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Trek is a globally recognized brand in the cycling industry, renowned for its bicycles, components, and accessories. With a rich history spanning over four decades, Trek has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers in the cycling world. Trek was founded in 1976 in Waterloo, Wisconsin, United States. The company was built on a vision to create the best bicycles in the world, and it has remained dedicated to that pursuit ever since. From its humble beginnings as a small bicycle frame manufacturer, Trek has grown into a multinational company with a strong presence in the cycling market. Trek offers a wide range of bicycles for various disciplines, including road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding, cyclocross, touring, and electric-assist bikes. Their bike models cater to riders of all levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Trek bikes are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail. In terms of road cycling, Trek produces lightweight and aerodynamic road bikes designed for speed, performance, and endurance. Their mountain bikes cover a spectrum of riding styles, including cross-country, trail, enduro, and downhill, offering options to suit different terrains and skill levels.

As Ireland’s leading cycling shop ; The Edge Sports stock Trek Road Bikes , Trek Mountain Bikes , Trek Hybrid Bikes , Trek Kids bikes, clothes, cycling accessories and components.

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Your complete guide to the 2021 trek mountain bike range.

Trek has had a long-standing presence in the mountain bike world with a vast range of bikes to back it up. The brands offering ranges from featherweight cross country bikes right through to downhill thoroughbreds. If you're in the market for a Trek bike and wondering which will suit you best, read on for our complete guide to their 2021 range.

• Your complete guide to the 2021 Canyon mountain bike range
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• Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you

2021 Trek mountain bikes

• Full Stache
• Supercaliber

Understanding Trek's naming system

Trek's naming system follows a similar style to how Canyon names its bikes. Each bike's name is suffixed with a number, with higher value numbers corresponding to pricier and better-kitted bikes. Once we get to 9, Trek adds decimals to the suffix to denote changes in the bike's suspension package. All bikes with a 9 in the name get carbon frames but a 9.7 might get its suspension from Fox's Rhythm range for example, while a 9.8 will get better something from higher in the range. Also, you'll see that a lot of kit on the bikes come from Bontrager, for the uninitiated that's Trek's in-house component brand.

At the '9' level, we also see XT, XO1, and GX finding their way into the names. Yep, you've guessed it, that's the drivetrain the bike comes kitted with.

Another thing that's definitely worth mentioning is that a small selection of Trek's bike range is available through what the brand calls Project One. Project One offers the opportunity to have your bike personalised and custom painted with special, exclusive colours. This will mean you have to part ways with a heap of cash but in return, you'll get a bike that's unique to you.

As with the brand's range of bikes, the price range is vast with bikes starting from £440, right up to £9,200 and that's not even considering the Project One options. There's also a comprehensive range of gravel bikes and e-bikes.

Let's kick things off with the Slash. It's Trek's enduro bike which rolls on 29" wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the rear, paired with 170mm at the front. For 2021 it gets both an aluminium and carbon frame option all of which benefit from Trek's proprietary Knock Block system which saves your top and down tube if your front end spins during a crash. This bike also gets the Mino Link which is a geometry adjusting flip-chip, down tube guards threaded bottom brackets, an Active Braking Pivot, and storage in the downtube. As for the geometry, in the low setting, the Slash sees a 75.6° effective seat tube angle, a 64.1° head tube angle, and a 435mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 486mm reach. If you're after something a little more special, the Slash is available through Project One.

Slash 9.9 XTR

Topping the Slash range is the Slash 9.9 XTR. It gets Trek's OCLV carbon frame with the all-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with an updated ThruShaft damper. At the front, you'll find the RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 which features chunky 38mm stanchions. As its name suggests there's a full Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with an e*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon crank. The brakes here also come from the XTR lineup and they come with 4-pot calipers for extra stopping power. This bike rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 which are wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.6" Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead tyre at the front and an SE5 Team Issue with the same spec in 2.4" at the rear. It also gets a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with Bontrager supplying the 820mm wide carbon bar, 35mm stem along with the rest of the build kit.

Slash 9.9 XO1

The Slash 9.9 XO1 gets all of the same trimmings as the 9.9 XTR but benefits from a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Code RSC Brakes, along with a slightly friendlier price tag.

Slash 9.8 GX

Shaving a few thousand pounds of the range-topper is the 9.8 GX. This one is still built around Trek's carbon frame but this one gets a slightly downgraded RockShox ZEB Select+ RC with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate. Here we get a SRAM GX drivetrain with a matching crankset and SRAM Code R brakes. As for the rest of the bike, it's the same as the 9.9 XTR.

Slash 9.8 XT

As its name suggests, the Slash 9.8 XT gets a very similar built kit to the 9.8 GX. However, this bike sees a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7120 four-piston brakes.

Dropping a full £1.8k off of the 9.8 models, the Slash 9.7 is still built around a carbon frame and it swaps the RockShox suspension with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork and a Fox Performance DPX2 EVOL shock. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM GX and NX Eagle and the wheels here are the alloy Bontrager Line Comp 30's. Those come shod with a Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead 2.6" tyre at the front with a Bontrager XR4 with the same spec and a 2.4" width at the rear. Trek has also swapped the dropper post for a TransX post and there's Bontrager's own alloy finishing kit.

With the Slash 8, we no longer get a carbon frame but we do get a RockShox Lyric Select+ RC fork with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate at the rear. This bike is driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and there's a pair of SRAM Code R brakes. Everything else is the same as what you would get on the 9.7 model.

The Slash 7 rounds of the range with its alloy frame, RockShox Yari RC fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and SRAM NX drivetrain. Here we get a pair of SRAM Guide T brakes and the rest of the bike follows suit with the 8.

Trek Remedy

The Remedy is Trek's long-legged trail bike which comes with four models for 2021. It rolls on 650b wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the front, with 150mm at the rear. Much like the Slash, the Remedy benefits from the Knock Block, the Active Braking Pivot, and the Mino Link. Geometry-wise, it gets a 65.6° head angle, a 74.2° effective seat tube angle, and 435mm chainstays in the low position. A large frame gets a 455mm reach, again in that low setting.

The Remedy 9.8 is the only bike in the 2021 line up that gets a carbon frame. It also gets a burly Fox Performance 38 paired with a Fox Performance Float DPX2 EVOL shock at the rear. This bike benefits from a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain matched with SRAM Code R brakes. As for the wheels, they're a pair of carbon Bontrager Line Elite 30's and they're wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls with an aramid bead in 2.6" with a Bontrager SE4 Team Issue with the same specs in the 2.4" width. Bontrager also supplies the dropper post with the Line Elite and the 820mm handlebar along with the 35mm stem.

As suggested by the lack of a '9' in its name, the Slash 8 comes kitted with an alloy frame. As for the fork, it's a RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC and that's paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. This bike is also driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and it gets the same brakes as the 9.8 rig. Differing from the range-topper, this build sees in a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels which get an XR5 Team Issue tyre that's tubeless-ready with Inner Strength sidewalls and an aramid bead in 2.6", also from Bontrager. At the rear, there's an XR4 with the very same specification. The rest of the bike follows suit with the 9.8 model.

Remedy 8 XT

Rather unsurprisingly, the Remedy 8 XT comes with a very similar build to the 8 but gets an XT drivetrain and Deore M6120 four-pot brakes. Everything else on this build matches the Remedy 8.

The Remedy 7 is the cheapest 2021 Remedy on offer. It gets a RockShox Gold RL fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. There's a SRAM NX drivetrain with SRAM Guide T brakes. Apart from that, everything else is the same as what you'll get on the Remedy 8's.

Trek Fuel EX

The Fuel EX is Trek's do it all trail bike. It gets 130mm of rear travel and 140mm at the front. Just like the Slash, the Fuel EX gets built-in downtube storage and the Active Braking Pivot. It comes with a RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft, something that you'll only find on Trek bikes. It promises more grip and control with a shock the reacts to the ground faster than anything else on the market, says Trek. This bike also gets the Mino Link, Knock Block, and Straight Shot downtube. The Fuel EX comes in five sizes with XS getting 650b hoops and M upwards getting 29" wheels. However, size S comes with a choice of either wheel size. As for the geometry in the low setting, the bike gets a 66° head angle, a 75° effective seat tube angle, and a 437mm chain stay. A large frame benefits from a 470mm reach.

Fuel EX 9.9 AXS

Topping the range with a pretty hefty pricetag is the 9.9 AXS. On this model, you'll get a Fox Factory 36 with a GRIP 2 damper, paired with a Fox Factory Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. Of course, we then get wireless shifting from SRAM and the AXS range along with a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels and they're wrapped with two Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads, measuring in with a 2.6" width at the front and a 2.4" at the rear. Bontrager supplies the finishing kit with a Knock Block stem and a 780mm OCLV carbon handlebar.

Fuel EX 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Fuel EX 9.9 XTR gets all of the bling. It's built around Trek's OCLV carbon frame and gets a Fox Factory 36 fork with a GRIP2 damper. At the back, there's a Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv. As its name hints, this bike comes with a Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with matching XTR M9120 four-piston brakes. There's also an option with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain with SRAM G2 RSC brakes. This one rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 OCLV carbon wheels which are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with the brand's Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid bead. At the front, there's a 2.6" tyre with a 2.4" at the rear on both wheel sizes. Then the bike comes kitted with a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper and the rest of the kit comes from the same brand.

Fuel EX 9.8 XT & GX

Offering a saving of over £2,000 over the top of the range bike is the 9.8 GX and XT. This bike comes with the same carbon frame as the most expensive bike but sees a downgrade in suspension and drivetrain. Here we get a Fox Performance 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv shock. This rig comes with a choice of drivetrain with either SRAM's GX groupset or Shimano's XT. The GX build comes with SRAM G2 RS brakes whereas the XT model is stopped with a pair of Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston brakes. Everything else on these builds is the same as what you'll find on the 9.9 XTR model.

Fuel EX 9.7

The 9.7 is Trek's most affordable carbon-framed Fuel EX. It comes kitted with a Fox Rhythm 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock. The drivetrain here is a mix of SRAM NX and GX with the former making up the shifter and the latter handing the mech. Gone are the carbon wheels, unfortunately, but instead we get a set of Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels wrapped in the very same tyres like the rest of the range. The rest of the bike follows suit with the pricier models but there's an alloy bar and stem.

Fuel EX 8 XT & GX

At the sub £3k mark Trek does away with the carbon frames and replaces them with cheaper alloy alternatives. On the priciest alloy option, we get a Fox Rythm 34 Float with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. On this build, there's a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain or a Shimano XT with the former benefitting from SRAM G2 R brakes and the latter receiving a pair of Shimano MT4100 levers mated to MT420 four-piston callipers. This bike gets a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels and the rest of the build is the same as what you'll get on the 9.7 bike.

Fuel EX 7 NX

On the Fuel EX 7 NX we find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock, note that this shock doesn't come with that special RE:aktiv tech. You've guessed it, this one comes equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain it gets its brakes from Shimano with a pair of MT4100 levers and MT410 callipers. The rest of the bike, including the wheels and tyres on this bike, is the same as the rest of the alloy range but we see a TransX dropper on this model.

Fuel EX 5 Deore

Rounding off the fairly extensive range is the reasonably priced Fuel EX Deore. It gets a RockShox Recon Silver fork with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. Then there's the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of MT201 levers and MT200 callipers. The wheels see a downgrade from the rest of the range with an Alex MD35 rim laced to Bontrager hubs. They're wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 tyres and there's a TransX dropper post. The rest of the finishing kit comes from Bontrager.

