Troxus Lynx Folding Review | A Worthy Addition to the Ranks?
This comfy, solidly performing Class 2 folding bike is a solid choice for commuting, cruising, or coming along on a road trip.
Folding e-bikes are great for riders seeking flexibility. In most cases, they’re specced well enough to be practical while maintaining an affordable price tag. They’re also usually versatile enough to serve as a daily ride to work or school while collapsing into a size manageable enough to be stashed in a closet or loaded into an RV.
At the time of writing, our team tested a handful of Troxus models, but the Lynx Folding (part of a family of similar utility e-bikes sharing the same name) was our first experience with a folding e-bike from the brand. We were curious to know if this bike would line up with our previous good experiences or fall short of the mark.
On my first ride, things were off to a good start. I noticed the bike’s thick and comfortable saddle, its soft rubber grips, and its relaxed and easygoing ride. In addition to a striking metal flake paint job, I also noticed a unique color display that was easy on the eyes. Everything seemed to work well, but of course, there was only one way to make sure.
This is where our series of standardized tests came in. As with every bike we get our hands on, we evaluated the Lynx Folding’s speed, climbing ability, stopping power, and range capability. Our testers also paid attention to the bike’s handling, user-friendliness, ride comfort, fit, and more.
So, what did our team decide?
In short, we liked the Lynx Folding, but it’s also not a perfect bike. See our full review below to see how it performed, discover the aspects we thought were best, and find out which areas we identified with room for improvement.
Class 1 (pedal assist to 20 mph)
Class 2 (throttle to 20 mph)
- We found the Lynx Folding to be extremely comfortable to ride because of both its contact points and riding position.
- Riding was extremely easy and low effort, thanks to the bike’s 500W hub motor and cadence sensor.
- Troxus offers an impressive 5-year/5k mile warranty covering most of the bike’s components.
- It includes a 48V, 480 Wh battery, which is UL 2271 Certified. Users can also opt for a larger 720 Wh battery.
- As with all the Troxus bikes we’ve tested, the Lynx Folding is loaded with name-brand components, like the Tektro brakes, Shimano drivetrain, Samsung battery cells, etc.
- The bike’s color display looked great, but its buttons conflicted with the throttle placement.
- Most similar bikes we’ve tested could switch between Class 2 and 3 modes, but the Lynx Folding is limited to 20 mph.
- Battery:UL-2771 Certified / Internal / Removable / Lithium Ion, 48V/10Ah (480Wh) with Samsung® Cells; Capable to Put 15Ah
- Display: Color Display, Bluetooth, w/ USB Charging
- Motor: Jiabo® 48V/500W Hub-Drive Motor, 65Nm Max. Torque
- Headlight:Integrated
- Taillights:Integrated
- Pedal Assist: 0~5 Level Pedal Assist, Cadence Sensor
- Claimed Range: Up To 45 Miles Per Charge
- Throttle:Thumb Throttle on Handlebar
- App:Coming Soon
- UL Certification:UL 2271 Certified
- Claimed weight: 62 lbs
- Tested Weight: 59 lbs
- Rider height range: One Size Fits Most
- Total payload capacity: 300 lbs
- Brakes: Tektro® Hydraulic, w/ Brake Sensors, 180mm/160mm rotors
- Fenders: Plastic, 20″x3.0″ w/ Alloy Hardware
- Fork: Front Suspension Fork, 50mm Travel
- Frame: 6061-T6 Aluminum Folding Step-Thru Frame
- Drivetrain:Shimano® 8-Speed, 12-32T cassette, Prowheel 46T chainring
- Grips: Ergonomic Comfort
- Saddle: Troxus Comfort w/ Back Handle
- Handlebar: Alloy 6061-T6, 50mm Rise, 25.4mmx620mm Wide, 6 Deg. Backsweep
- Kickstand: Central Kickstand
- Pedals: Folding, 9/16″ Alloy Platform with Reflectors
- Tires: 20″x3.0″
Troxus Lynx Folding Review: Speed Test
To begin my time with the Lynx Folding, I hit the bike paths to perform a Speed Test. I rode the bike in each of its five pedal assist system (PAS) settings—and with no motor power—to see how fast it was. By recording my average speed at each power level, my goal was to establish a speed profile illustrating the bike’s programming; see the graph above.
