| MSRP | $2,395 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 58 lbs, 26.3 kg |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Wheels | 650b |
| Drivetrain | 1x9 |
| Groupset | microSHIFT Advent |
| Motor | Brose 90Nm mid-drive |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Highs Impressively quiet and smooth Brose motor; Name brand MTB inspired part spec; Affordable;
Lows Only available in one size; Not quite refined enough for single track trails;
The Ride1Up Prodigy XC is a class-3 E-bike that lists for $2,395 and is designed to combine the value and comfort of a commuter bike with the capability of a cross country mountain bike. At the heart of the bike is an alloy frame with some high quality touch points you wouldn’t expect from a bike at this price. For starters, the head tube junction has some beautifully disguised welds connecting the hydroformed tubes, mimicking the appearance of a carbon frame. It also features internally routed cables with the option to run an internally routed dropper post should you choose to add one down the road. Lastly, the frame comes with a chainstay mounted kickstand, two sets of mount points inside the front triangle, and mounts for a rack or fenders in the rear.
Sizing and Geometry:
The Prodigy XC borrows geometry from modern mountain bikes, with 27.5” wheels, a 67 degree head tube angle, and 440 mm chainstays. Interestingly, the bike is only offered in one size, which Ride1Up claims can fit riders from 5’6-6’4”. This single size has a reach of 376 mm, a stack of 669 mm, and a 480 mm long seat tube. I’m 6’1” and felt that the bike’s extremely short reach and relatively high stack put me in an awkward, cramped position. Surprisingly, however, my wife who at 5’5” is below the specified height range felt that the bike fit just fine, albeit with a relatively high standover height.
Brose E-Drive System:
The Prodigy XC uses a Brose TF Sprinter motor with a maximal assistance of 90 Nm paired to a 504 Wh battery. I was very impressed with the silent and smooth power delivery that lacked almost any noticeable sensation when transitioning from pedaling to coasting. The only time this was noticeable was while shifting, as the Brose torque sensor cut power completely for about a second, reminding you just how much assistance you were receiving from the motor.
The Prodigy XC has 4 power modes, Eco, Tour, Sport, and Boost. It should be noted that although Brose claims to offer an app, it’s not currently in the IOS app store. That said, the bar mounted Brose display still had quite a few metrics to cycle between included assistance level, wattage, speed, range, and distance. I completed a range test in Sport mode and the bike managed to deliver 28.8 miles or 46.3 kms with 1,010 feet or 307.8 kms of climbing. This is just shy of Ride1Up’s claimed range of 30-50 miles, but I am a larger rider in relatively hilly terrain using the second highest power mode. At this point Ride1Up does not offer a range extender for the Prodigy, but it would be great to see that in the future.
MTB Inspired Part Spec:
The part spec on the Prodigy XC is much more akin to what you’d find on an entry level hardtail than an average hybrid. It features a 120 mm generic airsprung fork with adjustable rebound and compression. I was impressed by how smoothly it moved through its travel, with very little stiction and a gentle bottom out. Mounted to the fork is an 80 lux headlight that receives power straight from the bike’s battery. Drivetrain responsibilities were covered by a Microshift Advent-X shift lever and derailleur paired to a Shimano Alivio 11-34t cassette. This, paired with a 42t chainring, provided enough range to make it up moderately steep single track climbs and max out the class 3 assistance governor of 28 mph. I was also pleased with the Tektro HD-M745 four piston brakes that provided plenty of power control. Lastly, the 2.4” Maxxis Forecaster tires were a nice touch, blending rolling speed through town and grip while riding off road or in inclement weather. In total, this put the weight of my Prodigy XC at 52.6 lbs or 23.9 kgs without pedals, which is actually a few pounds lighter than what Ride1Up claims on their website.
Ordering from Ride1Up:
Ride1Up is a direct to consumer brand, meaning if you want a Prodigy XC of your own you’ll have to order it online and build it from the box. Thankfully, this was a super easy and straightforward process, all I had to do was install the bars, front wheel, and included pedals and I was good to go. Ride1Up also includes all necessary tools and a branded beanie with every purchase.
