Magnum Vertex Review, 2024

We performed a Range Test of the Vertex and its 48V, 720 Wh battery to evaluate Magnum’s advertised range of 25-50 miles. Using the process described in the graphic above, we determined the maximum distance the bike could travel on a single charge, with the assumption that most riders would fall between the bracket established by testing the bike in its minimum and maximum PAS settings.

Based on our testing, we determined that riders can expect to travel between 31 and 58 miles depending on their chosen PAS setting. Despite the elevation changes on the multi-use paths we ride during these tests (which require more battery power to ascend), both of our test riders were able to exceed Magnum’s advertised range! In daily use scenarios, riders switching between settings depending on the needs of their environment will likely land somewhere in the middle.

Considering that the Vertex uses a torque sensor, its range will vary between riders. Those pedaling softer or slower would achieve a greater range than a rider pedaling with a fast or forceful cadence. It is possible to reach swift speeds even in low PAS settings, so riders can extend their range by using less power without sacrificing much in terms of speed.

Part of our evaluation of a bike’s motor and battery pairing relates to its efficiency. As explained in our guide to e-bike batteries, the nominal wattage of the motor and the watt-hour rating of the battery have a significant relationship. Based on the specs of the Vertex, we expected to travel roughly an hour and a half in Boost mode, and we were able to ride for an additional 15 minutes! This shows that the pairing is slightly more efficient than expected, allowing riders to travel longer distances.

The Vertex’s range of 31-58 miles only adds to its versatility; this amount of distance is appropriate for a commuter while also allowing light trail riders to enjoy plenty of time in the dirt!

We used the above process to evaluate the performance of the brakes on the Magnum Vertex. The bike uses a hydraulic brake system by Tektro: the seemingly ubiquitous HD-E350 model with 2-piston calipers and 180 mm rotors.

We calculated an average stopping distance of 23’-4” after three trials. This falls within the range we consider acceptable and safe, though it is somewhat on the long side when compared to similar bikes we have tested.

To be fair, we have not tested a vast number of similar bikes, so the pool of models I have to use for comparison is relatively small. E-bikes like the Vertex are relatively uncommon, as most we have tested tended to “stay in their lane,” or adhere mostly to one category.

While we consider the Vertex’s results to be acceptable in its current state, we would appreciate seeing the option for a 4-piston hydraulic brake system for the bike – and possibly larger 203 mm rotors. The Suntour suspension fork can accommodate rotors up to that size, and the combination of larger rotors and 4-piston calipers would give the Vertex faster stopping power in more demanding off-road environments.

In my experience, the current Tektro E350 system provided enough bite to slow the bike quickly, and it handled well when braking. I experienced no locking up of the wheels, and even when applying the brakes firmly, it remained stable and traveled straight.

Our test hill – fittingly called Hell Hole – presents an extreme challenge for each e-bike that we evaluate. Using the process described in the graphic above, we tested the hill-climbing abilities of the Magnum Vertex and its 500W mid-drive motor.

The bike did well; using just its throttle, we arrived at the top of the path in 1 minute and 47 seconds, traveling at an average of 10.1 miles per hour. When pedaling in Boost mode, our results improved to 1 minute and 23 seconds from the base of the hill to the summit, at 13.1 miles per hour.

When comparing the Vertex to similar e-bikes with 500W mid-drive motors that we tested previously, its results for both portions of the test fell in the average range. At least when it comes to e-bikes, average is good!

The bike’s motor produces a maximum of 130 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, and the webpage for the Vertex states that its motor peaks at 750 watts, though the display on our test bike read approximately 900 watts when encountering the steepest sections of Hell Hole Trail. Many of the motors we’ve seen peak at 1000W or higher, so we expected the Vertex to struggle more than it did.

In my experience, the overall ride quality of the Magnum Vertex was excellent across the board. The bike is designed to place the rider at a moderate forward lean, and overall it felt comfortable, handled well, and responded appropriately in its intended environment.

In terms of contact points, I appreciated the wide 720 mm handlebars; with ergonomic grips, these were comfortable to hold and provided a high degree of control when maneuvering on dirt trails. The saddle was well-shaped, and while it felt somewhat on the firm side after longer trips on paved paths, I didn’t spend much time sitting on it when riding off-road.

The 27.5” x 2.8” CST Patrol tires performed well on asphalt, and with such an aggressive off-road tread, they tore easily through dirt while offering plenty of grip. Additionally, I appreciated their width; they proved significantly more maneuverable than the 4” fat tires that many off-road-capable e-bikes tend to be equipped with, while still offering a wide platform that felt solid and stable.

Another factor that influenced the bike’s comfortable ride was its Suntour XCM34 Boost suspension fork. With 130 mm of travel, this is on the higher end of the compression range I’ve seen on an e-bike, and the difference was noticeable. Even on rougher trails, the fork cushioned the ride effectively. Without a rear suspension, this is about as good as it gets in this price range!

According to Magnum’s advertisements, the Vertex fits riders who are between 5’-5” and 6’-2” with its single frame size. Additionally, they said it had a maximum capacity of 350 lbs. At 5’-11” and around 200 lbs, the bike’s geometry accommodated me nicely, though it was somewhat limiting for our riders on the extreme ends of the bike’s range of accommodation. The standover height was slightly too tall for those on the bottom end of the height spectrum, and the relatively short reach distance made the bike feel somewhat cramped for those above 6 feet.

When comparing the Vertex to some other dedicated eMTBs, these things became more clear; the dimensions of the Vertex lined up with what was often a small frame size. To offer a better fit for taller and shorter riders, we’d like to see Magnum offer a few more frame sizes.

Versatility is the key concept with the Magnum Vertex; with a few limited exceptions, there is little that it can’t do. This level of adaptability places the bike in a category that few other e-bikes – even the well-rounded fat tire variety – can’t match. The Vertex may not meet the needs of dedicated mountain bikers who need top-shelf (and therefore costly) components and a full suspension, but for an entry-level eMTB, it does the job well.

The Vertex felt at home in a variety of environments, and it delivered solid performances across the board. With its mid-drive motor and 10-speed drivetrain, it balanced speed and power with accessible gearing for on- and off-road riding. It climbed even extreme hills with relative ease, and it exceeded the practical range of 25-50 miles advertised by Magnum.

We’d like to see the option for a more powerful 4-piston hydraulic brake system with the Vertex to provide better control on dirt and rocks, but its performance in our Brake Test was also good. And while the standard placement of the throttle lever made using it somewhat difficult, it was easy to relocate for a more natural feel.

Otherwise, the power, speed, comfort level, and responsiveness of the Magnum Vertex made it one of the most all-around fun and capable e-bikes I’ve had the pleasure of testing! To any riders looking for a practical all-around e-bike that gives you the ability to play in places most e-bikes can’t handle, I suggest you follow our “Check Best Price” link above to visit the Magnum website! I give this bike two thumbs up!

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 Vertex.