Magnum Ranger 2.0

What Is the Magnum Ranger 2.0?

The Ranger 2.0 by Magnum is a big, cruiser-style e-bike featuring a laid-back ride position and high-rise bars that resemble a chopper bike.

With its 750W motor and an impressive 20Ah battery, this bike brings high-speed fun and riding range. Now, let’s put the Magnum Ranger 2.0 through our tests to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Pros

High-Capacity Battery

The large 20Ah battery can power the Ranger 2.0 for over 30 miles at the max assist level. We like to see a high-capacity battery on heavy-duty e-bikes like this to ensure you can ride without range anxiety. The semi-integrated battery is also easy to install and remove.

Magnum pairs the battery and motor with a well-programmed controller. The controller reduces power output as battery voltage decreases, limiting your top speed and extending range.

The bike also gives lots of visual cues to recharge before it dies and will keep going when the five-bar battery indicator reaches zero, allowing you to limp home if you’ve pushed the limits.

Awesome Cruiser Ride Position

The Ranger 2.0 has a laid-back, relaxed riding position. This is reminiscent of a chopper bike, with its high-rise handlebars. Buyers looking for a comfortable ride will appreciate this design.

Powerful Motor

The Ranger 2.0 is fast, whether using the throttle or PAS. The 750W motor provides more than enough power to tackle steep hills. Riders can also unlock the top speed to 28mph on pedal assist.

Cons

Large and Bulky

Like most bikes in this category, the Ranger 2.0 is quite bulky. Fat tires, a large frame, and high-rise handlebars make it challenging to maneuver through tight spaces.

At 76lb, the bike is also heavy. The size and weight rule out lifting or carrying the bike regularly. Buyers should consider where they will store the bike; those needing to take it into an elevator or up many stairs may want to look at other options.

Ghost Pedaling

The Ranger 2.0’s 7-speed 14-28t cassette and 48t chainring lack the gear range needed for a Class 3 bike capable of reaching 28mph. A wider 8-speed 11-32t cassette or larger 52t chainring would better suit this bike.

Because of the limited gearing, I found myself spinning out at high speeds. The bike is also heavy, so more gearing would make it easier to get started from a stopped position.

What Does It Do Best?

Those looking for a motorcycle-inspired ride with lots of power will enjoy the Ranger 2.0. The unusual hands-high, laid-back position, large tires, and powerful 750W motor provide an exciting and comfortable ride. The bike also has a rear rack for commuting or running errands around town.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The Ranger 2.0 is a large machine, even for a fat-tire e-bike. The size may limit your ability to move between cars and obstacles in urban environments. The bike is also cumbersome to lift or carry, so potential buyers should consider how they will store it at home.

The weight and oversized tires also limit the ability to use standard bike racks. An e-bike-specific rack with fat tire compatibility and a high weight capacity is required for the Ranger 2.0.

Conclusion

The main drawbacks of the Magnum Ranger 2.0 are the size and weight. The cruiser-style geometry also means it’s not the ideal bike for full-time commuting, so the target market may be slightly smaller than other do-it-all fat-tire electric bikes.

Nonetheless, this is a fast, fun, and comfortable e-bike, and the large battery, powerful motor, and moto-inspired design make it an appealing option.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 3
Warranty: 1-year limited
Battery Weight: 9lb
Total Weight: 76lb
Motor Brand: Bafang
Motor Type: Rear-hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 80Nm
Battery: 48V 20Ah (960Wh)
Range Claimed: Up to 65 Miles
Range Tested: 33.71 mi – 1,512 feet
Speed: 28mph max (ships as 25mph)
Throttle: Trigger
Pedal Assist: 7-speed
Charger: 3A Output
Charge Time: 10 Hours
Display: 3.5” monochrome, backlit LCD
Frame: 6061 aluminum
Fork: 70mm coil suspension
Brake Levers: Hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Dual piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm front+rear
Chain: KMC
Crankset: Alloy, 48t, 170mm
Derailleur: Shimano Altus 7-speed
Shifter: Shimano Revoshift 7-speed
Freewheel: Shimano 7-Speed (14-28t)
Rims: 26” Alloy
Tires: 26” x 4”
Fenders: Yes
Lights: Front+rear integrated
Grips: Leather ergonomic non-locking
Handlebar: Cruiser/riser, 100mm rise
Stem: Adjustable stem
Kickstand: Single-sided
Pedals: Wellgo platform
Max. Total Capacity: 330lb

Frame and Geometry

The Ranger 2.0 has a limited height range for riders from 5’5″ and up. It has a short reach measurement of only 10.75″, but it doesn’t feel cramped. This is because of the seatpost, which puts the rider further back in a reclined seating position.

The Ranger 2.0 has a high, feet-forward pedaling position, and the handlebar height is much higher than usual, in the style of a chopper bike.