Commuting:
The first place I tested the Prodigy XC was around town, and it felt like a modern take on a traditional hybrid. The upright riding position provided great visibility and the slacker headtube angle and short chainstays provided an excellent combination of stability and maneuverability. I preferred to keep the bike in the middle two power modes; Tour and Sport, as I felt like I had to work a bit harder than I preferred in eco mode, and the highest Boost mode felt just a bit too jolting for a casual cruise. Thankfully, the weather stayed relatively nice while testing, but I could see the 2.4” Maxxis Forcaster tires being a huge asset on rainy days.
Single Track:
My next test location was some beginner cross country mountain bike trails, and given the bike’s XC moniker and part pec, I was cautiously optimistic. The ride started with a flowy climb and descent, during which the bike’s supple suspension and excellent tire choice fooled me into thinking this might be a competent trail bike after all. But the second the trail turned even marginally technical its short fallings became clear. The bike’s tight geometry made it feel quite twitchy, and the kickstand and cables rattled extensively. Some of these issues were likely sensory and might be remedied by removing the kickstand and adding some zip ties, I think it’s safe to say that the Prodigy XC is best thought of as a pedal-assist hybrid, not a cross country mountain bike.
Ride1Up Prodigy XC vs Trek Marlin+ 6:
The hybrid e-bike market is a competitive one, with dozens of available models from both direct to consumer brands like Ride1Up and more established brands sold through local bike shops.The first bike we’ll compare the Prodigy XC to is the Trek Marlin+ 6, which lists for $2,699, $300 more than the Ride1Up. For that you’ll get a smaller Bosch 50 Nm motor and 400 Wh battery, which reduces battery range and assistance, but also weight; the Trek weighs just 49.5 lbs or 22.5 kgs, noticeably less than than the Prodigy XC. Despite its higher price, the Marlin+ 6 gets different, but for the most part comparable components as the Ride1Up. Lastly, where the Trek really sets itself apart is with its geometry. It’s available in 5 different sizes, the smaller two getting 27.5” wheels and the rest with 29ers, making it easy to find a bike that will fit you well, which is especially important if you plan to do any trail riding.
In total, both the Prodigy XC and the Marlin+ 6 are excellent bikes that excel in different areas. If I was looking for a bike to primarily use as an inexpensive foray into e-mountain biking I would choose the Trek, mostly due to the option to get a bike that would fit better, but also for the weight savings. If, on the other hand, I was planning to largely use the bike as a commuter in a mountain town with variable weather and mixed terrain, then I’d opt for the more powerful motor and longer battery range of the Ride1Up.
Ride1Up Prodigy XC vs Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus:
The next bike we’ll compare the Prodigy XC to is the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus, which lists $2,099, $300 less than the Prodigy XC. It also gets a larger 672 Wh battery powering a hub drive motor, putting the total weight of the bike at a portly 72.5 lbs or 32.9 kgs. The RadRover is available in two frames, a high step and step through, which collectively claim to fit riders from 5’2” to 6’2”. Lastly, the largely name brand components on the Ride1Up far outshine the mostly generic part spec of the RadRover.
MSRP | $1,999 | $2,195 |
|---|---|---|
Spec Level | ||
Weight | 72.5 lbs | 58.0 lbs |
Fork | RST | |
Wheel Size | 26″ | 650b |
Motor | 750W hub-drive | Brose 90Nm mid-drive |
Battery | 672Wh | |
Groupset | microSHIFT Advent | |
Drivetrain | 1 × 7 | 1 × 9 |
Where to Buy | $2,195 At Ride1UP |
For me, the choice between these two bikes is easy. The Prodigy XC not only looks more refined, but is sure to ride better longer, with its higher quality components and just a bit more attention to detail overall. Ride1Up as a whole has done a good job bridging the gap between entry level ecommerce bikes and higher end, higher priced options from established manufactures, and the Prodigy XC is another great example of this.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for an e-hybrid with just a bit more capability in adverse conditions then the Ride1Up Prodigy XC is a great option. Its combination of smooth power delivery and name brand parts makes it a great value at just $2,395. But don’t let the name fool you into thinking you’re getting an E-MTB; this bike belongs, and excels, in less technical terrain.
