Reviewers agree the CF Racer1 offers an unrivaled combination of value and performance.
The CF Racer1 is available in a road or gravel build. The wheels, tires, and handlebars are build-specific.
At 27.4lb (road) and 28.6lb (gravel), the CF Racer1 is very light.
Testers compliment the bike’s looks with its integrated cockpit and internal cable routing.
An expert lauds the CF Racer1’s “regular” road bike feel that's easy to pedal without assistance.
A seat tube-mounted optional battery doubles the max range to 80 miles.
Reviewers savor the stiff integrated carbon fiber cockpit.
Testers say the 1x11 SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain and hydraulic brakes are excellent.
Ride1UP provides a torque wrench, driver bits, grease, and carbon-fiber grip paste.
The above-average product manual contains detailed instructions on assembly and use.
The frame has rack and fender mounts and three sets of bottle cage bosses inside the main triangle.
Ride1UP states a range of 16 to 40 miles. An expert and multiple owners say the range estimate is accurate.
Ride1UP doesn't state tire clearance but one expert fits 50mm tires with room to spare.

5 reasons not to buy

With just two frame sizes and a one-piece cockpit, fitting options are limited. A 5’4” owner says the 50cm frame is almost too big for them.
The one-piece integrated handlebar and stem makes upgrades difficult.
The gravel build's Schrader valves look out of place on modern gravel bikes.
The CF Racer1’s cadence sensor doesn’t offer the natural feel of a good torque sensor.
This bike’s 225lb weight capacity is limiting, especially for bikepacking.

Bottom line

Ride1UP’s CF Racer1 is a Class 3 e-bike with a carbon frameset, 250W hub motor, and 252Wh battery. It comes in a road or gravel build. The “sleek” and stealthy looks, solid components, and low weight impress testers, who praise the performance, range, and “unmatched” value. The bike’s only real shortcoming is the lack of frame sizes. Kona’s aluminum-framed Rove HD, the only competitor at this price point, is both bulkier and heavier. Buyers that fit the CF Racer1’s two available geometry options and aren’t put off by Ride1UP’s poor reputation for reliability could have a winner on their hands.

By Nick Koleszar

Expert Reviews

94/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews

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Electric Bike Report

Level 3 expert

Ride1UP CF Racer1 Review | The Best Budget Gravel E-Bike of 2024

Level 3 expert

With those things in mind, we think the CF Racer 1 is well-suited to budget-conscious shoppers seeking an affordable means of entry for gravel riding, as well as aging gravel cyclists who may want a subtle boost from an electric motor.

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Ebike Escape

Level 2 expert

Ride1UP CF Racer1 Review: A New Era in Affordable Gravel Electric Bikes

Level 2 expert

The CF Racer1’s features, from its ultra-light carbon frame to its high-performance components, make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to step into the future of cycling.

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GC Performance

Level 3 expert

I Can’t Believe This Bike Is Real!! Carbon Fiber Road E-Bike (Ride1UP CF Racer1)

Level 3 expert

This is definitely in a realm of a really cool idea for a bicycle and price point that I don’t know how they got that or achieved that.

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RunBikeMike

Level 1 expert

This E-Bike Is the Definition of Stealth / Ride1UP CF Racer1 Review

Level 1 expert

So, as for what I would call the first high-performance bike that Ride1UP has made, they pretty much nailed it. This bike is top-notch.

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RunBikeMike

Level 1 expert

Ride1UP CF Racer1 Max Speed Range Test / Tubeless Conversion

Level 1 expert

… the range test was a blast. This thing was so fast, it’s unbelievable, averaging right around 20mph. This thing is just unreal. The road-bike version is probably even better on the road, considering that these are gravel tires.

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