmingly so. The left bar hosts the bike’s thumb-operated throttle lever and small control panel, while the right is home to the RevoShift twist shifter and a button for the electronic horn. We considered swapping the horn module with the throttle lever, but ultimately decided to leave the standard arrangement.
One other thing we would challenge Magnum to improve is the bike’s commuter functionality – namely its absence of brake lights. Communication with other cyclists and motorists is essential for safe travel on busy city streets, and we consider brake lights to be a minimum when it comes to commuter e-bikes. We appreciate all of the Cosmo 2.0’s other accessories, including the lights, fenders, and sturdy 55-lb-capacity cargo rack. Turn signals would be a great bonus, but we’d settle for lights that activate when the brake levers are pressed.
Those things aside, we were thoroughly pleased with the overall ride quality of the Cosmo 2.0; the bike was comfortable to ride, generally easy to operate, and it provided both the power and responsiveness we expected based on our previous experiences with Magnum.
Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review: Summary / Where to Buy
This sense was apparent in our test results as well. The bike certainly had the power to get us where we needed to go, whether to the top of Hell Hole Trail for our Hill Test or around our local network of bike paths in our Range Test. But it also didn’t need to be the fastest in getting the job done.
As a result, we think the Cosmo 2.0 is well-suited for those looking to take it easy with work AND play. For commuters, it includes everything needed to cruise to work in style. For enthusiasts of leisurely cycling, the bike provides a comfortable and relaxing ride perfect for family rides in the neighborhood or sightseeing along your local bike path.
After testing the bike, we had only a few relatively minor points of critique. Most importantly, we think brake lights (in addition to the existing taillight) would enhance the bike’s commuter potential by increasing safety on the road. Additionally, while we think the Cosmo 2.0 looks great as-is, but a full-color display and cleaner cable management would make it even better.
Otherwise, we’ll chalk this one up as another win for Magnum!
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Magnum Cosmo 2.0.