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Electric bike buyer’s guide
Electric bikes can help you do more and go farther than you ever thought possible. And they’re a blast to ride! This guide will teach you all about the benefits of e-bikes, and it’ll also help you choose the right one for your style of riding and tell you everything you need to know about caring for it.
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What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes (also known as e-bikes and electric assist bikes) amplify your pedaling power thanks to an electric drive system. There are many different kinds of e-bikes, but all of them use an electric motor and battery to help you power your bike. Most have what’s called a controller that lets you choose the amount of power the system provides.
Is an e-bike right for me?
While e-bikes are a super fun and easy way to get around, they might not be right for everyone. Here’s a brief comparison of electric bikes and other popular modes of transportation.
Electric bikes vs regular bikes Traditional bikes don’t give you a boost to help you go faster and farther. But they are lighter and generally less expensive than e-bikes. Both are a great way to get exercise!
Electric bikes vs electric scooters Electric scooters are compact and easy to maneuver in the city. Scooters shine on short, intra-city trips when you want to get somewhere faster than you can walk, but they won’t necessarily replace car trips. Plus, they’re more dangerous and less regulated than electric bikes, and they aren’t always available when you need one.
Electric bikes vs cars Cars can take you on much farther and faster trips, you have to worry less about weather conditions, and you can haul a lot. But cars are much worse for the planet than e-bikes are, and cars are more expensive initially and over time—consider maintenance, gas, licensing, and insurance costs. Plus, you aren’t getting exercise and you have to deal with traffic and parking.
Electric bikes will change your life
Electric bikes give you the freedom and power to explore more, extend your ride, and have more fun. Whether you’re looking for a faster, more enjoyable, and more planet-friendly commute or seeking more thrills on the trail, there’s a Trek e-bike that’ll help you get more out of the year’s best riding seasons.
It’s easy and fun to get out and ride
Whether you’re coming back from an injury, can’t ride as far as you’d like anymore, or are just thinking about getting a bike for the first time, electric bikes are an awesome option. The extra boost helps you get out for exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and put less strain on your body than a traditional bike.
Ride farther, faster, and right up hills
If hills are discouraging you from riding a bike, electric bikes are the perfect solution! The boost will help you power right up hills, and it amplifies your level of fitness so longer, faster trips are always within reach. No more worrying whether or not you can make it!
Replace car trips and commutes
Electric bikes make long bike commutes super feasible, and make any commute more enjoyable and much less sweaty than on a traditional bike. Plus, the boost lets you carry more on errand runs, giving you yet another reason to take your e-bike instead of your car! You can feel good about getting exercise while lessening your impact on the environment.
Anatomy of an electric bike
Parts of an electric bike
1. Electric bike motor
The main types of e-bike motors are hub motors and mid-drive motors. Hub motors are typically mounted in the rear wheel while mid-drive motors are located in the same area as the pedal cranks and bottom bracket. Mid-drive motors are more efficient, feel more natural while pedaling, and are easier to shift on hills.
2. Electric bike controllers
As you might guess, controllers are what you use to control your e-bike’s settings. They’re super simple to use. You can change your level of assist, see your speed and distance, and check how much battery power you have remaining. Some even integrate with your smartphone for added capability.
3. Electric bike batteries
E-bike batteries are an important factor in determining your e-bike’s range. The higher watt hour (Wh) your battery is, the more potential you have to go farther. Batteries can be mounted in lots of different places, but those mounted on the downtube or integrated into the downtube itself provide the best center of gravity.
We’re your electric bike experts
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The qualified technicians in our service center are standing by to ensure your ride is dialed and ready for fun.
We’ll take care of you
Every Trek e-bike is backed by a lifetime frame warranty and a two-year battery warranty.
Best-in-class electronics
We only use e-bike drive systems that meet our incredibly high standard of quality, reliability, serviceability, and ease of use.
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2022 Trek Rail 9.9 and 9.8 - The Most E, eMTB to Date 7
The 2022 trek rail 9.9 may be the culmination of every mtb technology shift we've been seeing..
T rek's newest update to the Rail 9.9 and 9.8 see a host of changes for 2022. From revised geometry to an abundance of technology, the 2022 Trek Rail might be the most E, e-bike we've laid our hands upon. Vital has only just taken custody of this new eMTB and in that time we've been flooded off the trails with rain. We'll be looking to log the miles and pit some challenges to the new Trek Rail in the coming months. For now, let's dig into the details of this electrified mountain bike. As a quick aside, the Rail 9.7 and lower will not be seeing any of these updates for 2022.
- 160mm (6.2-inches) front travel // 150mm (5.9-inches) rear travel
- Trek ABP suspension design
- Carbon frame
- 29-inch wheels
- Mino Link adjustable geometry
- Bosch Performance Line CX Motor - 85Nm
- 750Wh battery
- Bosch Smart system
- Boost 148 rear hub spacing with 12mm axle
- Custom RockShox Super Deluxe with ThruShaft
- Knock Block 2.0 - 72-degree turning radius and removable
- 34.9 Seat tube
- Air Wiz Fork and Shock integration (as tested)
- Tyre Wiz wheel integration (as tested)
- Weight - Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS: 50-pounds (size medium, no pedals)
- Price range: $5,599 - $13,499 USD
- Price: $13,499 as tested
We'll begin with what we know best, the bike portion. Trek's new Rail 9.9 gets an update to the geometry, bringing it more in line with the latest Slash. As riders may safely surmise, the Rail now sports a longer reach across all sizes and a steeper seat angle. While the growth is rather large, the Rail's reach numbers now sit among the average for bikes of equivalent sizing designations. The new 77-degree seat angle is steepish but not wild. We are good with that, as climbing with an e-bike takes a different approach and positioning than a mountain bike.
Through the use of the Mino link (flip chip) riders can put the Rail in the high setting and run a 27.5-inch rear wheel. The result is a bike that is .3-degrees more slack and slightly lower than the stock, 29er option in the low setting. Trek will be shipping the Rail in the low position but riders can run it in high for sharper angles and greater pedal clearance.
Trek has outfitted the new Rail with the same RockShox Super Deluxe ThruShaft shock found on the Slash . The customized approach to compression tuning was actually something we enjoyed, so we're pleased to see it show up on the Rail. Additionally so, because we were less than impressed with the unit on the prior Rail . Trek upped the ante though. Incorporated on both the rear shock and fork is an Air Wiz unit. This particular setup is a Trek exclusive and will not be available aftermarket or via other brands (as far as we know.)
Riders will download the SRAM AXS app and sync their phones with the shock units. By inputting your rider weight, the app will tell you how much air to put into the shock and fork. From there, a blinking LED light will go green with the proper pressure or red if you are outside the threshold of what is recommended. Riders can see how much pressure is in the fork or shock by accessing the app, rather than hooking up a shock pump.
With Flight Attendant so freshly on our minds, we had to know if there was more. There is no diagnostic or tuning feedback provided. The Air Wiz units are strictly a tool to visually check shock pressure and see if the setting is within the baseline recommended window. So no, this is not Flight Attendant "light."
Moar Wireless Syncing
Our test bike was not done with the blinking lights though. While in the AXS app, we went ahead and synced up the Tyre Wiz units to get our tire pressure set to the recommended levels. We tested these units some time ago but have yet to see them as part of an OE build. Just like the shock units, the wheels will flash green for go and red to indicate an issue. Just as with the suspension, riders can see their tire pressure via the AXS app, rather than connect a pump.
For a total of six synced parts, we linked up the SRAM XX1 AXS derailleur and shifter. We've covered SRAM's AXS system plenty and it goes without saying that we are familiar and always pleased to ride it. It would seem that the new Rail 9.9 is ushering in an era of digital integration into mountain biking. While we are seeing all of this for the first time in one place on an e-bike, there is nothing keeping this from being on your next mountain bike. Love it or not, we are here.
For the remainder of the parts, our Rail 9.9 saw some familiar faces. Bontrager's Line Pro 30 rims are light, fast, and super stiff. They toed the line during our last go with the Rail. We were also quite happy to see some new Bontrager rubber on our 9.9. Again, one of our chief complaints with our Rail during Test Sessions was the front tire's inability to contain the fury of this e-bike. The new SE6 looks to be a promising update.
It wouldn't be an e-bike without a motor and battery. Bosch recently launched its Smart System , which is specced on the new Rail. This system, along with a 750Wh battery should have riders going all darn day. Trek's slick removable battery system stays in place. Riders can quickly remove the battery with a key. The battery can be charged separately (not mounted) from the bike, or while installed.
The Bosch Performance Line CX motor puts out 85NM of torque, right in line with its competitors. Bosch offers four different power settings to suit riders' needs. Eco, Tour, and Turbo are the most familiar to non-Bosch users as they reflect what many systems offer. The differentiating setting is eMTB, just below Turbo. This is an adaptive setting that uses a variety of assistance based on rider input. Riders wanting more assistance, while still getting improved range can just put the bike in eMTB mode and let it run.
Mounted to the left side of the handlebar is a control module that lets riders navigate the new Kiox 300 display on the top tube. Smartly, when turning on the bike, there is a warning about distracted riding, much as we see in our automobiles today. Once you've dismissed the warning, riders can begin navigating the system. There's a bevy of information to be had here and a variety of diagnostic information.
The Kiox 300 screen can be easily dismounted by hand if riders prefer to not have the display or are doing some riding where the display is in the way (bikepacking, kid seat , etc). The Bosch system will still turn on and function like normal. With a bright LED display on the bar control unit, riders will know what mode they are in via color illumination. There is even a bar graph to show the battery level.
Want even more digital tools at your disposal? The Bosch smart system will sync with your phone via the Flow app and further integrate into other apps and tools. Riders will get diagnostic information, ride stats, and the ability to integrate into health apps.
As mentioned, only the Trek Rail 9.9 and 9.8 models are receiving the latest updates. That includes a total of five different builds. The Rail line has a total of ten different builds. We recommend heading to Trek's website to see what the full lineup consists of. For now, here is how the updated 2022 models are looking.
All of Trek's 2022 Rail 9.9 and 9.8 models will use the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 750Wh battery. Models below this tier will use the Bosch Performance CX Magnesium motor with 625Wh batteries (500Wh on the entry, Rail 5).
The Rail eMTB line starts out with the Rail 5, listing for $5,599 ($7,499 CAD). Riders can get into the updated 2022 Rail 9.8 GX just shy of the five-figure mark for $8,999 ($12,499 CAD). The Rail line tops out with our 9.9 XX1 AXS model at a scant $13,499 ($17,999 CAD).
We've touched upon all of the wild integrations and electro-wizardry of our top-tier Trek Rail 9.9. It does not stand alone, however, as Trek is also offering a Rail 9.9 XTR ($12,499) with the same Shock Wiz and Tyre Wiz integrations. The differentiating factor here is the obvious swap from the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS to Shimano XTR 12-speed. Due to supply shortages, our test bike is equipped with a Bontrager dropper but customers will receive a RockShox AXS dropper while the XTR build will have the Bontrager dropper post.
Trek's Rail 9.8 series offers three different builds. The 9.8 line ditches the Wiz monitoring systems on the suspension and wheels. The fork moves from Ultimate to a ZEB Select+ while the rear shock is still a RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft as found on the higher-end models. The key differentiating factor on each of the 9.8 models is the drivetrain. Trek is offering a GX Eagle, GX Eagle AXS, and Shimano XT. All three models use Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels.
We've only been able to get the Rail out on a singular ride since its arrival. Bikes all across the industry are showing closer to the launch date, it's just how things are these days. In addition, our region has been getting pounded by rain, shutting down almost every trail. We did get out on one local moto trail. Being nothing but thirsty decomposed granite and solid rock, it runs best when wet.
Pressed for time between storms, we furiously pressed the control buttons until our Rail glowed red, indicating we were in Turbo mode. The soggy fire road ascent was no match for the Rail and we feverishly hummed up the hill at an easy 15mph. It has been some time since we rode the Bosch system and even though Shimano has upped its game, the Bosch just hits differently.
At the top of the initial climb, there is a short, fun descent that is pretty rowdy and has several natural doubles. Never missing a pedal stroke, we charged right in. Through the nasty bits and doubles, the Rail was making an odd sound. We assumed it to be a motor clack and carried on. After punching back up to what would be our actual descent, we reached for our water bottle. It was empty.
Upon inspection, we saw the shock was striking the bottom of the water bottle and had torn a hole in the bottom. The noise was not a motor clack, it was our bottle being torn asunder. With no room to adjust our 22-ounce Purist bottle any higher in the frame, we accepted our fate. The damage was already done and we at least knew the noise at this point. Size medium Rails will come with a spacer installed in the frame to get proper bottle clearance. Our test bike was missing this spacer, which resulted in the bottle damage.
Piloting the Rail 9.9 downhill was a blast. We were a bit mad at it for killing our Attitude Adjuster bottle, so we held no punches on our line. Only the most direct would do in the rock gardens. Much like a Sour Patch Kid , the Rail made nice with us and by the end of the descent, it was all hoots and hollers.
