Ride1Up Roadster V2 Gravel e-bike review: King of the low-cost gravel electric bikes
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- The Ride1Up Roadster V2 Gravel Edition ($1,245 bit.ly/Ride1Up_Roadster_V2) is simply the best low-cost electric gravel bike you can get right now, hands down. See my full review on Electrek at: electrek.co/?p=225932
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🚲 My favorite e-bikes:
(Budget-friendly) Lectric XP 2.0 $999:
(Budget-friendly) Ride1Up 500 Series $1,099: bit.ly/Ride1Up500Series
(Mid-level) Aventon Level: bit.ly/Aventon-Level
(Premium e-bike) Priority Current $2,999: bit.ly/Priority_Current
(Something for EVERYONE!) Rad Power Bikes:
(Power!) Juiced Bikes: bit.ly/Juiced_Bikes
🛴 My favorite e-scooters:
WideWheel Pro: bit.ly/WideWheelPRO
Mantis Pro: bit.ly/FFR_Mantis
Dualtron Thunder: bit.ly/Dualtron_Thunder
Turbowheel Lightning: bit.ly/turbowheel-lightning
Emove Cruiser: bit.ly/Emove_Cruiser
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0:00 Intro
0:10 Electric gravel bike market
0:23 Price
0:40 Gates Carbon Drive belt-drive
1:07 Disc brakes
1:18 New gravel tires
1:28 Rugged e-bike
2:13 Single-speed on a gravel bike?
2:40 Motor and power
2:55 Speed
3:08 Easy to pedal without motor power
3:22 Small battery
3:42 Range
4:07 Display
4:16 Stealthy e-bike
4:35 Weight
4:59 Two frame sizes
5:13 High value
5:33 My few complaints
5:51 Summary
6:19 Outro
6:32 Ooooh pretty song - Авто та транспорт
I purchased mine back in October when it first became available. It didn't arrive until January due to supply chain issues, but since it arrived I've been biking most weekends, between 8 and 20 miles. I was so close to buying the roadster V2, but I was nervous about the rim brakes, skinny tires, and single speed geared high for going faster on flat terrain vs. lower for hills. The gravel edition eliminated all my concerns. I am riding mine for exercise, so I ride mostly on level 1 or 2, or off when on flat roads or slight downward inclines. I crank it up to 3,4,5 when ascending steep hills. I love this bike. It reminds me of being a kid again with the single speed. I have been very happy with the battery. On my most challenging 19 mile ride with many hills, I still had 3 out of 5 bars left at the end of the ride. One piece of advice - I bought the large size and my seat post setting is almost as low as you can go. I wear pants with 32 inch inseam, so if you have shorter legs than mine you should consider the smaller model. Again, I love this bike - lots of fun.
I too have a 32” inseam. Do you regret getting the larger size?
@@golf5555555 No because I like that I’m not leaning too much forward when I ride
@@jimg9184 kind of old, but this is true. 58cm frame is really for people 6ft plus. I am a little over 5'10 and I think the 52cm would be more appropriate for me. Having said that I would totally pick the 58 cm as you have said because it is a more comfortable riding position, and you always have the room to duck for more aero.
@@wagwanyute8156 i think it is less about height and more about leg length. I am 5'10"" tall with 32 inch inseam (longer torso then legs) and i have my seat height set so it is 2 just inches above the lowest setting. I have no issue with the larger bike.
@jim9184 my nephew is 5'10 w/30" inseam. Do you think large would be too large for him? TIA
Mine came in a few weeks ago. I added the second battery that they sell, that looks like a long water bottle. The added battery essentially doubles the range. Subtle change in gear ratio is better than the original V2, particularly from a standing start or even uphill. The motor is plenty strong to get me past the steep hills on my commute. The tires are a significant improvement as the calipers on the V2 limit your width options. Only gripe I would have is that the front wheel was badly out of true upon arrival (and hanging out of the shipping box). Cheaply fixed by my neighborhood REI. Overall it’s like Ride1up listened to their customers and made a great bike even better. Be prepared to add a kickstand, lights, better grips, etc, but that’s all part of tailoring it to you.
