Retrospec Chatham Rev+

The Retrospec Chatham Rev+ is a classic cruiser-style e-bike available with a step-through or high-step frame.

Let’s see how this recently released model from Retrospec performs in our tests and how it stacks up against similarly priced cruiser electric bikes.

What Is the Retrospec Chatham Rev+?

The Chatham Rev+ is defined on the Retrospect website as “A casual cruiser bike that brings modern convenience alongside classic cruiser comfort.”

This bike is pleasing to the eye and looks well crafted, but it’s quite basic under the hood, in line with its affordable price tag.

The Chatham Rev+ has an underwhelming build, including budget components like the Shimano TX50 Shifter, mechanical brakes, and a lack of suspension.

However, it is enjoyable to ride and easy to operate. Its peppy 500W motor feels powerful and quick to accelerate.

Pros

Peppy 500W Motor

The Chatham Rev+’s 500W motor is powerful and offers good torque for accelerating from a stopped position.

I was immediately impressed with the responsiveness. It felt powerful from the moment I started spinning the cranks. The motor has enough kick to climb all but the steepest hills.

Good Looks

The classic cruiser look of the Chatham Rev+ is easy on the eyes. Retrospec did a great job designing the bike, and the paint job shines.

The full color-matched chain guard is a nice touch to keep your pants clean. The brown tire sidewalls, leather grips, and seat also match wonderfully.

Cons

Battery Indicator

The battery indicator frustrated me during the range test. During the first half, the battery appeared to maintain a steady level. It reduced to 60% (three of five bars) in a consistent manner.

The charge kept depleting until only two bars remained, then one. At this point, the motor cut, meaning the indicator uses the final bar as 0%, which is confusing. I don’t like when the display works this way.

With a range of 23 miles for the 500Wh battery, the Chatham Rev+’s range is on par with e-bikes with similar-sized batteries. Unfortunately, the battery indicator isn’t clear if you want to estimate the remaining range.

Basic Components & Accessories

The Chatham Rev+ has a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and mechanical brakes. These entry-level parts are very basic and similar to components found on bikes in big box stores.

The bike also lacks accessories like fenders and a rear rack. Of course, this bike is priced at the lower end of the spectrum, but these items cost more to add, and many competing models have them.

What Does It Do Best?

The Chatham Rev+ is built to cruise and does so over pavement and hard-packed gravel. However, without suspension, it’s best to avoid rougher terrain.

It looks great and makes a pleasant companion for riding along beach paths or through town. It’s easy to use, and the powerful 500W motor keeps you from sweating.

Overall, the Chatham Rev+ is a good, affordable bike for having fun. It’s perfect for any beach town or vacation spot. However, budget the cost of adding fenders and racks if you intend to use this bike for commuting.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The budget TX50 shifter, mechanical brakes, and lack of suspension are disappointing. Additionally, the lack of fenders and a rack means commuters must spend more to equip their bike.

The Chatham is a recreational ride for traveling around town, down to the beach, or your local hang-out. Anyone looking for a high-performance machine should look elsewhere.

Conclusion

This is a laid-back, powerful cruiser e-bike that is fun to ride. While it has its drawbacks, the affordable price and great looks make it easy to love.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2
Warranty: Electrical (excluding battery) 2 Years | Battery, frame, fork – 1 Year | All other components – 6 months
Model Year: 2023
Battery Weight:
Total Weight: 59.2lb
Motor Brand: Unknown
Motor Type: Rear Hub
Motor Nominal Output: 500W
Max Torque: 55Nm
Battery: 48V – 10.4Ah (500Wh)
Range Claimed: 52+ Miles
Range Tested: 23.05 mi | 846 ft. | 1h 17m
Top Speed: 20mph
Throttle: Thumb
Pedal Assist: Yes
Charger: 48V 2A
Charge Time: 6 hours
Display: B&W LCD
Frame: 6061 Aluminum
Fork: Aluminum
Brake Levers: Tektro mechanical
Brake Calipers: Tektro mechanical
Brake Rotors: 180mm
Chain: KMC
Crankset: 42t
Derailleur: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
Shifter: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
Freewheel: Shimano 14-34t
Rims: 26” Alloy
Spokes: 13G
Tires: 26” x 3” Compass – Puncture protection
Fenders: Not included
Lights: Front integrated light – Rear external (battery)
Grips: Faux leather lock-on
Handlebar: Cruiser-style
Kickstand: Single-sided
Pedals: PP Platform
Max. Total Capacity: 350lb

Frame and Geometry

Laid-back cruiser bars keep you comfortable and in control with an upright riding style. The bike also has a decent height range, fitting 5’2″ to 6’1″.