Trek Top Fuel

Like it or not, but down-country bikes are becoming more and more prolific. Luckily for those who are on board with the trend Trek has a bike for you. It comes kitted with 120mm travel up front and 115mm at the rear with 29" wheels. In keeping with the rest of Trek's bikes so far the Top Fuel also gets a Straight Shot downtube and Trek's Active Braking Pivot. It's also kitted with the Mino Link and Control Freak cable management system. Moving onto the geometry, the Top Fuel sees a 68° head tube angle, a 75.7° effective seat tube angle and a 434mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 470mm reach and those numbers have been taken with the bike in its low setting. As for frame sizes, there's a choice from XS right up to XXL.

Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

A few hundred pounds shy of the 10k mark, this bike comes with all of the top tech. It's made around a carbon frame with a RockShox SID Ultimate fork with a Race Day Charger damper and a RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate shock. There's a RockShox TwistLoc Full Sprint lockout remote too. As for the drivetrain, here we get a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-speed wireless set up with SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes. The wheels on this bike area pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 Carbon hoops and they're kitted with a pair of Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads in a 2.4" width. Finally, there's a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, Bontrager OCLV carbon bar with a 750mm width and 35mm clamp and a Bontrager stem.

Top Fuel 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Top Fuel XTR and XO1 models get the same carbon frame but this time there's a Fox Factory 34 Step Cast with a FIT4 damper paired with a Fox Factory Float shock. This bike also gets the RockShox Twistloc remote lockout. With this model, there's a choice of either a SRAM XO1 drivetrain or the Shimano XTR set up. The XO1 model gets SRAM G2 RSC four-piston brakes while the XTR gets XTR M9100 brakes. Everything else on the bike is the same as the AXS model but the dropper, which is a Bontrager Line Elite.

Top Fuel 9.8 XT & GX

The Top Fuel 9.8 sees a saving of £2.4k and gets its suspension from RockShox with the SID Select+ RL fork and RockShox SID Ultimate RL shock. There's a choice of drivetrain on this bike too between either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed with SRAM G2 RSC brakes or a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7000 brakes. Everything else on this bike is the same as its pricier brethren.

Top Fuel 9.7

The 9.7 model is the cheapest with a carbon frame and it comes with a RockShox Reba RL fork and a Fox Performance Float DPS shock. There's a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes consisting of MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This bike makes a move to Bontrager Kovee Comp 23 alloy wheels and they get the same tyres as the rest of the range. We get an alloy cockpit and a Bontrager Line Dropper.

Top Fuel 8 NX

At this price point, Trek introduces alloy frames into the mix. With the 8 NX there's a RockShox Recon Gold RL Solo Air with a Fox Performance Float DPS. There's still a remote lockout here but it comes from Bontrager in the form of the Drop Lock. As its name suggests, this bike is driven by a SRAM NX drivetrain and it's stopped with a pair of SRAM Level T brakes. The rest of the bike is the same as what you'll find on the 9.7 model.

Top Fuel 7 SX

The Top Fuel 7 SX is the most affordable bike in the range featuring suspension from RockShox with the Judy SL Solo Air fork and the X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. There's a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. This one rolls on the same alloy wheels as the rest of the range with the same tyres. In fact, apart from the TransX dropper post, everything else matches the Top Fuel 8 NX.

Trek Full Stache

While the Full Stache hasn't had an update for 2021, it seems rude not to include it as there aren't an awful lot of full suspension 29+ bikes on the market. Of course, it rolls on 29" wheels with chunky 3" tyres. It also has 130mm of travel at both ends but the frame is compatible with up to a 140mm fork if you fancy some extra lairy riding. There's also the Mino Link, Control Freak cable management and the Knock Block. It's built around an aluminium frame and gets a 67° head tube angle, a 75.5° effective seat tube and a 430mm chainstay in the low setting. A large gets a 480mm reach, again in the low setting.

Full Stache 8

With its aluminium frame, you'll find a RockShox Pike Select Plus RC fork with a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. There's a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, aTruvativ Descendant 6k crank and SRAM Guide R brakes. This bike gets a pair of SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL wheels and they're shod with a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. We get a Bontrager Line Dropper on this bike with a 780mm wide alloy bar, also from Bontrager.

Trek Supercaliber

Filling the role of the full suspension cross country bike is the rather unique looking Supercaliber. The standout feature of this bike is its IsoStrut suspension platform. It offers 60mm of fully tunable travel and what makes it special is that it does away with a rocker link thus saving a chunk of weight. The IsoStrut is also a structural feature of the frame which Trek says prevents twisting, flex and deflection which the brand claims offers a more direct power transfer. The whole range of Supercalibers feature carbon frames rolling on 29" hoops, Straight Shot downtube and the Knock Block. The geometry on this bike sees a 69° head angle, 74° seat tube angle and a 430mm chainstay. The reach of a large frame measures in at 455mm. There are six sizes from S to XXL and an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. Up front there's 100mm of travel.

Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS takes the crown as Trek's most expensive mountain bike. It comes dripping with top-shelf kit such as the RockShox SID SL Ultimate with a Charger Race Day damper and a Fox Factory IsoStrut shock. This bike gets SRAMs XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain with the carbon crank and SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Kovee XXX OCLV carbon wheels and they're wrapped with a set of 2.2" Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, tubeless ready tyres with Inner Strength Sidewalls and aramid beads. Then the finishing kit also comes from Bontrager and the line of carbon components, including a 720mm wide handlebar.

Supercaliber XX1 & XTR

Next up the Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 and XTR get all of the same kit as the priciest model but they drop the fancy wireless shifting. Instead, there's a choice of either a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Level Ultimate brakes or a Shimano XTR drivetrain with XTR M9100 brakes.

Supercaliber XT & GX

Seeing a considerable saving from the rest of the range, the Supercaliber 9.8 GX and XT models get a downgraded Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP2 damper. There's also that IsoStrut suspension also provided by Fox but this model doesn't get that sleek Kashima coating, coming from the brands Performance line-up. These models come with a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset with both choices coming kitted with Shimano Deore XT M8100 brakes. Here we get a pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon wheels, then the rest of the kit is the same as what you would get on the other bikes.

Supercaliber 9.7

The Supercaliber 9.7 is the most budget-friendly option in the range. It's still built around that OCLV carbon frame and the Performance level IsoStrut shock but gets a RockShox Reba RL fork. This one is driven by a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and it's stopped by brakes from Shimano with the MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This model gets slightly narrower Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels with the same XR2 tyres but the rest of the bike comes from Bontrager's alloy line of kit.

Trek Procaliber

The Procaliber is Trek's lightweight cross country hardtail. Compared to the Supercaliber it presents a mighty cash saving if you're looking for a race-ready XC bike. That doesn't mean that it's not without some cool tech, however. The Supercaliber benefits from what Trek calls the IsoSpeed decoupler which allows the set tube to rotate independently from the top tube to seatstay junction which Trek says offers some vertical compliance without sacrificing pedalling efficiency. As with the rest of the range, this bike gets the Straight Shot downtube and Knock Block too. Each bike in the Supercaliber line up comes with a carbon frame which rolls on 29" wheels and can fit up to 2.4" rubber. Here we see a 68.8° head angle, a 73.8° seat tube angle and 432mm a chainstay. A large frame benefits from a 450mm reach and there are six sizes, from S up to XL, including an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. The Procaliber gets 100mm of suspension.

Procaliber 9.8

Built around an OCLV carbon frame the Procaliber 9.8 comes with a Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP damper. It's driven by a Shimano XT drivetrain with Deore XT M8100 brakes but this one gets an e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon crank. The wheels here are a pair of Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels and there's a pair of Bontrager 2.2" XR2 Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The rest of the kit comes from Bontrager too, with a 720mm wide carbon handlebar.

Procaliber 9.7

This model comes equipped with a RockShox Reba RL Solo Air and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT501 brake levers hosed to MT500 calipers. This bike gets Bontrager's Kovee Elite 23 wheels, then the rest of the bike matches the 9.8 model.

Procaliber 9.6

On the 9.6 model of the Procaliber you'll get a RockShox Recon Gold RL and a mixture of Shimano kit making up the drivetrain. There's an SLX M7100 shifter and an XT M8100 derailleur. With this model there's the move over to alloy wheels, they come from Bontrager and the Kovee's. Then there are the same tyres as the rest of the range and an all-alloy finishing kit from Bontrager.

Procaliber 9.5

Finally the Procaliber line-up is rounded off with the 9.5. Even as the cheapest bike, it still gets that OCLV carbon frame but sees a RockShox Judy SL fork. There's a full Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. Then the rest of the bike features the same kit that you'll find on the 9.6 model.

Trek X-Caliber

If you're looking for a race-ready cross country bike but you're on a budget, the X-Caliber is the bike for you. Accommodating for its affordable price point is an aluminium frame rather than the carbon you'll find on its pricier sibling, the Procaliber. The X-Caliber comes kitted with rack mounts, so it's bike-packing ready, along with a mount for a kickstand. All frames feature internal routing and they all come kitted with Trek's Blendr stem. The X-Caliber comes with either 650b wheels on sizes XS and S with all larger bikes (up to XXL) roll on 29" hoops. As for the geometry, there's a 73° effective seat tube angle on sizes M and up while the smaller two sizes get a 73.5° effective seat tube angle. Then there's a 69.5° head tube angle (S and XSs get a 69.3° HA) and a 438mm chainstay on M and up, and a 425mm chainstay on the smaller bikes. Sizes S to XL get 100mm of travel leaving XS with just 80mm. Although, the frame will accept a maximum of a 120mm fork while the XS can accept a 100mm fork.

X-Caliber 9

Heading up the range, the X-Caliber 9 gets a RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air with a TurnKey remote lockout. This bike gets a Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of an MT401 lever and an MT400 caliper. The wheels on this one are a pair of Bontrager Kovees and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR3s in the 2.3" width on all sizes. The finishing kit comes from Bontrager too with an alloy bar, stem, and seat post.

X-Caliber 8

The middle of the range X-Caliber 8 comes with a RockShox Judy SL Solo Air fork with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. Stopping the bike is a pair of MT200 brakes from Shimano. As for the wheels, the rims come from Bontrager with a pair of kovees and they're laced to Formula DCL-141Q hubs. Then the rest of the bike is the same as the X-Caliber 9.

X-Caliber 7

The X-Caliber 7 gets much of the same kit as the X-Caliber 8 with the only difference in spec being its Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain.

Trek Roscoe

If you're looking for a trail orientated hardtail, the Roscoe fits the bill. Each build comes properly sorted with dropper posts, 120mm of travel (size S gets 100mm), 1x drivetrains and alloy frames. The bike also rolls on 650b+ wheels and tyres. They all feature internal cable routing, rack and kickstand mounts too. Onto the geometry, the Roscoe sees a 67.3° head angle, a 70.8° effective seat tube angle (with the medium frame getting a 70.7° effective seat angle and the S and XS getting 71.2° and 71.1° angles respectively), and a large frame gets a 428mm reach. As a 650b+ bike, it can run either 27.5x2.8" or 29x2.4" rubber.