Yeah I had the same issue, even the guy at the bike shop was shocked how bad the front wheel was
I have the road version of this bike. I use it as a recovery ride bike. I like the simplicity of the design. I can get about 30 miles on PAS1. I can tackle hills with a 12 percent gradient in PAS4. It's geared fairly high so the lower gear on the gravel version sounds good.
Basically the gravel version has mech disc brakes and wider tires with a lower gear compared to the road version. If I didn't already have the road version I'd likely get the gravel version instead.
Great review! thank you. Just purchased.
I'd swear that stretch where the path ends is in Aventura (N Miami). it looks so familiar. nice review, as always, Micah!
Great review.
Great service & value.
I purchase the older version 2nd hand. I really like it. even the one that I bought have lots a ware and scratches. I really like this bike. I will purchase in few years. When I save some extra money. Thanks of making this bike.
I think it’s great that you favorably review other brands, noble choice.
This is a really good bike. I would say it is great for commuting or casual cruising. 99% of the time I remain on level 1 pedal assist without ever having to gas myself out. I would equate the energy output to speed walking. But, if you do want to get a workout, you can just go harder. Thats one thing I like about it, strenuous exercise is not mandatory, but its an option. I bump up the pedal assist on steep hills and it tackles it no problem, and I am averagely conditioned. I live in the crappy midwest with lots of bumps and cracks and rough roads, so the gravel edition is really nice. No I'm not going to hit a curb or pot hole full speed and will slow down, but I'm never really worried about what I might encounter in terms of terrain. I have taken it over 7 miles with still all five bars of battery. I can get it up to 24 mph no problem on flat ground, going down a hill I got up to 29 mph. Those are plenty fast on a bike if you've never felt that. it looks really good and is comfortable. I'd be curious to see how it handles the winter, but I bet if you rode responsibly you'd be fine.
Do you guys have plans soon to review Ride1Up’s newest model, the Cafe Cruiser? Really eager to see that review.
Great review as always. This was on my wish list, but for the some of the hill grades up to 20+ percent in my city, you would need gears at least 500w. The bike looks clean and all ebikes should be this way. I'm sure in a few years, we'll see a progression.
Yeah I had the non gravel version and while it is a good bike, the motor and lack of gears were not enough for where I live. I bought the Torque1 e bike with a torque sensor and a bigger battery and the torque sensor helped a ton on the hills.
I would say it depends on how much you think you’d use pedal assist on the flats. The bike is so light (relatively speaking) and feels similar to riding a chromoly framed MTB.
"Acoustic" bike. Love it. 😆
Looks like the tenways cgo600 but without hydraulic brakes. Nice review.
Were you able to reach 24mph? If so, were you pedaling like crazy to get that speed? If that's the case, what would be the top speed without working too hard? Thanks for the review!
That’s better than babymaker 2. And more affordable. Thanks for the review
Just purchased gravel edition after seeing this .Pre Black Friday deal $995! people
do you find any drag created due to the hub motor i find when i stop pedalling my v2 tends to slow down quiet quickly without touching the breaks
Just ordered one of these after research with big expectations. This model doesn't scream e-bike and I like that. Price is ok considering the brakes and tubeless tires and I opted for an extra battery as I weigh 225lb and tend to ride fast. Also the single gear belt drive and it's hill performance was a big consideration. It is entry level e-bike for me and with the extra battery was about the same as a crappy Schwinn I saw but far less than the Vado 5 I was also looking at. I'll learn off this thing and make it mine over time. Then if/when time to replace I'll know better what to get
Let me know how it goes. I weigh the same and debating purchasing it. I have a trek fx 4 carbon (2021) which i average 15mph but i do want an ebikes power after my commute from work 😅
Any thoughts?
