Magicycle Deer

Intro

Welcome back! We are behind the handlebars, spinning the cranks and putting some dirt under the wheels. I’m Scott and today, on BikeRide.com Reviews, we are looking at the Magicycle Deer SUV. It’s a big bike and its manufacturer Magicycle has some even bigger claims to make about it. Apparently inspired by the concept of fusing a step-through commuter bike, trekking e-bike, and a full-suspension e-bike, the Deer tries to bring something for everyone.

The Deer’s creators claim riders can “dominate any mountain bike trail”, on this “e-bike SUV ready for long-range rides” and “give a comfortable and smooth ride over bumpy terrain, even with cargo.”

Well, I hope the Deer SUV can make some magic happen because it’s going to take more than a few tricks to make those claims come true. Let’s put the Magicycle Deer to the test and see which claim is the first to disappear in a puff of smoke.

What Is the Magicycle Deer E-SUV?

The Magicycle Deer is an all-terrain, full-suspension, cargo e-bike with fat tires. It’s available in both step-through and high-step variants, with an included rear rack and fenders. A high-step variant, more focused on off-road riding and lacking the rack and fenders, is also available.

The step-through model is the version we tested. It’s equipped with removable racks, plastic fenders, 26” × 4.0” tires, a 7-speed drivetrain and a 750W motor. The bike features a 100 mm front suspension fork and a 1000 lb rear coil spring. The Deer attempts to bring you the best of multiple styles; offering cushioning, comfort, cargo space and capability.

Pros

A Comfortable, Seated Ride Over Rough Terrain

The Deer SUV offers a cushioned ride while seated. The full suspension frame and large tires soak up bumps both on pavement and off-road. Riding on rocky and rooty surfaces is easy and the bike is comfortable to pedal while seated, over uneven surfaces. The geometry of the bike offers a more straight-backed riding stance. This makes seated riding more comfortable than standing in a more MTB inspired stance. The bike design seems to anticipate this and the rear suspension works hard to give a smooth ride. The bike can speed along double-track trails and wide forest roads comfortably, at 25 mph, absorbing bumps and dips with ease.

Fast and Reliable Performance in Its Element

The 750W rear hub motor is powerful, offering good torque and top speed. Linked with a half-twist throttle, it allows you to easily take off from a stop without the need to pedal. Without power, the bike is bulky and heavy to maneuver. This feeling fades quickly, as the bike accelerates under power.

While turning or dodging roots and bumps at speed, I found its ability to maneuver reasonable, considering this e-bike’s size and weight. When cruising, you can carve back and forth comfortably with the wide tires offering a moto-inspired ride at speed.

The bike eats up miles over rough terrain and is a pleasure to ride in most circumstances. Its weight and size make it more challenging on tight technical trails, where it does not shine so brightly. Despite this, on pavement and trails wider than singletrack, the ride is consistent. I found that the Deer lives up to the brand’s claims concerning its ability to accelerate and maneuver over rough terrain.

Display & Customization

The full-color display is large and offers a nice range of options and customization, including some advanced custom features that would be beneficial for those that like to tinker, upgrade and improve. Some examples of these options are:

• Battery voltage
• Customization of power for assist levels (percent of assist up to 100%)
• Customized number of assist levels (0-3,1-3,0-5,1-5,0-7,1-7,0-9,1-9)
• Slow start
• Speed sensor (number of magnets)
• Wheel size

It’s great to see this amount of options on a display that’s really easy to view and operate. I do not see many people being disappointed in the display and options available.

Cons

Not a True E-MTB
As a mountain biker, I need to refute a few claims from Magicycle’s website. The first is the claim that the Deer will “dominate any mountain bike trail.” The second is that the “full suspension system is what makes the Deer like a real electric mountain bike for off-road riding.” I will admit that the full suspension setup lends the Magicycle Deer a comfortable ride and that it’s a very capable bike for handling a variety of ‘off-road’ terrain. The two key items keeping this bike from being able to “handle any mountain bike trail” are its weight, weight distribution and overall handling.

Mountain bikes need to have the ability to climb and descend single track and to pop the front tire or ‘manual’, to effectively allow the bike to safely drop down over roots and rocks or climb up over obstacles.

The Deer; due to its weight, size, tires and the lack of a torque sensor, combine to form a worrying climb on technical or slippery terrain. At slow speeds, the bike is heavy and cumbersome. The motor is powerful and programmed for torque. Without a torque sensor to control the input, it’s challenging to apply the right amount of power. When climbing slippery areas like rocks, roots or woodwork, you can easily spin out the rear wheel, no matter your position or assist level. The ‘on-off’ feel of the rear hub motor is not made for technical trail riding.