On the Roscoe 8, you'll find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes in the form of the MT501 lever paired with an MT500 caliper. It's worth noting that the fork comes with a flexy QR axle. The wheels here are made of rims from Bontrager and the Line 40s with a Bontrager hub at the front and a Formula hub at the rear. This bike gets a pair of Maxxis Rekon tubeless tyres with a 2.8" width and then the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager and the alloy range apart from the dropper post, which comes from TranzX with the JD-YSP18.

The Roscoe 7 benefits from most of the same kit as the 8, but this one gets a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes.

On the cheapest Roscoe 6 you'll get an SR Suntour XCM 32 coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and MT200 brakes. This bike then rolls on Alex MD35 rims and Formula DC hubs which get a pair of Kenda Havok, wire beaded, 2.8" tyres. As for the rest of the build, that's just the same as the rest of the range.

Trek Marlin

If a sub £1k cross country, everyday bike is more your speed then it's worth checking out the Trek Marlin. Each bike in the range comes with an alloy frame and a fork with 100mm of travel (XS frames get 80mm). There are also rack and stand mounts, the Blendr stem, and internal cable routing. XS and S sizes roll on 650b wheels while sizes M to XXL get 29" hoops. On the Marlin, you'll get an effective seat tube angle of 73.5° on the XS and S frame while everything else benefits from a 71.9° effective seat tube angle. As for the head angle, on the smaller sizes it'll measure in at 69.3° and from M upwards it's a couple of degrees steeper at 69.5°. All frame sizes share a 438mm chainstay length and a large frame gets a 451mm reach.

The Marlin 7 comes kitted with a RockShox Judy coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 disc brakes. The wheels are made of Bontrager Kovee rims laced to Formula DC hubs and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR2 Comp 2.2" tyres with wire beads. The rest of the bike comes with Bontrager's own finishing kit.

Trek Farley

Perhaps fat bikes are more your things. Allow me to introduce the Farley. There are two in the 2021 range with an alloy and a carbon option which, of course, roll on 4.5" tyres. Both bikes come with a dropper post, horizontal sliding dropouts, ideal for single speed setups and tubeless-ready tyres. As for the geometry, the Farley gets a 69° head angle, a 73° effective seat tube angle and a 455mm chainstay. The reach on a large is 441mm and there are four sizes available, from S to XL. 

The Farley 9.6 gets an OCLV carbon frame with a Bontrager Haru OCLV fork. The drivetrain on this bike comes from SRAM and the GX Eagle 12-speed shifting. As for wheels, they're Sunringle Mulefut 80 SL rims laced to Bontrager alloy hubs. Those are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with inner strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The dropper kitted here is a TransX JD-YSP18 and the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager with a 750mm wide bar.

The Farley 5 is Trek's best value fat bike and it's built around an alloy frame. It gets a Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain with SRAM Level brakes and there's a Race Face crank. It gets the same wheels as the 9.6 but the tyres here are a pair of Bontrager Gnarwhals. The rest of the kit is the same as the 9.6. It's worth mentioning that while the Farley 5 comes with a rigid fork, it'll happily accommodate a 100mm travel suspension fork.

Trek Session

The Session needs no introduction, but it's the brand's 650b downhill bike. There's only one model in the 2021 range which is built around an alloy frame. It gets Trek's Active Braking Pivot and the geometry adjusting Mino-Link. Up front, there's 200mm of travel and at the rear, there's 210mm. In the low setting, the Session gets a 63.6° head angle, a 445mm chainstay and a large frame gets a 426mm reach. There are four sizes, from S to XL and the 8 27.5 model will set you back £4,200

Trek Ticket

Finally, rounding off the Trek range of mountain bike is the Ticket. It's available as the full suspension, Ticket S (pictured) with 100mm of travel and the Ticket DJ, which is the hardtail version. Both come as a frame only with prices starting from £725, up to £1,400.

• www.trekbikes.com

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Liam Mercer

Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can also be found photographing bikes as well as revelling in cycling's intricacies. Whether it's gravel, mountain, or e-MTB as long as it's a bike on dirt, he's happy.

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Results have arrived, trek mountain bike buyer’s guide - best trek mountain bikes (supercaliber, procaliber & more).

Whether you have World Cup XC aspirations or dream of epic downhills, Trek has a mountain bike for you. Here's the skinny on Supercaliber, Fuel, Fuel EX, Slash, and many other models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 25, 2022

Posted in: Guides

Trek’s wide range of mountain bikes covers everything from ultra-lightweight XC hardtails to downhill and enduro trail slashers. But how do you know which Trek mountain bike is right for you?

This overview is your guide to all things Trek MTB. In addition to covering every model in the current Trek mountain bike catalog, we’ll decode Trek naming conventions and delve into Trek’s innovations in rear-shock technology.

[button] Shop Trek MTB [/button]

Trek XC bikes

Trek procaliber.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front

The Procaliber is Trek’s carbon XC hardtail and its lightest mountain bike. It’s a pure cross-country race bike optimized for fast courses where maximum pedaling efficiency is essential for climbing and acceleration. It features a rear IsoSpeed decoupler that provides extra compliance over rough roots and rocks.

Who it’s for: XC riders who want the lightest, most efficient bike, or who ride less-technical terrain.

Trek X-Caliber

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” for S) Suspension travel: 100mm front

The X-Caliber is Trek’s entry-level, aluminum XC hardtail. The lightweight aluminum frame provides lots of performance on fast courses without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for newer riders looking to get into XC racing.

Who it’s for: XC riders and racers looking for a budget hardtail.

[button] Shop Trek XC bikes [/button]

Trek Supercaliber

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front / 60mm rear

The Supercaliber is Trek’s lightest, most efficient, full-suspension XC bike. During development, Trek kept the Supercaliber under wraps (they literally hid the rear suspension during races) while Trek’s factory race team tested it at World Cups. The Supercaliber uses a unique IsoStrut suspension system with a frame-integrated shock. This provides 60mm of suspension travel, just enough to take the edge off bumps and harsh impacts while keeping the weight, stiffness, and efficiency close to the Procaliber hardtail. The Supercaliber is designed to be the perfect compromise between a hardtail and a 100mm full-suspension bike.

Who it’s for: XC riders looking for the lightest, most efficient full-suspension race bike available.

Trek Top Fuel

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 120mm front / 115mm rear

The Top Fuel is Trek’s full-suspension marathon XC bike. The previous generation Top Fuel was a pure XC race bike with 100mm of travel front and rear. In 2020, the travel was been increased to make it more capable on descents. The Top Fuel could be considered Trek’s “downcountry” bike, a cross-country bike that balances downhill performance and pedaling efficiency. It will hold its own in fast XC races, but it’s versatile enough for trail riders who enjoy big rides on technical terrain.

Who it’s for: Marathon XC racers and riders looking for a “downcountry” bike.

Trek trail bikes

Trek Fuel EX

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” available for XS and S) Suspension travel: 140mm front / 130mm rear

The Fuel EX is Trek’s most popular mountain bike model, and for good reason. The latest generation of this all-rounder has been refined with more suspension travel and modern geometry to make it equally capable uphill and downhill. It’s designed to suit the majority of riders and the widest range of terrain. If you’re looking for a quiver killer bike that will feel comfortable, capable, and efficient enough for all types of riding, the Fuel EX is a top choice.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for one bike to handle everything from XC to technical downhill trails.

Trek Roscoe

Wheel Size: 27.5” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front (100mm on XS)

The Roscoe is Trek’s basic aluminum trail hardtail with 27.5” plus tires for traction and comfort. The robust aluminum frame and affordable component builds make it a great choice for newer riders building their confidence and skills on the trail.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a fun, inexpensive, easy to maintain hardtail trail bike.

Trek Stache and Full Stache

Wheel Size: 29” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front / 130mm front and rear

Discontinued in 2021, the Stache and Full Stache were Trek’s 29-plus hardtail and full-suspension models, respectively. These extra-large wheels and tires enhance rollover, traction, and comfort. These models are loved by bikepackers who need to carry large amounts of gear and desire extra comfort for backcountry riding and multi-day journeys.

Who it’s for: Trail riders and bikepackers looking for a mountain bike that maximizes traction and comfort.

Trek Farley

Wheel Size: 27.5” Fat Suspension travel: 100mm front or Rigid

The Farley is Trek’s fat bike specializing in terrain like snow and sand which require the additional “float” and traction of 4-5” wide fat tires. The newest generation of Farley uses 27.5” diameter fat tires instead of traditional 26” fat tires. Trek is a believer that using a larger diameter tire offers better performance in all conditions.

Who it’s for: Riders riding snow and sand.

Trek enduro bikes

Trek Remedy

Wheel Size: 27.5” Suspension travel: 160mm front / 150mm rear

The Remedy is Trek’s playful 27.5” trail bike. Older Remedy models were available with 29” wheels, but with the latest generation, Trek has committed to making the Remedy its sole 27.5” full-suspension bike. An ample amount of suspension travel allows the Remedy to tackle tough and steep downhill terrain while smaller 27.5” wheels make it feel easier to maneuver and throw around. It will suit riders who jump and jib their way down trails and who prioritize style and fun over all-out speed.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a capable and playful bike.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 170mm front / 160mm rear

The Slash is Trek’s 29er enduro race bike. It provides the most suspension travel and slackest geometry short of Trek’s Session downhill bike. Available only with 29” wheels, it smooths out the gnarliest terrain and maximizes downhill speed. The Slash is used by Trek’s factory Enduro World Series race team and will suit riders looking for a competitive enduro race bike, or a bike that will enhance their confidence on steep and technical downhill trails.

Who it’s for: Enduro racers and riders looking for the most downhill capable bike that can still be pedaled uphill.

Trek MTB range

Trek has a huge selection of mountain bike models, and within every model, there is a wide range of builds to choose from. The hierarchy within models is described using letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Below is a guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

[newsletter]

Trek mountain bike range

Trek mountain bike models use a number (e.g. Trek Fuel EX 9.9) to indicate the frame material and component build. Models with a 5 through 8 use aluminum frames, with 5 indicating entry-level builds and 8 indicating top-of-the-line aluminum builds.

Models with a 9 use carbon frames. To differentiate build levels within carbon models, Trek uses a decimal system that ranges from 9.5 to 9.9, with 9.5 indicating entry-level builds and 9.9 indicating top-of-the-line builds.

Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, a Fuel EX 9.9 ($9,499) has a top-of-the-line OCLV carbon frame, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. A Fuel EX 5 ($2,399) has a more budget-friendly aluminum frame, Shimano Deore drivetrain, entry-level RockShox and X-Fusion suspension, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Fuel EX models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

Trek suspension technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek mountain bikes.

Trek RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shocks

In 2014, Trek worked with Penske Racing to develop RE:aktiv valve technology for its rear shocks. In RE:aktiv shocks, a spring-loaded valve inside the shock body provides increased low-speed compression for more pedaling support. When the shock's shaft speed increases on rough terrain, the valve opens up to quickly absorb impacts before closing again. RE:aktiv shocks are designed to reduce the need for lockouts and compression adjustment on full-suspension mountain bikes when pedaling on smooth terrain or climbing.

In 2018, Trek added Thru Shaft to its RE:aktiv shocks. Most mountain bike shocks are designed around an internal floating piston, or IFP. When a shock absorbs a bump, a damper shaft moves through the shock and displaces oil. This displaced oil needs to go somewhere, so it pushes against the IFP, compressing a gas charge behind the IFP.

