Troxus Lynx Plus Review | Mini Fat Tire E-Bike or Beefy BMX?
This utility e-bike might be small in stature, but it packs a lot of punch, offers a customizable ride, and is surprisingly versatile.
As a former BMX rider, I was stoked when I got my hands on the Troxus Lynx Plus; this mini fat tire e-bike is categorized as a utility bike capable of limited cargo hauling, but its feel and handling reminded me a little of my old Diamondback Assault.
If someone had strapped a rocket to it, that is.
Don’t be fooled by the Lynx Plus’ diminutive size. It’s just as heavy as a full-size fat tire e-bike—and just as powerful. Thanks to its low frame and small 20” wheels, the bike’s 750W hub motor felt extra punchy, giving the bike a playful, spritely character.
I had an absolute blast riding and testing the bike for this review, partially because of the Lynx’s BMX-like ride. Another element was the bike’s ability to switch between torque and cadence sensing modes at the press (or, more accurately, hold) of a button. This allowed me to choose between active pedaling or a more relaxed, low-effort ride.
At the time of writing, we’ve only tested a handful of e-bikes with this ability; in most cases, riders are stuck with one mode or the other. Each has advantages and disadvantages that impact feel and performance, but the Lynx offers the best of both worlds without any of the downsides.
We tested the bike using both riding modes to determine which might be best for certain types of riders. Continue reading our full review below to learn how each impacted the bike’s performance and which sensor mode might be best for how you ride!
Class 1 (pedal assist to 20 mph)
Class 2 (throttle to 20 mph)
Class 3 (pedal assist to 28 mph)
- The Lynx Plus’s punchy motor and playful handling make for a super fun ride!
- This bike gave us one of the longest Range Test results for a utility e-bike we’ve ever recorded, thanks to the massive 960 Wh battery.
- Riders can choose either an active and responsive pedal experience or a relaxed and effortless ride by switching between torque- and cadence-sensing modes.
- The Lynx Plus can be a workhorse with cargo accessories, a stout rack capable of carrying 100 lbs, and a total payload capacity of 400 lbs.
- The bike can be set to either Class 2 or Class 3 maximum speeds—or anywhere in between.
- Riding on the street felt extra safe thanks to a flashing brake light and turn signals.
- The ride felt stable thanks to the 4”-wide Kenda fat tires.
- Riders can cruise on paved or unpaved surfaces thanks to the Lynx’s knobby tire tread and suspension fork with 80mm of travel.
- Without a consistent cadence and pressure, the torque sensing mode could feel jerky; we hoped for a smoother ride.
- The Lynx Plus is small and agile, so its weight of 80 pounds might be surprising. It’s not a lightweight bike.
- Battery:UL-2771 Certified / Internal / Removable / Lithium Ion, 48V/20Ah (960Wh) with Samsung® Cells
- Display: Color Display, Bluetooth, w/ Turn Light Signals, w/ Multi-Function Remote, w/ USB Charging
- Motor: Bafang® 48V/750W Hub-Drive Motor, 86Nm Max. Torque
- Headlight:Integrated
- Taillights:Integrated
- Pedal Assist: 0~5 Level Pedal Assist, Switchable Torque And Cadence Sensor Modes
- Claimed Range: Up to 90 miles
- Throttle:Thumb Throttle on Handlebar
- App:N/A
- UL Certification:UL 2271
- Claimed weight: 77.2 lbs
- Tested Weight: 79.5 lbs
- Rider height range: Not Specified
- Total payload capacity: 400 lbs
- Brakes: Tektro® Hydraulic, w/ Brake Sensors, 180mm / 160mm Rotors
- Fenders: Alloy, 20″x4.0″ w/ Alloy Hardware
- Fork: Front Suspension Fork, 80mm Travel
- Frame: 6061-T6 Aluminum Step-Thru Frame
- Drivetrain:8-Speed Shimano Altus, 46T chainring, 12-32T cassette
- Grips: Ergonomic Comfort
- Saddle: Troxus Comfort w/ Back Handle
- Handlebar: Alloy 6061-T6, 31.8mmx 680mm Wide, 261mm Rise
- Kickstand: Adjustable Side Kickstand
- Pedals: 9/16″ Alloy Platform with Reflectors
- Tires: KENDA® 20″x4.0″, w/ Anti-Puncture K-Shield
Troxus Lynx Plus Review: Speed Test
To begin our evaluation of the Lynx Plus, we put it through a Speed Test. I personally performed this test on our local network of bike paths—and I had my work cut out for me due to the bike’s high degree of customization.
