Recent Reviews
Simon von BromleyJun 2, 2023
The 3T Strada ICR offers a swift and comfortable ride, but it doesn’t stand out from the crowd as its predecessor did
Smooth and fast ride quality
Cable integration doesn’t sacrifice adjustability
A few odd spec choices
Fairly expensive
Disc brake rotors very loud when wet or dirty
Jun 2, 2023
Who's got a ticket to ride?! State Bicycle Co. celebrates The Beatles with two limited edition bikes and a line of jerseys.
Jun 2, 2023
All-new Scott Plasma RC TT time trial bike is the fastest thing on two wheels the Swiss bike maker has ever created, plus it’s super flexible…
Alan MuldoonJun 2, 2023
There aren’t many e-bikes designs that can boast the gen 3 tag, but because Canyon was in on the ground floor of e-bike development the Spectral:On is one such model – even if Canyon does not make a big deal about it. And oh my, but does its performance impress; so much so that it takes the crown of 2023 MBR Direct Sales Electric Mountain Bike of the Year. Need to know: Bigger pivot bearings and hardware combined with better sealing increased overly durability of the Spectral:On frame Standard battery delivers 720Wh, but the frame has capacity to for a 900Wh upgrade Wireless SRAM GX AXS shifting reduces cable clutter on the bike, but adds an extra charger Canyon pairs a 150mm travel Fox 36 fork with Float X shock and 155mm rear travel But before we get into the current round of revisions that have transformed the Spectral:On into the sleek e-bike we see today, let’s take a closer look at the non-negotiables. First and foremost the Spectral:On has always been billed as a trail bike, Canyon has the Torque:On if you want something bigger hitting. All three generations have rolled on MX wheels, and while tyres widths have changed a touch over the years, the concept has proved a sound one – fit a 29in wheel up front to enhance roll over, paired with a smaller 27.5in wheel on the rear to increase wheel strength and prevent the chainstays getting too long. And since its inception, Shimano Steps has been the motor supplier of choice, first E-8000 now EP8. The big change then is that Canyon now has a custom battery. The Spectral:On CF 9 ships with a 720Wh battery but has space inside the thin-from-the-side, fat-from-above, downtube to take the massive 900Wh unit that’s available after market for £1,084.95. We’ve ridden the CF 9 with both batteries, and it’s safe to say that YOU are more likely to run out of steam long before the 900Wh battery goes into the red. The weight difference in the batteries is 900g, and because the extra weight of the bigger battery sits right behind the headtube, if you swap between them you’ll also need to change the pressure in the Fox 36 fork to account for the increased weight. And the battery capacity isn’t the only difference, the full carbon frame is altogether burlier than before, with a focus on improved durability too. Canyon has also changed how you remove the battery. It now slides out of the bottom of the down tube, rather than having a door cut in the underside, like on the YT Decoy and Vitus E-Sommet. Credit where credit is due, this approach was pioneered by Specialized and it allows for a lighter frame construction. It’s one of the key reasons why the Spectral:On CF 9 weighs only 22.34kg, and that’s with a bottle cage fitted. Canyon has also eliminated the wired in power switch. Instead, there’s a soft rubber pad on the topside of the …Continue reading »
Dynamic handling
Brakes lack bite
Chromag BikesJun 2, 2023
New pieces, bestsellers in new colorways, and their biggest women's line to date.
Alex EvansJun 2, 2023
Sacrificing agility, the Shuttle LT is best suited to tackling chunky terrain at high speeds
Commanding climbing performance
Plenty of ground clearance
Supple suspension
Neutral weight distribution
High speed performance
Lacks agility
Tyre compounds too hard and casings too thin
Perched feel slows down handling
Value for money
Tom MarvinJun 1, 2023
A blast from the past that's still a serious contender
Fun, poppy ride quality
Excellent frame details
Good value for money
Some pedal bob when you’re trying hard
Harsh cockpit
Brakes are underwhelming
Ashley QuinlanJun 1, 2023
A race bike without the aggressive geometry
Stiff and responsive
Predictable handling
Sensible geometry
Handlebar shape may polarise opinion
Limited tyre clearance
Sluggish tyres
Calvin ZajacJun 1, 2023
Schmolke are experts in lightweight and exclusivity, but can they make gravel bikes? We tested the Schmolke Infinity Integral to find out.