The comfort from the laid-back geometry is enhanced by the 70mm suspension fork and sprung saddle for added comfort.

The total length (78″) and width (28″) and high weight mean this is a bulky and heavy e-bike, so consider how you will store and transport it before purchasing.

Frame Size: 20”
Seat Tube: 20″ (51cm)
Reach: 10.75” (27cm)
Stand Over Height: 34.5” (88cm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 22.5” (57cm)
Min Saddle Height: 25.25” (64cm)
Max Saddle Height: 31.25” (79.5cm)
Wheelbase: 49.25” (125cm)
Recommended Minimum Rider Height: 5’5”

Motor

A 750W rear hub motor from Bafang powers the Ranger 2.0 and offers a 1000W peak output and 80Nm of torque. This is sufficient to quickly reach the top speed or overcome steep gradients. It’s great to see a powerful motor on a cruiser bike like this because the geometry makes for inefficient pedaling.

Acceleration:

• Assist Level: Max
• 0-20mph: 12 seconds
• 0-20mph Throttle: 12 seconds
• 0-28mph PAS: 22 seconds

Short Hill Climb:

• Time: 02:32
• Distance: 0.96 mi
• Elevation Gain: 79  ft.
• Max grade: 6%
• Avg Speed:  22.8mph

Medium Hill Climb:

• Time: 02:24
• Distance: 0.64mi
• Elevation Gain:  230 ft.
• Max grade: 16%
• Avg Speed:  16.1mph

Cockpit and Control

The Ranger 2.0 has an adjustable stem and 100mm-rise cruiser bars, which are well laid out. On the left side, there is a thumb throttle and a four-button control pad for the display.

The large 3.5″ display is mounted in the center and shows current speed, power output, assist level, trip time, top speed, and odometer. The Ranger 2.0 also has a USB port on the battery for charging devices as you ride.

Battery

The 48V, 20Ah (960Wh) battery matches the motor and provides a considerable range. The battery lasted over 33 miles at maximum assist with plenty of climbing, which is excellent for a high-speed bike.

The controller is programmed to taper the battery’s output as voltage decreases. The battery monitor is accurate, and the motor provides assistance until it dies.

Range Test:

• Distance: 33.71 mi
• Elevation: 1,512  ft.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The Ranger 2.0’s battery is semi-integrated on the left of the frame, which makes for easy removal and installation.

Integrated batteries must typically be pulled up and out of the frame, making removal tricky. However, this battery easily clears the top tube, making it straightforward to remove. The locking mechanism holds the battery securely and doesn’t require the keys for installation.

Charging can be done on or off the bike using the same slot and takes around 10 hours with the 3A charger.

Drivetrain

The Ranger 2.0 has a Shimano Revoshift twist shifter with a small display that indicates the selected gear. I personally prefer the feel and functionality of trigger shifters, but this gets the job done.

The 48t crankset and 7-speed 14-28t cassette are basic and don’t offer the range I would like for this bike with its high top speed of 28mph. As mentioned, I noticed ghost pedaling at high speeds, and with the higher weight, I would like a lower gear for getting started from a stopped position.

Brakes

The brakes are unbranded dual-piston hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors. During testing, they performed well compared to other bikes in this class. The aluminum levers are comfortable, too.

Braking Distance Results

20 mph: 21.5  ft.

25 mph:  27 ft.

Wheels, Tires, Fenders

The Ranger 2.0 has 26″ wheels and 4″ Compass tires with smooth tread. The tires are suitable for paved roads, hardpacked surfaces like gravel and dirt trails, or softer terrain like sand.

This bike features durable aluminum fenders on the front and rear, which function well and seem durable.

Safety

The Ranger has brake inhibitors to assist you in stopping and motor control in busy environments. It also comes with bright lights in the front and rear. These are controlled by the display and powered by the battery. Reflectors in the wheels and Wellgo platform pedals also add to visibility.

Kickstand

The Magnum Ranger 2.0 has a standard single-sided kickstand, which functions well and poses no issues.

Contact Points

Grips

The Ranger 2.0 has the basic leather grips often used on bikes like this. While they offer adequate grip, they move around on the bars. I personally prefer a lock-on rubber grip.

Seat

I found the Ranger 2.0’s saddle to be comfy and functional. It’s large, with cushioning and polymer springs, but it didn’t affect my pedaling, as some larger seats have done.

Pedals

The standard Wellgo platform pedals are perfectly functional. They have small pegs that offer good traction, and the pedals are large enough to fit most people’s feet. These pedals are fine for a budget item.

Accessories

The Ranger 2.0 comes with a rear rack with an integrated bungee cord, front and rear lights, and fenders. Magnum also sells an assortment of optional accessories or replacements for the Ranger 2.0, such as a front rack, extra battery, or knobbly tires.