Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 Step Through Review, 2024

Our Range Tests (explained in the graphic above) measured the Chatham Rev 2’s battery life when using PAS 5 and PAS 1. We traveled 13.8 miles with maximum power and 31.9 miles using the minimum, with the expectation that most riders should end up between these bookend figures.

The brand advertises a range of 38+ miles, which seems reasonable on flat ground considering our results. The bike paths used in our testing have numerous elevation changes, which contribute to lower overall range, as the motor works harder and draws more power when traveling uphill. Overall, the Chatham Rev 2 has a fairly low range when compared to similar cruiser-style e-bikes we have tested, but we feel that it did relatively well in this test considering its specs and programming.

Based on the nominal output of its 350W rear-hub motor and capacity of its 36V, 360 Wh battery, we anticipated our PAS 5 test would take roughly an hour to complete, with a mileage result of about 18 miles. Our actual results were below these estimates, suggesting that its motor was less efficient than expected.

This makes sense given the lively and powerful feel of its motor. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but we found the bike’s motor to be capable of powering up and over hills even in its lowest setting. We do not currently know the peak wattage and torque output of its motor (updates to come when we do), but going by the bike’s feel, it seems to “run hot,” or have uncommonly high output (which drains its battery faster) when compared to similar 350W rear-hub motors we have tested.

In the big picture, its results were not too dissimilar from other e-bikes using 350W motors, cadence sensors, and batteries with similar capacity. Additionally, the nearly 14-32 miles it should provide is likely to cover a single commute or many shorter rides. We think this amount of range is a good compromise for the Rev 2’s price, but those seeking an e-bike with greater range may want to consider the Retrospec Chatham Rev+.

With just 350W of nominal output from its motor, we did not expect tremendous results from the Chatham Rev 2. This amount of power is relatively low in the grand scheme, and the 36V electrical system limits the motor’s ability to draw power (and use it) quickly from the battery. We have yet to test an e-bike with the same specs that was able to complete the throttle portion of our test.

In the pedal portion of the test, the Chatham Rev 2 performed better than average when compared to other e-bikes we have tested with 350W rear-hub motors. As mentioned previously, its motor seems to produce a higher than average amount of power more steadily than many other 350W drive systems, which gives the bike a clear advantage on inclines.

Outside of our official Hill Test, I took the bike to a secondary test location near the Electric Bike Report office to give its throttle and PAS a personal evaluation (as Justin performs all of our testing at Hell Hole). This location is not as extreme as Hell Hole, but it is still an intimidating hill that most riders would not choose to pedal up without a motor.

There, the bike was successful in its throttle test; the bike slowed to roughly 6 miles per hour but kept moving steadily until it reached the top. I performed two separate tests using the PAS; the bike climbed confidently in PAS 5, and its second trial in PAS 1 felt nearly identical. Overall, there was only a 13 second difference in time and a 1.6 mph difference in average speed between the two. It’s also worth noting that my pedaling in both tests was generally relaxed; I did not feel strained or out of breath when finished.

Our official and secondary tests show that the Chatham Rev 2’s throttle may not be powerful enough for extreme slopes, but under more average conditions, it should serve to carry the bike and its rider steadily over hills. When using the pedal assist system, riders can expect to do well in any setting, though there is clearly more contribution from the motor in higher modes.

With three sets of data (gathered through the process explained above), we calculated an average stopping distance of 22’-6” for the Chatham Rev 2 in our Brake Test, which is well within the range of expected results.

In truth, these results are better than we expected from a 59-lb e-bike with mechanical disc brakes. Tektro manufactures quality brakes, but mechanical systems typically have a lesser degree of modulation and overall stopping power when compared to hydraulic brakes. Furthermore, 59 lbs is generally in the mid-range of e-bike weight, and near the point where hydraulic brakes are preferred.

When comparing these results with those of other e-bikes we have tested, our pool of cruiser-style models with mechanical brakes was small, so we opened up our filters to include folding e-bikes, commuters, and city bikes. Many of these models were lighter than the Chatham Rev 2 – and thus easier to stop (hence the reason they use mechanical brakes) – but there was enough variation with this larger group for a more relevant comparison.

The average for this more substantial pool of e-bikes was 23’-4”, which shows that the mechanical system on the Chatham Rev 2 is more than adequate to provide better-than-average stopping power. It’s also cost-effective; mechanical brakes help to keep the bike’s overall cost down, and they are simple to maintain.

Ultimately, we are completely satisfied with the Chatham Rev 2’s Brake Test results. Its wider-than-average tires likely helped to aid its performance by providing added rolling resistance, but regardless, the bike did a great job.

We also liked the bike’s contact points; the wide saddle was supportive and accommodating. The rubberized pedals offered good grip without the risk of shin damage, should a foot somehow slip off. And where many cruiser-style e-bikes use faux leather grips, we appreciated the squishy rubber grips that were easy to hold on to.

With its single-size frame, the Chatham Rev 2 accommodates riders from 5’-0” to 6’-2” with 7.5” of adjustment in saddle height (with the battery operated tail light on the seatpost). Its standard stem can be loosened to allow up/down rotation of the curved handlebars for hand height/wrist angle adjustment, though the functional range is limited. At 5’-11”, I could tell that I was nearing the high end of the bike’s accommodation range, but was still able to achieve a comfortable fit with proper leg extension.

The step-thru frame has a standover height of 19”, allowing riders to mount/dismount without the need to lift a leg completely over the saddle. While this is certainly not the lowest standover we have measured, it’s far from the highest, and we appreciated the added stability of the top tube which runs parallel to the down tube of the frame.

The Chatham Rev 2 uses a rigid steel frame with no suspension, though its 26”x3” Compass street tires were wide enough to generally counteract that absence. We rode with the tire pressure set to the middle of its 25-45 psi range, and enjoyed a moderate degree of shock absorption from the tires; lower tire pressure would have been more comfortable, but would also have increased the risk of getting a flat (at least in our desert environment where everything is sharp!).

We found the bike’s cockpit layout to be simple and functional. Instead of a display, a small control panel with LED indicator lights is mounted to the left handlebar. A Shimano Tourney over-the-bar shifter is included on the right, which we found to be comfortable and easy to operate.

While we noticed a few noticeable tradeoffs the brand made to keep their costs manageable – a relatively small battery, mechanical brakes, an economy-tier drivetrain, etc. – none of these elements drastically reduced the quality of its performance. The Chatham Rev 2 could feel powerful when needed and had an ideal distribution of speeds across settings. It traveled a respectable distance for its specs, and demonstrated effective stopping power.

More than that, however, the bike proved to be fun to ride – and it’s accessible to just about anyone thanks to its wallet-friendly, entry-level price. We advocate strongly for any means of encouraging folks to spend more time on bikes, and nothing is quite so tempting as a cool, fun, and functional e-bike that doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for an affordable, full-size e-bike that will get you to work/school or let you cruise casually around town, we encourage you to to take a closer look at the Chatham Rev 2. We think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar, super-comfortable, and solidly-performing e-bike for less!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 ST down in our comments section.