I've had the Roadster for about a month now. After some tuning and tweaking, it's a dream. I live in the East Bay area in the SF Bay, so I do have some hills to contend with, and while the range isn't huge, I can throw it into PAS 5 and pretty much get over anything with ease. On the flats, PAS 1 is about all I need. Thing is speedy, agile, and super fun. 25 miles or so this past weekend and barely put a dent in the battery, but I also actually like to use my legs. Highly recommended for people who really enjoy the urban single-speed experience. And, yeah, also easy to get up and down stairs, etc.
I ended up getting the roadster. Your video is a great tool for those still in the market. I gotta say both these bikes were so welcome and long overdue! Either would make someone very happy 😊
@@Top5ebikes I absolutely love it 😀 but it pained me quite bit from the riding position. I have raised the neck put on retro swept back handlebar with long grips and a Redshift shockstop suspension seat post and of course a kick stand lol. It rides like dream Dutch style bike now. I love just riding in a relaxed position on bike that rides like a stallion!
In addition to the tires, they're upgrading the brakes to disc brakes. ride1up.com/generational-changes/ Btw you can order the Gravel version now (it's one of the color options).
Great review. I would like to see a review of more city bikes with a throttle, to me that is a deal breaker despite the fact that I rarely use it. I love having the option to hit it for fun whenever I want.
@@Top5ebikes once I see a couple of videos on it, I think that’s the one I’m getting, Ride1up seems like a solid emerging brand, KBO looks a little newer to the scene
@@sneakersonfeet9045 Yeah we feel the same way about these two brands. They're both solid in this price range but Ride1up has been around longer which is important when it comes to part & service.
Great comparison video, guys! I don't miss having a throttle on my e-bike. (If I wanted a Moped, I'd buy one of those instead). Tough choice between these two, but would love to see something similar in a mid-step with longer range battery and wider (not fat!) tires.
Another subtle difference between caliper and disc brakes. I find the caliper brakes more durable particularly if loading a bike in/out of a vehicle. The caliper can be easily realigned by hand. If you bend your disc, it’s considerably more difficult to bring it back to true. Although for the need to remove the front wheel, if you go with slightly wider tires on the roadster (like many do), you may need to deflate the front tire slightly to get it past the calipers. So definitely some pros/cons to both, depending on your use case. I’d agree about the stopping power of the roadster calipers. It’s easily the best and most consistent compared to any of the disc brakes on my other bikes, which i found very surprising.
KBO Hurricanes are back in stock and currently $899! If you want the 2.0 version of the Hurricane click thru the link in our description ☝and use coupon code top5ebikes50 for an additional $50 off!
After riding the roadster for a few months, I can tell you that the range is very limited. I have not yet been able to squeeze 20 miles out of the battery. I even turn off the assist whenever I can, but never on any sort of incline. I'm in decent shape and have had a very hard time pedaling the bike after losing power. I just installed the add on battery ($375.00) and I'm hoping to be able to get 35 miles total out the two combined. I also made a mistake by purchasing the larger frame size and now I don't have clearance for a suspension seat post. As for people who are concerned about the class 3 rating, just get a class 2 sticker and keep the speed down to where it should be.
Roadster 500w (peak) 350w (nominal) Geared Hub Shengyi, Battery 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells Hurricane : Hub Motor by AKM ( never heard of ) Sustained 250W brushless geared motor Battery 36V 9.6Ah Lithium-ion battery with Samsung cells. Even though KBO website in a window shows Panasonic cells used on the Hurricane that's incorrect from KBO CS in a email stating Samsung cells are used. Great video comparison guys thanks
Thanks for comment and for the additional details about the motors and cells. Those two pieces of information are also very important!. Do you own either of these ebikes?
@@Top5ebikes I do not own either ebikes but do have other ebike brands and was considering down to these two. I think its important to know what components and brands are being used especially the battery and hub motor which are the most expensive components. Response time if any from CS is also important, parts needed for any maintenance or future repairs also need to be known. I always ask before buying are there any propriety components and are there parts available and in stock? You would be surprise at the responses I get.
Thanks for the question! Here is the Ride1up page w info on updates: ride1up.com/generational-changes/ also, if you go to the Ride1up Roadster product page one of the color options is the Gravel version www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=f8c663eb-4ed6-4a85-b152-4d642712f618&website_id=8afdb4a9-450b-463e-901a-ae5432cee05d&url=https%3A%2F%2Fride1up.com%2Fproduct%2Froadster-v2%2F
Hi Kenyaata and thanks for the question. We haven't seen any TH-cam content showing mods, bit there is someone IG who's done mods to his hurricane instagram.com/vegas_namida
Which of these is the easiest to ride with the electrics turned off? This, for those wanting to extend the range by old fashioned peddling on downhills, flats, and minor uphills.
I can only speak to the Roadster, but if you have ridden a heavy mountain bike of a beach cruiser, you can ride the Roadster with no pedal assist with ease on flat roads.