The Thru Shaft design eliminates the need for an IFP by allowing the damper shaft to exit out the bottom of the shock. The damper no longer needs to compress an IFP to create space for displaced oil. This makes the shock more responsive and reduces friction. RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shocks are currently found on the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Trek IsoStrut

IsoStrut is a minimal, frame-integrated shock designed to provide the comfort and control of rear suspension while maintaining weight, stiffness, and efficiency that rivals a hardtail. To save weight, instead of an ABP suspension pivot, there is flex built into the seat stays to provide a virtual pivot. In its current form, it is only found on the Supercaliber cross-country bike where it provides 60mm of suspension travel.

Trek Knock Block and Straight Shot down tubes

Most mountain bike frames have a curve in the down tube where it joins the head tube to prevent interference with the fork crown. Trek’s Straight Shot down tubes, however, are straight from the head tube to the bottom bracket to increase frame stiffness and strength. This means the fork crown might hit the down tube if it spins around during a crash.

The Knock Block system prevents this with a chip in the top tube that interacts with a keyed stem, spacers, and headset top cover. The Knock Block stops the handlebars and fork from spinning, preventing the fork crown from striking the down tube. There's also a molded guard on the down tube as a redundant measure. As an added bonus, Knock Block also prevents brake and shift levers from scratching or damaging the top tube.

Knock Block can be found on all of Trek’s carbon mountain bike models and the aluminum versions of the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Hopefully this guide to Trek mountain bikes puts you in a better place to select the best Trek MTB to suit you riding needs (and also the best build for your price range). If you’re still having trouble deciding, reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek MTB.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

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Discover the Unbeatable Features of Trek 7000

October 23, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 7000 showcases an ideal blend of lightweight aluminum construction and robust durability.
• Its versatile design guarantees top-notch performance and comfort from urban roads to challenging trails.
• With a perfect union of cutting-edge tech and quality components, it stands as a commendable choice for cycling enthusiasts.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ In the cycling world, few names evoke as much respect as Trek. The Trek 7000 stands as one of them because of its amazing features.

The Trek 7000 has an aluminum frame, contributing to its lightweight nature, making it easy for riders of all levels to handle. The comfortable seat post, rear derailleur, and smooth pedals ensure a comfortable ride on trails and terrains. This is a versatile mountain bike with solid durability.

This guide dives into a comprehensive review of this iconic bicycle, analyzing its unmatched features, from the intricacies of its frame to its sophisticated drivetrain and braking system. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer, this deep dive thoroughly explains what makes the Trek 7000 a revered choice among biking enthusiasts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek 7000 Bike Overview

The Trek 7000 is a versatile mountain bike for casual riders and those looking to hit the trails. This is a solid place to start looking for riders who love bikes with durability.

With its combination of quality components, comfortable ride, and stylish design, the Trek 7000 is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the great outdoors on two wheels.

It's known for its well-rounded features, such as durability and ease of use, and it comes with a medium price tag that doesn't break the bank. So, what should you know about the Trek 7000?

What We Loved

Frame and fork.

The aluminum frame of the Trek 7000 offers a lightweight yet durable foundation for this bike. It's an improvement over the earlier models, built with Alpha ZX aluminum. The high-tensile steel fork features curved blades, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride on various terrains.

The Trek 7000 boasts a reliable drivetrain, including a Shimano M131 crank, a Shimano TX51 rear derailleur, and SRAM MRX 7-speed twist shifters. These components work together to provide smooth gear changes and excellent performance on various trails.

Wheels and Tires

This mountain bike comes with Bontrager 550 36-hole alloy rims and Bontrager H4 700x35c tires, which provide excellent traction and durability on different surfaces. The wheels and tires are perfect for those who want to tackle off-road adventures or simply enjoy casual rides around town.

Comfort and Size

The Trek 7000 is available in a range of sizes to accommodate riders of different heights. We particularly appreciated the comfortable saddle and easy-to-grip handlebars, making for an enjoyable ride that accommodates various riding styles.

What Could Be Improved

While the Trek 7000 features decent stock brakes, some riders may prefer to upgrade to higher-quality brakes for better stopping power and control. This is especially important for those who plan to tackle more advanced trails or ride in wet conditions.

Accessories

Although the Trek 7000 is a great bike on its own, we believe some riders may want to add accessories like a rear rack, fenders, or upgraded pedals to further personalize their bike and improve its utility.

Trek 7000 Distinctive Features

Comfortable design.

As casual riders, we can't help but appreciate the Trek 7000's comfortable design. The saddle is specifically designed to provide a comfy ride, making it ideal for those long days on the trails.

The bike also has the option to add fenders, a rear rack, and other accessories that make it even more user-friendly. We definitely enjoy riding this mountain bike.

Lightweight Frame

The Trek 7000 mountain bike features a light yet strong aluminum frame. This lightweight property greatly affects our ability to ride longer and tackle uphill climbs easily. The lightweight frame makes it much easier to handle and maneuver while riding.

Smooth Ride Quality

When it comes to ride quality, this bike truly shines. The Trek 7000 is equipped with reliable components such as the rear derailleur and brakes. Its tires are designed for various terrains, providing excellent grip and traction. The bike's fork ensures a smooth ride by absorbing shocks and vibrations.

Core Strengths of the Trek 7000 Bike

Superior durability.

One of the main reasons why we love the Trek 7000 mountain bike is its superior durability. The aluminum frame is made of high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time.

With proper care and maintenance, this bike can serve both casual riders and mountain biking enthusiasts for years.

Efficient Performance

Another core strength that makes the Trek 7000 an excellent choice is its efficient performance. This mountain bike is designed to handle various terrains, making it perfect for those who love to take on new trails.

With a wide gear range, riders can easily tackle hills and enjoy a comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces. The tires on this bike are also designed to provide excellent traction, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

Advanced Technology

Trek is a brand known for utilizing advanced technology in their bikes, and the Trek 7000 is no exception. The smooth welds on the frame and the durable aluminum material make it a light yet robust mountain bike.

The components of the bike, such as the drivetrain and brakes, are also designed to provide top-notch performance during rides. The high-quality aluminum material used in the frame ensures a durable and lightweight bike that can handle challenging trails.

The smooth welds are not just for aesthetics. They also contribute to the frame's overall strength and durability. The Trek 7000's wide gear range allows you to easily ride up hills and tackle various terrains.

Trek 7000 Frame and Build Quality

The Trek 7000 prides itself on an advanced aluminum alloy frame, ensuring a lightweight yet robust structure. This material choice provides an optimal balance between agility and sturdiness.

The frame's geometry, tailored for both comfort and performance, caters to varied rider preferences. Noteworthy is the meticulous welding technique which offers seamless joints, enhancing the overall aesthetics and durability.

With anti-corrosive properties and rigorous testing, the Trek 7000 ensures longevity, even in the toughest of conditions, justifying its reputation in the biking community.

Trek 7000 Drivetrain and Braking System

The heart of the Trek 7000's performance lies in its precision-engineered drivetrain. Sporting top-tier components ensure seamless gear shifts with a wide range to cater to steep climbs and fast descents.

The bike boasts a modern derailleur system, delivering crisp transitions between its multiple gears. Complementing the drivetrain is its efficient braking system. Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, the Trek 7000 offers rapid stopping power, ensuring safety even in wet conditions.

Compared to competitors, its responsive drivetrain and potent braking mechanism position it as a frontrunner in its class, providing an unmatched riding experience.

Suspension and Handling

Central to the Trek 7000's appeal is its state-of-the-art suspension system. Equipped with responsive front shocks, it promises a smooth ride even on rugged terrains. These suspensions are adept at absorbing shocks from bumps, providing cyclists with a jolt-free experience.

Its geometry is specifically designed to offer improved handling on diverse terrains - from city roads to mountain trails. Thanks to the bike's lower center of gravity, riders can expect unparalleled stability.

All these features collectively ensure that regardless of the path taken, the Trek 7000 guarantees a ride that's both comfortable and controlled.

How Durable Is The Trek 7000?

The Trek 7000 is a well-built mountain bike designed to withstand rough terrains and provide a comfortable ride for casual riders. The durability of this bike primarily lies in the materials used for its construction.

The frame of the Trek 7000 is made from high-quality aluminum, which provides the bike with a lightweight and sturdy structure. This material contributes to the bike's durability and enables it to handle tough trails without sustaining significant damage.

The components of the Trek 7000, such as the rear derailleur, brakes, and drivetrain, are also carefully selected to ensure a long-lasting performance. Quality tires are crucial for the durability of any mountain bike, and the Trek 7000 is no exception.

The tires used in this model are designed to provide excellent grip, even on challenging surfaces, ultimately enhancing the bike's longevity. The wheel design is super durable for off-roading too.

Is The Trek 7000 Worth Buying?

As mountain bike enthusiasts, we believe the Trek 7000 is worth considering, as it has built a solid reputation over the years. Designed for both casual riders and those new to the sport, this bike is known for offering a comfortable ride while still providing durability and performance.

One of the components contributing to the comfortable ride is the aluminum frame, which is both lighter and stronger than many alternatives. This makes the Trek 7000 easier to handle and more capable of tackling various trail conditions.

Additionally, the wide gear range on this mountain bike allows for easier hill climbs and a more enjoyable overall experience. We like the fact that the Trek 7000 is suitable for casual riders, but it's also designed to handle more adventurous trails.

Before making a decision, research your own and read reviews from fellow cyclists better to understand the Trek 7000's riders' experiences. We think it’s a good buy, and we're confident you'll enjoy hitting the trails with this reliable mountain bike.

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Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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Trek 4500 Mountain Bike Review: Is it worth your money?

Mountain biking is an exhilarating and fulfilling hobby, but let’s be real, it can also be pretty expensive. 

Luckily, there are plenty of great budget bikes on the market that don’t compromise on performance. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at one of those bikes – the Trek 4500 Mountain Bike. 

So, if you’re in the market for a bike that won’t break the bank but still offers plenty of features and versatility, stick around for this review.

Trek 4500 MTB At A Glance 

Trek 4500 is an amazing hardtail mountain bike from Trek. It provides good riding on technical trails, and the lightweight frame makes it very convenient for beginners.

Trek 4500 inspires confidence on the trail with solid handling and durable components. It sports 26-inch tires and a suspension fork to smooth out bumps and major impacts. 

It also comes with a Shimano drivetrain, a RockShox Dart 2 fork, and with sturdy double-walled rims, so you can roll over anything with confidence. Also, the hydraulic disc brakes in the later models deliver precise stopping ability.

• High quality aluminum frame
• Durable components
• Reliable brakes and gears
• Sturdy wheels and tires
• Complex 3X drivetrain
• Small 26-inch wheels

Unfortunately, Trek doesn’t make this bike anymore, but there are some really impressive newer models with better designs which are excellent alternatives to the 4500 Trek mountain bike. 

I recommend Trek Marlin 5 and Trek Fuel EX 5 as great alternatives, you can scroll down to see our brief review of these bikes. 

Trek 4500 Mountain Bike: Features and Specifications

Frame and fork.

Trek 4500 Mountain Bike is the perfect companion for beginner trail riders who want a lightweight and durable bike that can handle mountain trails with ease. 

The hardtail aluminum frame makes it an excellent budget bike, with a trail-taming front suspension that absorbs impacts and road noise.