We are nowhere near drawing any conclusion on the 2022 Rail 9.9 but we will say there are immediate improvements over the prior model we tested. Bontrager's SE6 tire offers decidedly more grip than its predecessor. Additionally, Trek's new RockShox Super Deluxe ThruShaft kept its composure and was far more compliant than the older model.
To learn more about the 2022 Trek Rail line, head to Trekbikes.com
View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the 2022 Trek Rail in the Vital MTB Product Guide.
View replies to: 2022 Trek Rail 9.9 and 9.8 - The Most E, eMTB to Date
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Trek’s Newest E-Mountain Bike is Light, Fast, and Sporty
An adventurous pedal-assist bike, the E-Caliber has the heart of a cross-country racer.
The Takeaway: The Trek E-Caliber is a lightweight, XC-oriented electric mountain bike for riders who want a nimble and agile machine that excels on a wide range of trails.
- Trek claims the 34.8-pound E-caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is the lightest full-suspension eMTB.
- 60mm carbon frame, 120mm fork, and aggressive geometry
- Fazua Evation pedal-assist motor can be removed for unassisted riding
Price: $11,999 Weight: 36 lb. (size Large)
A light and efficient 60mm carbon frame, cross country-oriented geometry, a 120mm fork, and...a Fazua Evation pedal assist motor?
Old Man Winter has been very uncooperative this month, leaving much of my trails buried deep beneath the snow . But as I write this, the sun is shining, snow is melting, and I’m optimistic that it won’t be long before I can hit the trails for some more substantial rides.
.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} 5 Things We Love About the Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR
Short Travel
The lightweight, single-pivot design allows just 60mm of travel.
Carbon Wheels
Bontrager Kovee XXX hoops are light, stiff, and very durable.
Removable Motor
The battery and drive unit can be taken out of the downtube.
Minimalist Controls
The buttons for the Fazua motor blend nicely into the handlebar.
Lightweight rear suspension offers great pedaling efficiency.
The E-Caliber was borne from Trek’s full-suspension XC racer, the Supercaliber . The Fazua Evation motor neatly integrated in the downtube gives riders three levels of pedal assist. Besides being very light (7.4 pounds on my scale), the battery and drive system are removable and can be replaced with a dummy battery that doubles as a storage compartment, leaving me with a 28-pound (for size Large) bike that should pedal like a non-electric bike.
Class 1 Fazua Evation Motor
The Fazua Evation motor is powered by a 250-Wh battery with a claimed range of 18 to 50 miles. As with all e-bikes, that depends heavily on what mode you use, how much you weigh, and how hilly the terrain is. The more power you demand, the quicker the battery drains.
That motor itself represents a departure for Trek, as we’re more accustomed to seeing bikes from the Wisconsin-based brand with Bosch’s stellar Performance Line CX motor. Ott attributed that move to the new Black Pepper Tune, “which we felt took a good bike and made it a great bike for us,” he said, because it refines power delivery over a broader cadence range. Ott also told me the new tune improved responsiveness, making the pedal assist engage sooner.
The system has three power modes with very Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance names. Breeze is the economy mode and gives riders a constant 100 watts of help. River provides progressive assistance where the motor’s software attempts to match the amount of assist with what you’re putting into the pedals, but only up to 210 watts. The full gas mode is called Rocket, which gives riders an extra 250 watts regardless of how much effort they put into the pedals. But because this is a Class 1 e-bike , additional power cuts out when speed tops 20 miles per hour regardless of mode.
Fazua plans to release an app in April that will give riders complete freedom to customize the power curve in all levels of assist.
The E-Caliber retains the IsoStrut single-pivot suspension design from the Supercaliber, giving the bike just 60mm of rear wheel travel and exceptionally low weight due to the lack of pivots and linkage. But things change on the front end to handle the extra speed and hard riding the motor adds to the equation. Front suspension goes up to 120mm, giving the bike a more adventurous feel like the Cannondale Scalpel SE and Specialized Epic EVO . Head angle is kicked out to 67.5 degrees, the result of bumping travel up by 20mm. That’s still aggressive by trail standards but within the realm of modern XC geometry like we see on the Scalpel, Specialized Epic , and BMC Twostroke 01 . Reach got longer than the Supercaliber’s, in this case by 15mm (440mm for a Large).
Those three changes represent the main geometry differences between the E-Caliber and its analog sibling. As with other bikes that get the longer/lower/slacker treatment, the idea was to add stability at high speed and make the bike handle better on rougher terrain.
Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR Details
Style: E-mountain bike Material: Carbon Wheel Size: 29er Fork: Fox SC34 Factory 120mm Shock: Trek IsoStrut 60mm Drivetrain: Shimano XTR Cranks: E*thirteen E*spec Race Carbon Chainring: 32t Cassette: Shimano XTR 10-51 Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston Wheels: Bontrager Kovee XXX 30 Carbon Tires: 2.4-inch Bontrager XR3 Team Issue Saddle: Bontrager Verse Pro Seatpost: Bontrager XXX OCLV Carbon Handlebar: 750mm Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon Stem: 70mm Bontrager Kovee Pro Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.4-inches
Where Does This Bike Fit In?
Mid-travel e-bikes have proven to be great options for a wide range of uses, not the least of which are shuttling enduro runs, ripping flow trails, and making any hard, mountainous trail more accessible to riders who have less than professional-level fitness. However, those bikes can quickly lose their appeal for riders who enjoy taking a more active role in piloting because the heavy frames, big tires, and longer travel have a way of letting you steamroll over obstacles. The E-Caliber is still a 36-pound bike, which, while light for an electric mountain bike, is hefty. I don’t expect it to behave exactly like my XC bike that weighs 30 percent less, but I’ll be looking very carefully to see if it holds onto the spirit of that style of riding. I’m cautiously optimistic that the combination of short travel, light weight, and aggressive geometry will make for a bike that opens up the joys of long trail adventures and ripping fast singletrack to a segment of riders that may not otherwise get to experience that thrill.
E-Caliber Family
The E-Caliber is available in five models priced from $6,499 for the E-Caliber 9.6 all the way to $12,499 for the range-topping, jaw-dropping, 34.8 pound E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS. All models share the same full-carbon, 60mm frame with a 120mm fork. Interestingly, the top-tier 9.9 XTR and 9.9 XX1 AXS builds do not come with dropper posts. That’s disappointing, but it’s a move we often see on new XC bikes, where droppers are omitted for the sake of keeping the weight as low as possible. As ubiquitous as dropper posts are these days, it feels like an artificial way to claim a lower weight. If you’d like a dropper stock on your bike, look to any of the three lower priced options. You can also add a dropper to any of the higher priced models through Trek's Project One options.
The cheapest (still $6,499) E-Caliber, the 9.6, features a drivetrain that’s a mix of Shimano XT and Deore, with a 120mm RockShox Gold fork and Bontrager Kovee Comp wheels. For $7,999 the E-Caliber 9.8 gives you Bontrager Kovee Pro carbon wheels, a 120mm RockShox SID Select+ fork and the choice of either a SRAM GX or Shimano XT drivetrain. The next jump is a steep one: an extra $3,500 nets you the E-Caliber 9.9 XTR with a 120mm Fox Factory 34 SC fork and Bontrager Kovee XXX Carbon wheels. The top spot is reserved for riders willing to plunk down 12,499 bones for a dreamy bike, the E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS, resplendent with SRAM’s wireless shifting and a 120mm RockShox Sid Ultimate fork.
Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR
.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews
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Trek Electric Bikes Review
eBicycles score
In terms of principles, Trek is firmly grounded in producing bikes with high-quality craftsmanship, aiming to bring the joy of cycling to a broader audience. The fact that the company has four electric bikes speaks for itself.
Trek started back in 1976 as a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, an appliance distributor based in Milwaukee. The founders, Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg, began to manufacture steel touring frames with the aspiration to rival Japanese and Italian-made bicycles that were dominating the market at that time.
Just as its name suggests, Trek is fully committed to bringing its riders to great adventures and even promises to take them to the edge of the horizon.
It’s also fitting that their place of origin, Waterloo, is home to the Waterloo Driving Park Association, where spirited residents gather for some old-time tough and gritty bicycle racing.
Throughout its long history, Trek has been fueled by its determination to provide the best and the most rugged bicycles for the adventurous spirits that form part of their heritage.
Overview of Trek Electric Bikes
Trek Bikes produce premium quality bikes all around the world.
Trek was founded with an established goal of building high-end bikes for the United States. Back in the day, all the good bikes came from European brands. This inspired Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg to take matters into their own hands. The solution? To make their own brand of bicycles.
Three years after its foundation, Trek sales came close to the $2,000,000-mark.
Now, Trek Bicycle Corporation is one of the world’s biggest bike companies.
The company offers models designed for Road, Mountain, and Urban biking. Trek is also renowned for making the bikes that Lance Armstrong rode to his number of victories in Tour De France.
In terms of their electric bike portfolio, Trek covers a wide range of frames, from amiable town bikes to more powerful road bikes and mountain bikes. Currently, the company sells 24 of these bikes with a price range between $1,500 to $12,000.
What We Like About Trek Electric Bikes
It is a given that Trek is very well-known when it comes to building bikes. However, this doesn’t mean that every giant company doesn’t have kinks in its armor.
This section will talk about the pros and cons of Trek e-bikes. Here to highlight the things we like about them and the points to consider before buying their e-bikes.
Reasons to buy:
- Trek produces high-quality bikes that can handle any type of weather and terrain .
- Most models are available in five different sizes for an optimal fit for each rider.
- Aside from their magnificent designs, Trek bikes boast high-quality frames and components .
- Massive collection of e-bikes span from hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes.
- The Bosch motor boasts top-notch performance while keeping its size and weight minimum.
Reasons to avoid:
- Some bicycles are overly expensive for an everyday e-bike.
- Some key components don’t come with the complete bike and are sold separately .
Popular Trek E-Bike Models
The company has a ton of bicycles underneath its belt and a compelling product line, market value, and spec sheet.
Trek has been in the biking industry for a long time, but it didn’t hold back on innovating the e-bike scene. Here is a brief overview of Trek’s e-bike categories and what you can expect to see in each one.
Hybrid & Commuter Trek E-Bikes
If you’re looking to commute by e-bike, run errands around town, or just go for a leisurely ride with friends and family, Trek’s hybrid and commuter e-bikes are for you.
They’re split into three categories (City & Hybrid, Commuter, Recreational) and consist of multiple model lines:
- Dual Sport+
- Electra Go! E-Bikes
FX+ and Dual Sport+ model families are what you would call typical hybrid electric bikes with Class 1 speeds and rear hub motors. They are available with step-over and step-through frames and provide dynamic performance and upright riding positions.
Related post: Trek Verve+ 2 Review
On the other hand, Verve+ and Allant+ model lines are better-equipped city commuter bikes that cost a bit more but offer more in terms of features and speeds. They consist of Class 1 and Class 3 models powered by mid-drive motors and equipped with lights, fenders, rear racks, and even suspension forks on some ebikes.
Finally, Trek also offers Electra Go! electric bikes (Trek’s sister company), which consist of mid-drive and rear-hub drive e-bikes that fall into cruiser, city, and urban categories.
Shop Trek Hybrid E-Bikes
Trek Mountain E-Bikes
Trek’s electric mountain bikes provide ‘endless adventure’, as Trek puts it. The category consists of hardtail and full-suspension mountain e-bikes that will fit all different types of riders.
The selection includes XC bikes, trail bikes, and even enduro bikes. There are four model families you can choose from:
All of Trek’s mountain e-bikes are powered by trail-tough Bosch mid-drive motors and integrated batteries with up to 625 Wh of capacity. They have Class 1 capabilities and the batteries typically last up to 5 hours of continuous use.
The only downside of Trek’s e-mountain bikes is the pricing, as they typically cost between $6,000 and $14,000, though the Powerfly models are priced in the $3,000-$4,000 range.
Shop Trek Mountain E-Bikes
Trek Road E-Bikes
Finally, Trek makes some of the best electric road bikes on the market, but also some of the most expensive ones.
They are famous for providing a natural riding experience and only supplementing power instead of taking over. Therefore, you’ll be able to ride further and enjoy road biking just as you would on a traditional road bike.
Domane+ is the only model family in this category, though it comes in around a dozen variations, including road and gravel capable builds.
These are Class 1 and Class 3 capable e-bikes with Fazua Evation or TQ e-bike systems. All models are built around lightweight carbon frames, come with drop bars, 1x and 2x Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
Therefore, if you want to explore more or keep up on fast group rides, one of Trek’s road e-bikes is for you, if you can afford it.
Shop Trek Road E-Bikes
Trek E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries
These bikes offer a lot of power and range from both their motor and battery.
The principle which the company is built upon is simple. That is to create a bicycle brand that is on par or even more significant than its European and Japanese counterparts back then. Now, they are one of the biggest bike companies in the whole world, so their grit and drive really paid off.
Trek is all about creating reliable bicycles that could take their customers to the next level of fun and enjoyment.
