Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST Review, 2024

To evaluate the motor and battery efficiency of the Chatham Rev+ and determine practical values for its minimum and maximum range, we rode the bike in PAS 6 and again in PAS 1 until its battery expired. Our testing was, once again, performed on a network of local bike paths with varying changes in topography.

Using the bike’s maximum level of pedal assistance in PAS 6, we traveled a distance of 23.0 miles over the course of 1 hour and 29 minutes. When compared to similar cruiser-style e-bikes we tested previously, this is on the lower end, but the Chatham Rev+ also has a significantly smaller battery capacity – meaning that its results are on par.

In truth, the bike exceeded our expectations based on the specs of its 500W motor and 500 Wh battery. This combination meets the minimum ratio of motor watts and battery watt-hours that we prefer to see, which we estimated would grant the max-PAS portion of our test a duration of 1 hour and a distance of 20 miles. Our real-world test showed a nearly 50% increase in time and 15% increase in mileage – which we consider commendable considering the 471 feet of elevation change that we measured.

The Chatham Rev+ delivered an impressive result of 66.0 miles with its minimum level of pedal assistance in PAS 1. This significantly exceeded Retrospec’s advertised range of 52+ miles, and put the bike on par with many similar e-bikes that carry higher-capacity batteries. The Chatham Rev+ moved at a slower speed in its low-power test than many of those other e-bikes, but we consider this a fair trade.

Ultimately, the bike performed well; it offers a practical level of range for use as a daily commuter in addition to being an excellent option for leisurely rides. Those using the bike for longer daily rides may need to charge regularly when riding at top speed, but the battery should last for a number of shorter, more casual trips.

On throttle, the bike climbed our test hill confidently in 1 minute and 25 seconds and maintained an average speed of 12.8 mph. In PAS 6, this time was reduced to 1 minute and 19 seconds and an average of 13.7 miles per hour.

Both of these results are significantly better than we’ve seen from similar cruiser-style e-bikes we’ve tested. In our experience, cruiser-style e-bikes tend to feel relatively low powered even when equipped with similar 500W motors; this gives them a more relaxed and casual feel that is well-suited to leisurely rides. The Chatham Rev+, on the other hand, felt punchier and therefore more capable on inclines; I noticed when testing the bike that even PAS 1 provided an appreciable level of assistance.

The Chatham Rev+ ST’s motor has a peak output of 600W and 55Nm of torque; both of these figures are relatively low in the grand scheme, so we reached out to the team at Retrospec to inquire about the bike’s more powerful feel. While they didn’t go into proprietary details about the bike or its programming, they shared that much time and care was put into selecting synergistic components – starting with the controller.

The result of this synergy is clearly a motor that delivers plenty of uphill power. With the combination of its cadence sensor and rear-hub motor, the process of climbing hills is made simple, comfortable, and easy whether pedaling or using the throttle.

The Retrospec Chatham Rev+ ST uses a mechanical disc brake system made by Tektro. We evaluated the bike’s brake performance using the process described above, and calculated an average stopping distance of 21’-2”.

This result is significantly better than expected based on the fact that the bike uses a mechanical system. Hydraulic brake systems are usually known for better responsiveness and overall stopping power, but the Chatham Rev+’s results were over 2 feet better than the average for all the cruiser-style e-bikes we’ve tested.

We attribute the Chatham Rev+ ST’s excellent performance to two of its components: first, the quality and performance of Tektro brakes; and second, the width of its 26”x3” Compass tires. Tektro is a reputable brand with solidly-performing brakes – enough said. But we have not often tested cruiser-style e-bikes with such wide tires; most are in the 2-2.5” range. The added rolling resistance of the Chatham’s wider tires, as well as their heavily textured tire tread, likely helped to slow the bike faster than average.

The primary location of adjustment on the bike is its seatpost; it offers roughly 6.5” of adjustment in height. The forward/backward position of the saddle can also be adjusted slightly to change the rider’s reach; the saddle’s rails are roughly 2.25” long. With a stationary standard-style stem, the bike is limited in handlebar adjustment, but the curved handlebars can be rotated to adjust hand placement.

Comfort is again one of the primary elements of the Chatham Rev+. In addition to the bike’s relaxed riding position, cushy saddle, and natural-feeling hand placement on its grips, we appreciated the added comfort when riding over bumps from the 3” tires. This is especially important considering the bike’s rigid frame; with no suspension, the bike would otherwise have a much rougher ride.

The bike’s user interface is straightforward; we liked that the control panel was small and uncomplicated, and also that it nests overtop of the throttle lever to improve looks and save on space.

With the price point of the Chatham Rev+, we did not expect anything more than a simple black-and-white display, but during our testing we found that the battery display was relatively unreliable. With more time on the bike, we likely would have adjusted to the fact that the battery did not last for more than a few miles once the indicator was reduced to one segment (the indicator looks more like the marks on a ruler than a typical bar-based readout), but users should be aware that the charge level was never completely reduced to zero. We hope that Retrospec improves the accuracy and reliability of this display in the future and perhaps switches to a percentage-based readout.

Being nitpicky, we wouldn’t mind seeing an integrated taillight as well as improved cable management, but we appreciated that the bike included some useful essentials. We don’t often consider the included Shimano Tourney over-the-bar shifter to be a favorite, but in this case, it felt well-suited to the bike and the wrist positioning of its handlebars.

The Chatham Rev+ includes minimal accessories, such as a small integrated headlight, a battery operated tail light on the seatpost, and a chain guard. It has mounting points for a cargo rack, a basket, and fenders; at the time of writing, these optional accessories are not yet offered on Retrospec’s website, but our contact advised us that they will be coming soon.

In terms of handling and ride feel, we found the Chatham to be predictable, meaning that it felt intuitive and responded appropriately based on its design. We found the motor to be effective and quick to engage, though with the 7-speed drivetrain, we did experience some ghost pedaling. On a performance-oriented bike we would consider this a problem, but in the case of the Rev+, we think it fits the casual cruiser experience.

Overall, the ride quality of the Chatham Rev+ was solid and enjoyable, and we think it has mass appeal for riders seeking a comfortable and unique-looking e-bike.

Cruiser-style e-bikes tend to encourage a relaxed and casual approach to exercise and enjoyment. The Chatham Rev+ certainly offers this option to its riders, as it can ride slower for a more leisurely experience – but can also provide the added thrills we typically associate with more aggressive e-bikes; its punchy motor can dish out power for fast acceleration and speed if desired.

We have a few points of critique, but ultimately the Chatham Rev+ ST’s flaws are minor. We think the bike would benefit from a reduction in the number of its PAS settings, and we’d prefer a more accurate battery readout on the display, but otherwise, we have no complaints. No e-bike is perfect, and such small flaws can be easily overlooked when considering how many things Retrospec did right!

We were highly impressed by the bike’s performance in our Hill, Brake, and Range Tests, though it performed well across the board. It delivered a great feel, the performance of an e-bike with a significantly higher price, and an awesome retro design with a modern flair!

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+ ST down in our comments section.