It comes equipped with a RockShox Dart 2 with 100mm travel suspension fork, which might not be the lightest, but it is super strong and very reliable.

Actually, the Suntour XCM suspension on the Trek 4500 makes it a budget to mid-range bike that packs a punch. And the relatively tight head tube angle that offers flexible handling for easy steering and control, especially during climbs and descents. 

With its great budget fork, the Trek 4500 is quite comfortable on longer rides and actually able to handle some riding on technical trails.

From my experience, the Trek 4500 is an excellent choice for beginners who want to hit the trails with confidence and style.

Gears and Brakes

Shimano is well-known for making reliable gears with smooth shifting and easy maintenance. And the Trek 4500 features Shimano components, it has the Shimano Alivio groupset.

With the Trek 4500, you get an incredible range of gearing, from low gears that smoothly take up steep climbs to a good range of high gears for fast descents.

Before this bike model was discontinued, it had many different models, and a few of its features changed with each new release. For instance, the oldest models were fitted with rim brakes, but the later models were upgraded to more reliable and effective hydraulic disc brakes. 

These bikes had the Shimano M395, which have excellent stopping power and will stop on a dime even in wet conditions. 

Now, whether you’re just starting out on mountain trails or you’re an experienced rider, you can trust the Shimano groupset and hydraulic disc brakes to give you the performance you need to tackle any terrain.

Wheels and Tires

If you’re looking for a mountain bike with excellent handling ability and great acceleration, then the Trek 4500 is a great choice. 

4500 Trek is equipped with 26″ wheels, which are smaller than other sizes like 27.5″ or 29″, but they make up for it with their maneuverability, and you can always fit larger tires.

The wheels are designed to be strong and durable, with 32 spokes and double-walled rims, this means that you can take on any trail without worrying about your wheels getting damaged.

Plus, it comes with Bontrager 26×2.2″ tires that provide great flexibility, but the traction is not so great. Bigger and wider tires on a mountain bike are ideal for providing traction on trails with loose dirt, and they also help to absorb shocks and bumps on the trail. 

Thankfully, you can always swap the 26-inches tire on the Trek 4500 for bigger ones. However, even the small tires are not so bad. With those tires, you can actually hit the trails with confidence and take on any challenge that comes your way.

The wheels and tires of the Trek 4500 are a great combination that provides excellent handling, durability, and versatility. 

Saddle and Handlebars

A good saddle and adjustable handlebars are crucial components of a mountain bike, as they can greatly impact your riding experience. 

With a comfortable saddle, you can ride for long periods without experiencing discomfort, while adjustable handlebars allow you to customize your riding position to suit your preferences and riding style.

For the Trek 4500 though, the comfort of the saddle is highly subjective. Whether you find it comfortable or not depends on how it makes your backside feel. From my experience, not many people find it comfortable, but that’s not an issue because you can always install a better saddle.  

And for the handlebars, Trek 4500 comes equipped with Bontrager handlebars, grips, and a stem. Its handlebar’s 31.8mm diameter and 15mm rise give it plenty of space for a comfortable grip when riding.

These handlebars are quite impressive and provide excellent grip, even in wet or muddy conditions, and helps to absorb shocks and vibrations on the trail.

The bar’s robust design can withstand some abuse while being used on the trail. And the stem has a 10-degree rise, which provides a comfortable riding position while also keeping you in control of your bike. 

The stem is also adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune your riding position for maximum comfort and performance.

Size and weight 

Trek 4500 comes in a range of sizes to fit different riders, with options ranging from 13″ all the way up to 24″, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you. The frame sizes are precisely 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5, 23.5″

And for the weight, the Trek 4500 is relatively lightweight for a mountain bike, with an average weight of about 30 lbs (13.6 kg). That means it’s easy to handle and maneuver on the trails without being too heavy to carry around when needed. 

The maximum weight limit of 275 to 300 lbs is also good, providing plenty of support for a wide range of riders.

Ride quality and performance

The Trek 4500 is an all-around amazing bike. Its comfortable ride and great performance make it an excellent choice for any rider, regardless of skill level. 

While it may not be the lightest bike on the market, it has an incredible range of gears, making it very adaptable and easy to conquer a variety of terrain. 

Plus, its 26″ wheels provide excellent handling and acceleration, while the Bontrager XR2 26″ tires provide good grip in all kinds of conditions.

One of the best things about the Trek 4500 is its versatility. Whether you’re tackling light, dusty paths or hitting some loose terrain with serious speed, this bike can handle it all. 

Its sturdy frame and durable components make it perfect for trail riding, while the adjustable handlebars and comfortable saddle ensure a comfortable ride.

I highly recommend the Trek 4500 for anyone looking for a mid-range bike that delivers outstanding performance at a great price. Its combination of affordability, versatility, and quality makes it an excellent investment for anyone who loves mountain biking.

Best Trek 4500 Mountain Bike Alternatives

As Trek doesn’t make the 4500 mountain bikes anymore, you cannot buy them brand new. But, you will find even better performing Trek mountain bikes with more advanced features and superior build quality. 

If you absolutely want a Trek bike, then I recommend the Trek Fuel EX 5 or the Trek Marlin 5 as great alternatives for the Trek 4500. But if you’re willing to try a different brand, then the Schwinn Bonafide is a great choice with a much lower price tag.

Trek Fuel EX 5

Fuel EX 5 is a very efficient full-suspension trail bike that’s ready to handle the most rugged mountain terrains. It’s built for speed, with a sturdy chassis and supportive front and rear suspension to give you loads of support on both climbs and descents.

The Trek Fuel EX 5 stands out as a high-value, high-performance mountain bike with remarkable adaptability. It’s fitted with a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, a dropper post for getting low on descents, and hydraulic disc brakes.

As a heavy trail-rider, this bike most likely checks all the boxes on your wishlist for a new bike. It’s a sure-footed bike that delivers better stability and control. And more importantly, it’s a fun bike to ride. 

Trek Marlin 5

Trek Marlin 5 is a trail mountain bike that’s built to gracefully handle daily adventures on rough terrains. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with a 2×8 drivetrain for smooth riding and shifting and powerful hydraulic disc brakes which provide fast and precise stopping. 

While the Marlin 5 is made for trail riding, it’s also versatile and can double as a commuter bike. This bike has a stunning frame with internal routing for the brake and shift cables, which can extend the lifespan of your wires by shielding them from the environment.

It’s the perfect bike for new trail riders and comes in seven frame sizes to fit riders of all heights. Marlin 5 is elegant and comfortable, with a ton of features that are typically reserved for more pricey bikes.

Schwinn Bonafide MTB

The Bonafide MTB is another great bike from Schwinn. It’s a mid-range bike with interesting features and an affordable price tag. 

The Schwinn Bonafide MTB gives you a pleasant and reliable riding experience with its aluminum mountain frame and sturdy suspension fork that absorbs bumps and big hits.

As a hardtail mountain bike, it’s designed for the trail with large 29″ knobby tires and durable alloy rims. The alloy rims increase longevity without adding extra weight, while the mechanical disc brakes offer precise stopping on the trail. 

The gear shifting is smooth and seamless, thanks to the 24-speed trigger shifters and front and rear derailleurs. This bike is fun and easy to ride, which makes it great for heavy riders.

Finally, is Trek 4500 mountain bike a good buy?

Well, that’s my review of the Trek 4500 Mountain Bike. I hope you found it helpful in making your decision. I know that mountain biking can be an expensive hobby, but the Trek 4500 provides a lot of value for the price. 

It’s versatile, sturdy, and has a great set of features that make it a great bike for a variety of riders. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mountain bike that can handle a range of terrain, the Trek 4500 might just be the bike for you.

You likely won’t find a brand-new Trek 4500, but the alternative options included above are really great choices.

You may also like:

• Best Budget Mountain Bikes Under $400
• Best Budget Mountain Bikes Under $300
• Best Mountain Bikes for $1500 and below

Dial up your biking experience.

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Best Beginner Mountain Bikes of 2024

Mountain biking is a great blend of exercise and outdoor adventure that draws in a wide range of recreational cyclists. The bar for entry into the sport is fairly low other than the initial cost of buying a bike, which ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars. While you can easily spend more than $10,000 on a high-end mountain bike, we limited our selections below to more beginner- and budget-friendly options below $5,000.

Because it’s a significant purchase and there are lots of brands, models, and features to consider, beginner mountain bikers often get hung up on the decision. But if you have a budget in mind and understand the main features and your style of riding, you can narrow down your choices quickly. We talked to experts and did extensive research to identify the best beginner mountain bikes of 2024.

Table of Contents

• Best Beginner Mountain Bikes
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3  »

Extremely capable suspension

Brand-name components

Includes seat-dropper post

Limits you to mellower terrain only

Low-end front suspension

The REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 is a lower-cost hardtail mountain bike that has most of the features of a modern mountain bike: disc brakes, 1x12 Shimano drivetrain, and Maxxis tires. It also includes a handlebar-controlled seat-dropper post which is an essential upgrade for riding a hardtail on more technical trails. From the RockShox front suspension to Maxxis Rekon tires and the Shimano Deore drivetrain, the DRT 1.3 gives you mid-tier components at a budget price point. Co-op Cycles is outdoor superstore REI’s house-brand bikes and, while they sell several cheaper mountain bikes in their line, the DRT 1.3 gives you worthy component upgrades that will translate into better performance and durability.

It also offers a bit more travel in the front suspension. Most budget hardtails use a cheaper 100mm- or 110mm-travel fork, which limits you to only the gentlest terrain. The hardtail DRT 1.3 has serious limitations if you plan to progress into steep, technical terrain, but there’s more room to grow here than with cheaper bikes better left on paved paths or gravel.

The 1x12 Shimano Deore drivetrain system eliminates the need for a front derailleur which simplifies shifting for learning riders to just one set of shifters instead of two. It also eliminates a common source of shifting malfunctions while maintaining a good range of gears to tackle a variety of terrain.

Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2  »

Great value

Lightweight for easier climbing

Lets you upgrade over time

Still uses name-brand components

Limits you to mellow terrain only

Rougher ride than full-suspension

Trek is known for quality mountain bikes, with high-end professional-grade models costing over $10,000. But it also knows that most new trail bikers aren’t ready to fork over that much cash, so it also makes much cheaper models such as the Marlin 7 Gen 2 that save around the edges but build on the same proven frame designs.

The Marlin 7 is a hardtail, which is a big reason why the cost remains under $1,000 (no expensive rear shock and mechanism. That means it’s best-suited for mellower trails, gravel roads, and paved paths. For the price, it’s also relatively light at just under 30 pounds, so it’s easier to pedal until you build up your fitness. The bike is highly upgradeable. However, if you find you prefer rougher, more technical terrain, you’ll eventually need to upgrade to an all-new full suspension bike.

That said, the components such as wheels, shifters, drivetrain, and brakes are all made by name brands in the industry, so they should perform better and last longer than the no-name parts used on department store bikes. They’re also easier for bike shops to repair or replace since they’re more common.

Canyon Neuron 5  »

A full-suspension mountain bike for less

More capable on technical trails

High-quality components

Efficient uphill for a full suspension

Limited on features and aggressive terrain

Higher initial investment than hardtail bikes

You may have seen Canyon bikes out on trails, but you’ve never seen them in bike shops. That’s because they use a direct-to-consumer model to keep the cost of their bikes (relatively) low. The Neuron 5 is their most affordable full-suspension bike, and it’s a great beginner option thanks to a low weight and efficient performance. (If you’re surprised that a $2,000 price point is “affordable”, read our FAQ on pricing below.)