The Deer’s rear-wheel hub motor and frame design combine to make this e-bike rear-heavy, making for an interesting feeling if you do manage to get some distance off the ground. The bike is not meant to jump, and while it can pop and drop on trails, it requires higher speeds. This makes it impractical and challenging on technical downhill descents due to the weight and power needed to maneuver it.

Finally, the step-through frame has a decent amount of side-to-side wobble at the pivot points for the rear wheel and frame. So much so that shifting your weight back and forth while riding on flat ground makes the bike flex at its center point. While this did not seem to affect riding, it makes me question the frame’s longevity. I would be examining the Deer’s two rear pivot points for failure, following extended off-road riding.

Another feature that keeps the Deer back from its full potential off-road, is the lack of a clutch on the Shimano Alivio derailleur. This results in a ton of chain slap as the bike travels over rough terrain. Also, the bike’s fenders seem to make contact with its tires on harder impacts, specifically in the rear. We only have the step-through model but it seems the high-step version, with its lack of fenders or a rack, would be more comfortable off-road.

Misleading Battery Range Claims

The battery range seems to be overstated, or at least they have chosen to highlight ranges only possible at the lowest assist levels. During our range test at maximum assist (level 7) we got good overall mileage from the battery, but still far below the claimed range. At 30 miles, I would prefer the brand be transparent about its range when using high assist levels, rather than giving an unrealistically high battery range. Who is going to be pedaling a 95 lb bike at the lowest assist level? It’s unreasonable to think someone would want to pedal this thing for 80 miles at such low speeds.

This con is more about the brand overstating the range than the battery under-performing. 30 miles is a long way, and most consumers would be satisfied with that amount of range at continuous maximum assistance.

Range Test:

A Tight Fit for Tall Riders

The Deer only comes in a single size and the brand claims this will fit riders 5’5” – 6’8”. Personally, as a 6’0” person, I found the 18” frame felt small. Even with the seat at maximum extension, I struggled to find an optimal pedaling position. I do not see anyone taller than 6’0” feeling more comfortable. Magicycle seemed to try a one-size-fits-all approach, and could have benefited from offering different frame sizes.

Heavy and BIG

The Deer is 92.3 lb with 4.0” inch tires and a big, bulky frame. The bike is a beast. It’s a chore to maneuver unpowered and I do not enjoy lifting it one bit. Riders will need ground-level indoor storage space for the bike. Maneuvering it upstairs or indoors is not viable, and elevators will be a challenge. Bike racks will also be struggling under the weight and size of the tires, you will need an E-Bike-specific rack designed for fat tires. Overall the weight and size of the bike are considerable and should be taken into consideration by anyone looking to buy the bike.

What Does It Do Best?

The most notable attribute of the Deer is its ability to comfortably travel over rough terrain in a seated position at 25 mph. As a commuter or recreational off-road bike, the Deer performs very well. The throttle powers you to 25 mph, a nifty attribute that other bikes do not match.

The bike also has an autopilot function. This feature maintains your speed, without any need to touch the throttle, after holding it for more than ten seconds. The autopilot deactivates when you next touch the brake or throttle.

The suspension is also very enjoyable for off-road recreational riding as it offers a comfy, seated ride. Plus, with 30 miles of range on maximum assist, it’s miles of fun.

Who Should Buy This Bike?

This bike shines for recreational riders looking to head off-road and onto mixed terrain in comfort. It would also do well for commuters with access to ground-level space to store their bike at both ends of their commute. Its speed and comfort, traveling over any terrain, are a benefit, and its cargo capability would be perfect for commuting. It could also work well for someone doing deliveries or pulling a small trailer. It has the power and capacity to work for several hours on end.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

Those inspired to hit the trails will find the bike fun and fairly capable. But if you dream of technical terrain, or are looking to push the limits and get in the air, this is not the bike for you. I would not recommend the Deer to any person looking to get into e-mountain biking on serious trails. At this price point, if you are looking for a mountain-bike-specific offering, you could get more bang for your buck with a purpose-built ride.