Ideally, we hope to see an angled line showing consistent increases in speed between each PAS setting. In appearance, this is an appealing linear pattern, while in practice, it makes each pedal assist setting feel distinct.
This pattern is exactly what the Lynx Folding’s Speed test data shows.
With a 500W motor and a cadence sensor, the bike has preset speed limits in each PAS setting. Our test determined—by both feel and data— that its programming is intuitive and sensible.
We believe PAS 1 may be best suited for newer riders or those who prefer an extremely controlled feel. The pace of PAS 2 or 3 might fit a leisurely cruise around the neighborhood, while the higher speeds in PAS 4 and 5 may be best for commuting and climbing hills.
Both when pedaling and when using the throttle, the Lynx Folding felt powerful but also approachable. It never felt like too much, as though it would run away from me, but I also didn’t find it sluggish or wish that it would pick up faster. Instead, it was pleasantly balanced in the middle.
As a Class 2 e-bike, however, with its throttle and PAS limited to 20 miles per hour, it’s worth noting that the Lynx Folding is somewhat limited in comparison to many of its peers that can be unlocked to faster Class 3 speeds. We liked its safer, more controlled feel, but some may prefer altogether higher speeds or the ability to switch between riding modes.
Otherwise, we feel that the bike performed well in this test. Based on the bike’s results, we believe Troxus has earned some kudos! The Lynx was approachable, fun to ride, pleasantly speedy, and easy to use.
Troxus Lynx Folding Review: Range Test
The graphic above displays the Troxus Lynx Folding’s results in our Range Test, as well as the methods we used to gather its data.
We were pleased with the bike’s test results; both its minimum and maximum range were slightly above average (currently 27.3 and 48.6 miles) for the folding e-bike category. As shown above, we were also able to exceed Troxus’ advertised range of up to 45 miles.
To determine why its results were above average, we should consider the bike’s specs, but also some of the other data gathered in our testing.
There was a greater difference between the PAS 1 results of the Lynx Folding and the average. This seems to be mostly related to speed; as explained by our Speed Test in the previous section, the Lynx had an average of 9 mph. Most other bikes in the category were faster by roughly two mph and used their battery charge at a faster rate.
The smaller difference in the PAS 5 test was likely within the margin of error, though it could be related to the bike’s weight and tires. At 59 lbs, the Lynx Folding is a few pounds lighter than average for folding e-bikes. Most of the folding e-bikes we’ve tested had knobby tires that are more versatile but less efficient than the Lynx’s street tires.
Regardless, the bike greatly exceeded our estimates based on its motor and battery specs. We expected our PAS 5 test to yield just 16 miles over the course of 58 minutes. Its real-world results, which nearly doubled our estimates, showed that the motor and battery are efficient.
It’s worth pointing out that our test bike used the smaller 480-Wh battery option. We expect the upgraded 720-Wh to give even better results—roughly 47 to 78 miles based on the results of our test.
Ultimately, we found the Lynx Folding’s range to be extremely practical for commuting, cruising around town, or running errands. For daily use, it has the potential to cover a long ride to work and back. When going on shorter leisure rides, most riders should be able to get a few trips in before needing to recharge.
Troxus Lynx Folding Review: Hill Test
The bike successfully finished both portions of the test, proving that it has the brawn needed to conquer challenging climbs. Compared to other folding e-bikes we’ve tested with 500/750W hub motors, the Lynx Folding’s pedal test result was fairly average, while its throttle result came in a few seconds slower than average.
These results make sense when considering the bike’s motor output. Its motor runs at 500W nominally while peaking up to 864W. Additionally, it cranks out 65 Newton meters (Nm) of torque to help its rider when pedaling uphill.
Based on hundreds of tests, peak wattage seems to influence the throttle portion of our test the most; the Lynx Folding’s peak is somewhat below average for the folding category. Torque seems to affect the pedal test more; the Lynx’s 65 Nm is roughly average. Thus, our results line up with these specs in the bigger picture.