7.64 kg is respectable for a fully integrated gravel bike
Many attachment points make the bike versatile
The Challenge Gateway tires are a unique and exciting choice
Very composed
No factory fitted chainstay protector
Joshua HutchensJun 1, 2023
The Blix Ultra is a capable and comfortable electric bike with a 400-pound weight capacity and dual battery capabilities. The Ultra features modular...
Joshua HutchensJun 1, 2023
The Ride1up Revv 1 was exceptionally fun and had substantially more power than the competition. This cool Class 2/3 bike is super fun, has excellent range...
Jun 1, 2023
"We all live on a Yellow Submarine-themed Klunker bike"
Alan MuldoonJun 1, 2023
Lightweight, mid-power e-bikes are the hot ticket right now, and none are coming in hotter than the new Shuttle SL from Pivot. Based on a 29er trail bike platform that delivers 132mm of travel, the Shuttle SL isn’t just another self-service uplift e-bike… but is it one of the best electric mountain bikes out there? The answer is a resounding yes, with this bike taking the title of MBR Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike of the Year 2023. If you’re interested in this, you’ll also want to take a look at these: Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL Forestal Cyon Halo Trek Fuel Exe 9.9 XX1 AXS Pivot Shuttle SL need to know 29er e-trail bike with 132mm travel that weighs 18.47kg Designed around the Fazua Ride 60 motor with 60Nm torque and 450W peak power Integrated Fazua 430Wh battery helps reduce range anxiety Shimano XTR drivetrain and four-piston brakes offer ultimate control Flip-chip in the rocker link pivot provides two geometry settings Entry-level Shuttle SL 29 Ride SLX/XT costs £9,500 No one can accuse Pivot of jumping on the lightweight e-bike bandwagon. When it launched its first Shuttle e-bike back in 2017, it was a 140mm travel carbon ripper with DW-Link suspension, a Shimano E8000 motor, 500Wh battery, Di2 electronic shifting and a build kit that delivered an impressive 19.95kg package. So six years on, what’s changed? In short, everything. The SL version is a completely different bike. Built around the new Fazua Ride 60 motor (1.96kg) and corresponding 430Wh integrated battery (2.2kg), the Shuttle SL has the best range in this test without needing a range extender. So almost overnight Fazua has gone from being the kid at the back of the e-bike bus that smoked fags on his lunch break, to becoming an all-star player that all the cheerleaders want to date. Extra battery capacity comes at cost though, mostly in weight, but at 18.47kg, with our EXO+ casing Maxxis control tyres fitted, the Pivot Shuttle SL is still the second lightest bike in test. The motor is really quiet too, which just adds to the whole natural ride feel of the bike. Fazua’s handlebar mounted Ring Control is very intuitive in use, and while it feels fragile, it works like a charm. The LED Hub battery/power indicator on the top tube uses a traffic light system for the three power modes. In Breeze the max power is 120W, River delivers 280W and Rocket peaks at 350W. There’s also a fourth Boost mode. Hold the control button up for two seconds and no matter which mode you’re in you get a peak power delivery of 450W that’s sustained for 12 seconds. Use it too often however, and it will burn through your battery like a wildfire. There’s also a USB-C port tucked under the LED Hub for charging accessories. Hold the control button up for two seconds and no matter which mode you’re in you get a peak power delivery of 450W that’s sustained for 12 seconds. Some things …Continue reading »
Very dynamic handling. Low resistance, high power Fazua motor feels great on or off. Integrated 430Wh battery boosts range. Shimano XTR drivetrain and brakes reduces weight without compromising performance. Sag indicator is really useful. Boost mode is a total blast.