@@mattkeller5388 Nice bike. It is fast for a single gear (while in assist mode). The handlebar is a bit narrow for me. Might need to swap it out. Added the extra battery. It's been hot. Really hot like 105 every day for six weeks and longer so I haven't felt the urge to ride much so not too many mile riden. Decent bike for the price and contacting the help/service dept is a great experience. Very responsive. People like the look of the bike and I do as well. Tires are not tubeless ready- confirmed by a bike tech I took it to
Have you tried it with the new throttle that comes standard on the gravel version?
Is this the same as the Tenways 600 ? looks almost the same with the same spec, what OEM is behind it ?
Can we get a comparison review with the Vvolt?
Ordered one a few days ago. I didn't think they would ever get the 58cm frame back in stock!
how do u like it
@@jorge7246 So far, so good. Have only gotten to ride it once. Hoping to get it out for a bit today.
Can you try to review the Neomouv Furtivo?
Wish it had a torque sensor and gears for when the battery runs out and you got hills.
Is this powerful enough to help tow a bike trailer (with kids in it)?
can the fork be upgraded to suspension one?tia for the ans...
I think they missed a small but important detail with this model. A front fender mount. The road model has them by default with caliper brakes, and the gravel model has a mounting hole on the rear triangle, but there's no hole in the fork. I would greatly prefer the gravel model for commuting with disc brakes and wider tires. The belt drive and single speed is ideal for a no maintenance commuter, but the lack of fender hole is a deal breaker.
If you dont think you need fenders, because you dont commute in the rain, then I'd say you also dont need a belt drive and you'd have plenty of options for chain driven SS e-bikes like Aventon Soltera or Rad Mission.
A lightweight disc brake front carbon fiber fork with a hole should not cost you an arm and leg from your local bike shop, craigslist or ebay and it will assist you in reducing the pavement buzz over using the oem alloy unit. Visit and discuss this with a mechanic in your local bicycle shop (tip the mechanic for his knowledge if you do not use them for the fix)...
Nice review but can't find this bike on their website.
I am 6'4" and I usually ride a 60cm bike. Do your bikes come in that size?
Would this ebike be adequate for riding around San Francisco? I'm thinking about in the Presidio, from the Marina to Pac Heights, or from Noe Valley to Parkside, over those kinds of hills. On a normal bike, I'm always routing myself through the Wiggle, which adds miles and miles to some rides.
Were you riding a 58" (large) frame or 52" (small) frame? Do mind sharing your in-seam length? I am 5'11" with 32" in-seam. I am having trouble deciding whether to choose 52" or 58" frame. I am afraid the seat on the 58 frame may not go low enough. Thanks.
How does this compare with the babymaker? 2
I just received my gravel edition, unfortunately the front wheel was so outta true when it arrived I was only able to give it a short test ride. Had to take the wheel to a bike shop to get fixed.
That being said, on my short test ride I was able to get it up to 25mph on flat terrain. I will try to do a full video review soon.
How much does the front wheel and tire weigh?
can it be upgraded to suspension fork bro?
Does this not have a throttle? I saw another review saying it did.
Micah, just curious, have you haver had your phone fall out of your back pocket while riding? Always wonder about that in every video!
Yea I noticed during editing that this pair of pants make it hang out more than normal, but no I've never lost it. Normally it just sticks out like 10% but the weight of a human on it keeps it in place. I did lose my wallet once riding an electric motorcycle, but I was wearing running shorts and so that was on me...
I’m not sure but this bike is very similar to the flx baby maker. Could it be made by the same company? Enquiring minds want to know.
Micah I know you enjoy suspension, so what are your thoughts on this zero-suspension beauty? Did you feel the need to visit a chiropractor after riding it? Was it unbearably jarring?
