Ride1UP 700 Series

The 700 Series from Ride1UP is regarded by many as the ideal commuter bike, given its affordable price and feature-rich design. In this review, we’ll put the 700 Series through our standard set of tests to see how it stands up to the competition. Keep reading to see the results of our third Ride1UP e-bike review.

What Is the Ride1UP 700 Series?

The 700 Series is a well-designed commuter bike with components that defy this price point. Tektro hydraulic brakes and an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain are a step above other bikes in the same price range.

In addition, it has a suspension fork and a 500W Bafang motor that propels the bike up to 28mph. The result is a comfortable and powerful commuter e-bike.

Pros

High Top Speed

The 700 Series is a Class 3 e-bike that can reach top speeds of 28mph. You can save time by zipping along at 28mph instead of the Class 2 limit of 20mph. If you plan to commute full-time on your new e-bike, that extra speed will be a game changer.

Also, you travel much closer to the same speed as cars on low-speed urban roads. Matching the speed of the traffic makes you feel safer.

Complete Package

The bike has accessories like front and rear lights, a rear rack, and fenders. It also has mounting points for a bottle cage and rear panniers so you can take on even more gear. Ride1UP has equipped this bike with everything you need to get out on the road and start bike commuting.

Well Priced

The 700 Series is a mainstay in the Ride1UP lineup and has dropped in price since its first release. It offers better value than most similar bikes at this price.

High-quality features like an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic brakes stand out, and the Zoom suspension fork, lights, and fenders add further value.

The 700 Series is a complete package ready to be ridden and enjoyed as sold.

Cons

Front Wheel Wobble

During testing, the front wheel was unstable when I wasn’t gripping both handlebars. The bike began to wobble when I released one or both hands from the bars, so this is a two-handed ride only.

While this may seem like a strange con, I thought it was worth mentioning as the two other Ride1UP bikes I’ve reviewed (the Prodigy and Cafe Cruiser) could both be ridden at high speed with no hands on the bars, without this wobble.

Low Range At High Assist

The 700 Series falls short of Ride1UP’s 30 to 50-mile range estimate, at least on the highest assist level. The 500W motor works hard to push the bike at its 28mph limit, resulting in shorter riding range. Dropping the assist to level three or four would extend the range to hit the claimed range.

The 15Ah battery used is typical for bikes at this price point, but some competitors offer larger 17 or 20Ah batteries for extended range.

Short Reach

The 700 Series step-over is undersized for me at 6′, despite being listed for heights from 5’0″ to 6’2″. The seat post was long enough, so my legs felt comfortable while pedaling, with no cramping. However, the reach is too short. This meant I was perched on the bike in a cramped position.

Also, while cornering, I felt like I was being pulled over the front. Operating the 700 Series was OK, but the cramped feeling was ever-present.

What Does It Do Best?

The 700 Series is a purpose-built commuter. Features like a rear rack, fenders, and lights are valuable for urban travel.

The bike is small and maneuverable enough to navigate tight spaces with a reasonable weight of 62lb. However, the weight is manageable if you can avoid lifting it up stairs.

It also has conventional rims and 2.4″ tires that balance traction with practicality. This wheelset will fit comfortably on standard bike racks.

The 700 Series is easy to love, with great features and value. The high top speed and pleasant ride quality make for an enjoyable platform for cruising or commuting.

Who Should Buy This Bike?

The 700 Series is for commuters and recreational riders. It has quality entry-level components that are a step above those found on most models at the same price point.

The conventional commuter design and wheel and tire size will appeal to riders looking for a bike that travels faster than the fat tires bikes that are common in the commuter segment.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The 700 Series is a competitive option, but its weakest link has to be the 500W motor. Most Class 3 e-bikes feature a larger 500W motor.

The 500W motor has a peak output of 850W and can power the bike to its top limit of 28mph. However, 60Nm of torque means it’s slower on hills, especially when riding at low charge levels (low voltage).

The main reason to look elsewhere is if your commute features steep grades or repeated hills.

Conclusion

The 700 Series has many happy customers, and after testing it, we can see why. Ride1UP is offering great value with this bike. It’s an excellent-looking package with above-average components.

So, if you’re looking for a solid commuter and recreational bike that won’t break the bank, this could be the bike for you, as long as you don’t plan to tackle steep hills regularly.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 3
Warranty: One-Year Limited
Battery Weight: 
Total Weight: Claimed: 62lb – Tested: 63.2lb
Motor Brand: Bafang
Motor Type: RM G040.DC
Motor Nominal Output: 500W
Max Torque: 60Nm
Battery: 48V 15Ah Samsung Cells
Range Claimed: 30-50 miles
Range Tested: 23.49 miles
Speed: 28mph max
Throttle: Thumb Switch
Pedal Assist: 5 Speed PAS – Cadence Sensor
Controller: 48V 18A DMHC Sine-wave
Charger: 48V – 2A Output
Charge Time: 7-8 hours
Display: KD218 Color Display 2.2”
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: Mozo Coil Spring 100mm
Brake Levers: Tektro HD-E350
Brake Calipers: Tektro HD-E350 – Dual-Piston
Brake Rotors: Tektro 180mm
Chain: KMC 8-Speed
Crankset: 170mm 45T
Derailleur: Shimano Acera RD-M3000
Shifter: Shimano 8-Speed
Cassette: 11-30t Shimano Cassette
Rims: 27.5″ Aluminum Double-Wall 32mm Width
Spokes: 12G Rear 13G Front
Tires: 27.5” X 2.4” WTB Groov-e Tires
Fenders: Front + Rear Alloy
Lights: Front – Buchel Shiny 80, Rear – Buchel Edge
Grips: Velo Faux Leather Grips
Handlebar: Riser Bars, 31.8mm Bar, with 25mm Rise
Stem: Promax Adjustable 0-60°
Kickstand: Standard Single-Sided
Pedals: Wellgo Flat
Max. Total Capacity: 300lb

Frame and Geometry

The frame of the 700 Series features a familiar modern shape, with a sloping top tube flared towards the seat to lower the standover height. The battery is integrated into the downtube, and the wiring is neatly bunched and routed internally for a clean aesthetic. Our test model was a step-over, but the bike is also available as a step-through, both of which come in one size.

