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Ride1Up’s Roadster V2 has caught the eye of urban cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts alike, with its sleek low-profile design and apartment-living-friendly features. In the growing market of e-bikes, it stands out as a unique blend of traditional aesthetics with modern technology. In this review, I’ll delve into what makes the Roadster V2 a compelling choice for some and perhaps a limitation for others.
My bottom line: This is a great entry-level e-bike for someone that lives in an apartment in a flat(ish) city and only commutes a few miles each day. It reminds me of the first bike I commuted on in San Francisco. A flat bar single speed that was quick and responsive.
Key e-bike details
Basics
- Base Price: $1,095
- Class: 3
- Max Speed: 24 mph
- Estimated Range: 20 to 35 miles
- Weight: 33 lbs
Motor & Electronics
- Motor: 350w geared hub Shengyi motor
- Torque: 40 Nm
- Motor location: Rear hub
- Battery: 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells
- PAS Sensor: Cadence
- Throttle: No
- Display: LCD Display
Components
- Brakes: Tektro R315 Dual Pivot caliper rim brake
- Drivetrain: 64/20T single speed
- Belt Drive: Yes
- Tires: Kenda Kwest 700c
Misc
- Recommended Rider Height:
- Small: 5’3″ – 5’8″
- Large: 5’8″ – 6’3″
- Payload Capacity: 300 lbs
What we like about it
- Low profile design: The Roadster V2 is subtly designed and resembles a traditional bike rather than an e-bike. Great for those who prefer an e-bike with a stealthy look.
- Lightweight: Weighing in at just 33 pounds, it’s ideal for people who live in apartments where you need to carry it up multiple flights of stairs
- Belt drive: Belt drives are a joy to pedal because they are so quiet and smooth. Plus, the maintenance is much less than a traditional chain drive.
- Geared hub motor: The 350 watt motor provides a good amount of power and it’s nice that it’s geared which helps on hilly terrain.
- Suitable for single speed enthusiasts: If you love single speed builds, the Roadster V2 will be a fun and solid commuter.
Where it falls short
- Limited range: The 20 to 30 miles range will be limiting for those who need to cover longer distances.
- Limited torque: 40 Newton meters of torque is not as much as I’d like to see on an e-bike. This lower level makes the Roadster really only suited for flat commutes.
- Aggressive positioning: The lean-forward positioning might not be comfortable for all riders, and it’s definitely something to consider if you prefer a more upright riding stance.
- Rim brakes:While I would have liked to see Ride1Up opt for disc brakes rather than rim brakes, because of its lightweight, the rim brakes are able to stop the e-bike. That being said, if it’s raining, I wouldn’t ride this e-bike, not to mention it doesn’t have rain fenders.
- Battery not removable: While not a deal breaker for most, it is still a downside of the Roadster. I prefer e-bikes with removable batteries so that I can charge them inside the house rather than in the garage which has more temperature extremes.
In-depth review
The Roadster V2’s design is a nod to the classic, resembling a traditional bike rather than the typical e-bike. If you’re someone who appreciates a stealthy appearance in your ride, the low profile of this e-bike will appeal to you. Weighing just 33 pounds, it is specially tailored to the needs of apartment dwellers who must carry their e-bike up multiple flights of stairs. This lightweight design is a welcome feature, eliminating one of the common inconveniences faced by urban e-bikers. I used to carry my 55-pound RadCity up three flights of stairs to my apartment, and it was a workout for sure.
I really like that the Roadster V2 does not scream e-bike. It lets you a ride low-key ride around the city, except that you’ve got the extra e-bike boost. This low-key profile is also convienent when parking it outside on the street. It likely won’t be the first choice for a bike thief who may look for a more expensive looking e-bike to steal…that being said I’m not a bike thief and this is only a guess. Be sure to use a secure bike lock when locking up your e-bike.
Beyond its appearance, the Roadster V2 offers some functional features that enhance the riding experience. The belt drive is a joy to pedal, offering quiet and smooth movement, and requiring much less maintenance than a traditional chain drive. This makes for a more pleasant commute, especially if you’re transitioning from a conventional bike. Adding to the pleasure of riding, the 350-watt geared hub motor provides a solid amount of power. It’s geared to assist on hilly terrains, although the 40 Newton meters of torque might be limiting on steeper inclines. If you’re a fan of single-speed builds, you’ll find the Roadster V2 a solid choice.
However the Roadster V2 has its shortcomings. Its limited range of 20 to 30 miles may restrict those looking to cover longer distances. Though the geared hub motor assists on hilly terrains, the 40 Nm of torque are on the lower side for an e-bike, making it more suitable for flat commutes. The aggressive positioning of the Roadster (i.e leaning more forward) may not be to everyone’s liking and could pose comfort issues for those who prefer an upright riding stance.
I would have preferred if Ride1Up had opted for disc brakes on the Roadster. While the rim brakes provide enough stopping power, disc brakes would have been better for stopping in wet conditions. That being said, because the Roadster doesn’t come with rain guards, I guess they assume most people are only using this e-bike in fair weather.
All in all the Roadster V2 is a good choice for someone that lives in a small apartment and wants a compact and stealth e-bike. It’s peppy and super fun to ride, but I wouldn’t want this as a daily commuter if my commute was 10+ miles. The Roadster is better suited for 2 to 5 mile commutes in a flat city. If this was available 12 years ago when I first moved to San Francisco and was looking for a single speed commuter bike this would have been my pick!
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