While any full-suspension mountain bike offers a smoother ride than a hardtail, the Neuron 5 isn’t overly plush, fitted with a modest 130-mm rear travel and 140-mm up front that will soften the ride without making the bike too heavy or inefficient on climbs. The orientation of the rear shock keeps the bike’s geometry more rigid during climbs, which translates to more efficient power out of each pedal stroke. This is great for newer riders who haven’t developed as much sport-specific skill and power.

Despite the low price point, the component spec sheet features all respected name brands. The 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain is a reliable workhorse, front and back feature RockShox suspension, and the Schwalbe tires are light and fast. The biggest reason to spend more or look at other models is if you know you’re more downhill-oriented and want a plusher ride for more aggressive downhill trails.

Ibis Ripmo AF  »

High-end components on a midtier bike

All-around capable

Modern geometry for stability and speed

Higher initial investment

Ibis is known for high-end performance bikes for a bit less than the luxury brands such as Santa Cruz and Yeti, and the Ibis Ripmo AF delivers modern full-suspension frame design and some higher-end components in a package that can be had for less than $3000. That price tag might not seem low to new bikers but similar bikes from other manufacturers can cost more than $5000.

The Ripmo prioritizes downhill capability more than most beginner bikes, with 140 mm of rear travel and 150 mm in front, so it’ll be ready for you when you’re ready to tackle steeper trails and bigger obstacles. That capability comes at a bit of weight penalty, with an overall weight of 34 pounds for a large. But it climbs well for what it is, and recreational riders who endure the uphill to enjoy a spicy downhill won’t mind.

There are cheaper full-suspension mountain bikes, but you get a lot with the Ripmo in terms of components. The SRAM GX/NX drivetrain gives beginners a taste of the high end in their shifting, and everything from the seat to the brakes comes from respected brands such as SRAM, WTB, and Maxxis. This is a great option for new riders who want their first bike to be as good as it can be without diving right into the high-end of the market.

Norco Sight A3 SRAM  »

More travel than most beginner bikes

High-end components for a midtier bike

Bigger suspension for bigger descents

Beginner riders usually look for smoother trails and avoid fear-inducing obstacles such as rock drops and steep descents. But as your skills progress, you may find yourself seeking them out. While by no means a downhill-first bike, the all-mountain Sight A3 comes with more travel than most beginner mountain bikes, with a 160-mm RockShox Yari fork in front and 150-mm RockShox rear shock.

The overall package is on the heavy side, but it still pedals uphill well and uses smart design to help you get out most of the power you put in to each stroke, especially on more technical climbs. You also get all the expected trappings of a high-end bike, with a quality SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, tubeless Maxxis tires, and seat-dropper post. Overall, it’s a great all-around bike for riders that are getting into the sport at least in part to chase the adrenaline high of challenging descents.

The 2024 Sight A3 made some fairly substantial changes to the rear suspension mechanism, so the 2023 model (linked above) can be had for less for entry-level bikers who can do without the newest tech.

Trek X-Caliber 8  »

Efficient power transfer

Lightweight for the cost

Easy to upgrade components

Good for gravel, mellow trail, or pavement

No dropper post included

Limited on tougher terrain

If you’re getting into mountain biking more for outdoor time and fitness than the adrenaline rush, a cross-country oriented hardtail like the X-Caliber saves you weight and money and delivers efficiency for long rides. You can easily spend 2-5x the cost of the X-Caliber on a XC bike (check out the short-travel full-suspension Supercaliber ), but the X-Caliber gives you a solid hardtail base with mid-tier components that can be upgraded over time.

If you spend most of your time on trails, even mellow ones, a seat-dropper post should be your first upgrade; it will make the hardtail platform less frightening on more challenging descents. But out of the box, the 110-mm RockShox fork, Bontrager hubs and rims, and Shimano XT drivetrain are an improvement over lesser components in exchange for a slightly higher price tag.

The X-Caliber is a great option for spin class junkies who want to take their love of pedaling outside, aspiring racers, and endurance junkies chasing course records instead of adrenaline rushes. The level of suspension is plenty for mellow trail rides and it won’t feel sluggish when logging miles on gravel or pavement.

State Bicycles 6061 Trail+ Fat Bike  »

Plusher, more stable ride

Better for larger riders

More capable on sand or packed snow

Slower than regular mountain bikes

More effort to control

Less upgradeable as skill progress

Fat bikes are often considered a niche product for winter biking or casual cruising, but they can be a great first bike for the right type of beginner. Fat bikes such as State Bicycles’ 6061 Trail+ Fat Bike use much bigger tires than traditional mountain bikes; the tires also are run at lower pressures and thus act like suspension without adding expensive shocks.

The bigger, softer Kenda Juggernaut tires on the 6061 Trail+ deliver a much more plush ride on rougher trails, and the lack of suspension means a simpler bike design that’s easier to maintain and repair. It’s also much more sure-footed in the hands of a novice and can be a great way to get comfortable with mountain biking. Plus, it has the distinct advantage over traditional bikes of being capable on sand if you’re a beachgoer and on packed snow if you want to keep biking through the winter.

The downsides are a higher price than a hardtail and higher weight, which makes it tougher to pedal uphill and more difficult to deftly guide through techy terrain. As your skills and fitness progress, you’ll eventually want the lighter weight and agility of a traditional mountain bike, so it’s also harder to grow into intermediate riding. The weight penalty and cost scares most beginners away from fat bikes, but the affordable State 6061 Trail+ costs much less than most fat bikes and could be a great starter bike for those who want maximum stability and traction, as well the ability to navigate soft sand and/or packed snow.

The Bottom Line

Modern mountain bikes are lighter, faster, and more fun than ever, but they don’t come cheap. Ultra-cheap options sacrifice too much durability and performance to be worth considering, so look for a brand-name bike with lower-tier components from trusted brands to keep your initial cost down.

Going with a hardtail such as our top overall pick, the REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3, over a full-suspension bike can cut costs significantly, but consider the terrain you’ll be riding and how much you want to progress since hardtails can be limiting. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a plusher ride and more room to grow with your bike, we like the Canyon Neuro 5 as a more affordable full-suspension option for beginner mountain bikers.

Things To Consider When Buying Beginner Mountain Bikes

Bike Fit and Size: No amount of tech and features can make up for a bad fit with your mountain bike. Too big, and you’ll struggle to move it around quickly and deftly. Too small, and you’ll lose stability and increase your risk of crashing. More expert riders develop a feel for the right fit, but beginners are best served by visiting a bike shop that can lead you through the process and seat you on actual bikes.

Sizing and geometry can vary widely between manufacturers and models, so don’t assume that if a “large” bike from one brand fits you well, you’ll love that size for any bike. "If a bike isn’t fit properly, it can lead to injury over time, so it’s important to work with a knowledgeable expert to be properly fit to your bike," says Colin Edwards, a bike buyer for Evo . He suggests visiting a larger bike retailer that have you try a range of different bikes and sizes to find the best fit for your body and riding style.

Suspension Type: The big question for most beginner mountain bikers is whether to go with a hardtail or full-suspension bike. Hardtails have front suspensions but are rigid in the rear of the frame. This provides more efficient power transfer and is usually lighter, but limits your ability to tackle more technical terrain.

Full suspension bikes have come a long way and use smart designs and modern materials to keep weights as low as possible and minimize efficiency differences. However, the substantial increase in cost when jumping to a full-suspension bike makes hardtails an attractive option for newbies on a budget.

Emma Dunn, a Colorado-based mountain biking instructor and former racer, says beginner bikers often start with hardtails for the lower cost. But she warns that this can hamper their growth. “People think full suspension is heavy, and the bikes really used to be pigs,” she says. “But if students show up on a hardtail with no dropper post, it’s kind of limiting as to how they can progress. Nowadays, if you get a shorter-travel full-suspension bike, they’re perfect.” Still, hardtails can meet your needs (and save money) if you plan to mostly ride flatter, gentler terrain and focus more on longer rides than technical descents

Frame material: Today, most mountain bike frames are made from either aluminum or carbon. (Steel frames are heavy and unforgiving and found mostly in ultra-cheap bikes.) If you’ve shopped for bikes at all, you’ve probably noticed carbon frames can add hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to the cost.

Carbon composites are lighter than aluminum in general, but for beginners, that savings of around 1 to 2 pounds is likely not worth the cost jump. Advanced riders prefer carbon, as the material’s characteristics simultaneously help dampen rough terrain better than metal and deliver better power transfer. These are subtle differences to pick up on for a novice rider, however, and there are better bang-for-your-buck upgrades in components unless budget simply isn’t a concern.

Wheel size: Wheel sizes used to be a hotly debated topic, but the mountain bike marketplace has largely settled on 29-inch wheels as the best size for most riders. (Smaller riders may prefer common 27.5-inch wheels, which are also common.) While 29-inch wheels accelerate more slowly and are less nimble on tight terrain, most expert riders choose them for their increased traction and improved ability to tackle large obstacles. They're also more efficient once up to speed, requiring less work than smaller wheels over the duration of a ride.

The biggest exception to this is for smaller riders, who may struggle to gracefully maneuver the larger wheels. They can benefit from 27.5-inch wheels, or a “mullet” that puts a 29-inch wheel up front to tackle obstacles and a 27.5-inch wheel in the back to make the bike more nimble.

Price: Mountain bikes have gotten both much better and much more expensive in recent years. Experts who we spoke with cautioned against spending any less than about $700 on a hardtail or less than $2,500 on a full-suspension mountain bike.

The downsides of cheaper bikes show up in performance, weight, and durability. No-name bikes and components suffer from more quality control issues and can be harder to repair, and their increased weight and inefficiency lead to a sub-par experience. If you buy a slightly more expensive bike and end up not sticking with the sport or just find you want something different, sites such as Pinkbike and The Pro’s Closet make it fairly easy to sell a used mountain bike.

“For your bike, you want to go with an established brand," Dunn says. "For drivetrain, you want SRAM or Shimano. Even the lower-tier components from name brands are easier for mechanics to repair or replace. Cheaping out usually leads to failures.”

How We Chose The Best Beginner Mountain Bikes

Our contributor Justin Park consulted mountain bike coaches, bike race directors, and bike company product managers to assemble our guide to the best beginner mountain bikes. These included Emma Dunn, a mountain bike coach and former racer; Stuart Sundell-Norlin, of Bike & Nordic at Christy Sports ; Andy Tesch, co-owner of Wilde Bicycle Co. ; and Colin Edwards, buyer at Evo for bikes and bike apparel.

With so many options and such a wide range of price points, Park then filtered the pool of bikes considered with additional research on brands and models to select our top picks. For each bike, he evaluated components such as drivetrain, suspension, and brakes. He also identified what sets each bike apart from similar offerings in the same category. He focused on bikes that provide great value for the class they fall within, rather than ones at the high end of the price spectrum.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

Justin Park is an experienced outdoor equipment expert specializing in mountain bikes, snow sports, and backpacking equipment. His award-winning journalism has appeared in national magazines, newspapers, and digital outlets from Popular Mechanics to Bicycling. He has worked in the mountain bike industry for the past 15 years and rides almost daily near his home in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Mountain bikes have improved in design and performance over the past two decades, but the prices have climbed along with the improvements, so as with any purchase, only spend what you can afford. Expect to spend at least $700 for a decent hardtail mountain bike and $2,500 for a quality full-suspension bike.