Conclusion

So, the Deer SUV from Magicycle didn’t disappear in a puff of smoke! It showed it has a few tricks up its sleeve, with the best of the bunch being the smooth off-road ride and powerful hub motor. Combined together, this makes for a bike that glides over rough terrain on wider paths and roads, easily handling anything a recreational rider could throw at it. Beware! If you are looking for something to conquer mountain-bike-specific trails, this is not it. But those looking for a mix of function, fun, suspension and power will be satisfied (if you can handle the 93 lb overall weight of the unit, of course).

I’m Scott with BikeRide.com, and that’s the Magicycle Deer SUV. Check out the full specs on the bike (below) as we go through the unit in detail.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2 (with programmable 28 mph speed limit.)
Warranty: 2 Years (frame, battery, parts & components)
Model Year: 2023
Total Weight: 92.3 lb
Motor Brand: Magicycle
Motor Type: Geared Hub (Brushless, IP55)
Motor Output – Nominal: 750W
Motor Torque 96 Nm
Cadence Sensor:12-Magnet
Battery: 52V 20Ah LG lithium battery
Range – Claimed: 60-80 mi
Range – Tested: 30 mi (assist level 7)
Top Speed: 28 mph
Throttle: Half-twist
Pedal Assist: 7-Level throttle assist (alternative options available in the menu)
Controller: 52V 750W FOC smart controller, Current range: 7-22Ah (IPX8)
Charger: 52V 3A
Charge Time: 4-7 hours
Display:Color LCD with USB charging
Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
Frame Size: 18”
Fork: 100mm unbranded coil suspension fork with hydraulic lockout
Brake Levers: Bengal Ares 3B Hydraulic (mineral oil)
Brake Calipers: Bengal Ares 3B Hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm
Chain: KMC
Cranks: 170MM, alloy
Chainring: 48t
Bashguard: Dual-sided
Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
Shifter: Shimano Tourney TX50
Freewheel: Shimano, 14-28t
Tires: Kenda 26″ × 4.0″
Fenders: Plastic (included with step-through and high-step touring models)
Lights: Integrated, front and rear
Grips: Leather
Handlebar: Riser bars, width: 27.56″
Kickstand: Single-sided
Pedals: Wellgo, alloy, platform
Maximum Carrying Capacity: 400 lb (rider and cargo)

Frame and Geometry

The Deer is offered in two styles; a high-step and step-through model. We are reviewing the step-through model, with its included fenders and rear rack. The step-through frame offers a pleasant way to get on the bike but does result in some frame flex. This is most noticeable when riding on level pavement and shifting your weight from side to side. The bike visibly flexes laterally at the rear pivot points in a wobbling manner. This does not seem to affect the performance but could affect long-term durability. The frame feels comfortable off-road, with the rear suspension (which is tucked into the bottom triangle), working hard. A robust lower triangle, fashioned from aluminum, surrounds the bike’s bottom bracket. This is supposed to assist with performance and limit flex.

The Deer’s geometry makes for a straighter-backed riding style than I expected, resulting in a cruisey and comfortable ride while seated.

Motor

The brushless geared rear hub motor is rated for 750W and 96 Nm of torque. The motor showed good power output under testing but suffered when faced with hills of a grade steeper than 15%. This could be due to the extreme weight of the bike rather than a lack of power. At 93 lb, the motor needs to apply a significant amount of power to get moving from a low speed.

During regular riding the motor was powerful and pleasant. The Deer is easily able to carry you to its top speed and maintain it, whether using pedal assist or throttle. The throttle is capable of carrying you up to 25 mph, which is faster than most throttle-equipped bikes will allow.

Acceleration Test: 0 MPH to 20 MPH

0-20 mph – Throttle Only: 8 seconds
0-20 mph – Pedal Assist Level 5: 7 seconds
0-20 mph – Pedal Assist Level 7: 7 seconds

Assist Level Speeds (on default settings: Class 2)

1: 9 mph
2: 9 mph
3: 13.5 mph
4: 18 mph
5: 21 mph
6: 22 mph
7: 23 mph

Display

The Magicycle Deer e-bike features a large full-color display with an integrated USB port. The unit is easy to see, has a large screen and is located in the center of the bike’s handlebars. The display is controlled by a four-button unit on the left side of the cockpit.

A long press of the power button will activate the unit. After turning it on you see a display showing:

• Battery level graphic and percentage
• Clock
• Motor output in watts
• Speedometer
• Current pedal assist level

A section of the display allows you to toggle between:

• Trip time
• Trip distance
• Odometer
• Max speed
• Average speed

The up and down buttons cycle through the standard seven assist levels and a ‘P’ or ‘park mode’ which provides no power to the throttle or pedal assist.