The company’s formula to success lies at their rigid standard of quality when it comes to their bikes. It ranges from steel, alloy, and carbon fiber, ensuring that it can take on any punishment it might receive when riding. They also didn’t hold back in choosing each component, as evidenced by their top-notch Bosch electric motors and Shimano parts.
When it comes to selling, the company won’t have any problems catering to your needs as they distribute their bicycles worldwide. What’s more? They even have 1,700 dealers in the U.S. alone. Their website also allows you to see the store closest to you, where you can view, test, and purchase their bikes.
Reliability and Durability
Trek Bikes use only the best quality materials so that their products can handle extreme terrains and any kind of weather.
Trek began with a vision from the two founders to build the best bicycles that the world had ever witnessed.
Thus, the company’s strict observance of the highest possible craftsmanship quality was born.
The company’s collection of bicycles typically receive rave reviews for their build quality. This applies to even their entry-level bikes, which at the price tag they’re sold at, isn’t always known to have the most premium components. Even if their price range generally makes their bikes a luxury, everything about it feels premium and durable when you get your hands on it.
As a testament to their bike’s quality, one Quora user shared that he almost managed to travel across Canada by riding an entry-level 1993 Trek 820 Antelope. This devotion to their founder’s vision endeared many cycling enthusiasts to the company and brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
If there’s anything that remained unanswered, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Trek e-Bikes.
- Are Trek e-Bikes any good?
Yes, Trek e-bikes follow the standard set by their conventional siblings. The excellent quality is a given. What makes it even better is that Trek is supported by a vast network of dealers to ensure that parts and maintenance are readily available.
- What happens if Trek e-bikes run out of battery?
If the battery on your Trek e-bike dies, you can no longer use the throttle, nor will you have the benefit of the pedal assist. However, you can still pedal the bike on your own, just like any regular bike.
- Where are Trek e-bikes manufactured?
Trek’s headquarters itself is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Still, the manufacturing happens outside the U.S., in countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, and China.
- How do I buy my own Trek e-bike?
Buying a Trek bike is an easy process. You can find the dealer or retailer closest to you using Trek’s Store Finder on their website. Alternatively, you can order them online and have the bike delivered to your address.
- What is the motor used on Trek e-bikes?
All of Trek’s e-bikes use Bosch electric motors . These are mid-drive pedal-assist electric motors meant to mimic a natural, consistent feel while pedaling.
Bottom Point — Who Are Trek E-Bikes For?
Trek Bikes provide the best e-bikes out there. Not only do they have sports bikes like mountain bikes, but they also provide high-quality city and hybrid bikes.
Trek creates their bicycles with the sole purpose of providing reliable vehicles for adventurous spirits. However, the company also caters to those who only want to get from point A to point B without hiccups.
The company offers a lineup of electrical bikes consisting of road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Sure, the price may prove to be high for some, but it will all pay off as soon as you see and feel the quality of each part of the bike.
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2023 Trek Domane+ e-road bike review: Ultra-quiet, ultra-stealthy
Flagship model weighs just 12.21 kg, and us-spec bikes get a genuinely useful 45 km/h cutoff from the new tq mid-drive motor..
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Trek has today announced the third generation of its Domane+ e-assist road bike, and it’s quite the change from the one that came before. There’s a new motor from German company TQ, a brand-new carbon fiber frame with more advanced carbon fiber content and construction, more tire clearance, and in general, a sleeker and lighter total package that looks and feels more like a “regular” road bike.
It sounds like quite the complete package on paper, and it mostly is in reality – with some caveats, of course.
The lightning pace of e-bike motor development
Trek clearly isn’t shy about switching motor suppliers. Each generation of the Domane+ has used a different brand of motor: Bosch on the first generation one, Fazua on the second iteration, and now TQ on this latest third-generation model.
Why the switch, you wonder? Because it seems like quite the advancement in a number of key areas.
First and foremost, the TQ HPR-50 motor is legitimately tiny, so much so that in profile, you almost wouldn’t guess at all that the Domane+ is an e-bike. Unlike the previous Bosch and Fazua units, the TQ is hidden completely inside a painted-to-match shroud at the bottom bracket with little on the outside to give anything away. Of course, a closer look reveals clues such as the cooling port on the underside of the cover, but even the battery is fully integrated inside the down tube.
Trek is also touting the HPR-50’s unusually quiet operation, which comes about thanks to a unique interior configuration that does away with the usual array of reduction gears and/or belts, and is claimed to reduce internal friction, too. Trek’s official press materials also make mention of the lower Q-factor as compared to the Fazua unit, but don’t get too excited; it’s only down 2 mm in total, and the 163 mm figure is still about 12 mm wider than what you get with Shimano GRX, or 17 mm wider than most dedicated road cranks.
Be that as it may, the specs of the TQ HPR-50 motor are impressive. The official maximum power output is 300 W (or 50 Nm of torque), and it’s powered by a 360 Wh Li-ion battery in the down tube that Trek claims is good for “up to” 145 km (90 miles) in Eco mode. An optional range extender battery tucks into a water bottle cage for another 160 Wh, and the system can even run on just the range extender battery alone should you want to fly with your new Domane+ and need to tuck in under typical airline battery size restrictions.
Three levels of e-assist are available, each of which can be customized using the Trek Central smartphone app. Switching between the three assist levels is literally at your fingertips thanks to convenient remote buttons positioned next to the brake lever hoods, while the various mode screens on the high-resolution LCD panel on the top tube are accessed directly on that panel. Among the available screen pages are windows for remaining battery life (expressed numerically as both a percentage and time to empty, and visually with bars), current power output, speed, and distance – and when you’re charging the system, the display even gives you a precise countdown to when the battery is full.
Frame design implications
The bigger benefit of switching to the TQ HPR-50 motor is arguably how it affects the latest Domane+’s frame design. Trek sought to have this version look as much like a non-powered bike as possible, and aside from some generally inflated proportions, that goal seems to have been met.
The motor’s smaller form factor makes for a more normal-looking bottom bracket area, and although the down tube is notably bulbous given the internally housed battery, the whole frame looks surprisingly proportional. The Q-factor may not have changed much, but the more typical chainline has allowed Trek to switch to a standard 142 mm-wide rear hub in place of the “Road Boost” 148 mm one on the previous-generation Domane+, which is a great move for wheel compatibility.
The 2023 Domane+ marks the first time Trek has used its top-end OCLV 800 carbon fiber content. Combined with the integrated down tube battery – meaning there’s no need for a large hatch – Trek claims to have lopped 450 g from the previous Domane+ chassis. Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm frame is around 1,250 g. Adding to that is 1,850 g for the motor, 1,835 g for the 360-Wh battery, plus a few more grams for mounting hardware.
That claimed frame weight includes the latest version of Trek’s IsoSpeed pivoting seat cluster concept. This incarnation isn’t adjustable, but it does use a conventional (albeit proprietary) telescoping carbon fiber seatpost instead of the integrated seatmast of previous IsoSpeed-equipped bikes.
All in, my 52 cm flagship sample with a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic 1×12 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers tips the scales at a comparatively svelte 12.21 kg (26.92 lb).
Save for a 10 mm increase in chainstay length – a consequence of the TQ HPR-50’s motor casing size – frame geometry is the same as the non-powered Domane, down to the millimeter. Stack and reach figures are more upright and relaxed as compared to the Madone or Emonda, but both are still pretty sporty overall, and trail figures in the low-60s across the board are intended to provide fairly nimble handling manners.
Despite those virtually identical dimensions, the Domane+ is approved for tires up to 40 mm-wide, whereas the non-powered Domane tops out at 35 mm. Keep in mind those are Trek’s official ratings, which account for a minimum of 6 mm of space all around. Actual maximum tire sizes will almost certainly be bigger, though that’ll depend on your comfort level for potential frame rub.
Either way, adding fenders to the hidden front and rear mounts will drop that maximum tire size by 5 mm.
Naturally, cabling is fully hidden, although the manner in which Trek has gone about it for the new Domane+ isn’t nearly as maddening as it could have been. Lines are run externally on the handlebar before being routing alongside the underside of (not through) the stem and then into ports in the dedicated upper headset cover. Keeping things visually tidy are a cosmetic cover bolted to the bottom of the stem and profiled headset spacers that are also split for easier bar height adjustment.
Models, availability, and pricing
Trek will offer the new Domane+ in six different build kits, all using the same frame and motor package. There are only three price points, though, with each one offering a SRAM and Shimano variant. Interestingly, all SRAM-equipped bikes will come with 1×12 drivetrains and 40 mm-wide Bontrager gravel tires, while Shimano bikes are set up with 2×12 drivetrains and more tarmac-oriented 32 mm-wide slicks. As usual for Trek’s premium models, Project One custom builds are available in most models, although whichever way you slice it, the prices are awfully high.
Topping the list is the Domane+ SLR 9 eTap P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,900 / €14,500), built with a SRAM Red eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.15 kg (26.79 lb).
Sitting alongside that is the Domane+ SLR 9 P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,500 / €14,000), equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2×12 electronic groupset, 21 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon clinchers, and 32 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite slicks. Claimed weight is 11.75 kg (25.90 lb).
The middle child is the Domane+ SLR 7 eTap P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,750 / €11,000) with a SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.50 kg (27.56 lb).
Alternatively, the Domane+ SLR 7 P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,450 / €10,600) comes with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 2×12 electronic groupset and the same wheel-and-tire package. Claimed weight is 12.20 kg (26.90 lb).
There’s also a slightly less expensive non-Project One Domane+ SLR 7 (US$9,500 / AU$14,500 / £8,900 / €10,000).
Looking for the fancy TQ motor on a “budget”? The Domane+ SLR 6 eTap P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,900 / €10,000) is equipped with SRAM’s Rival eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.60 kg (27.78 lb).
If you prefer Shimano, there’s the Domane+ SLR 6 P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,890 / €9,600) with the same wheel-and-tire package, but Shimano’s latest 105 Di2 2×12 electronic groupset. Claimed weight is 12.40 kg (27.34 lb).
Finally, there’s the non-P1 Domane+ SLR 6 (US$8,500 / AU$13,000 / £8,340 / €9,000).
All of the new Domane+ models are supposedly available for ordering and/or purchase starting today.
Like an ever-present hand on your back
I should first point out in this review that your own experience on the new Domane+ will vary greatly depending on where you are. In the US, the TQ HPR-50 motor is allowed to operate at full power up to 45 km/h (28 mph). However, the cutoff in Europe is just 25 km/h, while most other countries will be at various points in between. I did this test in the United States, so take my commentary with a grain of salt if you live in a different region.
It’s also important to remember that there are essentially two major categories these days: so-called full-power ones such as what you normally see from brands like Bosch and Shimano, and lightweight models such as this new Domane+. Full-power ones are usually rated for around 250 W or so of power (and around 85 Nm of torque), but keep in mind that’s a nominal figure. Peak outputs are usually much, much higher – often more than 800 W.
But like other e-bikes in this “lightweight” category, the output of the TQ HPR-50 motor is far more modest. It’s rated at 300 W, but that’s the most you’ll ever get out of it (give or take a few watts). Likewise, maximum torque is capped at 50 Nm. The benefit of that reduced output is a huge weight advantage for the motor and battery itself, plus everything else on the bike can be made lighter as well.
That all said, while I know opinions are definitely mixed out there with respect to e-road bikes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have one heck of a good time testing this thing.
Those full-power e-bikes are undoubtedly fun (so much power!), but the experience can also be so far removed from purely human-powered pedaling that it can almost seem like something other than bike riding. But this Domane+? It’s more like you’ve always got a hand on your back, or the feeling you get when you’re having a really, really (really) good day.
Trek intends for the Domane+ to feel like a regular road bike, and for the most part, I’m inclined to agree. Power from the TQ motor doesn’t come suddenly like a kick, but more like a building wave. It’s surprisingly subtle, so much so that when you rise out of the saddle to sprint, it almost seems like nothing’s happening – but then you look at your speed and your times, and it’s pretty clear that isn’t the case.
The way that power comes on is interesting, though. It’s not simply a direct proportion of your own output, but a more complex calculation that also takes other factors into account like speed and cadence. From what I can tell, it’s almost like the system has two goals.
One is helping you maintain your speed. For example, when casually cruising at 150 W (and with the highest-power setting selected), there are times the system is putting out 200 W or more. At other times, it’s kicking out almost nothing. But in either case, how much power the system produces depends on how much help it thinks you need, and it does an uncannily good job of figuring that out.
It’s also pretty impressive when flirting with that 45 km/h cutoff. One of the main drags heading back into town is mostly flat, but with some small rollers and often just enough of a tailwind that you can really build a head of steam. The Domane+ was more than happy to give me a nudge to get me to that magical 45 km/h mark, and then just barely enough power to let me stay just shy of that figure so as to not trigger the cutoff. And when I did cross that line, the cutoff is remarkably gentle, so much so that I kept peeking at the top tube display to see if the system really wasn’t doing anything.