There are a lot of ultra-cheap options below these thresholds, but they usually have a sharp drop-off in performance and durability, so it's smarter to spend more. Most shops will let you take test rides or demo/rent a bike for a few days, which is the best way to test fit and get a feel for the type of bike you prefer.

A hardtail bike has front suspension, while a full-suspension bike has both front and rear shocks that make for a smoother ride on rough trail. Hardtail bikes are cheaper than full-suspension bikes in general and require more skill to use on rocky and rooty trail. Full-suspension bikes are heavier, though higher-end full-suspension bikes weigh less and climb more efficiently than the downhill-oriented full-suspension rides of years past.

If budget is a primary concern and you don’t intend to ride many rough, technical trails, a hardtail bike will be plenty capable and is often half the cost. If you’re planning to ride a lot of rocky or rooty terrain, it may be worth spending more upfront to get the smoother ride of a full-suspension bike.

For new mountain bikers, the material used for the frame of a mountain bike isn’t something to agonize over. Most lower-cost bikes use aluminum or alloy frames that are light but not as expensive as carbon frames, which cost hundreds or thousands more. Carbon frames are a bit lighter than aluminum, but that doesn’t justify the price difference for most riders who aren’t racing.

Yes, beginner mountain bikes generally share very similar builds to more advanced (and more expensive) bikes. The biggest difference for most beginner bikes is that they use cheaper components. However, most bike components can be upgraded one at a time as they wear out, break, or you simply outgrow them as you improve.

About Our Team

Justin park.

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Bike Awards 2023

The Year’s 40 Best and Most Exciting Bikes

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The Best Road Bikes of 2023

The best commuter bikes of 2023, the best mountain bikes of 2023.

Each year, Bicycling editors choose our Best Bikes from the hundreds that are available. Our process starts with analyzing price, features, and how each bike solves a rider’s needs. With that criteria, we tighten our focus to the bikes with the most potential, get them in, ride them extensively, and spend anywhere from weeks to months discussing the bikes amongst the gear team.

Almost no one uses a bike only how it’s portrayed on brands’ websites. So we test bikes how our readers ride them. We go to group rides and events, dig through Instagram posts, and dive into message board minutia to give us insight into obstacles riders face and how they use their bikes to solve them. —Tara Seplavy, Deputy Editor

Specialized Globe Haul S/T

.css-1ai5262{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;word-break:break-word;display:inline-block;padding-bottom:0.05rem;padding-top:0.05rem;font-weight:bold;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;background-image:unset;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;padding:0.625rem 0.9375rem 0.5rem;background-color:#067ea7;width:auto;font-family:teko,teko-upcase-roboto,teko-upcase-local,helvetica,'arial narrow',sans-serif;text-transform:uppercase;margin-top:0.625rem;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:0.15rem;}.css-1ai5262:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-color:#595959;background-image:unset;}.css-1ai5262:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;} → read full review.

The Globe Haul ST isn’t just excellent in its class; it is an exceptional bike, full stop. We named it Bicycling’s Bike of the Year not just because it is impressively capable, massively useful, well-priced, and incredibly fun to ride, but because it was the only bike that changed why we go for rides in the first place. It’s a bike that reconnects riders with the freedom that cycling made us feel when we were younger. We didn’t think we could get that feeling riding to the grocery store, but the Haul ST proved us wrong.

The Best Gravel Bikes of 2023

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Otso Waheela C GRX 600

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Cervelo R5-CX Force

Riverside GRVL900

GT Grade e-Bike

Surly Preamble

Factor Ostro Gravel

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Trek Domane+

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Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS

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Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy X01 AXS RSV CC

Yeti SB140 Lunch Ride

Rocky Mountain Altitude

Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 2

Marin Bikes Rift Zone 2 27.5

Norco Fluid FS A1

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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The Best Bikes for Women

• Author: Ashley Mateo, certified running coach

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. The Sports Illustrated editorial team is not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

This shouldn’t have to be said in 2024 (and, yet, here we are), but women’s bikes are not just smaller, pinker versions of men’s bikes.

Sure, men may still be the dominant gender in cycling, but of the 103 million people who rode a bike in 2022, 27 percent were female and about 40 percent were male, according to a recent survey conducted by the PeopleforBikes Foundation —which means women are starting to close the gap. And all women deserve bikes that are specifically designed to support female anatomy and biomechanics, whether they’re riding to work, cruising around town or competing in an endurance race.

Of course, finding the right bike depends on your personal preferences: road or mountain biking, cruiser or electric bike . And while nailing down the perfect fit may take a little more effort than scrolling the internet—like visiting a local bike shop for a proper fitting and testing out different models—this list of the best bikes for women, along with insights on what types are available and what features to consider, can help get you up to speed.

Our Picks for the Best Bikes for Women:

Best hybrid bike for women: diamondback division 1 urban bike, best e-bike for women: aventon level.2 commuter e-bike.

• Best Cruiser Bike for Women: Electra Townie 7D 24 Step-Thru

Best Mountain Bike for Women: Trek Top Fuel 7

Best road bike for women: specialized tarmac sl6.

• Best E-Mountain Bike for Women: Trek Powerfly 4

Best Step-Thru Bike for Women: Public Bikes C1

Best rail trail bike for women: trek dual sport 1 gen 5.

Performance Bike

Key Features:

• Price: $835
• Bike type: Urban/commuter bike
• Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large
• Weight: Not listed
• Frame material: Aluminum
• Drivetrain: 1x, rear derailleur

City riding can be notoriously difficult on your bike—and body, as anyone who’s ever ridden full-speed over a pothole knows. The Diamondback Division 1 Urban Bike was designed for commutes, running errands, or just riding around, with 27.5-inch tubeless tires that promise traction while absorbing the impact generated by most obstacles (they’re also very unlikely to pop a flat). And thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame, you’ll have no problem hoisting this bike up any number of stairs.

• Tires are especially grippy in wet conditions
• 1 x 8 speed drivetrain is easy to maintain
• Features high-quality Shimano drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• Disc brakes are more difficult to maintain
• Shifting components don’t quite match the price point

• Price: $1,799
• Bike type: Commuter e-bike
• Sizes: Regular, large
• Weight: 54 pounds
• Drivetrain: Hub

If you don’t want to work up a sweat while commuting to and from the office, Aventon’s Level.2 Commuter E-Bike packs a lot of power into a design that mimics the look of a traditional city cruiser. It even feels like a more traditional bike, thanks to the integration of a torque sensor that allows for more efficient battery use (translation: the bike can sense how hard you’re pedaling and deliver additional power via the 500W motor as needed). With 27.5-inch tires that eat up the road—a full charge gives you a range of 60 miles—you can push this bike up to 28 miles per hour using pedal assist (using just the throttle, you’ll top out at 20 miles per hour).

• Torque sensor creates a more natural riding experience
• Available in four color options
• Comes with preinstalled fenders and a rear rack
• This version isn’t as powerful as the first in the name of preserving battery power
• Not meant to be ridden in prolonged rain

Best Cruiser Bike for Women: Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru

• Price: $729.99
• Bike type: Step-thru/recreational
• Sizes: 26-inch wheel
• Weight: 31 pounds
• Frame material: aluminum
• Drivetrain: derailleur

It doesn’t get more classic than the Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru, which is the best-selling bike in the U.S. It’s also a great beginner option, allowing you to sit upright and flat-footed—with the pedals positioned farther forward—so you can easily step off the pedals and onto the ground if needed. The nearly two-inch wide tires also ensure stability and security while on the road (and can even handle gentle trails). Despite the retro look, the Townie is built with modern components like Shimano Revo shifters and a Shimano Tourney drivetrain, puncture-resistant Bontrager tires, and an ergonomic saddle.

• Very safe and comfortable for newer riders
• Fully charges in under five hours
• Can easily attach a rear rack and baby seat
• Has a longer frame than a standard town bike, which makes it bulkier
• Upright position makes standing tough, which can be challenging for uphills
• Maximum weight capacity is only 250 pounds

• Price: $3,629.99
• Bike type: Mountain bike
• Sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL
• Weight: 32.7 pounds
• Drivetrain: Derailleur

If you’re serious about mountain biking, the Trek Top Fuel 7 is the kind of machine that moves with you—fast—as you tackle the toughest terrain. The full suspension system was designed to react to acceleration and braking forces independently, so you have more control over the bike as a whole, while the hydraulic disc brakes allow you to be more precise with your braking power. For even better handling, Trek’s Mino Link feature allows you to make small adjustments to the frame geometry, depending on the terrain; for example, a steeper angle at the front of the bike allows for quicker steering, which is great at slower speeds, but a slacker angle is more stable at high speeds.

• Smaller sizes have a top tube that dips down for a lower standover height, which accommodates shorter riders
• Has internal storage for tools
• Very expensive
• 120mm of suspensive travel can be jarring

Specialized

• Price: $2,700
• Bike type: Road
• Sizes: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Weight: 16.6, 16.82, or 18.36 pounds
• Frame material: Carbon

The Tarmac was designed to go fast—like, really fast (it’s used by pro racing teams). Not only can you lift the lightweight carbon frame with a single hand, it’s actually 20 percent lighter than the previous iteration, a drop in weight that translates to speeds 30 seconds faster over the course of 25 miles. Plus, Specialized works with Retül, a company that collects and analyzes data to inform bike fit, a partnership that allowed the brand to build seven different size options—in a unisex fit—that each use specific measurements to ensure you’ll feel 100 percent comfortable in the saddle, no matter how long you’re riding.

• Enough clearance for tires up to 30mm if riding on rougher terrain
• Power saddle is very comfortable
• Very responsive
• Carbon frame can be easily damaged

Best E-Mountain Bike for Women: Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4

• Price: $3,649.99
• Bike type: Electric mountain bike
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L
• Weight: 51.53 pounds

If you want to get out in the wilderness but don’t want to rely on your own leg power to tackle the gnarliest climbs, an affordable electric mountain bike like Trek’s Powerfly 4 can help you cover more terrain without wearing yourself out. This one is equipped with a removable Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery; Bosch high-performance CX 250W motor; and a smooth-shifting Shimano drivetrain, all of which help you reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour on the trails. Plus, the bike’s intelligent eMTB mode automatically adjusts the amount of assist it gives you based on the terrain—without you having to do a thing.

• Compatible with different rack mounts
• Battery is encased for protection
• Battery lasts a little as 15 miles in Turbo mode, depending on circumstances

Public Bikes

• Price: $550
• Bike type: Step-thru/cruiser
• Sizes: S/M, M/L
• Weight: 30 pounds
• Frame material: Steel
• Drivetrain: Single speed

How cute is this city cruiser? Little design details go a long way, like fenders, a chain guard and painted rims that match the high-quality steel frame. The upright geometry is similar to that of the Electra Townie, complete with the same step-thru design that makes getting on and off super easy—features that beginner and casual riders alike will appreciate. Cruisers have a reputation of veering toward the heavier end of the weight spectrum, but at 30 pounds, this one isn’t a pain to push or lift if need be.

