Ride1Up, a relatively new ebike company, has made a good name for themselves in their popular 500 and 700 Series electric bikes. The 700 Series is a great choice for those looking for better components on a modestly priced ebike. You can read more about the 700 Series here.
Recently Ride1Up added the Core-5 and the LMT’D bikes to their bike lineup. The Core-5 is very affordably priced as e-bikes go and gives you exactly what the name suggests – the basic components needed for a good ebike.
The Core-5 is available in two frame styles, the XR which is a step-over and the ST which isn’t a true step-thru but does have a lower drop bar for easier mounting and dismounting.
With ebikes step-over and step-thru frames aren’t necessarily aimed at men with the step-over and women with the step-thru. There are many men that prefer step-thru ebikes because they are easier to mount. Also, have you have a luggage bag on the back it can be difficult to swing a leg over.
The Core-5 doesn’t come with a rear rack but the frame has mounting points for a rack. Rear bike racks can be purchased fairly cheaply on Amazon or at Walmart, etc. It also doesn’t have fenders but it also will support them with screw holes/mounting points.
With the Core-5 you’re not paying as much upfront for accessories that you can add later over time. This helps keep the initial purchase price more affordable.
Even though this is their most affordable bike it’s still a class 3 ebike which can reach 28 mph with pedal assist and 20 mph throttle only. It is equipped with a 500 watt motor (750 watt peak) with 52 nm of torque.
It has 160 mm mechanical disc brakes. In contrast, the 700 Series and the LMT’D have hydraulic disc brakes.
It does have puncture resistant Kenda tires, Shimano shifters for its’ 7 speeds, and the Shimano Altus derailleur. These are all still above entry level components so it’s not equipped with cheap bargain basement components which is great.
There’s two things that really stand out about the Core-5 and that is its affordable price at $1,095 and its stealthy looks. If you’re wanting an e-bike that looks more like a regular bike then this is a good choice.
It’s also fairly light for an electric bike at just 48 pounds. This is important to consider if you will need a lighter bike to transport up and down stairs or onto a car rack. The weight also helps the bike be more efficient. The 2.2″ wide tires will also help quite a bit since a lot of ebike have wide tires which can be less efficient.
Ride1Up LMT’D
Ride1Up’s other new offering the, LMT’D is their fastest and most expensive ebike, although at $1,795 it’s still a great price compared to the competition.
The LMT’D offers a 750-watt (1000 watt peak) motor with 100 nm of torque which is quite a bit of power to get you moving fast. While the Core-5 achieves the same max speed at 28 mph pedal assist and 20 mph throttle only, the higher torque of the LMT’D should help you get to those speeds more quickly. You’ll appreciate greater torque the most on hills.
While the 700 Series still gives a lot for the money, the LMT’D is in the same boat. $1,795 is an awesome price for an ebike equipped with an air fork for front suspension, Tektro hydraulic brakes, Schwalbe Super Moto X tires, 48 volt 14 amp hour Samsung cell battery, and a torque sensor for smoother and smarter pedal assistance.
Like the Core-5, the LMT’D also has a streamlined frame for a nice look. Both are ebikes that will make you feel right at home in the bike lane or on city bike paths. Some ebikes can be a bit obnoxious on the trail and draw unwanted attention.
These are both bikes that you can ride with you non-ebike riding friends and not feel like a goofball. Not that being a goofball is bad. I also have ebikes that are pretty obnoxious and draw attention but sometimes it’s nice to fade into the scenery. :)
Another important advantage to both the Core-5 and LMT’D series is that they are designed to be great pedaling bikes. You’ll be able to get proper leg extension which puts much less stress on your knees and be able to put more power into each pedal rotation.
The LMT’D only comes in one frame size and style but does give the option of different handlebars. You can choose between a more swept back handlbar for more casual commutes or risers which is more of the roadbike style in which you’ll lean forward more for better aerodynamics and power.
Sizing
Sizing is extremely important when choosing the right bike. A bike that is too tall for your height can be treacherous to ride while one that is too short won’t allow for proper reach and leg extension.
The Core-5 supports a wider range of heights with the ST frame accommodating riders from 5’3″ to 6′. Its XR frame is more appropriate for riders 5’5″ to 6’4″. Weight capacity is 275 pounds.
The LMT’D just comes in that one frame size and accommodates riders from 5’4″ to 6’4″. Weight capacity is 300 pounds.
If you’re a shorter rider like me, the 700 Series is the one to take a serious look at. Its ST frame supports riders from 5′ to 5’11.
Right now as I’m writing this all of these bikes are pre-order only but Ride1Up has been historically true to their shipping date estimates. If you have concerns contact them first. I’ve always found the company to be very responsive to inquiries.
You can check out the full specs, current pricing and more of the Core-5 here and the LMT’D here.