I tested the speeds of its five pedal assist settings using both the torque- and cadence-sensing modes. I also tested it with Class 2 and Class 3 maximum speeds (the bike can be set to 20 mph, 28 mph, or anywhere in between). Finally, I tested and measured the acceleration of the bike’s throttle.
The Lynx did decently in both modes; the data gathered from my pedal tests is shown in the graph above. Generally speaking, we look for a linear pattern (an angled line) that shows even jumps in speed between settings. With a few minor exceptions, we see this pattern in all four tests.
In the cadence-sensing tests, the bike generally shows an ideal profile from PAS 1-4. In the Class 2 test, its PAS 5 results were slower than expected due to the bike’s 20 mph speed limit. In the Class 3 test, we expected an overall faster speed profile, but instead, this mode shared the same Class 2 speeds with a faster result in PAS 5.
In the torque mode tests, the bike’s PAS 5 speed also appears somewhat cramped in the Class 2 mode test because of the 20 mph limit, but its Class 3 results looked much better. My speed in PAS 3 was somewhat inconsistent with the other modes; this was likely due to slight differences in my pedaling.
When testing the throttle, I was honestly surprised by the Lynx Plus’ power! It was easy to pop a wheelie when starting from a complete stop. The bike’s acceleration was quick and punchy, and I had a lot of fun with its relatively aggressive feel.
Troxus Lynx Plus Review: Range Test
Our range test method and the Lynx Plus’ result are shown in the graphic above. If it’s not clear, this bike had fantastic results that were well above average when compared with other utility e-bikes we’ve tested.
The difference was significant, making the Lynx Plus one of the best-performing bikes in this category we have tested. Case in point: the bike went 22.7 miles beyond the average in its PAS 5 test and 29.6 miles farther in its PAS 1 test.
The Lynx Plus’ uncommonly large 960 Wh battery helped to extend its range, but its variable motor output (due to our using the torque-sensing mode for this test) also likely contributed to its success. In contrast, when using the cadence-sensing mode, the motor puts out a constant flow of power that is likely to use battery charge faster.
We were highly impressed by the Lynx Plus’ results; it did a fantastic job in our test despite not quite reaching Troxus’ advertised range of 90 miles. Its results indicate that users can expect a handful of extended rides or many shorter ones without having to recharge the battery.
For perspective, our PAS 5 test lasted roughly 3.5 hours while our PAS 1 test lasted nearly 8 hours; most riders should get an amount of time between these figures from a single charge. When needing to refuel, the included 3-amp charger should fill up the battery in roughly 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Troxus Lynx Plus Review: Hill Test
Initially, I noted that the bike’s throttle and pedal test results differed by only a second; this margin is unusually narrow.
The Lynx’s results were also somewhat unique compared with those of other utility bikes we tested. It finished 3 seconds faster than average in the throttle portion of the test due to its punchier-than-average power level.
When pedaling, the bike was 5 seconds slower than average. Initially, I thought that this might be related to the fact that we tested it using its torque-sensing mode; e-bikes with torque sensors are often slower than those with cadence sensors in this test due to their variable power output.
To test this theory, I tried the Lynx Plus at our secondary test location, Pilot Hill, using both its torque- and cadence-sensing modes. On this slightly less extreme hill, the bike’s pedal results in both modes were identical (1:13), and its throttle result (1:08) was slightly faster.
Considering the identical nature of the two sensor mode results, the bike’s weight seemed to be the main contributing factor to its slightly slower-than-average performance at Hell Hole.
At roughly 80 pounds, the Lynx is heavier than average for the utility e-bike category; its size can be deceiving in both its power and its bulk. While not as large as a full-size fat tire e-bike, it does weigh about the same, which could be a concern for those who plan to lift or transport the bike often.
Our Hill Test proved that the Lynx Plus’ powerful motor and 86 Nm of torque are enough to handle extreme situations presented by steep hills. The bike’s rider can approach hills using their method of choice; the throttle will provide the easiest experience, while the torque-sensing mode will be more active. The cadence mode falls somewhere between.