EXO casing tyres are too thin for a bike this capable. Can’t remove the battery for charging. Slight delay in the motor when reengaging after overrun is complete. Handlebar mounted controller feels fragile.
May 31, 2023
Get Campagnola's new Super Record wireless groupset with the new limited-edition, "Speedster Silver" DOGMA F from Pinarello.
Warren RossiterMay 31, 2023
A bold statement in speedy race-orientated gravel that takes things to an extreme
Very light frame
Exceptionally fast in the right conditions
Great specification
Can be a handful on rough technical terrain
Sarah BedfordMay 31, 2023
Contemporary angles, a forgiving frame and decent spec mean the Trail SE 4 has a lot of promise, but the short reach and top tube limit trail potential when things get more technical
Good-quality Shimano drivetrain
Upgrade potential
Comfortable when cruising and climbing
Brakes lack power and urgency
Coil-sprung fork is too hard for light riders
Long stem affects responsiveness of steering
Heavy compared to competition
Forrest WoolmanMay 31, 2023
A Quality Cruiser E-Bike Customized to Your Liking in the U.S.A. In our review of the Electric Bike Company’s Model E cruiser, we’ll go over this bike’s key features and components, and how this well constructed cruiser will gain your adoration, while keeping its value. If you are looking for a high quality cruiser e-bike,
Quality built e-bike for a good price starting price. Other cruisers are available for less money, but EBC puts fine craftsmanship in the design and build of their e-bikes, making them a high quality e-bike.
EBC custom builds their bikes for the customer, meaning they can build your bike with more unique features, like frame and wheel colors, gearing, battery capacity and accessories to enhance your ride
It’s easily one of the most comfortable e-bikes you’ll find anywhere. Frame ergonomics, upright riding posture, handlebar reach, pedals, and cushy seat all add up to a nice ride.
Weight capacity of 420 lbs means this bike can carry 80-100 lbs more than most any other cruiser out there. This is great for heavier riders, and riders who need to carry cargo.
A 10 year warranty on the motor is the best we’ve seen for motors, indicating manufacturer’s confidence in their product, so the buyer can be confident, too.
Fast charging! A 3.5 amp super charger charges battery in 2-3 hours, not 6-8 hours like many others.
The single-gear of our test model felt a little limited. Fortunately, it’s one of the many upgrade options and we’d recommend the 7-speed drivetrain.
Knut NesMay 31, 2023
Bosch delivered a prototype bike so we could finally test the Bosch Performance CX Race motor. Attached to that motor was a Mondraker Crafty Carbon. The specs don’t correspond to any of the 2023 models, so we’ll just call it the Crafty. Riding...
Warren RossiterMay 30, 2023
Despite the downsides, the RATT CF2 stands out for its fun handling, comfort, smoothness and grip
Exciting and fun ride
Great versatility
Radical design helps you stand out from the crowd
Specification value
Rolling stock limits flat and climbing speed
May 30, 2023
Industry Nine Trail S and Enduro S Wheelsets now available with Hydra Classic hubset laced with conventional J-bend spokes
Alan MuldoonMay 30, 2023
Shortly after we finished our last E-Bike of the Year test, Specialized comprehensively updated its Turbo Levo with new sizing, geometry and a swish display embedded in the top tube. It went from a full 29er to a mullet bike, adopted Specialized’s S-sizing – where truncated seat tubes give more overlap between frame options – and gained adjustable geometry that can be set up anywhere from aggressive to full-on psycho. Looking to scope out other options? Check out our guide to the best electric mountain bikes to suit all budgets and riding preferences. Need to know: SWAT multi-tool is hidden in the fork steerer, making it easy to access Three head angles and two dropout positions give six different geometry settings 6 frame sizes with closely stacked seat tube lengths give you size options 700Wh battery slides in at the base of the down tube and is held in place by a single hex bolt As such, the gen 3 Levo has the joint slackest head angle on test at 63.7º, with the option to tweak it by 1º in either direction by changing