Erik, I must comment, have you ever done a 100 mile ride on a sports or road bike? This bicycle rides the similar to a $10,000 road bike, maybe not quite as fast because of the weight difference and small battery, but on the top power level for 15 - 17 miles it multiplies your efforts just like you are riding on a 16 pound bicycle that was made to fly over pavement and up hills if you are capable of using the capabilities of this amazing bicycle. No this is not a fat tire tank weight 75 pound ebike with heavy suspension that provides a marshmallow experience, or in any way related related to a bicycle you can't ride once the battery has exhausted its electrical power. The Ride1UP v2 or gravel rides like a road bike and road bike users know how to avoid potholes, water puddles, and raise their ass off the saddle to bunny hop when a speed bump is stretched across the width of the pavement in front of them at 20 miles a hour.
No one needs a chiropractor after riding a road bike on east coast poorly maintained pavement unless they are incapable of riding more than a bigbox balloon tire $90 bicycle with shiny paint...
Avadar C3 mid drive review????
Hello, how does the cadence sensor on this compare to the torque sensor on the Tenways? I understand the later is more natural but is it a huge deal? How smooth and responsive is the R1U Gravel? Thanks.
My friend has a Core-500 and the cadence sensor and motor combo is smooth and responsive, so although the Roadster motor is smaller it should be smooth and responsive too. I've owned both torque and cadence sensors, and I prefer cadence sensors because they give me better control over motor output.
@@erikkpritchard How does the cadence sensor give you more control? when you come to a hill, your cadence becomes slower, and motor believes you want less assist. With torque sensing your slower cadence does not mean anything, it is pedal pressure that that send signal to motor to provide motor assist. Even on a push bike climbing we apply more pressure on the pedals to climb hills.
@@jrnamida5470 well you could always shift gears to increase your pedal speed (but not on this bike lol)
Cannot find the gravel version of this bike anywhere on the Ride1up website? Any advice?
Find the roadster v2 link and under the color circle samples, click on the half yellow/gray option and it will take you right to the gravel edition. It's like ordering a In and Out secret menu item! Backordered until summer time jfi. Cool bike, I'm thinking about getting one!
Winner !
How hard is the bike to pedal without assist. I hear some can be harder than an unpowered normal bike.
Mounting screws and kit to attach a second battery would be nice. It would look like a tire pump and hardly change the aesthetic of the bike
Believe the gravel model uses the same mounting procedure as Ride1UP Roadster V 2 for it extended battery...
I think these should be called pebble bikes ! I have owned 4 Ebike , my first was an EzMotion Lynx with 6” travel and 2.75 X 2.35 MTB tires. We summer in western Canada and live rurally and I ride trails or REAL gravel roads. Even the EzMotion wasn’t great on real gravel roads. We now have 2 Ariel Ryder X class 52 volt. These are Gravel/off road bikes. My only complaint is the rear suspension is too firm but I’m swapping out the spring recommended by Rusty Roads. I guess if small 1/4 “ pebbles are considered gravel ,this might be ok.
World famous Strade Bianche (Italian for White Roads) stems from the historic white gravel roads in the Crete Senesi, which are a defining feature of the race. Lots of road bikes are used in these races, but they do have slip and slide of lose gravel larger than pebbles...
I don't like the single speed belt drive approach to ebikes. Yes, it's simpler, quieter, smoother and less maintenance but aside from the obvious downside of not having low enough gears for extended uphill climbs, it also is more inefficient their ebikes with gears. Like you've said in the video, the motor helps out with hills, meaning that the motor works harder a lot of the times, whereas if you go into 1st or 2nd gear, you can provide most of the work and the motor works less. The battery capacity in this Roadster V2, 7Ah, should be able to get 10-15 more miles of range with moderate pedaling if it was a gear drive.
Just a BIT larger battery would be a great update/upgrade. 35-40 miles would be just fine.
You can buy the add-on battery that essentially doubles the range
I really wanted and still want this! I can’t help but wonder…. If I were to take this with me flying from the us to Italy, assuming that would be possible or not too costly, would the non euro friendly motor be easily noticed? Is it only illegal if caught riding it? Is there a small chance no one would care?
Believe there is a battery restriction flying with your bicycle. Check but you can not take battery on the plane.