Thomas!! Thank you for the comment/question. I just added the link to the description so thanks for the reminder! Also here is the link ride1up.com/generational-changes/
Why are there not gears on this bikes? It dont add a lot of wheigt and it releases a huge improvment in takeoff and climbing hills, dump the belt and make them into real usable bikes
Not sure why they don't have versions with gear but it's possible it was done on purpose bc single speed bikes have a target audience. Btw Propella has a similar ebike but it has a chain and gears are an option. We just purchased one and it's pretty nice as well.
@@Top5ebikes I’d love to see you guys do a review on it. I don’t think there are many reviews on TH-cam about it. Seems like it just kind of slides under the radar.
roadster is a class 3 ebike (max speed 24 mph)....what's the K30? (max speed 20 mph) thinking class 2....city of Chicago only allows class 1 ebikes with pedal assist only on there bike trails and highway bike lanes.... no throttles allowed ...either bike I'm screwed
@@Top5ebikes thanks....guess i'm destined to ride class 1 ebikes from the city ebike share program. although the roadster doesn't look at all like an ebike, i might get away with it
I rarely get up to 24mph when I’m riding the Roadster and if I do it’s only when I have a clear open straightaway. As long as you don’t ride like a monster you should be able to get away with it in the Windy City 😉
You should be fine if you stay on the first 2 levels. I only reach 20 on mode 3 and up. Also I believe you can program the roadster to limit the speed.
I live in chicago and have the Ride1up700. It has a throttle. Truth is, I really never use it. Thought I would so I picked a bike with one, but I mainly ride in the lowest PAS and I can ride for miles.
I've had the Roadster for about a month now. After some tuning and tweaking, it's a dream. I live in the East Bay area in the SF Bay, so I do have some hills to contend with, and while the range isn't huge, I can throw it into PAS 5 and pretty much get over anything with ease. On the flats, PAS 1 is about all I need. Thing is speedy, agile, and super fun. 25 miles or so this past weekend and barely put a dent in the battery, but I also actually like to use my legs. Highly recommended for people who really enjoy the urban single-speed experience. And, yeah, also easy to get up and down stairs, etc.
Good job! Roadster v2 is in the cart waiting for my next paycheck.
Thank you and that's awesome! Hopefully you're riding the Roadster soon!
I ended up getting the roadster. Your video is a great tool for those still in the market. I gotta say both these bikes were so welcome and long overdue! Either would make someone very happy 😊
Appreciate the comment! We agree about either of these being great options in this price range. How do you like the Roadster?
@@Top5ebikes I absolutely love it 😀 but it pained me quite bit from the riding position. I have raised the neck put on retro swept back handlebar with long grips and a Redshift shockstop suspension seat post and of course a kick stand lol.
It rides like dream Dutch style bike now. I love just riding in a relaxed position on bike that rides like a stallion!
I was about to get the roadster, but thanks to you I saw the gravel version is coming soon, so I'm waiting for it now :)
The gravel version looks great. Can't wait to ride it & review it!
The gravel version looks great. Can't wait to ride it & review it!
@@Top5ebikes does it also have upgraded brakes?
In addition to the tires, they're upgrading the brakes to disc brakes. ride1up.com/generational-changes/ Btw you can order the Gravel version now (it's one of the color options).
@@Top5ebikes thanks! I just looked and you are right, it's there with only a back order until Dec. Sadly no red... 😞
Great review. I would like to see a review of more city bikes with a throttle, to me that is a deal breaker despite the fact that I rarely use it. I love having the option to hit it for fun whenever I want.
Thank you! Really appreciate it...Btw Ride1up added the option of a throttle to the Roadster Gravel
@@Top5ebikes Nice! Now if they add a few gears, they will have the perfect bike in my opinion 👍
You can tell that I’m getting eaten alive by mosquitoes based on the sheer number of times I’m scratching my legs in this video 😂
Nice review on the two bikes I have been considering. Thanks!
Great review I love both bikes but looking forward to the Gravel Version of the Roadster
Thank you! We also are excited for that bike! Ride1up just opened it up for pre-order so soon we'll start seeing people with it!
@@Top5ebikes once I see a couple of videos on it, I think that’s the one I’m getting, Ride1up seems like a solid emerging brand, KBO looks a little newer to the scene
@@sneakersonfeet9045 Yeah we feel the same way about these two brands. They're both solid in this price range but Ride1up has been around longer which is important when it comes to part & service.
Great comparison video, guys! I don't miss having a throttle on my e-bike. (If I wanted a Moped, I'd buy one of those instead). Tough choice between these two, but would love to see something similar in a mid-step with longer range battery and wider (not fat!) tires.
Another subtle difference between caliper and disc brakes. I find the caliper brakes more durable particularly if loading a bike in/out of a vehicle. The caliper can be easily realigned by hand. If you bend your disc, it’s considerably more difficult to bring it back to true. Although for the need to remove the front wheel, if you go with slightly wider tires on the roadster (like many do), you may need to deflate the front tire slightly to get it past the calipers. So definitely some pros/cons to both, depending on your use case. I’d agree about the stopping power of the roadster calipers. It’s easily the best and most consistent compared to any of the disc brakes on my other bikes, which i found very surprising.
Thanks for the comment and for the tip about adding a wider tire!
