Ride1Up TrailRush vs Aventon Ramblas, JackRabbit’s Micro Haulers, Trek’s New Fuel+ & Domane+ ALR, | TWR Ep 44
Plus how to secure bikes on a long road trip, what to do about battery protection in extreme temps, and do we need OTAs?
There was a slew of new releases this week with a large variety of bike styles on display.
Let’s start with the smallest. Jackrabbit unveiled two new rides they’ve dubbed “Micro Haulers” which represent a size increase for offroading or bringing a passenger on the more diminutive-sized EV.
Trek announced upgrades to a new line of Fuel+ eMTBs with different travel options. It also announced an aluminum option joining the Doman+ ranks, and both these models will feature the new TQ-HPR60 motor.
Finally, Priority debuted a new commuter with impressive tech. The bike has a 750W motor paired to a Pinion 12-speed automatic shifting gearbox and Gates belt drive. It’s sophisticated tech that’s at a (relatively) more affordable price than we expected to see.
We also had several questions this week about some of the best value eMTBs, how we’d secure bikes when taking a longer road trip, and what to do about protecting batteries in hot or cold riding conditions.
This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines
New JackRabbit MG Line
JackRabbit has embraced a micro-sized identity with its products. It’s new MG line slightly increases the size while still aiming for portability. The new MG Doble and MG Rengade are built to be “Micro Haulers” that can carry a second passenger, plenty of gear, or do some offroading. JackRabbit describes them as:
MG Doble
A full-sized, two-seater small EV that’s somehow still under 52 lbs. Ride solo or with a friend, load it up with gear, and customize it with over 10 attachment points.
- 20 MPH + 24 MPH unlockable Off-Road Mode
- 749W cargo-geared motor
- 48+ mile range
- 2-piston hydraulic brakes
- Tandem seat, comfy enough for two riders
- Rear footpegs with kickplates
- 24″ front tire mullet design
MG Renegade
Built for larger riders and heavy loads, the MG Renegade is the minimalist, off-road-ready powerhouse Micro Hauler™ weighing only 44 LBs.
- 749W cargo-geared motor
- 48+ mile range
- 20 MPH + 24 MPH unlockable Off-Road Mode
- 2-piston hydraulic brakes
- Customizable 27.2mm seatpost
- Aggressive-tread CST fringe tires
- 24″ front tire mullet design
- 10+ attach points for gear
Our Take: JackRabbit has always dared to be different, and we’ve really enjoyed their other models. They’re not quite bikes, they’re not quite seated scooters either—they’re whatever falls in between.
It’ll be interesting to see how these slightly more beefed-up models do, and if they still deliver the peppy, playful nature we’ve come to expect from the brand along with new levels of utility.
Trek Updates Fuel+ eMTB Line, Adds Aluminum Option Domane+ ALR
Trek has released the next-gen Fuel+ lineup. It comes in different travel setups for all-mountain or enduro riding. There are 15 different builds and configurations in total, ranging from $5,999-$11,499.
The motor has been upgraded to the TQ-HPR60 mid-drive, which features 60Nm of torque. The battery received a substantial upgrade to a 580Wh battery pack from the 360Wh one previous models included.
There are five frame size options on carbon models, with four on aluminum models. The weight starts at 41.5 lbs and increases to 48 lbs, depending on the chosen configuration.
The new Domane+ ALR offers riders a more affordable option compared to the existing carbon models. It also features the HR60 motor, with a 360Wh battery. The bike has endurance geometry, tire clearance up to 40mm, and the aluminum frame is part of Trek’s low-impact initiative that uses recycled materials or makes it in a factory with renewable energy, or both.
Pricing is between $4,499 – $5,199
Our Take: The unique makeup of the TQ motors makes them some of the quietest and most natural-feeling motors we’ve tested. Its harmonic pinring mechanism is quite impressive technology, and now with more torque (50Nm on previous models), it should help boost the power and capabilities of these bikes even further.
The new frame options of the Fuel+ look great, and the larger battery will undoubtedly be a huge benefit. I’m interested in seeing how these mid-powers perform both on the trail, and in sales.
Meanwhile, it’s great to see a more affordable Domane option, as the carbon models start at $7,699; this aluminum sibling offers a great entry point for more roadies.
Priority’s Skyline e-Bike Packs Auto-Shifting Pinion Gearbox and Belt Drive into a High-Performance Commuter
Skyline
- 750W rear hub motor with torque sensor
- 720Wh battery
- Class 3 max xpeed
- 12-speed Pinion Smar.Shift gearbox w/600% gear range
- 80mm front fork
Our Take: Priority has established a reputation for delivering high-quality rides with excellent performance. The Skyline could break new ground with the inclusion of a Pinion gearbox at that price. Usually, you’d expect to see it included on something costing at least a thousand dollars more and beyond. This ride looks to be powerful, clean, and potentially a lot of fun.
You Asked, We Answered. Questions Covered In The Weekly Recharge
- What are our thoughts on the Ride1Up Trailrush vs the Aventon Ramblas?
- Should all e-bikes come with the ability for OTA updates?
- What’s the best method for securing bikes when taking a longer road trip?
- What improvements would we make to the Lectric One?
- Help choosing between the Velotric Nomad 2, Aventon Aventure 3, and the Ride1Up Vorsa.
- What about products for helping batteries in extreme cold or heat?
E-Bike Deals Found This Week
- Trek has bikes on sale up to 45% off
- Older model eMTBs are getting the steepest discounts, but you can find some cruisers like the old Townie Go line on sale down to $1199 from $1699
- Aventon Summer Sale up to $500 off
- Aventure 2, Pace 500.3, and Level 3 are down to $1499
- Pace 4 is $100 off, down to $1699
Make sure to tune in to the full episode to see the e-bike trail system highlight and rider of the week! Want to be featured in future episodes? Comment on any YouTube video or page of the website, or send to [email protected].