Recent Reviews

Carbon frame

Mechanical GRX drivetrain

10-51t wide-range cassette

Battery-free (mechanical groupset)

Good fit (size 54 recommended by Specialized calculator)

Future Shock 3.1 works as advertised

Comfortable ride

Excellent tire clearance for wide tires

172.5mm cranks (too long, pedal strike risk)

No dropper post (carbon seatpost static)

Heavy cassette (SLX 7100 series)

Future Shock 3.1 lacks lockout for climbing out of saddle

Future Shock adds complexity, potential maintenance concerns

High price of Roval Terra CLX III wheels (optional)

The bike’s programming is great, with responsive, natural-feeling pedal assist and an intuitive selection of power levels. There are modes for active and extremely relaxed riding.

Comfort is a huge focus here, with both a suspension fork and seatpost, a remarkably cushy saddle, and a broadly customizable fit.

The Carbon Atom’s performance was great across the board, with strong results in braking performance and our Hill Climb test, and a solid showing in the range department.

Urtopia takes a relatively unique approach with the pedal assist system, offering customizable power levels, three torque-based assist modes, and one high-powered cadence-based mode.

It handled well, with controlled, responsive steering and a lively, maneuverable feel.

Extras like the 4.5A fast charger, turn signals with alarm, optional Smart and Turbo modes, etc. add value and practicality.

As an SUV-style commuter, the Carbon Atom is usable for commuting and adventuring, thanks to its combination of knobby tires, suspension fork, and suspension seatpost.

While its overall sizing and range of adjustability should work for most riders, additional frame sizes would make for a more personalized fit.

The Toray carbon fiber frame. It drops the Carbon Atom to around 64 pounds on our scale, roughly 5 to 15 pounds lighter than comparable SUV e-bikes, and the stiffness it adds makes the bike feel solid and confident on the trail while easy to move around your garage or lift onto a rack.

The 750W rear hub motor pairs with what Urtopia calls a zero-latency torque sensor, and it delivers smooth, quiet, natural power with almost no lag on engagement and no extended overrun when you stop pedaling.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a one-size-fits-most frame rated for riders 5'3" to 6'3", and at this price some riders at the edges of that range may wish for a two-size option, though the 90-degree adjustable stem gives you a useful range of fit and most riders in the middle will be comfortable.

At $2,499 you get a carbon frame, an 802Wh battery, UL 2849 and UL 2271 certification, hydraulic brakes with large rotors, and access to Urtopia's Pedego service dealer network, a build we'd normally expect to cost $1,000 to $1,500 more.

Adjustable geometry

Lightweight

Impressive software

Industry-leading energy density

Limited dealer network

High power consumption

Rigid-specific design maximizes storage options/capacity

Unique front rack (with its own “feed bag” mounts) that separates front load from steering

Feels much faster and more comfortable than you’d expect

Balances stability and confidence with fairly quick steering and surprising maneuverability

Extraordinarily confident on descents

Tracks extremely well and prioritizes big-ride performance

Clears much larger tires than claimed

Heavy build

780mm basic handlebar isn’t the best choice for this bike

Fork can feel harsh on larger bumps while riding aggressive singletrack

Low stack won’t be for everyone; riser bar upgrade was necessary for me

No dropper post!

Large tire clearance (700c x 38mm)

Steel frame for durability

Versatile for track, commuting, and city riding

Updated cable stops for rear brake routing

Cleaner and more straightforward cable routing

Affordable price ($699 for frameset)

Innovative biplane handlebar offers multiple hand positions for aero optimization without sacrificing control

Frame features a pointed aero headtube profile and rear shock tucked inside toptube for aerodynamics

Upside-down fork promises better fore/aft rigidity, hard braking stability, reduced unsprung mass, better lubrication, sharper handling

Integrated round GPS display in top cap

Active testing and athlete involvement

UCI approval uncertain and not yet sought

Brake reach in lower handlebar position questionable

Round GPS display practicality and proprietary nature

32-inch wheels lead to higher front end, making aero optimization more important but challenging