@@jrnamida5470 thanks for the heads up! I was wondering that as well but less concerned about it based on some experiences however this would have a larger battery than anything I ever brought previously, my only hope is how everything is fairly stealthy, but my real question I suppose would still be regarding the motor/ebike legalities, and wether they would begin and end at the airport customs or play out upon arrival in Italy?
@@SolarPunk80 Believe you could have Ride1up mail a battery - and you could take out the batter it ship with, leave the original battery with a friend to sell for you...
Is this is the 52 cm size? It looks a little big on you and you mentioned you're 5'7. Wondering because I'm thinking of purchasing one but I'm 5'5
Yes its the 52cm. To me it felt comfortable, maybe it's the low angle of the camera that makes it look big on me.
Jeans and boots in Florida. C’mon man!
Is it possible to replace the batteries in the frame?
Yes there is a panel on the downtube.
The link appears to connect to the standard Roadster v2, not the gravel edition. FYI.
You need to select the little orange circle in the color selection, that is the gravel edition, they do a poor job on the website explaining it rather than having it separate from the V2
What B B2 said ^
The fragmentation of anthropology is quite idyllic in its cleverness.
Time has little to do with infinity and jelly doughnuts.
We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!
I have the original V2. It seems to me the gravel has improved geometry as well. Do you feel this to be true?
Have you had any emails saying when the next V2 will be out?
@@buffalomind6838 No what are you expecting. The gravel edition just came out and the V2 just over a year ago.
@@foodforestretirement2799 It’s been well over a year, and the gravel bike has nothing to do with the 1st V2. We know a new yearly bike across the board is standard. Technology is improving constantly, so even when the yearly bike comes out there could’ve been 3 bikes in between especially for those brands which are living in the past with there minimal outdated updates when the “new” version for them comes out. However if you are content with how you see things enjoy.
What is up with that front hydraulic brake line going through the frame. Very Very unorthodox. Looks problematic.
It's mechanical, that's why. It's using the frame like bosses to hold the mechanical cable, just like mountain bikes do on the outside of the frame.
It’s just routed incorrectly.
Hi Micah. Do you think someone who is 5'2" would fit on the size small? Wife is looking into getting this!
I think it depends on standover height, For the smaller frame the website indicates a Stand-Over Height of 30.5 inches.
You know, you can buy an extra battery. It can be attached to where the water bottle goes.
I wanted and purchased and had them refund my money back in Nov. They were charging me tax. When other companies weren’t doing it. So I opted for another Single speed EBike. Also they had limited colors. I hope they bring it back. And deliver them
Why, oh why did they not add a Torque sensor and make this a best bicycle???
Totally agree! I'd be all over this if it had a torque sensor!
I like the bike but there's conflicting information on the website. The pictures don't show disc brakes, but the components section lists them. Two different tire sizes are shown too, Kenda Kwest 700Cx28 and WTB Resolute 700Cx42 as well as dual pivot and mechanical disc brakes. There is no option to select gravel over the road bike.
I had the same issue but noticed you have to select the grey/gold color option to get the Gravel bike. Then you can see the pictures with disc brakes and tire, etc... I guess their website didn't have the ability to select different bike types so they did it via color.
@@Dniper1 Thank You! Its well hidden!
Can you play around with the pedal intensity? So lets say i want to get more of a ‘workout’ and less assistance from the motor? You usually don’t bring that aspect up in your reviews… Thanks!!
That’s generally what the pedal assist mode is, and there are levels that you can choose in every ebike. Those levels are more like intensity of exercise levels on torque sensor based Ebikes though
@@Electrek excellent! Thanks!
I’m trying to choose a fairly priced ebike but also want to have the ability to get a ‘workout’ when I feel like it. Haha! Besides this brand, any other you’d recommend (under or around the $1k)
@@Luli408 Aventon Soltera is similar with gears and nice looks with sore other features for $1300 ($1200 single speed).
My Aventon Adventure has a top speed of 32mph and is 80lbs. Not sure why these road bikes aren’t faster.