Again, the short reach of 15″ felt a little cramped for me at 6′. I felt perched on the bike and pulled forward over the front wheel. Despite being relatively comfortable to ride and maneuver, I would have preferred an additional couple of inches of reach.

Motor

Ride1UP lists this motor with a continuous (nominal) power of 750W as, technically, it can sustain 750W output. However, Bafang rates it for 500W, as this output is “the point when the motor is at its peak gearing efficiency.” Given that and its performance in testing, we’ll refer to it as a 500W unit.

This Bafang motor features a max output of 850W and 60Nm of torque. This motor is identical to the one on the Cafe Cruiser and offers a similar performance.

On level ground and moderate gradients, the motor performed well, with lively acceleration and the ability to reach the top speed of 28mph. When faced with gradients over 12%, the motor struggles more than the 500W motors we’ve tested. This limited performance is only an issue on steep gradients.

Acceleration:

• 0-20mph PAS Max: 9 seconds
• 0-20mph Throttle Only 13 seconds
• 0-28mph PAS Max: 20 seconds

Short Hill Climb:

• Time: 04:19
• Distance: 0.93 mi
• Elevation Gain: 69  feet
• Max grade: 6%
• Avg Speed:  16.1mph

Medium Hill Climb:

• Time: 02:53
• Distance: 0.63mi
• Elevation Gain:  226 feet
• Max grade: 16%
• Avg Speed:  13.2mph

Large Hill Climb: Not Completed

Cockpit and Control

The cockpit consists of a standard set of riser bars and an adjustable stem. The stem allows 60 degrees of adjustability to create a more upright or aggressive position.

The control pad is easy to use, and the bright color display is easy to read. Some advanced features are accessible through the display, such as modifying the PAS levels and displaying the battery level as a voltage or percentage.

Overall, the 700 Series is simple to control, and the cockpit includes all the standard controls with some room left over to add a phone mount or rearview mirror.

Battery

The 700 Series has a 48V 15Ah (720Wh) battery, a typical size for commuter bikes at this price point. The battery can be charged on the bike or removed for charging.

The battery performs well with a reasonable 24-mile range at max pedal assist. The high top speed of 28mph on this Class 3 bike means you can quickly eat through the charge when zipping along. Holding back on the assist will extend the range.

Range Test:

• Distance: 23.49 mi
• Time:  1: 11
• Elevation: 1,135  feet

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

Ride1UP provides a basic 2A charger. This returns a relatively slow charging time of roughly eight hours from empty.

The battery is removed from the bike by inserting the key and turning to release the lock. The unit has a small knob at the top that you must twist in order to remove the battery from the frame entirely.

To install it again, insert it into the frame and click it into place; no key is required for installation. The battery can be charged while installed on the bike via the external charging port, which is protected by a plastic cover. Alternatively, remove the battery and charge it separately.

Drivetrain

We have a nice little upgrade on the drivetrain, as we see a Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain with a 45t chainring, an 11-30t cassette, and trigger shifters.

Most e-bikes in the same range offer a 7-speed Tourney setup or mixed drivetrain. Acera shifts better than Tourney, and the additional gearing range makes it easier to find the perfect pedaling cadence. The 11-30t is a step up from the 7-speed 14-28t cassette.

Brakes

The 700 Series features Tektro E-350 dual hydraulic brakes, another above-average component at this price. It’s a great setup, with 180mm rotors, a pleasant lever feel, and good stopping power.

This brakeset performs well and is suitable for high-speed, heavy e-bikes, so we’re happy to see it on the 700 Series.

Braking Distance Results

20 mph:  19 feet

28 mph:  43 feet

Wheels, Tires

The 700 Series uses 2.4″ WTB Groov-e tires on 27.5″ 32mm alloy rims. This tire width balances comfort and performance, while the 27.5″ rim is easy to maneuver and faster than 26″ rims.

The 2.4″ tires have a slick urban tread that performs well on hard-packed surfaces and is slim enough to fit most bike racks, unlike fat tires. They also have enough volume to absorb bumps and can be tweaked to find the perfect tire pressure for your different terrain.

Safety

The 700 Series has front and rear lights and reflectors for visibility, so it’s ready to ride at night. Both brakes also feature motor inhibitors that cut power to the motor as soon as you squeeze the levers. This works for throttle and PAS and is a nice touch, as there can be a lag in the motor disengaging on cadence sensor bikes.

Kickstand

The 700 Series features a standard single-sided kickstand, which is perfectly functional and offers no issues when riding.

Contact Points

Grips

The 700 Series has standard faux leather Velo grips. They are not a lock-on, but they feature an ergonomic flare. I don’t like this type of grip and would personally change them out.

Saddle

The 700 Series has a Selle Royale Freeway saddle. It’s relatively wide (but not enough to impact pedaling) and has polymer springs. It was comfortable for our 24-mile range test.

Pedals

This bike has a standard set of Wellgo platform pedals. These are perfectly fine to get you out riding, and the pegs offered reasonable traction and support. I see these pedals on many e-bikes, and they offer good entry-level performance.

Accessories

The 700 Series has fenders, lights, and a rear rack, meaning it’s fully equipped to get out riding. If you want to add cargo space, the brand offers a front rack, pannier bags, and a phone mount to customize your ride.