It’s when climbing that the TQ HPR-50 comes into its own. There, the motor doesn’t seem to just want you to maintain your speed; it wants you to feel like a superhero (at least in full-power mode). Needless to say, the feeling of climbing like that is addictive, but it also highlights the power limitations of the system. Say you’re climbing steady at 200 W and the system is kicking out another 300 W. But if you put down more than that, it’s still topped out at 300 W. Granted, that’s still an awful lot more than I can maintain on my own, but proportionally speaking, it’s more noticeable that the system is cutting power than when you’re hitting the speed limit.
But it’s still fun.
Unfortunately, there’s another limit to that fun, and Trek’s range claims strike me as a bit ambitious (which isn’t surprising). Granted, range claims are always more than a little fuzzy, and the mountainous terrain of my local stomping grounds certainly has a lot to do with that. One ride in particular covered just 38 km (23.5 miles), but almost 800 m (2,600 ft) of elevation gain – all at maximum power assist (have I mentioned how much fun this bike is?). But when I got back home, the battery capacity was down to a middling 27%. Granted, I could have done that same ride on a lower power setting, but where’s the joy in that?
Here’s where that lightweight vs. full-power thing comes in again. While lightweight models like this Domane+ indeed feel more like non-powered bikes most of the time, there’s no substitute for watt-hours. To put that into perspective, I played around with a Canyon Grail:On gravel e-bike a couple of years ago, which is equipped with a full-power Bosch system and a much bigger battery. One ride I did on that bike covered more than 47 km (29.5 miles) with just shy of 1,200 m (3850 ft) of elevation gain – and there was enough juice left at the end that I almost could have done that ride twice.
Granted, that bike was more of a bruiser than this Domane+, which does really feel a lot like a good, non-powered road bike in many respects. While it’s fun to blast around in full-power mode, kicking things down a notch or so dramatically extends battery life. There’s some noticeable friction in the TQ motor when pedaling without power at all – more from the bearing seals than parasitic mechanical losses, from what I can tell – but it’s not bad at all, and it certainly pales in comparison to what the motor is putting out.
Aside for the extra weight, the Domane+ genuinely feels pretty normal – certainly enough so that you don’t feel like you have to be in full-power mode all the time. And just as promised, the TQ HPR-50 motor is remarkably quiet so you’re not always audibly reminded what you’re riding, either. There is a whir that grows proportionally louder with pedaling cadence, but even at its loudest, you can barely make it out from the hum of your tires. At higher speeds, it’s drowned out entirely by wind noise. It’s easy to forget about it.
About that speed cutoff
As I mentioned earlier, your experience on an e-road bike will vary greatly depending on where you’re riding it (or perhaps more specifically, where you’ve purchased it). Although I found the Domane+ to be incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, or perhaps more as a dedicated light-duty gravel rig with those 40 mm-wide tires. However, I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise (and I know CyclingTips senior tech editor Dave Rome agrees on this one ).
Kudos to Trek and TQ for so thoroughly engineering the motor assist cutoff when you do bump up against that mandated speed limit. Unlike many other e-bikes I’ve ridden, the power drops off gently and seamlessly, rather than feeling so abrupt that you wonder if a wire has suddenly come loose.
But even then, the 25 km/h cutoff that much of the world would see on this thing also severely cuts into its utility. It’s virtually guaranteed that someone riding a Domane+ wouldn’t be able to enjoy a bunch ride with friends since they’d essentially be dragging an ineffective anchor all the time, and even more gradual climbs would likely be frustrating as the motor continually cuts in and out. It’d still be a boon for longer climbs if you’re ok with taking it a bit slower, and certainly on steeper ones. But aside from that, I’d urge anyone considering their first e-road bike purchase to seriously ponder the effects of that speed limit.
What about the non-motorized bits?
Handling mostly feels like the regular Domane (and you can expect a review of the new non-powered Domane SLR from me shortly, too), although there are some caveats. I find it interesting that Trek equips the Domane+ models with such a broad spread in tire sizes, as it does affect the steering. I first tried my test bike with the stock 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires, and it was… ok. The steering felt heavy off-center, and the bike wasn’t nearly as eager to initiate turns as I would have expected. But when I switched to 35 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One RS tires, the handling instantly became much more natural, easily diving into turns and flowing through corners as it should.
Switching tires also highlighted another downside. Although the stock Bontrager gravel tires are quite grippy on hardpack and tarmac, they’re also surprisingly slow-rolling. With those Schwalbes installed, the bike felt much faster and alive (and I’m sure there’s a positive impact on battery range, too).
Ride quality improved with the tire change, too, but it still couldn’t completely mask the imbalance between the front and rear ends. Trek’s IsoSpeed feature continues to work brilliantly, offering an incredibly smooth and compliant feel that (at least for me) never feels overly bouncing or intrusive. But even with the bigger Bontragers fitted, the front end is dramatically stiffer. Even medium-sized impacts jar your hands, and trying to attack washboard sections of packed dirt is absolutely brutal. My guess is the massively oversized down tube has a lot to do with this, which is something I’ve noticed on other e-bikes with similar proportions.
There are some other quirks, too.
One of the TQ display screens is supposed to separately show your output and that of the motor. The motor figure seems believable enough, but the display of your output seems dramatically low. Granted, I didn’t verify this with a separate power meter, but I know what 200 W feels like, and when I see 150 W on the display, something seems off.
Aside from the tires, I don’t have much to complain about regarding the spec. The 10-44T cassette and 42T chainring offer plenty of range, and shift quality is very good. The jumps between sprockets are still a little bigger than I’d prefer for group road rides, but it’s fine when out solo. And kudos to TQ for powering the rear derailleur directly by the main system battery. It’s clean and convenient, and one less battery to worry about (although that also means if the system is totally, completely dead, you now can’t shift, either).
The Bontrager finishing kit is generally excellent. The snub-nosed Verse Pro saddle is comfy, the Aeolus RSL 37V wide-format carbon wheels are fantastic, and kudos to whoever at Trek specified this wonderfully grippy and squishy bar tape. But the handlebar underneath that tape? I’m sure someone likes it, but it’s definitely not my cup of tea. The short reach and deep drop are an odd combo, and I was never able to find a remotely comfortable position for my hands in the drops. Thankfully, Trek’s solution for concealed cabling allows you to use any bar with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter.
Super fun, but keep the limitations in mind
Trek’s move to the TQ motor platform is interesting, if for no other reason than its longstanding relationships with other (and much better established) motor suppliers. However, the company clearly sees advantages in what the TQ HPR-50 provides, and after riding it myself, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s decision: it looks better, it’s quieter, and while TQ’s long-term reliability still needs to be proven, the simpler mechanical layout at least bodes well since there’s less to go wrong in there.
As promised, the Domane+ does feel a lot like a regular road bike in a lot of ways, and it’s undeniably fun to ride. But as I mentioned earlier, the experience will vary greatly with where you’re riding it. Although I found the bike incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, but I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise.
Either way, those looking for the more visceral thrills of a full-powered e-road bike won’t be blown away by the TQ motor’s modest specifications, but if you’re after more of a traditional feel with a little bit of a boost – and live in the right country – this seems like a bike well worth considering.
More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .
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114,000 acres of maine wilderness are now open to gravel biking\"}}\u0027>\n over 114,000 acres of maine wilderness are now open to gravel biking\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/8-new-shoes-from-giro-q36-5-shimano-fizik-lake-and-crankbrothers\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/8-new-shoes-from-giro-q36-5-shimano-fizik-lake-and-crankbrothers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/8-new-shoes-from-giro-q36-5-shimano-fizik-lake-and-crankbrothers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers\"}}\u0027>\n 8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-leaves-liege-in-frustration-i-was-setting-all-time-power-numbers\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-leaves-liege-in-frustration-i-was-setting-all-time-power-numbers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-leaves-liege-in-frustration-i-was-setting-all-time-power-numbers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"7 new bikes we found at sea otter","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/7-new-bikes-we-found-at-sea-otter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/7-new-bikes-we-found-at-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"7 new bikes we found at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/7-new-bikes-we-found-at-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"7 new bikes we found at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n 7 new bikes we found at sea otter\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-the-one-about-carrying-cargo-of-all-kinds\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-the-one-about-carrying-cargo-of-all-kinds\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-the-one-about-carrying-cargo-of-all-kinds\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds\"}}\u0027>\n sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/16-attention-grabbing-bikes-sea-otter-classic\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/16-attention-grabbing-bikes-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/16-attention-grabbing-bikes-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\"}}\u0027>\n haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/sea-otter-randoms-riser-handlebars-nifty-racks-and-tubes-arent-dead\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/sea-otter-randoms-riser-handlebars-nifty-racks-and-tubes-arent-dead\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/sea-otter-randoms-riser-handlebars-nifty-racks-and-tubes-arent-dead\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead\"}}\u0027>\n sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\"}}\u0027>\n the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\"}}\u0027>\n xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\"}}\u0027>\n ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\"}}\u0027>\n the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.
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Adrienne So
Review: Trek FX+ 2
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If you come to me and say, “I’ve never ridden an electric bike before,” I am probably going to take a few factors into consideration. The first is safety. If you’ve never built a bike, I’m probably not going to recommend a mail-order one you have to assemble yourself. You don’t want to discover that you've failed to tighten a screw when you’re going 20 miles per hour down a hill.
You also probably want a bike that’s reasonably priced, comfortable, and convenient to ride. In fact, you might want one that’s as close to your first human-powered bike as possible. Trek’s FX+ 2 hits all the sweet spots. It’s made by a reputable manufacturer with a wide retailer network. The reasonable base price includes all the commuter components, like integrated lights and fenders. Most importantly, it’s light and maneuverable.
It’s not a 65-pound “starter” ebike that will crush you if you stop on a hill or forget to charge the battery. Nor is it a smart bike that makes you spend 20 minutes walking through an app before you can ride it. I've been testing ebikes at home for years, and this is the first one my 60-year-old dad has felt comfortable grabbing and using to chase after my kids. “Sometimes I don’t even turn it on,” he remarked the other day. That’s the whole point.
The FX+ 2 comes in two configurations and three different sizes. The default model has a regular step-over top tube, and the FX+ 2 Stagger has a step-through top tube. Both come in a variety of colors and have small, medium, and large sizes. I’m 5'2" and the small-size Stagger fits me well. However, if you’re smaller than 5 feet, you might want to look at a different bike.
The cables, battery, and motor are inside the frame. The only clue the FX+ 2 Stagger is an ebike at all is a small unit with only three buttons on it: a power button, and plus and minus symbols. When you turn on the bike, its lights turn on, and two light meters show how much battery you have left and what level of pedal assistance you have toggled on.
That’s it. There’s no bright LCD display and no throttle. This might seem like a downside, but I use my electric bike for commuting and running errands. When I lock it up on a rack, it gives me peace of mind to know that no one’s going to spot a lone ebike in the wild and immediately try to steal it (or the battery).
I also appreciate the clarity in the controls. I’ve tried other electric bikes with a one-button toggle, but I could never remember how many times to press the button to toggle the level of assist, or what light indicated how much battery I had left.
The FX+ 2 has a 250-watt Hydrive rear hub motor, which is the European standard. That might seem slightly underpowered to Americans looking to power up huge hills, but the bike is so light and maneuverable that having a smaller motor doesn’t matter much at all. The medium frame size weighs 40 pounds—almost 30 pounds lighter than my own Tern GSD S00.
Not only is it easy to scootch up hills, it’s also easy to maneuver onto crowded bike racks when I’m out, or to lift onto our hanging bike rack in my garage. Also, for the past two weeks, it’s the first bike both my dad and I have grabbed to run errands around the neighborhood. The stated range is 35 miles, but we’ve put at least 10 miles on it by now, and the battery seems largely untouched. The fast 45c road tires didn’t hurt, either.
It does lack a few features we're used to seeing on higher-end ebikes by now, like a low-maintenance carbon belt drive or a continuously variable shifter. Instead, it has a regular bike chain on a nine-speed Shimano shifting system, with a derailleur that, yes, you may have to adjust occasionally.
But honestly, this was more than fine by me. I didn’t have to learn a new shifting system or figure out how to calibrate the gearing with the assist levels. I wasn’t riding a bike that was trying to predict how much assist I’d need and when—I could simply toggle on more or less as I rode. In that way, it felt much easier and more natural.
It also has a lot of accessories that may be equally important, especially as the weather here in Oregon has grown cold, gray, and wet in the past few weeks. The 120-lumen headlamp is incredibly bright. The bell is incredibly loud. The fenders have kept my jeans relatively dry, and I’ve been able to bungee items onto the rear rack. A kickstand keeps it up in the garage for quick access, and hydraulic disc brakes work even when the rain is pouring down.
The price point may seem high compared to direct-to-consumer bikes from Aventon, Lectric, or Rad Power. But once you start adding up the cost of quality components, labor, and accessories, their prices start inching up. Mail-order companies are able to offer much lower prices on base models because their motors are cheaper. With a nicer motor, a mail-order bike like the Ride1Up Prodigy is priced comparably to the FX+ 2, and you have to assemble and safety-check it yourself.
