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The Ride1Up 700 Series has emerged as a compelling option for riders seeking quality, performance, and value. This Class 3 e-bike, with its blend of trusted brand-name components and thoughtful design, aims to offer an exhilarating yet smooth ride without draining your wallet.
In this post I’ll delve into the Ride1Up 700 Series’ key features, discussing what sets it apart and where it might not meet every rider’s expectations. This in-depth review is based on firsthand experience, user testimonials, and thorough analysis to provide a comprehensive perspective.
Bottom line: If you are looking for an e-bike that is less than $2,000, Ride1Up’s 700 Series is an excellent choice.
Key e-bike details
Basics
- Base Price: $1,695
- Class: 3
- Max Speed: 28 mph
- Estimated Range: 30 to 50 miles
- Weight: 62 lbs
Motor & Electronics
- Motor: 750 watt geared hub Bafang motor
- Torque: 60 Nm
- Motor location: Rear hub
- Battery: 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) frame-integrated battery
- PAS Sensor: Cadence
- Throttle: Yes, thumb throttle
- Display: Color LCD Display
Components
- Brakes: Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disk brakes
- Drivetrain: Shimano Acera 8-speed
- Belt Drive: No
- Tires: Schwalbe Super Moto-X 27.5×2.4”
Misc
- Recommended Rider Height:
- XR: 5’5″-6’4″
- ST: 5′-6’2″
- Payload Capacity: 300 lbs
What we like about it
- Good balance of quality and price: The Ride1Up 700 Series offers an impressive balance between quality components and an attractive price point. With name-brand parts used throughout, it’s remarkable how this e-bike offers so much value without breaking the bank.
- Smooth riding experience: With a comfortable seat, hydraulic disc brakes, a front suspension fork, and 2.4” wide wheels, this e-bike provides a comfortable ride.
- Speed and power: As a Class 3 e-bike, the 700 Series can reach speeds up to 28 mph, powered by a robust 750-watt motor with 60 Nm of torque, ample power for climbing hills.
- Convenient throttle: The throttle is highly responsive and is a handy feature when you need that initial boost at a stop sign or green light.
- Lighter weight: Weighing in at 62 pounds, it’s slightly lighter than some competitors, making it a bit more manageable to handle and transport.
- Quick delivery and assembly: Quick shipping and a relatively easy assembly process with the provided tools add to this e-bike’s appeal, especially for those eager to hit the road quickly.
Where it falls short
- Inadequate rain and mud guards: Although a fixable issue, the rain and mud guards do not provide optimal coverage a red flag when it comes to evaluating commuter e-bikes. I’d recommend adding an extender to the flap for winter riding.
- Limited front rack cargo capacity: If you’re planning to add a child’s seat to the rear rack you might find the front rack’s capacity to be limited because of how it mounts to the frame.
- Cadence sensor: Not a deal breaker, but I generally prefer e-bikes that have a torque sensor.
- Battery drain: The ability to reach 28mph is exciting but comes at the cost of battery life. Expect the range to diminish quickly if you consistently ride at max power. Though advertised with a range of 30 to 50 miles, if you ride on max pedal assist expect the range to be closer to 10 to 20 miles.
In-depth review
The Ride1Up 700 Series sets the tone with a strong first impression, boasting a good balance of quality components and price. For an e-bike in its price bracket, it’s striking how the e-bike manages to incorporate name-brand parts that stand for quality and dependability. This quality-driven approach, coupled with a fair price, underscores the 700 Series’ appeal to both novices and seasoned riders alike. It’s a budget-conscious choice without cutting critical corners.
One of the 700 Series’ hallmarks is the smooth riding experience it affords. With a seat that’s designed for comfort, hydraulic disc brakes that ensure precise control, a front suspension fork that handles bumps, and 2.4” wide wheels for stability, it results in an altogether pleasurable ride. Whether it’s city streets or gravel trails, these features collectively contribute to a ride that’s easy on the body and confident on various surfaces.
Speed enthusiasts will find the 700 Series particularly appealing, thanks to its Class 3 classification allowing speeds up to 28 mph. The powerful 750-watt motor with 60 Nm of torque, ensures that the bike gets up to speed quickly and can tackle hills with ease. The torque and power are noticeably superior to many e-bikes capping at 20mph, translating to a fun and thrilling experience on city roads.
The throttle feature on the 700 Series deserves special mention. I found the throttle to be very responsive. It comes in handy when you want to get back up to speed, such as after a stop sign or red light. It made starts and stops a breeze.
In the weight department, the 700 Series is slightly lighter than some competitors at 62 pounds. While this might not seem like a significant difference, it contributes to the bike’s overall manageability and transport ease. It’s a small but noteworthy point, especially if you find yourself needing to carry or maneuver the bike manually.
Ride1Up’s shipping is commendably fast, and with the tools provided, the assembly process is relatively straightforward. For those itching to hit the road without delay, this prompt setup is certainly a boon.
In addition, Ride1Up has excellent customer service. A friend of mine ordered a bike from Ride1Up that arrived with a bent front brake rotor. He emailed Ride1Up about it and received a response within a few hours. They advised him to purchase a replacement part from a local bike shop and promptly reimbursed him for it. This was a much quicker solution than shipping a replacement part to him.
There are a few places where the 700 Series falls short. A notable drawback is the inadequacy of the rain and mud guards. For those considering this as a daily commuter, this oversight can be a significant annoyance, especially in wet conditions. While fixable with an extender flap, it’s something that could have been addressed in the design phase.
Another area where the e-bike may disappoint is the front rack cargo capacity. If you plan to add a child’s seat to the rear rack, then you will only be able to use the front rack for carrying gear. Because of how the rack mounts the to e-bike the weight capacity is limited to 20 pounds. This will limit how much you can carry.
Although not a deal breaker, but I generally prefer e-bikes that have a torque sensor. The 700 Series comes with a cadence sensor. I find that torque sensors result in a much more natural riding experience because they match the amount of force you apply to the pedals rather than simply look at how fast you are pedaling.
Another thing to mention is that you likely won’t get the advertised range of 30 to 50 miles if you plan to use the motor to it’s full 750 watt potential. The excitement of reaching 28mph is tempered by the realization that such speeds can substantially reduce the e-bike’s range. I estimate that when maxing out the pedal assist you will get closer to 10 or 20 miles of range.
In summary, the Ride1Up 700 Series offers a well-rounded package with its quality construction, comfortable ride, impressive speed, and thoughtful features, all wrapped up in a competitive price tag. While it does have a few areas that could see improvement, these are outweighed by its strengths. For riders seeking a dependable, fun, and reasonably priced e-bike, the Ride1Up 700 Series stands as a strong contender worth considering.
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