Troxus Lynx Plus Review: Brake Test
The Lynx Plus is equipped with a Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic disc brake system, including two-piston calipers, a 180mm front rotor, and a 160mm rear rotor. These brakes are rated for e-bike use and include a motor cutoff feature when the brakes are applied.
Using the method and brakes described above, we determined that the Lynx Plus’ average stopping distance was 20 4”, which is slightly better than the average for the utility bike category. The utility e-bikes we have tested previously averaged 20’6”. We consider anything in the neighborhood of 20-21’ to be an excellent result.
E-bikes in the utility category tend to do well in this test, so we were pleased by the Lynx Plus’ result. As I mentioned previously, it’s on the heavier side for this category, so I attribute its braking performance to the fact that most of its weight is kept low on its relatively squat frame. This prevents it from shifting forward once the brakes are applied.
We were satisfied with the Lynx Plus’s performance and can safely say that its brake system is effective and appropriate for its size, weight, and speed.
Troxus Lynx Plus Review: Ride Quality
Troxus makes the bike in one frame size suitable for “most riders.” At 5’11”, I typically find a proper (or close to it) fit on most single-size e-bikes, so I tested this claim by inviting two of my fellow reviewers to ride the Lynx Plus and report back.
At 5’0”, Sydney is the shortest of our testers. She easily found a comfortable position with proper reach and leg extension, leaving a few inches of saddle height for riders even shorter. On the other end was Matthew, at 6’5”; he liked the bike’s fun factor and feel but was limited in his leg extension. He had a blast using the throttle, regardless.
We agreed that the Lynx Plus was comfortable. Its saddle felt supportive and well-cushioned, the BMX-style handlebars were flared at an ergonomic angle, and the rubber grips felt soft and easy to hold on to.
I’ve spoken at length about the bike’s handling, but I’ll reiterate that it was quick, playful, and zippy.
I thought the speed of motor engagement was good in both riding modes—but perhaps too good in the torque-sensing mode. The Lynx could feel noticeably jerky in its torque-sensing mode; it sped up and slowed down rapidly with small changes in cadence and pedal pressure. This wasn’t a deal breaker, but it didn’t feel as natural as we hoped for.
Prior to the Lynx Plus, I reviewed another of Troxus’ e-bikes: a lightweight city cruiser/commuter called the Trax LT. Like the Lynx Plus, this bike had the ability to switch between sensor modes, but its ride felt much smoother and more consistent. We urge Troxus to adjust the Lynx Plus’s feel to match that of the Trax LT in the future.
Small wrinkles aside, I was extremely pleased with the bike’s ability to switch between the two sensing modes. Riders who prefer a more fluid, responsive, and energy-efficient ride should enjoy the torque-sensing mode, while those who want easier hill climbing and more granular control over their speed should like the cadence mode.
Otherwise, we appreciated many of the bike’s smaller features and accessories. It includes lights, rear turn signals (a feature I hope most e-bikes eventually include), fenders, and a cargo rack that can carry up to 100 lbs. It’s compatible with an optional front rack and cargo baskets or storage bags.
I also liked the bike’s full-color display, which includes an animation of a moving road that plays as long as the Lynx is not stationary. The display is Bluetooth-compatible, and when we asked if there would be a Troxus app to pair with, our contact at the brand told us that this feature would be coming soon.
Troxus Lynx Plus Review: Summary / Where to Buy
I interpret the Lynx primarily as a leisure e-bike for teens and young adults primarily because of how much power it packs. It undoubtedly has potential for use as a commuter thanks to its massive battery, and is likely to be equally well suited to running errands due to its high weight capacity.
It may not be for everyone due to its size and feel, but I expect those who do find it appealing will be more than satisfied by its fun and utility factor. As shown in our standardized tests, the bike is capable and well-specced in all areas, despite its ride feeling slightly jerky without consistent pressure and pace in its torque-sensing mode.
At the time of writing, we have only tested a handful of e-bikes with the Lynx Plus’ level of adaptability. By offering its rider the ability to quickly switch between sensor modes, it can ultimately be more versatile than many other e-bikes. For this reason, I expect we’ll see other brands and models follow in the Lynx’s footsteps.
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in our comments section in this review of the Troxus Lynx Plus.