Over the years, I’ve seen bicycle manufacturers debate and then struggle to add or subtract features that will make electric bikes more attractive to people who haven’t biked before. Extremely low step-throughs! Weird shifting systems! Apps! Huge tires! Maybe the best way to get people on an electric bike is the same way you get people on a regular bike—by making it fun, light, and easy to ride.
- E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2
Outside Magazine’s 2021 Best eMTB
"As expected, the E-Caliber made us feel like the World Cup racers we wish we were, but the real benefit was that we were more willing to ride, rather than drive, to our favorite trails. Logging more miles in the same amount of time is a win in our book."
"The heart of a cross country racer"
"The combination of short travel, light weight, and aggressive geometry will make for a bike that opens up the joys of long trail adventures and ripping fast singletrack to a segment of riders that may not otherwise get to experience that thrill."
Which generation is right for you?
Saddle up with E-Caliber Gen 1 for just enough power on long, fast miles or E-Caliber Gen 2 for a lighter and more powerful ride.
Get rewarded for going electric
Electric bike rebate programs are popping up all over the country, meaning you could save big when you buy a Trek e-bike! See if you're eligible for a rebate near you.
Still have questions?
Service manual
Time to bust out the repair stand for some maintenance? Find a detailed breakdown of your bike with part numbers, torque values, and platform-specific tech instructions below.
How to responsibly recycle your e-bike battery
Ascending new heights.
Going where no bike has gone before with Payson McElveen and E-Caliber.
Wondering what's over the next ridge?
E-Caliber's got an appetite for distance, a love of XC speed, and the right amount of suspension and power to turn up your endurance on epic singletrack sessions.
Product features
Fast and efficient.
Fazua's lightweight drive system adds a punch of power when you need it, but rides and feels like a traditional bike when you don't. You won't feel much drag or resistance when you turn it off or pass the max level of assist. The system is also compatible with a smartphone app to let you check battery status and customize your ride.
Smart software for the trail
E-Caliber is equipped with intelligent Fazua software called BLACK PEPPER, which allows the motor to respond immediately as you start to pedal, delivers more power over a wider cadence range, and lets you customize your user settings.
Removable drivepack
Remove the motor and drivepack to save 6.4 lbs./2.9 kg on days when you don't need the boost. The included cover also turns the down tube into extra storage.
E-Caliber has the same innovative IsoStrut rear suspension as World Cup-winning Supercaliber. You get 60mm of integrated rear travel—just the right amount of comfort and traction, without the weight or flex of traditional full suspension.
Compliant with leading safety regulations
The e-systems on Trek and Electra e-bikes are third-party tested to meet the latest e-bike safety regulations, including the stringent UL 2849 certification — so all you have to worry about is where your e-bike will take you next.
Suspension Calculator
This suspension calculator will help you optimize your suspension settings for your riding weight. Simply follow the steps to find your best set up.
Complete Tubeless System
Tubeless Ready rims and tires make it easy to ditch the tubes so you get better traction, fewer flats, and less weight. You're ready to roll right out of the box with the included TLR rim strips, valves, and sealant.
Knock Block
Knock Block has your frame's back when things go wrong. It prevents your handlebars from spinning all the way around in a crash, so your hoses won't get yanked, and your controls won't hit the top tube.
Boost148/110
Wider dropouts (110mm front, 148mm rear) give you the stiffness of a 27.5" wheel with all the benefits of a 29" wheel, and Boost148 in the rear lets you run wider tires and a larger chainring without affecting q-factor and pedaling efficiency.
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Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2
- AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €
Size / SM, MD, LG, XL
At a glance
Where to buy.
Specifications
- Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, IsoStrut, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Boost148, 60mm travel
- Fork RockShox SID Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2 RL damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 120mm travel
- Shock Size: S, Trek IsoStrut, Fox Performance shock, air spring, DPS 2-position remote damper, 235x32.5mm; Size: M, L, XL, Trek IsoStrut, Fox Performance shock, air spring, DPS 2-position remote damper, 235mm x 32.5mm
- Motor Fazua Ride Trail 50 motor
- Battery Fazua Evation battery, 250Wh
- Wheels Front: Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle Rear: Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle
- Wheel Size 29"
- Tires Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120tpi, 29x2.40''
- Chain SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
- Crank E*thirteen E*spec Race Carbon, 32T, 175mm length
- Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle
- Shifters SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
- Brakeset SRAM G2 RSC 4-piston hydraulic disc
- Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
- Saddle Bontrager Verse Elite, austenite rails, 145mm width
- Seatpost Size: S, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6mm, 340mm length; Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6mm, 440mm length
- Stem Size: S, M, Bontrager Kovee Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 13 degree, 60mm length; Size: L, XL, Bontrager Kovee Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 13 degree, 70mm length
- Grips ESI Chunky
- Headset Knock Block Integrated, 62-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom
Q: How much is a 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2?
A 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2 is typically priced around $9,199 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.
Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2?
The 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2 may be purchased directly from Trek .
Q: What size wheels does the 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2 have?
The 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2 has 29" wheels.
Q: What size 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2 should I get?
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The best electric bikes of 2024
Our picks for the best electric bikes for riders of all types and budgets, based on dozens of reviews and tests.
- The best for most people
- Best budget ebike
Best fat tire ebike
- Best for commuters
Best electric dirt bike
Best under $1,000
Best cargo ebike, best folding ebike, best front-storage cargo bike, best for long distances, ebike specs compared.
- What to look for
- Ebike rules and regulations
Meet our testers
- How we test electric bikes
The best electric bike for most people
The best ebike for most people
It's not the flashiest, but we think the RadCity 5 Plus will more than fit the needs of most riders. It's comfortable, offers plenty of power, and comes with lights, fenders, and a rear rack for your gear. Plus, RadPower makes a lot of accessories that let you easily customize the bike.
In our tests, we found the RadCity 5 Plus to be responsive and powerful enough to get us up and down hills easily, and do so in comfort. It is a bit heavy at 64 pounds, but that should only be an issue if you try to go farther than it's 55-mile range.
Read more below .
The best affordable electric bike
For those who don't want to spend too much on an ebike, the Ride1Up Turris offers just about everything you could want, with few compromises.
If you're looking for an ebike that can go anywhere, look no further. This bike is responsive, stable in all conditions, including snow, has both lights and turn signals, and even comes with fenders.
Read more below
The best for commuters
This affordable ebike has a neat feature: Its handlebars can turn sideways, so it'll take up less room when you have to store it in a hallway or some other cramped space. It's also fairly light, has a great range, and has a built-in rear rack.
This BMX-style fat tire bike delivers some great thrills on trails and dirt paths. It has a powerful motor to get you around, but no suspension.
This lightweight ebike lacks some niceties you'll find on more expensive rides — you'll have to provide your own lights and fenders — but it delivers a zippy ride around town at a great price.
The best cargo ebike
A truly versatile ebike that can be configured with dozens of accessories. It's also compact, powerful, very comfortable to ride, and one of the most affordable cargo bikes around.
Read more below
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This futuristic-looking ebike is made from carbon fiber, which keeps its weight to just 36 pounds. It has a speedy electronic shifter, responsive and powerful motor, and a great range for something this small. It ain't cheap, though.
Read more below.
When you need to haul really big loads, the Supercargo CL is your best bet. It has a ton of space, yet is very stable and even fun to ride.
Longest range
With dual batteries, this bike has the endurance to get you wherever you need to go. And, it's often on sale for a very reasonable price.
1. The best for most people 2. Best affordable ebike 3. Best fat tire ebike 4. Best for commuters 5. Best electric dirt bike 6. Best under $1,000 7. Best cargo ebike 8. Best folding ebike 9. Best front-storage cargo bike 10. Longest-range e-bike 11. What to look for 12. Electric bike FAQ 13. Ebike rules and regulations 14. How we test ebikes
What makes for the best electric bike? With so many models out there, it's hard to know at a glance which model will get you where you need to go and which features you can and can't live without. That's why we've tested a number of the top models across all types of electric bikes to give you the best recommendations for your needs.
We test the bikes by riding them around, to see how responsive their electric motors are when going up hills and getting started from a dead stop. We also gauge the comfort of the bikes over long miles, and note the ease with which we can use their various features, such as an accompanying smartphone app. And, we also test the bikes' battery life; while endurance is affected by many factors, such as terrain and temperature, we try to the best of our ability to see how the bikes live up to the company's estimates.
While many of the best electric bikes are expensive — upwards of $2,000 — they're coming down in price; in fact, we also have a list of the best budget electric bikes under $1,500. And before you do any riding, be sure to pick up one of the best bike helmets to keep your head safe, and one of the best bike locks to keep your ride secure.
Read on for all our best electric bike picks.
The best electric bikes you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
best electric bike
1. Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.
For the vast majority of riders, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus will be the best electric bike. It has a comfortable design, plenty of power, and a multitude of mounting points for things such as baskets and child seats. Plus, it comes with a rear rack and mudguards. Its 7-speed shifter, combined with three levels of pedal assistance and a twist throttle is more than enough to get you up even the steepest of hills.
Rad Power says that the RadCity5 should get upwards of 50+ miles on a charge; in our testing, it came fairly close — about 40 miles.
We really enjoyed pedaling around on this bike, which is offered in both step-through and step-over models. Its battery, while not fully integrated into the downtube, provides plenty of range, and can also be used to charge your phone (with the right adapter). The one caveat is that this bike weighs a hefty 64 pounds, so you're not going to want to lug it up stairs.
At a starting price of $1,999, it's reasonably affordable, but you should check out our Rad Power Bikes promo codes for the latest discounts.
Read our full Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus review .
Best affordable ebike
2. Ride1Up Turris
While there are plenty of great electric bikes that cost more than $2,000, the Ride1Up Turris shows that you can get a lot of value from an ebike that costs much less. During our testing, we found the Turris' 750W motor to be more than powerful enough for most situations. We were equally impressed with how quickly it responded when we started pedaling, as many budget ebikes exhibit a slight delay in these situations. (There was a slight lag when using just the throttle, though).
Other standout features include its mechanical disc brakes, easy-to-read digital display, and bright 60 Lux headlight. Included front and rear fenders helped keep our clothes clean on wet days, and its wide, 27.5 x 2.4-inch tires made for a comfortable ride — so much so that we thought that the front suspension felt a bit extraneous.
There's no taillight, so you'll want to check out our picks for the best bike lights , and unlike some pricier ebikes, you'll have to assemble a few pieces of the bike yourself, including the handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. We also had to make a few adjustments to the fenders, which might mean a trip to your local bike shop.
But for those who want an affordable electric bike to get around town, the Turris should be at the top of your list.
Read our full Ride1Up Turris review .
3. Aventon Aventure.2
If you're looking for a fat-tire electric bike that's less than $2,000, the Aventon Aventure.2 is hard to beat. It's as good off-road as it is on pavement, has a beefy battery and a clear color display, as well as fenders that'll save your clothes from getting too muddy. Other niceties include a brake-activated rear light and turn signals.
The Aventure.2 has both pedal-assist and throttle modes, and the battery and wires are neatly integrated into the frame. What's more, the battery can be removed for charging. The battery lasted nearly the advertised 60 miles on a charge, but, as with other ebikes, we drained it much faster when we relied on the throttle.
While not as capable as a dedicated mountain bike, the Aventure.2 was able to get us up and over hilly terrain, and its torque sensor was quick to translate our pedaling into power.
Our only real critiques were the bike's 77-pound weight and its front suspension fork, which felt unnecessary. Otherwise, it's an excellent bike for the price.
Read our full Aventon Aventure.2 review .
best for commuters
4. Charge Bikes City
If you plan on commuting to work, Charge Bikes City may well be the best ebike for you. Not only does it come with features like full-fenders to keep the mud off and a rear rack for a pack or bag, but it does everything well for a very reasonable price. The Charge City has a five level power assist, as well as a full-power throttle button, should the need or hill arise.
The biggest reason why we think this bike is best for commuters is that its handle bars fold flat, so you can more easily store it in an apartment or a cubicle at work. It comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, including the bell (actually a superior and very loud electronic horn). The bike is available in both step-over and step through, and in a few color options, too.
The City's electric assist is so smooth you'll think you're doing all the work yourself. At night, the bike's lights sufficiently lit up the road and the throttle helped us zip around potential trouble when we felt out of gas. Its advertised range of 50 miles held up, too; we found we only had to recharge the bike every three days using it on our regular commute.
Founded by folks from biking icon Cannondale, Charge's sui generis feature is that even newbies can assemble the bike right out of the box in 10 minutes or less. All you basically have to do is put the front wheel on.
Read our full Charge Bikes City review
Best BMX-style bike
5. Juiced Ripracer
The Juiced Ripracer is a lot of fun, and costs a lot less than you might think. It's one of the more affordable offroad ebikes we've tested, and it can go just about anywhere. This fat-tire bike has 20-inch wheels and a 40.3-inch wheelbase that's meant for trails and other unpaved surfaces. However, its lack of shock absorbers, like most e-mountain bikes, means you're in for a rougher ride.