the upper headset cup. Furthermore, you can choose between two dropout settings with either long chainstays and a low BB or short chainstays and a high BB. We chose the former as the 160mm cranks give stacks of pedal clearance. The Comp gets a full carbon frame, but Spesh also offers an alloy Turbo Levo with a very similar spec for about £1k less. There’s an 800g weight penalty, but considering it’s one of the lightest bikes on test, it’s no deal breaker. What about motor reliability? The previous gen 2 model was plagued with problems, but since Specialized reinforced the belt and recalibrated the software we’ve had no issues on two long term test bikes. Suspension While the more expensive models in the Turbo Levo range come with Fox 38 forks, the Comp makes do with the slimmer 36. These save a bit of weight but still provide ample stiffness. While the simple Grip damper lacks some support, adding an extra 10psi and running the sweep compression dial at 1 o’clock keeps the front end propped up. They were also incredibly sensitive – partly due to slightly loose bushings – which ensured loads of grip up front and a really lively feel. Sadly they are the older chassis design, thus bereft of the lower leg lubrication channels of the latest version. That pitter-patter response is mirrored perfectly by the Float X Performance shock out back. Superbly fluid, it tracked every bump and ripple as well as providing plenty of support to push against when we wanted to pop the Levo off the ground. Just keep on top of servicing, as the offset yoke puts an added strain on the shock internals. Components Specialized’s in-house wheels come fitted with inner tubes, but there are tubeless valves in the box, so upgrading only requires sealant. An added bonus is that fitting our Maxxis control tyres and ditching …Continue reading »
Excellent chassis
Cost-cutting drivetrain and fork
Suvi LoponenMay 30, 2023
The Slovenian Jumbo-Visma rider's off-road inspired 1x setup secured him the Maglia Rosa, before doing his victory lap with a Giro pink-painted bike the next day
Robin WeaverMay 30, 2023
Giant’s updated Reign offers comfort and confidence when the going gets steep, with a solid parts package that’s very well considered for the price
Meaningful geometry adjustment
Reasonably efficient climber
Very confident and capable in steep terrain
Practical parts package
Bar/grip/stem combo feels a little harsh
Not the quietest bike in the rough
May 30, 2023
Wilier’s flagship lightweight aero Filante SLR carbon road bike gets a classic Ramato copper chrome finish and the ultimate Campy Super Record Wireless groupset upgrade…
Feb 17, 2023
Overall, the Himiway Zebra is a solid e-bike that provides riders with a comfortable, stable, and accessible ride, whether for daily commutes or leisurely rides. The bike's powerful motor and dependable components make it an excellent option for riders who need extra assistance navigating uneven terrain, steep hills, or long distances. The Zebra is a great e-bike choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable way to get around town or explore the great outdoors.
Price
High capacity battery
Fenders, rack, and lights included
A bit on the heavy side
Dec 6, 2022
An effective car replacement at an affordable price point.
Affordable
Sturdy
Comfortable
Good cargo capacity
Powerful motor
Ineffective and noisy brakes
Tire issues
Sep 21, 2022
The Aventon Soltera Single Speed is a simple and affordable e-bike that's great for someone that still likes to pedal, but could use a little extra oomf.
Simple
Affordable
Integrated lighting
Lightweight
Poor braking peformance
Fenders don’t come standard
Not great for hilly areas
Dec 31, 2021
The Engwe EP-2 Pro is an affordable and powerful folding e-bike with fat tires and a suspension fork for when your adventures take you off the beaten path.
Portability
Plenty of power
Beautiful LCD Display
Lacks fit and finish in several areas.
Dec 2, 2021
The Swift S1 e-bike features a powerful motor, fat tires, and a folding design; all features that make it perfect for riders looking to explore areas beyond the pavement.
Powerful folding e-bike with fat tires offering stability when leaving the pavement.
Handlebar height has limited adjustability
Not the best fit for smaller riders