Power assist level in different modes
P: No power for throttle or pedal assist
∅: Throttle power only, no pedal assist
1: 20 %
2: 30 %
3: 45 %
4: 60 %
5: 75 %
6: 90 %
7: 100 %

Pressing and holding the up and down buttons simultaneously for two seconds opens the menu. The menu offers lots of functionality and allows you to change many aspects of how the bike responds. It’s a great additional feature for this bike.

The initial menu offers changes such as:

• Wheel size
• Speed limit (8-28 mph)
• Set limit
• Display brightness
• Unit voltage
• Advanced options
• Dormancy settings
• Units
• Password protection
• Factory reset
• Display options

Going into the advanced options allows you to change even more settings such as the:

• Speed Sensor Magnets (amount)
• Power Assist Sensor Magnets (amount)
• Change Power: 0-3 & 1-3, 0-5 & 1-5, 0-7 & 1-7, 0-9 & 1-9
• Controller Over-Current Cut
• Sensitivity
• Slow Start
• SOC (State of Charge) Percentage
• Clock

Overall, the display offers a ton of customization, which is something we don’t often see. It’s a great option and I am sure some people are really going to be able to use that as a launchpad to customize these bikes for different uses.

Battery

The battery is large and, when charged, fairly potent. At 52V, it is a higher voltage than the standard e-bike battery, which should increase efficiency. The battery uses LG 21700 cells. Our range test produced good results, but far below the range claimed by Magicycle in their advertising.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The battery is charged by a 3.0A fast smart charger, with a charge time of 4 to 7 hours. The charger actually has its own cooling fan built-in, which is interesting.

The battery can be charged on the bike through the charging port, or the unit can be removed and brought inside for easy access. The battery is removed by turning the key, and releasing the battery lever. Watch the front fork, as it needs to be properly positioned to insert and remove the battery. The battery is heavy, but well concealed and securely held in the bike.

Drivetrain

The Deer has a Shimano TX50 7-speed shifter with a Shimano 14-28t rear freewheel. Despite this being a standard setup we see on lots of e-bikes, something about the weight and setup of the Deer makes it feel inadequate. The gearing feels misplaced. In its lowest gear you still struggle to climb steep hills and at its highest you feel like your pedal cadence is uncomfortably fast. Between these extremes, the drivetrain functions well, and the shifting is as expected for the T50. During off-road use, the lack of a clutch on the derailleur results in a significant amount of chain slap and rattle. As a reliable recreational component, the Shimano drivetrain on the Deer is an acceptable choice, though it leaves something to be desired.

Brakes

The brakes are Bengal Ares 3B Hydraulic with mineral oil, and the levers offer no reach adjustment. They are coupled to a set of 180 mm rotors, front and rear. Combined, the braking is comfortable and reliable. It functioned without issue on the trail in a variety of situations and brought the bike to a stop effectively. The bike has a tendency to slide due to rear weight, especially when braking with the rear tire primarily. So be prepared when traveling downhill on slippery terrain to feather those brakes and be mindful, a slide when braking is almost guaranteed.

The bike performed well in our brake tests:

Wheels, Tires

The Magicycle Deer rides on a set of wide rims supporting 26” × 4.0” Kenda tires. The tires are knobby and offer a good grip whether on pavement or off-road. The wide tires do add to the comfort of the ride, and with variable pressure from 5 to 30 psi, you can find a good pressure for any riding location.

Safety

The bike has an integrated front headlight and rear brake light, as well as reflectors on the wheels, pedals and tire walls. The Deer also has brake switches on both brake levers to cut power to the motor when braking.

Contact Points

I personally dislike these leather grips that seem to be popping up on e-bikes. I don’t find them functional or overly flattering for the bike. On the contrary, I think they are very slippery and I dislike how they can easily twist up and down. I would swap these for a set of straight lock-on grips any day.

The seat is large and relatively plush. It’s different than what you would expect to find on an ‘off-road’ bike, but at least it’s not overly uncomfortable.

The Wellgo platform pedals are a standard feature on many e-bikes and they are a fine platform. The pedals provide reasonable traction and I don’t find many negatives with them.

Accessories

Magicycle offers a range of accessories for the bike. These include:

• Locks
• Bags & Panniers
• Pet Trailer
• Racks
• Baskets
• Helmets
• Lights
• Bike Parts and Accessories