Its 750W motor delivered some real get-up-and-go, and, thanks to its low-end torque, was great for charging up hills. In one concession to its price, the Ripracer has a cadence, rather than a torque sensor, so you have to rotate the pedals a couple of time before the assist kicks in. As it's a BMX-style bike, the Ripracer is a lot smaller than other mountain e-bikes, which also makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.
Read our full Juiced Ripracer review .
6. Ride1Up Roadster V2
At first glance, the Ride1Up Roadster V2 It looks like a regular, non-motorized commuter bike — the better to blend in with traditional rides — but concealed inside is a battery capable of up to 30 miles of range.
The Roadster V2 is also one of the lightest ebikes we tested — it weighs just 33 pounds, so carrying it around shouldn't be a problem — and although there's no step-through model, Ride1Up offers it in two sizes to accommodate riders of nearly all heights.
The Roadster V2 was fast and fun on flat and rolling terrain, and its belt drive made for a very quiet ride. However, this is a single-speed model, so it's a bit hard to get moving on hills.
There are a few concessions to get to this price: The Roadster V2 doesn't have lights of any kind, nor does it have fenders, and it uses rim, rather than disc brakes. We also found its display to be on the small side. Still, if you can live with those compromises, you'll enjoy the Roadster V2.
Read our full Ride1Up Roadster V2 review .
7. RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus
How's this for an endorsement? Our reviewer loved this bike so much that he decided to buy one for himself.
While it can't haul as heavy loads as some other larger (and much more expensive) cargo bikes, the RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus is more than capable of carrying you, your kids, and plenty of groceries wherever you need to go. We loved its responsive 750W motor, its comfortable ride, and its low center of gravity, thanks to its 3.3-inch thick, 20-inch tires.
However, we found it to be fairly heavy, tipping the scales at 75 pounds, so you're not going to want to try pedal it without any power assist. But we found its advertised 45-mile range to be pretty accurate, so long as we didn't go too heavy on the throttle.
Aside from its performance, what made the RadRunner 3 Plus stand out so much to us was its versatility: You can outfit the bike with any number of combinations of racks, seats, bags, and other accessories to truly customize it for your needs. And, its relatively low price for a cargo bike makes it a real bargain for those looking to replace their car with an electric bike.
Read our full RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus review .
8. Gocycle G4i+
The Gocycle G4i+ looks like something a supercar designer would build, which isn't surprising given that it was conceived by former McLaren sports car engineer Richard Thorpe. Not only is this bike's unique wheels-on-one-side and tapered body eye-catching, but we were able to fold it up in less than a minute into a size small enough to get us on and off a train, and past our security and into our office elevator. At 36 pounds, it's one of the lightest folding electric bikes out there, too.
Despite that, this bike was a real pleasure to ride. Its electric shifter responded near instantly, as did the pedal assist and throttle. However, while the G4i+ has daytime running lights, you'll have to pay extra for a legit headlight, as well as mudguards. Also, the G4i+ has a great smartphone app, but one of the flimsiest methods of holding your phone on the bike itself — a cheap solution for a bike that costs $7,000.
If you're looking for something slightly more affordable, GoCycle also sells the G4i ($5,999) and the G4 ($4,799). A 2022 version of the G4 has an injection molded composite mid-frame. Still too much for your wallet? Then you should check out the Brompton Electric C-Line Explore , which starts around $3,000.
Read our full GoCycle G4i+ review .
9. Yuba Supercargo CL
The Yuba Supercargo CL can haul an astounding 500 pounds, making it one of the heftiest electric cargo bikes in its class. Yet, it offers a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity. Its cargo area is very customizable, letting you convert it from a place to carry groceries to a space to tote your tots to soccer practice.
Magna hydraulic brakes and a Bosch mid-drive motor were very responsive, though the relatively small 20-inch tires and lack of suspension did make bumps feel a bit jarring. The Supercargo CL starts at around $6,000, but is incredibly customizable; you can select from a range of accessories to adapt the cargo area to suit your needs.
If you're looking for a cargo bike that can haul more than the Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus, this is the model to consider.
Read our full Yuba Supercargo CL review .
10. NIU BQi-C3 Pro
There's nothing worse when running out of power when riding your electric bike, especially if you're miles from home — and at the bottom of a hill. With its dual batteries, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is the best electric bike for those who have range anxiety, as it can give you up to 90 miles of range before you need to recharge. And, that's no boast — based on our testing, we found that 90-mile estimate to be pretty accurate, too.
But range isn't the only thing we liked about the BQi-C3 Pro: It has mechanical disc brakes, front and rear lights, and a rear rack so you can carry things wherever you plan to go. A carbon belt drive is another nice-to-have feature, as it's quiet and easier to maintain than a traditional metal chain. Its step-through design also makes the bike easy to use for riders of all sizes; we tried it with both a 5' 11" rider and a 5' 3" rider, and both found it comfortable.
Our only real complaint with the BQi-C3 Pro is that at 70.5 pounds, it's one of the heaviest electric bikes we've tested that's not a cargo bike, so this is not a model to buy if you have to go up any stairs. Still, the bike's 500W motor was more than powerful enough to get its bulk moving with ease.
The bike's regular price is $2,199, but we've seen it on sale during the holidays for as low as $1,299, so wait for a sale to pick it up.
Read our full NIU BQi-C3 Pro review .
What to look for when buying an electric bike
Pedal-assist or throttle? All electric bikes have what's called pedal-assist; you start pedaling, and the bike's motor kicks in to make your ride a little easier. But you need to put in at least some work: you won't go anywhere unless you pedal. Most electric bikes will also let you set the level of assistance, so you can decide how hard you want to pedal.
However, some electric bikes will also have a throttle. Press a button or push a lever, and the bike will do all the work for you — no pedaling needed! Using a throttle will quickly eat up the battery life on the bike, so you'll get far less of a range if you don't want to pedal at all.
Motor type Less expensive electric bikes traditionally use a rear hub motor. Mid-drive motors located in the center pedal crank shaft tend to be more expensive but offer better overall balance and smoother shifting.
Motors are also rated based on their power, measured in Watts. Typically, the least powerful motor will be 250 Watts, but unless you're a very large person or planning to go up really steep hills, the motor size shouldn’t be a major determining factor for your purchase. More important, there is no industry standard for measuring Watts (is it continuous or peak and if peak, for how long?). So in general, a motor’s Watt rating isn’t a reliable indication of power.
Battery size Consider where you live. If you're in San Francisco you're going to want more help than if you're cruising around Austin. Watt hours (Wh) is the most important figure for comparison—it takes into account battery output and battery life to give you a better sense of available power. Higher Wh translates into more range.
Many electric bike makers will also include an estimated range (usually about 40 miles) that you can get off a single charge. You should take this figure with a large grain of salt, as that number is usually determined under ideal circumstances: A fairly lightweight person riding on flat terrain with no wind, and at the perfect ambient temperature for the battery. Range is also dependent on the level of power assist being used, whether full-throttle has been applied and for how long, and your average speed. As they say, your mileage may vary.
Removable or built-in battery? Most bike batteries will handle rides of about 40 miles and need to be plugged in for at least a couple of hours to get to 80 percent of capacity. So if you have a more demanding commute, consider a model that lets you swap out the battery rather than a bike with an integrated battery.
Also, if you live in a place where you can't bring your bike inside or get close to a wall outlet (such as if you live in a walk-up apartment), definitely look for a bike with a removable battery. It will make your life a lot easier.
Step-over or Step-through? Many electric bike makers will offer their bikes in two configurations: Step-over (which has a top bar that runs parallel to the ground) and Step-through (the bar is angled downwards). Once upon a time, step-through models were traditionally thought of as women's bikes, but that perception is changing. It's generally easier to get on and off a step-through bike, as you don't have to lift your leg over a bar.
Safety features If you're planning to ride your electric bike in traffic or in low-light conditions (such as dawn and dusk), it's worth looking for an electric bike with built-in head and taillights. While increasingly common, it's not a standard feature on all models.
Electric bike FAQ
What are the different types of electric bike.
Generally speaking, electric bikes fall into the same categories as non-electric bikes. Here's a quick summary of some of the kinds of electric bikes you'll find.
Road bike: These are meant solely for riding on roads, and are designed for speed. They will have thinner tires and curved handlebars, so that the rider will be crouched forward. Higher-end models may also be made out of carbon fiber, so as to make the bike as light as possible.
Mountain bike : Designed for off-road use, mountain bikes will have thick, knobby tires, full suspension, and a burlier frame to better absorb bumps and jumps.
Fat tire bikes : Similar to mountain bikes, fat tire bikes are meant to be ridden off-road, usually on very soft ground, such as mud, sand, and snow. As their name suggests, these bikes have very wide tires — as much as four inches — which helps keep a grip on unsteadier terrain.
City/Commuter bike: Made for urban dwellers who need to get around town, a commuter bike will have tires that are somewhere in between a road and a mountain bike. Generally, the bikes will be configured so that the rider's back is vertical when seated, which gives them a better view of their surroundings.
Cargo bike: These bikes are made for carrying heavy loads, and will have a cargo area either in the front or rear of the bike. Because of the payload area, these bikes often tend to me much longer and heavier — and more expensive — than a typical bike.
What is a good speed for an electric bike?
In the U.S., electric bikes are limited to 20 miles per hour; that is, they can only provide you with power — either through pedal-assist or with a throttle — until the bike hits 20 MPH. While you can easily go faster than 20 MPH on an electric bike, the rest of that power will have to be provided by you — or gravity.
How much does an electric bike cost?
Electric bikes range widely in price. Some of the best cheap electric bikes start at around $1,000; you can certainly find models for less, but quality will be less.
The bulk of electric bikes cost anywhere from $1,500 to around $2,500, and there are hundreds of models in this price range.
Higher-end and specialized electric bikes — such as cargo bikes — will cost upwards of $3,000, and can easily reach $6,000 to $8,000, which is a sizable investment.
rules and regulations
There has been a lot of confusion about ebikes (pedal assist versus throttle bikes) and where you can legally ride them. Some municipalities have banned ebikes from bicycle paths, for example. Many places classify ebikes depending on whether they can go full throttle and have a maximum speed of 20 or 28 mph. There are three official classifications:
Class 1: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Ebikes with a throttle that don't require you to pedal but have a top speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 28 mph.
So check your local regulations before you buy. And always wear a helmet.
Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, the best bike lights , best bike locks , and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more.
Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family.
John R. Quain has been reviewing and testing video and audio equipment for more than 20 years. For Tom's Guide, he has reviewed televisions, HDTV antennas, electric bikes, electric cars, as well as other outdoor equipment. He is currently a contributor to The New York Times and the CBS News television program. John has also written our guide to the best bike helmets .
how we test
All the bicycles in this feature were road (and in some cases, off-road) tested by Tom’s Guide reviewers and staff.
The testing process begins when we first receive the bike; as most come only partly assembled, we assess the difficulty with which we have to put the final pieces together. Typically, this involves attaching the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals, but some bikes are easier to put together than others.
Next, we take the bikes for a ride, evaluating their comfort, handling, responsiveness of their motors — some will be faster to apply power than others — as well as how they perform over a variety of terrain and conditions. For example, if we're testing a fat-tire bike, we'll take it off-roading; if we're testing a cargo bike, we'll load it with kids and grocery bags.
If a bike has headlights and/or taillights, we'll also check to see how bright they are in dimmer conditions. After all, you're not going to only ride it during the day. We'll also try out any other safety features, such as bells and horns.
We also evaluate the advertised battery range of an electric bike. Many companies will offer, shall we say, optimistic range estimates based on ideal riding conditions: A light rider using the lowest level of power assist, and traveling on a level road in 70-degree conditions.
But, that's not reflective of real-world use. While it's impossible to replicate the exact same conditions from one bike review to the next, we do our best to provide as much detail in our reviews as to how we rode the bike (terrain, pedal assist levels) to determine how close to accurate the companies' claims are.
Finally, if an electric bike comes with an app — as is becoming increasingly common— we'll test it out too, to see how easy it is to use, and how well it works with the bike itself.
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Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.