I was told that this bike has a throttle, I am confused
I was sold. But that range. Oh well. Next version
They make a larger capacity battery for it. Edit: It's an add-on, not a larger battery: ride1up.com/product/roadster-battery/
@@charlienyc1 oh well id look at that but i didnt see such a model on website. ill look again
@@charlienyc1 well i looked at the company's website again, and if they do make a version of this gravel ebike with a larger battery, its not on their website for sale
@@charlienyc1 oh ok, well then thats something different. I dont like the look of those add on batteries, id prefer the hidden look of the stock bike. but thanks for the link.
I don’t even like e bikes but this is some thing good
WHY DOESN’T THIS COME IN A STEP THROUGH (women’s) MODEL?😩😭
Frame strength/weight, step through frames always weight more with needed extra frame strength/weight required to make them safe...
The problem is if you don’t live near bike paths like me and need to put the bike inside a car it won’t fit. I wish this had a foldable version.
Get a truck.
Get a Saris Bones bike rack . Awesome !
Your affiliate link goes to the non-gravel version. :(
5' 7"
It's over
Just wish it had gears 😢
We want one. How. Much. Do. The. Call me when you get a minute
Кто так кабели проложил при сборке? 🤦🏻♂️ Ну и механические тормоза, это странное решение
Even in reputedly flat NYC this wouldn't cut it on my local hills. For another $500 I'd rather have a Luna Fixed Stealth. Similar looks but a more powerful mid-drive, IGH & hydraulic brakes.
350 hub motor compared to 500 watt mid mounted motor with torque sensing for $500, or $600 more should fit your needs better with steeper hills.
@@jrnamida5470 There were no bargains when I first looked. I went DIY mid-drive over 5 years ago. I personally wouldn't go with a 500 watt but do have a 750 detuned for 500 and it's well beyond adequate.
Gravel edition.. with out fenders ?? a no no...
5’7”. I thought you were 6’ tall. 💁🏽♂️
to bad they discontinued this model and only have basic one lacking disc brakes. not on their website anyway when i looked today
I do not think they will discontinue this bike. It is still on the website, you have to select the gravel gtey color selection to see the bike.
This bike could be great, but it definitely needs gears and a 500 watt motor.
The range ishorrible. Base V2 gets 15-20 miles tops. This has to be worse with the different tires. Don't buy it unless you are good with $1300 ( after tax) for 15 miles of battery.
Really depends how you ride it. Plenty of people (me included) have gotten 35+ miles on it. But yes, if you constantly ride it in the most battery-draining mode, you'll get lower range.
Well your weight and terrain will also affect your battery. IMO the Roadster has always been the 'low key' e-bike for people who'll enjoy typical single speed riding until they encounter a hill or something you want to burn through at high speed, by ignoring the e part of the bike until you feel yourself struggling or you're seriously jonesing for speed, you'll probably ride for longer than 30 miles.
Btw, there's an additional battery extension you can throw onto it to extend the range to 55-60+ at the cost of telling the world you're on an e-bike.
That's fair, but Micah is also correct in pointing out that individual circumstances could make this the perfect size battery. My typical ride is 6-8 miles, maxing out at 12. So for me it would be perfect, and I would be happy to lose the extra battery weight.
Adding the water bottle disguised range extender for longer rides is not the end of the world. Not every ride needs to be done at 22 mph -- grocery store might only be 4 miles away, or cleaners shop is 6 miles. Commute is 12 miles then take the range extender if you can't charge in your office. Riders weigh, terrain/hills, wind, traffic, power level used and number of stoplights all effect the range of eBikes commutes...
It is meant for riders who want more of a pedal road bike than a motorcycle . Most people coming from the cycling world would want to have this type of e-bike where they won't be ridiculed by their road cycling buddies.
Can I put it on the front of a bus
You can put it under one
looks like a knock off Babymaker
Looking for options? Check out the newest edition to our E-Bike catalog, the Babymaker II! ua-cam.com/video/J1ARBD4lqa8/v-deo.html