The bike is comfortable to ride and pedal, offering quick acceleration and pleasant performance overall. It is comfortable at higher speeds, and the frame feels sturdy.

Bumps and uneven ground can be jarring with no front suspension. Even with oversized 3″ tires, the bike is unforgiving over bumpy terrain.

Seat Tube (A): 16.5″ (cm)
Reach (B): 19” (42cm)
Stack (C): 23” (48cm)
Stand Over Height (D): 22” (56cm)
Virtual Top Tube Length (E): 24.5” (62cm)
Wheelbase (F): 34” (86 cm)
Min Saddle Height: 40” (102 cm)
Max Saddle Height: 51” (130cm)
Recommended Rider Height: 5’2” – 6’1”

Motor

The 500W motor is unbranded but feels peppy with decent torque (55Nm). At higher battery levels, it offers good power from a dead stop. Overall, the motor proved capable in our hill tests.

Cockpit and Control

The layout of the bike is simple, and this carries through to the cockpit. There is a large display in the center, which is controlled by a three-button pad on the left side.

The display is basic and offers minimal information, such as battery level, speed, and trip or lifetime odometer. The battery indicator has five bars but uses the final bar as 0 percent, so it is actually a four-bar indicator. This is confusing and could leave you stranded, thinking the battery should still have 20% capacity.

Holding the up button activates and deactivates the front headlight, and a long press and hold of the down button activates walk mode.

Battery

The 48V 10.4Ah battery (500Wh) is about average for this type of bike. However, the battery is capable of more than it appears. It lasted 23 miles at its maximum assist level.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The battery is located on the underside of the down tube and removed using the key slot on the down tube. Turning the key releases the battery so you can pull it out using the tab located beside the keyhole.

Charging can be done on or off the bike. A full charge cycle takes about six hours using the 2A charger.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is a typical entry-level setup: Shimano Tourney with a TX50 shifter. The 14-34t cassette is adequate for the 20mph top speed.

While this drivetrain setup does not offer any real issues on the bike, it’s about as basic as you can get.

Brakes

It’s surprising to see a set of mechanical brakes on a newly released e-bike now, even one as affordable as the Chatham Rev+. The Tektro mechanical brakes are easier to adjust, but as a budget component, they need adjustment often and are less powerful than hydraulic discs.

Despite the budget brake setup, the Chatham Rev+ performed well in the braking test, with shorter stopping distances than several bikes we’ve tested.

Braking Distance Results

Wheels, Tires

The 26″ x 3″ tires have minimal tread but offer good traction, even on wet pavement. These Compass tires also feature 3mm of puncture protection, a nice touch at this price point.

I was impressed with the tire’s ability to maintain traction during the brake test. The tires appear well matched to the bike’s capabilities. As mentioned, the Chatham Rev+ does not have fenders, which is problematic when riding in wet conditions.

Safety

The Chatham Rev+ has an integrated headlight and an externally powered taillight. The bike has a brake motor cut-off switch, which cuts power from the motor when the brakes are applied.

Kickstand

This bike has a standard single-sided kickstand, which functions well with no issues.

Contact Points

The contact points are comfortable and stylishly matched to the bike’s aesthetics.

Grips

Lock-on faux leather grips are comfortable and perform well. They aren’t the most durable, but they function well and don’t slip on the bars. The color also matches well with the seat and tire sidewall.

Saddle

The cruiser saddle offers a comfortable platform for rides exceeding 20 miles. It’s plush and doesn’t cause discomfort when pedaling. Additionally, it matches the grips and tires, bringing the whole bike together.

Pedals

The PP Platform pedals are a component we haven’t seen before. They are flat textured pedals and are surprisingly grippy; I didn’t slip even in wet conditions.