- John R. Quain
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- Marc-G Hello, I noticed a couple of errors in the article around pricing on a couple of the bikes. Regarding the Gazelle Medeo T9 classic, your article list a starting price of $1999 but clicking the link takes you to their site where the least expensive model is $2499 and no model called Medeo T9 Classic is available nor can such a model be found with search. The second model is the VanMoof S3 which is listed in the article with a starting price of $1999 but going to the site shows a price of $2299. As someone trying to persuade his wife that an ebike would be a worthwhile purchase for me, I’d be grateful if you would clarify these discrepancies. One last thing. On the article itself, it says it was published 21 hours ago when it was actually published on July 21. I’m going to assume some aspect of it was updated but I can’t spot any changes to it and would appreciate it if whatever was updated could be noted somewhere. Many thanks for the article. Pricing confusion aside, it’s been quite helpful for me. Reply
- Marc-G Thanks for the reply. Just went back to the top of this page and realized that it said 2020. However, if that’s the case, why is it made to look like a recent article? Does that mean all the authors did was change the title from best of 2020 to best of 2021? That seems kind of disingenuous to me. Reply
- mprospero Hi Marc - We've recently updated the pricing for all the models. We've also added new ones to this list as we've reviewed them. Reply
- GFujioka You do your readers a disservice and reveal your partiality by not listing the 64,5 lb weight of your number one bike. Cheers. Reply
- gtilford One factor that seems to be missing from virtually every review-support. I have some friends who could not get parts for their ebikes for 6+months, and they were only 1 year old. I've had problems getting parts with a highly recommended brand. The bike is well made, it performs well, but parts are nearly unobtainable. If I knew then when I know now about parts availability I wouild not have purchased the brand. Reply
- View All 5 Comments
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NCM Milano Electric Bike Review
When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure.
NCM make high-quality, but affordable electric bikes, in this review I will explain why I believe the NCM Milano is the best electric commuter bike for the money.
About NCM Electric bikes
NCM electric bikes are owned by Leon Cycle GmbH a German company based in Hanover. Their e-bikes are designed in Germany and manufactured in China.
Specification
The centrepiece of this Electric bike is the X15 geared rear hub motor: This reliable 250W rear electric motor is known for its durability and high torque output, enabling the rider to maintain 15.5mph for long periods. There is no compromise in handling with the small motor centred in the rear hub.
48v13ah Lithium battery pack with USB charging port for mobile devices: Bulky battery packs take up a considerable amount of space, but the Milano’s battery is integrated into the down tube of the bike, keeping the weight low and central, which helps to improve stability. The manufacturers claimed a maximum range of 75 miles seems a little optimistic. The total battery energy capacity is 624wh (watt hours), so if you were consuming 20wh per mile, your range would be 31 miles. My friend owns one of these bikes and gets an average range of around 40-50 miles.
This bike is built for comfort: The Schwalbe touring tyres, Suntour front suspension, adjustable handlebar stem, Selle Royal ergonomic grips and saddle with suspension post all make for an incredibly comfortable ride, even over longer distances. The Shimano 7-Speed gears, index perfectly – shifting is crisp and precise.
Fully functional control panel display: The Das-Kit LCD gives you all the information you would expect from an e-bike display. including journey time and mileage. It also has 6 power levels of pedal assist, so you can fine-tune the power output to suit your ride.
Excellent build quality: The NCM Milano is designed to look great but with no compromise on functionality and safety. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors provide adequate braking and the brake levers incorporate motor cut-off switches to ensure safe riding. The front and rear lights work off the battery and provide an extra level of safety – especially when riding in the winter. Internal cable routing finishes off the package neatly and not only looks great but protects the cables from the elements.
In my opinion, the NCM Milano electric bike offers exceptional value for money. It is unusual to see such a high-quality, well-made e-bike at this price point. What’s more the specification is excellent. The 48v13ah battery will certainly provide users with a realistic range of between 30-45 miles, or 31 miles using the 20wh per mile calculation. The claimed range of 75 miles may be a little optimistic for everyday use – it depends on how much you use the electric assist.
Tektro Mechanical disc brakes should provide adequate stopping power, while the Schwalbe tyres will provide a reasonable amount of puncture protection.
The attention to detail on this bike is great. The internally routed cables and the integrated battery pack make for a very clean finish, something you only usually find on more expensive e-bikes.
The fact that this bike has mudguards, a pannier rack, lights and a kickstand fitted, means that it is excellent for the daily commute in all weathers, or perfect for some weekend touring. The inclusion of a gel saddle and suspension seat post make this bike a truly comfortable and versatile all-rounder.
If you are in the market for an incredibly versatile and affordable e-bike this definitely ticks all the right boxes
A friend of mine purchased one of these back in the Summer and he was kind enough to let me take it for a spin. I can honestly say it was a revelation! The gel saddle was incredibly comfortable and the small X15 hub motor was quiet and smooth. It produced a lot of power for such a small motor, making climbing the steep Cornish hills a doddle! The brakes and front suspension were more than adequate for the back lanes of Cornwall.
I really cannot recommend this bike enough. It has to be one of the best value e-bikes on the market at the moment, and the specification is great.
The great thing about this e-bike is that it is a true hybrid – it is equally comfortable being ridden on tarmac or unpaved surfaces. It can even be used for some light off-road riding.
If you are in the market for an incredibly versatile and affordable e-bike this ticks all the right boxes.
Incidentally, NCM’s other 48v 250w bike is called the NCM Moscow , I will be reviewing this bike shortly. I have personally worked on and ridden a Moscow, and it is on par with the Milano for the ride and builds quality. It uses identical electric components but in a mountain bike-style frame.
Meet Tony, a passionate e-bike advocate and enthusiast who discovered the life-changing benefits of electric bikes back in 2016. Tony’s technical experience within the e-bike field was gained while running a successful electric bike conversion business for 5 years in his home county of Cornwall, UK.
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46 Comments
boa taarde tenho uma biçicleta destas mas necessito de assistencia em Portugal. ela não arranca e não encontro uma ofecina que repare esta marca e com a garantia
Hi! Thank you for the review! I bought Milano a week ago, so far so good. I found the first assist speed to be stronger that I’d like it to be. Is there any way to rebalance those 1-6 modes within the given range, so it starts not as strong?
Don’t know if this is still open, but I really like the Milano plus, my only question, is how easy is it to remove the battery beneath that tube? Can it be done one handed? Cornwall my home!
Turning the key releases the battery catch, then you need to lift it slightly, move it forward and remove. I would imagine it’s possible to do it one handed, but it would be fairly tricky as the battery weighs around 3kg.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards, Tony
bike seems well make and sturdy but i find the tyres are so skinny that when you are on slightly uneven surfaces even at a slow pace & i’m talking in number 1 setting it is dangerous and you could so easy fall off on a slightly uneven footpath. It’s ok on even ground but i wouldn’t let my wife ride it. I’ll try putting new tyres on it & see how it goes or it will be sold. In comparison i have another basic ebike in the states which is so stable this is nowhere close to and ride all types of tracks on it which is also a similar style. i would say I’m disappointed in it so far & feel its an accident waiting to happen.
Bonjour J’ai juste une question ,je mesure que 5 pieds !!!! Donc le small peut-il me convenir
Bonjour, Je pense que même la version 26″ est peut-être un peu trop grande. NCM recommande une hauteur minimale de 5′ 2″ de 160 cm.
Excellent review Tony,
I went ahead and bought the Milano and I’ve been very impressed with it so far. I was wondering if you’d know whether the 48v 16ah battery for NCM bikes would be compatible with the Milano model? I can’t seem to find a 48v 13ah battery anywhere.
Many thanks, Andy
An NCM Milano Plus battery should fit straight in. The 16Ah battery is the same size and uses lithium cells with a higher energy density.
Bonjour Je viens d’acheter ce vélo Mais je me pose la question, comment mettre en route la lumière avant ? Merci de votre aide
Appuyez et maintenez la touche « + » sur l’écran pour allumer le phare.
Bonjour Tony, Merci pour votre commentaire très instructif. Je souhaite acheter le Milano car après avoir étudier le marché des vélo électriques; il semble être d un excellent qualité-prix. J ai expérimenté le Veligo. Il me semble etre un peu similaire. Mais j ai une petite hésitation…si vous pouviez m éclairer…a t on sur le vélo le dos droit? Je pensais le prendre en taille L (28 pouces)(Je fais 1,74m) pour avoir une assise plus confortable. Je l utiliserai quotidiennement pour aller travailler. Pensez-vous que c est un bon choix? Ou devrais je m orienter vers un vélo de ville type Elops de Decathlon ou Sydney de Ubanbiker?(que je trouve tout de même assez cher) Merci pour votre réponse. A très bientôt, Linda
Bonjour, La taille fait référence au diamètre de la roue (28″). Tous les cadres NCM Milano sont identiques et correspondent à une taille moyenne. Cela devrait être parfait pour votre taille. La potence du guidon est également réglable, ce qui vous permet de monter le guidon encore plus haut si nécessaire. Salutations, Tony
I am seeing two different Milano Max models…N8C and N8R. They look exactly the same and with the same specifications. What is the difference?
I checked online for milano and price was 1189 Canadian dollar. On Monday I decided to buy it but unfortunately price went up to 1359$. I’m surprised as during holiday season everywhere else reducing their prices but your price was raised.
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Fully equipped for exceptional performance and maximum range, the NCM C7 e-city bike, equipped with a torque sensor, transforms your cycling experience into something more convenient and more captivating, offering more distance, more power, and more versatility.
BIKE COMPONENTS
Frame: Alu. 6061, M: 20.5 inches, L: 22.8 inches
Suspension Fork: ZF, 5058-01
Brake: Hydraulic disc brake
Freewheel: LY, 8 Speed, 11-32T
Tire: CST, C-1953
Saddle: Selle Royal, A236URN
Stem: HP-HD75-8
Crank: Das-Kit, 42T
Shifter: LT-8 Speed
Derailleur: LT-8 Speed
Chain: KMC, Z51
ELECTRIC COMPONENTS
Battery: Das-Kit, i6-3614, 36V 14AH, 504WH
Hub Motor Rated / Peak Power: Das-Kit, X2, 36V 350W / 600W
Controller: Das-Kit, T6, 36V15A
Charger: Das-Kit, 36V3A
Display: Das-Kit E2
Front Light: DH002E, 40 Lux
Rear Light: DR004B
Net Weight (with battery): 49.0 lbs
Battery Weight: 6.0 lbs
Max Load (driver+bike): 275.0 lbs
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Our on-line store is open 24/7 and we ship Monday through Friday, excluding some holidays. Orders received for products without shipping restrictions on its product page will ship the same business day when received before 12:00 p.m. PST. Orders in high demand will have an estimated production time listed on its product page and will ship according to the date listed.
Customer Reviews
Great price for this product. The bike arrived on time as advertised. Came well packaged with no damages, easy to put together. Just tried last weekend about 15 miles in Central Florida hill roads and the riding experience was great. Definitely will recommend this bike to a friend and will be looking for second bike for my wife
Purchased a NCM C7 recently, replacing my older flatbar. Great value for money and terrific after sales service.
Bike arrived, goes great
Client was extremely pleased with the purchase of a C7, as she wanted an E bike that looked less like an E bike, more minimalist, lighter and quicker.
Work and pleasure
Highlighted Features
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German engineering at its best
GIVING YOU THE POWER
Product specifications.
Battery: Das-Kit, i6-3614, 36V 14Ah, 504Wh
Net Weight (with battery): 48.0 lbs
Total Weight (driver+bike): 275.0 lbs
Gross Weight: 60.4 lbs
Gross Weight: 61.5 lbs
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E-bike tour guide pedals Yellowstone, Gardiner rides
BILLINGS – In the winter, Jay O’Connor used to feed 55 horses that in the summer provided horseback rides for fishing or hunting guests.
Now O’Connor owns 40 e-bikes that he parks in the garage for the winter and ignores.
As the owner of Big Sky Ebike Tours and Rentals in Gardiner since 2020, O’Connor said he’s “living the dream” guiding cycling tours in and around Yellowstone National Park. After all, where else can cyclists possibly see bison, elk, bighorn sheep, bears, foxes, coyotes, deer and a variety of hot pools, fumaroles and geysers in one trip, not to mention spectacular views of the surrounding mountains?
O’Connor’s guided rides inside Yellowstone include a 17-mile trip around the base of Bunsen Peak on a gravel service road closed to public vehicles. From Old Faithful, his Geyser Basin Tour pedals to Morning Glory Pool along the Firehole River and then on to Biscuit Basin. Shuttling the bikes he can then skip on to Firehole Lake Drive and ride Fountain Freight Road to Grand Prismatic Spring.
“I don’t do anything on the roads at all,” he said, instead focusing on getting his guests away from crowds.
Last weekend, with the 50 miles of highway from Mammoth Hot Springs to West Yellowstone open to bicycle traffic only, O’Connor was leading tours from Mammoth to Norris Geyser Basin, a 38-mile round trip.
Outside the park, one of his most popular tours travels down the Old Yellowstone Trail to the red-colored rock uplift of Devils Slide and on to Yankee Jim Canyon where the Yellowstone River is forced into a narrow gorge. The return ride stops at Yellowstone Hot Springs for a soothing soak.
“That’s a really popular ride for us because there is so much wildlife in the basin,” O’Connor said.
Costs range from $175 for the Bunsen Peak ride to $275 for the Geyser Basin tour. Four people is the minimum for a tour, otherwise an additional fee is tacked on. Bike rentals are $50 an hour to $100 for a full day.
Up and down
Much like the trails and roads he rides, O’Connor’s business has seen some ups and downs since it was launched.