We liked the bike’s steady and capable motor, which gives riders the option to pedal or rely on throttle power. In the event that you encounter a hill that requires pedaling, you likely won’t need to work very hard to pedal up and over it.
Troxus Lynx Folding Review: Brake Test
Our final performance test is explained above; using this process, we determined the Lynx Folding’s average stopping distance to be 21’5”. This result is roughly average for the folding e-bike category, with the current average at the time of writing being 21’2”.
As with many similar folding e-bikes, the Lynx is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake system—specifically, the Tektro HD-E3520 model. Many of the other folding bikes we’ve tested used 180mm rotors on both wheels, while the Lynx Folding’s setup has a 180mm front and a 160mm rear rotor.
The Lynx’s brakes proved to be plenty effective, but with a smaller rear rotor, its system is somewhat less effective at dispersing heat than the average dual-180mm brake setup. This seems to have balanced out the bike’s below-average weight to yield a relatively average stopping distance.
Deep analysis aside, we’re highly satisfied with its test result and its braking feel. While its tires squealed and skidded on hard braking, the bike remained stable on its 3”-wide tires.
Ultimately, we feel the bike is specced well with brakes appropriate for its size, weight, and speed.
Troxus Lynx Folding Review: Ride Quality
In terms of fit, the bike is advertised to be appropriate for “most riders,” which is reinforced by the range of adjustment in its saddle and handlebar height. The bike includes a long seatpost with 9” of range in saddle height and a telescoping, collapsible stem with 5” of range in handlebar height. We found this to be suitable for our tallest and shortest testers.
The bike’s geometry seemed good, too. In many cases, riding a folding e-bike can feel awkwardly cramped or stretched out, but with so much adjustability and reasonable reach, I found the bike to be appropriately sized and enjoyable to ride without feeling stuck in an uncomfortable position.
As I stated in the opening paragraphs, I greatly enjoyed the Lynx Folding’s comfortable, upright riding position. Saddles are very personal, and while its shape wasn’t what I’d choose for my daily ride, its thick and plush cushion was extremely forgiving. The bike’s soft rubber grips were comfortable and squishy; even longer rides felt great.
With relatively narrow handlebars and 20”x3” mid-fat tires, the Lynx’s handling was on the twitchier side, but not to an unusual degree.
One area with room for improvement was the user interface. The bike’s control panel is on the underside of its pretty color display, which I found difficult to reach due to the throttle lever placed between the grip and the screen. To make the buttons more accessible, I rotated the throttle and display beyond their ideal positions.
To make sure the throttle is comfortable to use and the display is readable, we suggest that Troxus either switch to a twist throttle or choose a display with buttons on the face of the display.
In terms of its folding properties, the Lynx Folding worked as expected. Its pedals were relatively unique with an internal release lever, but otherwise, its hinged frame and collapsing stem were standard fare. The bike folded easily, and we liked that Troxus included a magnet on the rear axle to keep the two halves of the bike connected.
For reference, we measured the folded dimensions of the bike to be roughly 35” long, 22” wide, and 30” tall.
The Lynx felt well-built and sturdy when riding. With a minor area of critique aside, we feel that Troxus made good choices that resulted in great ride quality.
Troxus Lynx Folding Review: Summary / Where to Buy
The bike plays things relatively safe with common features and specs, but we think this is a smart move for a first attempt at a folding bike. With a great speed profile, enough oomph to climb steep hills, solid stopping power, and the range to cover long-distance commutes or leisure rides, the Lynx Folding has a strong foundation.
We wouldn’t mind the ability to unlock the bike to faster Class 3 speeds, and we’d like easier access to its control panel. Otherwise, we think the Lynx Folding is a solid entry from a quickly expanding brand that seems committed to making quality bikes—and improving their offerings over time.
If you’re considering the Lynx Folding as a traveling companion or daily ride to the office, we think you’ll be satisfied with your purchase. It has the makings of a safe, comfortable, and practical e-bike that can handle the morning commute or fun rides around town.
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 Troxus Lynx Folding down in our comments section.