KBO Hurricanes are back in stock and currently $899! If you want the 2.0 version of the Hurricane click thru the link in our description ☝and use coupon code top5ebikes50 for an additional $50 off!
After riding the roadster for a few months, I can tell you that the range is very limited. I have not yet been able to squeeze 20 miles out of the battery. I even turn off the assist whenever I can, but never on any sort of incline. I'm in decent shape and have had a very hard time pedaling the bike after losing power. I just installed the add on battery ($375.00) and I'm hoping to be able to get 35 miles total out the two combined. I also made a mistake by purchasing the larger frame size and now I don't have clearance for a suspension seat post. As for people who are concerned about the class 3 rating, just get a class 2 sticker and keep the speed down to where it should be.
great video getting ride 1 up thanks
Thanks Terry! We love Ride1up ebikes! We're currently test riding the 700 series so stay tuned for more Ride1up content.
What size is the Roadster in this video??
Thanks for watching & the question. Our roadster is a medium (52cm).
Roadster 500w (peak) 350w (nominal) Geared Hub Shengyi,
Battery 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells
Hurricane : Hub Motor by AKM ( never heard of )
Sustained 250W brushless geared motor
Battery
36V 9.6Ah Lithium-ion battery with Samsung cells. Even though KBO website in a window shows Panasonic cells used on the Hurricane that's incorrect from KBO CS in a email stating Samsung cells are used.
Great video comparison guys thanks
Thanks for comment and for the additional details about the motors and cells. Those two pieces of information are also very important!. Do you own either of these ebikes?
@@Top5ebikes
I do not own either ebikes but do have other ebike brands and was considering down to these two. I think its important to know what components and brands are being used especially the battery and hub motor which are the most expensive components. Response time if any from CS is also important, parts needed for any maintenance or future repairs also need to be known. I always ask before buying are there any propriety components and are there parts available and in stock? You would be surprise at the responses I get.
Do you have a link for the mirror on the Roadster?
Please give me a link to a website or video for the gravel edition can't seem to find anything
Thanks for the question! Here is the Ride1up page w info on updates: ride1up.com/generational-changes/ also, if you go to the Ride1up Roadster product page one of the color options is the Gravel version www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=f8c663eb-4ed6-4a85-b152-4d642712f618&website_id=8afdb4a9-450b-463e-901a-ae5432cee05d&url=https%3A%2F%2Fride1up.com%2Fproduct%2Froadster-v2%2F
Wonder how these compare to the tenways e bike
I’m 5’3 you think the KBO is too high for me
Thank you!
Thanks for the question. It's probably too big but it really depends more on your inseam vs your height.
4 feet of legs and 1.3 feet of torso and you should be good
Looking for the video with the mods for the KBO Hurricane?
Hi Kenyaata and thanks for the question. We haven't seen any TH-cam content showing mods, bit there is someone IG who's done mods to his hurricane instagram.com/vegas_namida
Which of these is the easiest to ride with the electrics turned off? This, for those wanting to extend the range by old fashioned peddling on downhills, flats, and minor uphills.
I can only speak to the Roadster, but if you have ridden a heavy mountain bike of a beach cruiser, you can ride the Roadster with no pedal assist with ease on flat roads.
Yo... where's the link to the gravel version?
Thomas!! Thank you for the comment/question. I just added the link to the description so thanks for the reminder! Also here is the link ride1up.com/generational-changes/
Why are there not gears on this bikes? It dont add a lot of wheigt and it releases a huge improvment in takeoff and climbing hills, dump the belt and make them into real usable bikes
Not sure why they don't have versions with gear but it's possible it was done on purpose bc single speed bikes have a target audience. Btw Propella has a similar ebike but it has a chain and gears are an option. We just purchased one and it's pretty nice as well.
The #rize fixie has an optional throttle.
Thanks for the comment! Rize ebikes look solid. We haven't had a chance to ride one but we're read about the brand & their specs.
@@Top5ebikes I’d love to see you guys do a review on it. I don’t think there are many reviews on TH-cam about it. Seems like it just kind of slides under the radar.
roadster is a class 3 ebike (max speed 24 mph)....what's the K30? (max speed 20 mph) thinking class 2....city of Chicago only allows class 1 ebikes with pedal assist only on there bike trails and highway bike lanes.... no throttles allowed ...either bike I'm screwed
The hurricane is also a class 3!
@@Top5ebikes thanks....guess i'm destined to ride class 1 ebikes from the city ebike share program. although the roadster doesn't look at all like an ebike, i might get away with it
I rarely get up to 24mph when I’m riding the Roadster and if I do it’s only when I have a clear open straightaway. As long as you don’t ride like a monster you should be able to get away with it in the Windy City 😉
You should be fine if you stay on the first 2 levels. I only reach 20 on mode 3 and up. Also I believe you can program the roadster to limit the speed.
I live in chicago and have the Ride1up700. It has a throttle. Truth is, I really never use it. Thought I would so I picked a bike with one, but I mainly ride in the lowest PAS and I can ride for miles.
Check out our beginners guide to buying your first ebike top5ebikes.com/en/guide-to-buying-your-first-ebike?
Blah, blah, blah
😘