Opening during the COVID pandemic was a “kick in the teeth,” but then participation in outdoor activities grew because indoor venues were closed. That inaugural year was followed by a solid summer of growth before the historic 2022 flood. The raging waters of the Gardner and Yellowstone rivers washed out the nearby North Entrance road to Yellowstone. Gardiner businesses were suddenly isolated at a dead end. Last year, tours rebounded after the route was reopened, and so far this year O’Connor is quickly filling his summer tours.
“My primary demographic is families and people over the age of 40,” he said.
Feeling young again
E-bikes are also a personal choice for O’Connor. He had a hip replacement last year and was still able to pedal 20 miles a day with the motorized assistance the cycles provide. His first ride on an e-bike made him feel like he was 20 again, propelling him to start the tour and rental service.
“This business wouldn’t work with a traditional bike,” he said.
That’s because when touring, he uses a microphone that connects to earbuds each rider wears. This way he can tell his tour group what power level of assistance he’s at and what gear the cycle is in, so everyone stays at relatively the same pace.
On traditional bicycles, the group would likely be more spread out depending on the rider’s ability, or lack thereof.
Most of O’Connor’s tours are under 25 miles, so the bikes’ batteries last for the entire ride. On longer trips, like in the spring when he goes from Mammoth to Norris and back, he carries an extra battery.
On one of those spring rides into the park, O’Connor came around a corner to find a newly awakened black bear only 10 feet off the road.
“He was groggy,” he said. “He must have just crawled out of hibernation.”
Rather than fleeing from the pack of riders, the bear ambled over to a boulder and curled up for a nap. That’s not something most bike riders will encounter, providing a charge unlike the one e-bikers may typically need.
Providence Playscape gives kids of all abilities the chance to explore
Playgrounds are irresistible.
Green Deals
Lectric xp e-trike bundle now $1,499, anker 299wh power station, and more.
Today’s Green Deals are headlined by a limited-time sale on Lectric’s Foldable XP e-Trike that gives you $333 in free gear for $1,499 . It is joined by a one-day discount on Anker’s 522 Powerhouse Portable Power Station at $189 , as well as the Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Electric Compact Chainsaw at $124 . Plus all of the other days’ Green Deals that are still going.
Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek ’s best EV buying and leasing deals . Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories .
Get Lectric’s Foldable XP e-Trike with $333 in free gear for $1,499 during two-day lightning sale
Lectric has launched a lightning deal through tomorrow that gives you $333 in free add-on accessories along with a purchase of the Foldable XP e-Trike for $1,499 shipped . Down from $1,832, we’ve mainly seen similar sales on this particular model where buying it at its MSRP gives you additional gear at no extra cost. Along with your purchase today, you’ll receive a front-mountable rack, a small basket for the front, a large basket for the rear, a wider seat with a back cushion, a bike lock, mirrors, and a phone mount – everything you could need for a safe, comfortable cruise around town with or without any extra cargo. You can learn more by heading below or by checking out our hands-on review .
The Lectric e-Trike comes equipped with a 500W planetary geared brushless motor (1,092W peak) alongside a removable 48V battery that pushes it up to top speeds of 14 MPH for up to 60 miles on a single charge. It has five levels of pedal assistance that are monitored by a unique cadence sensor combined with the company’s PWR+ technology, as well as an ergonomic twist throttle for pure electric action. It even has a default mode for less experienced riders that limits its acceleration and speed until you feel more comfortable with its system. There’s also an array of add-on features outside of the free gear, like hydraulic brakes, parking brakes, integrated front and rear lights, brake lights on both back-wheel fenders, slim tires for sharper turns, a foldable frame for easier storage options, and a backlit LCD display with an IP65 water-and-dust-resistant rating that gives you real-time performance data and battery levels.
Anker’s 522 Powerhouse Portable Power Station hits $189 in 1-day sale
Best Buy is offering the Anker 522 Powerhouse Portable Power Station for $189 shipped through the end of the day. Normally fetching $269, this device has seen relatively few discounts since its release earlier in 2023, with the first official discounts happening around Thanksgiving Sales where the price was brought down to the $179 low. Since the new year began we’ve already seen two previous discounts, one in February to $189 and then one to $199 in March. Today’s deal comes in as a 30% markdown off the going rate that beats our previous mention by $10 and returns costs to the second-lowest price we have tracked. It currently beats out Amazon as well , with the power station still listed at its MSRP.
This power station has been upgraded with a LiFePO4 battery, providing a 299Wh capacity and a max power output of 300W, which comes surge protected. It can be fully charged via a wall outlet and a USB-C port in 3.5 hours and up to 80% via an appropriate solar panel in 2.7 hours. Through the Anker app, you’ll be able to get real-time status updates, view your battery level, and set AC charging speeds. It also boasts six different ports: one carport, one USB-A, two USB-Cs, and two AC outlets.
Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Electric Compact Chainsaw now $124
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Electric Compact Chainsaw for $124.15 shipped . Down from its $180 price tag, this chainsaw has seen two previous discounts since the new year began, with the first being a drop to the $120 low in January and the second to $136 in March. Today’s deal comes in as a 31% markdown off the going rate that beats out our previous mention by $12, giving you $56 in savings and landing at the second-lowest price we have tracked – matching the current price over at Greenworks .
With hurricane season on the horizon, this compact chainsaw makes an ideal tool for your storm cleanup needs. The 40V brushless motor comes powered by a 2.0Ah battery that allows up to 65 cuts of 4×4 planks on a single charge. It features a 12-inch bar and chain that stays lubricated and running smoothly thanks to its built in auto-oiler, as well as an oil window to keep track of when it will need a refill. Its compact, lightweight design and wrap-around handle ensures little to no strain while maintaining maximum control. And you won’t need to deal with the headache of pulling its cord or priming the motor first as this chainsaw starts with a simple push of a button, ultimately saving you time, energy, and most importantly – money.
Spring e-bike deals!
- Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,695)
- Juiced JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike: $2,499 (Reg. $2,799)
- Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
- Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra e-bike: $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
- Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
- Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
- Hover-1 Altai Pro R750 e-bike: $1,632 (Reg. $3,000)
- Heybike Brawn Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,449 (Reg. $1,800)
- Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
- Lectric XPress 750 High-Step e-bike with extra battery: $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
- Lectric XPress 750 Step-Thru e-bike with extra battery: $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
- Vanpowers UrbanGlide Pro e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,899)
- Velotric Nomad 1 e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
- Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
- Vanpowers UrbanGlide Standard e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,299)
- Schwinn Ridgewood Electric Mountain Bike: $800 (Reg. $1,500)
- Schwinn Ingersoll Electric Hybrid Bike: $700 (Reg. $1,500)
Other new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
- Sun Joe’s 1,450 PSI electric pressure washer with detergent tank falls to $142, more from $59
- Amazon Basics 2,000mAh rechargeable AA NiMH battery 16-pack falls 33% to $18
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Use the Bike Finder to narrow your choices, compare models, and find the Trek that's right for you. Get started. Trek electric bikes add more speed, distance, and fun to any ride. No matter what type of riding you like to do, there's an ebike for you. Shop now!
Domane+ SLR is our lightest and fastest e-road bike, complete with our highest-level OCLV Carbon, premium components, and a natural-feeling assist that keeps you quick and comfortable on epic all-day adventures. Assist: Up to 28mph. Range: Around 60 miles. Battery size: 360Wh. Explore Domane+SLR Shop Domane+ SLR.
Trek has been building bikes since 1976 — and in that time, we've collected a whole lot of hard-earned knowledge about what makes a quality bike that'll stand the test of time. We've applied those same lessons to the electric bikes we've made in the past two decades. Experience matters when it comes to design and innovation.
The 100 Greatest Innovations of 2022 "Trek Fuel EXe is the best new "SL," or superlight ebike, blurring the line between purely human-powered and pedal-assist bikes." Read more ... Most e-bike motors use gears and belts to move you forward — but belts and gears lash, slip, rattle, and wear out over time. ...
Electric mountain bikes. Electric-assist mountain bikes amplify your pedaling power while amplifying the amount of fun you have on the trail. Go farther, go faster, and go more places on an e-MTB that lets you enjoy more of everything you love about mountain biking. 45 Results.
The main types of e-bike motors are hub motors and mid-drive motors. Hub motors are typically mounted in the rear wheel while mid-drive motors are located in the same area as the pedal cranks and bottom bracket. Mid-drive motors are more efficient, feel more natural while pedaling, and are easier to shift on hills. 2. Electric bike controllers.
Trek has been building bikes since 1976 — and in that time, we've collected a whole lot of hard-earned knowledge about what makes a quality bike that'll stand the test of time. We've applied those same lessons to the electric bikes we've made in the past two decades. Experience matters when it comes to design and innovation.
The Dual Sport+ is essentially an electrified version of Trek's existing Dual Sport line; the bike is available in a step-over format (Dual Sport+ 2) or a step-through version (Dual Sport +2 ...
All of Trek's 2022 Rail 9.9 and 9.8 models will use the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 750Wh battery. Models below this tier will use the Bosch Performance CX Magnesium motor with 625Wh batteries (500Wh on the entry, Rail 5). Trek Rail 9.8 GX - $8,999. The Rail eMTB line starts out with the Rail 5, listing for $5,599 ($7,499 CAD).
Trek e-bikes make more possible. Reliable, long-lasting batteries and intuitive controls make Trek electric bikes the perfect do-more ride. Shop now!
Trek claims the 34.8-pound E-caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is the lightest full-suspension eMTB. 60mm carbon frame, 120mm fork, and aggressive geometry. Fazua Evation pedal-assist motor can be removed for ...
RockShox ZEB Ultimate, AirWiz, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC2 damper, e-MTB optimized crown, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel Max compatible fork travel 170mm (580mm axle-to-crown)
They have Class 1 capabilities and the batteries typically last up to 5 hours of continuous use. The only downside of Trek's e-mountain bikes is the pricing, as they typically cost between $6,000 and $14,000, though the Powerfly models are priced in the $3,000-$4,000 range. Shop Trek Mountain E-Bikes.
The 2023 Domane+ marks the first time Trek has used its top-end OCLV 800 carbon fiber content. Combined with the integrated down tube battery - meaning there's no need for a large hatch - Trek claims to have lopped 450 g from the previous Domane+ chassis. Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm frame is around 1,250 g.
Nov 22, 2022 8:00 AM. Review: Trek FX+ 2. It's lightweight, easy to use, and a fun entry into the world of electric bikes. ... $2,500 at Trek Bikes. Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews ...
To provide power assist, the Verve+ 2 uses a Bosch Active Line 250-watt, mid-drive motor to deliver smooth support and eliminate surprise surges of power. The bike has a top pedal assist speed of ...
Model 5257459. Retailer prices may vary. The Vale Go! 9D EQ S will comfortably handle anything from everyday errands to long commutes to fun getaways. This class 3 e-bike features the powerful Bosch Performance Line Sport motor, fully integrated battery and a step-thru frame. Bosch's Kiox display delivers Bluetooth connectivity and advanced ...
18 Reviews / Write a Review. $5,199.99 $6,649.99. Model 5260468. Retailer prices may vary. E-Caliber 9.6 is a carbon electric mountain bike that rides—and looks—like a traditional cross country bike. The compact Fazua drive system lets you do more of what you love with subtle, natural-feeling assist that doesn't overpower the physical and ...
The 2022 Trek E-Caliber 9.8 GX Gen 2 is a E-Mountain and Cross Country Carbon mountain bike. It sports 29" wheels, is priced at $9,199 USD, comes in a range of sizes, including SM, MD, LG, XL, has RockShox suspension and a SRAM drivetrain. The bike is part of Trek 's E-Caliber range of mountain bikes. As a pedal-assisted e-mountain bike, the ...
Best overall. 1. Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus. View at RadPower Bikes. The best ebike for most people. It's not the flashiest, but we think the RadCity 5 Plus will more than fit the needs of most ...
Trek and Electra bike shops are your destination for the latest Trek bikes, Electra bikes and accessories, Bontrager cycling gear, service and tune-ups for bikes of any brand, and professional bike fit services through Trek Precision Fit. Whether you visit a Trek-owned store or one of our awesome independent partners, you'll find amazing ...
In my opinion, the NCM Milano electric bike offers exceptional value for money. It is unusual to see such a high-quality, well-made e-bike at this price point. What's more the specification is excellent. The 48v13ah battery will certainly provide users with a realistic range of between 30-45 miles, or 31 miles using the 20wh per mile calculation.
Add to cart. Fully equipped for exceptional performance and maximum range, the NCM C7 e-city bike, equipped with a torque sensor, transforms your cycling experience into something more convenient and more captivating, offering more distance, more power, and more versatility. BIKE COMPONENTS. Frame: Alu. 6061, M: 20.5 inches, L: 22.8 inches.
According to the Department of Energy, sales of e-bikes hit 1.1 million in the United States in 2022, a four-fold increase from 2019. Consequently, the bar graph for e-bike sales looks like a ...
Get $333 in free gear during the two-day lightning sale on Lectric's XP e-Trike for $1,499, Anker 522 power station $189 in 1-day sale, more