• Available in five colors
• Front and rear rack mounts are standard
• Affordably priced
• Single-speed drivetrain can make riding uphill more challenging
• Not as durable as more expensive options

• Price: $749.99
• Bike type: Hybrid
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 30.61 pounds
• Drivetrain: 2 x 8

Trek’s Dual Sport 1 falls somewhere between a road and trail bike, which makes it a versatile option for riders—both on the weekdays, for commuting, and the weekends, when you’re out for fitness or recreation. With a lightweight aluminum frame and light gravel tires, you’ll be able to pick up the pace on pavement while the 27.5-inch tires are wide enough that you’ll feel more in control when navigating potholes or easy trails; wherever you are, there’s a wide range of gearing options so you're never spinning your wheels or working too hard.

• Frame is compatible with racks, a kickstand, fenders, lights and more
• New mounting points pair with Bontrager Adventure Bags to secure bags without straps and bungees
• Wider tires offer good grip on multiple types of terrain
• Mechanical disc brakes aren’t as high-performing as hydraulic disc brakes
• No built-in accessories

The Benefits of Biking

Cycling is a versatile form of cardiovascular exercise. Varying the intensity at which you ride can temporarily increase your metabolism, which allows you to burn more calories, including while at rest , according to a 2020 study in Movement and Sports Sciences . At the same time, it helps build strength in your lower body, 2017 research in Physiological Reports confirmed—without adding impact to your joints, like running. It also improves flexibility and helps with coordination and balance , says the Cleveland Clinic.

It can even help prevent heart issues such as stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure, and—if done consistently over at least five years— decrease your mortality rate by 35 percent, 2021 research published in JAMA Intern Medicine reported.

Beyond the physical benefits, cycling improved cognitive functioning and well-being and lowered stress levels in a 2019 study published in PLoS One . And as a commuter option, biking decreases your carbon footprint by 67 percent compared to taking a car, according to 2021 research published in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment .

How Are Women’s Bikes Different from Men’s Bikes?

The main difference between women’s and men’s bikes is the fit, which shows up in the geometry of the frame. Women are generally shorter than men, so women’s bikes often have shorter stack heights, AKA how tall the front of the bike is; women also generally have shorter torsos than men, so women’s bikes have shorter reach lengths, AKA the distance between the saddle and the handlebars. A few other features to keep in mind for a women’s bike: A shorter stem (the part of the bike that connects your handlebars to the frame), a shorter but wider saddle, shorter crank arms (the levers attached to the pedals), more accessible brake levers, a narrower handlebar and an adjusted suspension system to handle lighter weight.

Of course, the best bike for you is the one that best fits your body—whether it’s designed for a specific gender or not. Getting properly fit at a bike store can go a long way in helping you find the right bike for you; the bike store can also make adjustments and swap out components if need be after you’ve purchased a bike.

What Types of Women’s Bikes Are There?

There’s a wide variety of bikes for women. You’ll find road bikes, which are designed for speed; mountain bikes, built for off-road riding; hybrid bikes , which can handle multiple types of terrain; electric bikes, which use a motor for more power; and cruisers, for comfortable, recreational riding; all designed to accommodate female riders.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Women’s Bike for You

Intended use.

How you’re going to use a bike is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when researching options. If you’re mostly using it for fitness, think about where you’ll use it: Riding on the road is easiest and fastest with a bike like Specialized Tarmac SL6, while trail riding necessitates a mountain bike like the Trek Top Fuel 7. If you just want to cruise around town, a bike like the Public Bikes C1 or Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru will suffice. If you’re a commuter, opting for an electric bike like the Aventon Level.2 Commuter E-Bike can help you maximize your time.

Frame shape and material

A bike’s shape, or geometry, will affect your position on the bike and how you can handle it. On a road racing bike, for example, you’ll be in a longer, lower position that’s more aerodynamic. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a cruiser puts you in an upright position, almost like you’re pedaling while seated in a chair, to help you feel safe and in control. A bike can also have a step-over frame, which has a straight top tube (the part of your bike frame which sits between your legs) that you literally step over in order to mount the bike, or a step-thru frame, which eliminates that feature to make mounting and dismounting easier.

Bike frames can be made from a number of different materials. Steel is durable and affordable, but aluminum has become more popular due to its light weight and stiffness. Carbon and titanium are even lighter, but those materials are generally reserved for high-end road and mountain bikes; they’re strong and stiff, but can be damaged more easily (titanium is the more durable of the two). The material a bike is made of plays a big role in how expensive a bike is, but the added cost of a higher-end material may be worth it for performance purposes.

Electric assistance

The e-bike market is expected to grow by over 10 percent between 2022 and 2027, according to market reports . With more options available, more and more people are using e-bikes as a commuting option or just a way to get around town. For what it’s worth, e-­bikes don’t do all the work—most offer pedal-assist modes that allow you to still burn calories but cover more ground (without getting quite as sweaty). If you’re in the market for an e-bike, consider these specific features: watts (the higher the number, the longer you can go on the battery charge); voltage (a higher voltage battery is more efficient); and battery (most batteries are removable for charging, and the more assistance you need, the more battery power you’ll use up).

Wheel size and tires

For general riding, all you need to know is that most bike wheels are measured in inches, and a 26-inch wheel has long been the standard wheel size for most American bikes. It’s an especially popular size in mountain biking, as it’s wide enough to support the bike on uneven terrain. A 27.5-inch wheel, like you’ll find on the Diamondback Division 1 Urban Bike or the Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 5, can provide a little more stability, while a 29-inch wheel is standard for most modern road bikes (however, that size is called 700c when it’s on a road bike).

The size of the wheel generally doesn’t matter for more casual riders, but you may need to pay more attention to the width of the tires. Tire widths range from very narrow (less than 20 millimeters) to very wide (over 4 inches), but the most common widths for road bikes are between 23mm and 32mm, while mountain bikes typically have wider tires ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 inches. Generally, the narrower the tires, the faster you’ll be able to go—which is why they’re great for road bikes—but the less traction you’ll have on the ground; wider tires, on the flip side, provide more grip, especially on rougher surfaces, but also generate more resistance, which can slow you down.

If you’re buying your own tires, make sure to check whether the width is compatible with your bike's rims and brakes. And if you’re totally confused by all of this, talk to someone at your local bike shop.

There are a couple of different types of bike brakes available. Rim brakes are the most common, and work by pressing rubber brake pads against the rim of the wheel. Disc brakes are another popular option, especially on mountain bikes, and work by pressing brake pads against a rotor attached to the wheel hub. Coaster brakes are commonly found on cruisers, and work by pedaling backward, which engages a brake inside the hub of the rear wheel.

A bike's gears allow you to change your cadence, or pedaling rate, on different terrains. For example, low gears are used when climbing hills while high gears are used on flat ground or speeding downhill. These gears are controlled by shifters on the handlebars, and a bike can have anywhere from a single gear to over 30 gears. The drivetrain on a bike will affect the way the gears work, and some common options are a derailleur system (which uses a front and rear derailleur to move the chain between different gears), an internal gear hub (which houses the gears inside the rear wheel) and a belt drive system (which uses a carbon-fiber belt instead of a traditional chain).

Features and accessories

Many of the bikes on the list include features like fenders, which cover your tires and protect your back from wet or muddy streaks; integrated lights for visibility; reflective features so other cars and riders can see you in low-light conditions; and racks for storage or mounts that allow you to attach your own mounts. You can also invest in your own accessories, like bike bags, a bike rack for transporting your bike, a bike computer and, of course, a good helmet .

There’s a huge range in bike prices, but you should expect to spend somewhere between $500 and $1,000 for a quality entry-level or casual use bike. The more specialized a bike, the higher the price will be, and e-bikes generally start between $1,500 and $2,500. You can absolutely find bikes at lower prices, but you may be sacrificing quality and longevity if you go for the cheapest option on the market.

Compatibility with child seats and trailers

If you’re planning on toting a kid or trailer behind you, it’s super important to make sure your bike's frame is compatible with the type of child seat or trailer you plan to use. For example, Trek’s Dual Sport 1’s included rack is not compatible with a child’s bike seat, but it is compatible with a bike trailer. There are also multiple ways to attach child seats and trailers, so check that the attachment method of your chosen child seat or trailer is compatible with your bike's frame and components. Finally, make sure to check the weight limit of your bike and the child seat or trailer you plan to use; exceeding that can cause safety issues or damage your bike.

How We Chose the Best Bikes for Women

Not only did we review dozens of bikes from reputable brands, we leaned on nearly a decade’s worth of personal testing experience to create a diverse list of bikes with a number of different features to suit various needs. We also compared features like weight, materials, style, technology, gears, tires and more to narrow down our picks for the best women’s bikes.

How to Tell What Bike Size You Need

If you’re not sure what size bike you need, the best thing you can do is go into a local bike shop for a fitting. Then, you can consult a bike company’s sizing chart. The most important measurement to start with is your inseam; that number corresponds with a bike’s standover height. The standover height is the distance from the ground to the top of the top tube, which is essentially where you would stand over (get it?) the bike when mounting or dismounting. If you’re actually straddling a bike, your feet should be flat on the floor and there should be one to two-plus inches of clearance between your body and the top tube.

In the saddle, you should have a slight bend in your legs when each foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. You can generally adjust the ​​height of the saddle via the seatpost. While pedaling, your knee should be aligned over your forefoot when your foot is at a three o’clock position and your shin will be tilted slightly forward. As for your upper body, there should be a 45-degree angle between your torso and your hips, and a 90-degree angle in your arms on a road bike, while other bikes allow for a more upright and relaxed position.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s bikes?

Because men are generally larger than women, women’s bikes tend to have a slightly different frame geometry that accommodates a smaller, lighter size. However, some women may feel better on a men’s bike or a unisex one; finding the proper fit regardless of gender is important.

How much should I spend on a women’s bike?

A good-quality bike usually starts between $500 and $1,000, while e-bikes start between $1,500 and $2,500. But how much you spend on a bike really comes down to your personal budget and what kind of cycling you intend to do.

What type of bike is easiest for women to ride?

There's no easy answer for this, because the right bike for you will depend on what type of riding you prefer as well as your physical proportions. However, step-through bikes are designed for easy mounting and dismounting, which makes them a little more accessible.

Final Thoughts

There are so many benefits to cycling, whether you’re riding for fitness, using two wheels to explore new places, or investing in an e-bike as a more sustainable travel option. No matter what type of bike you’re looking for, there are plenty of options to choose from that can fit your budget and fitness goals. And if you’re not sure where to start, heading into your local bike store to try some options and get advice from the pros can help you narrow down your online search.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

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Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in April 2024

I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve learned these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That dedication to real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget.

Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of April 2024. Spring is finally upon us (at least, here in the Northern Hemisphere) and riding season is gearing up! After an ultra-competitive e-bike selling year in 2023, we’re still seeing some great sales into early 2024. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike.

Table of contents

Best electric bikes under $1,000, lectric one, best electric bikes from $2,000 to $3,500, best electric bikes from $3,500 to $5,000.

The sub-$1,000 electric bike category is critical for a few reasons.

First, it’s pretty hard to produce a quality e-bike and sell it for under $1k. Most of the options in this price category make too many sacrifices in quality or longevity to earn a spot on this list as one of “the best”.

Second, many newcomers to the e-bike industry just aren’t prepared to drop several thousand dollars on a brand-new concept, making this price range critical for many first-time e-bike shoppers.

Fortunately, we’ve found some excellent options for cheap electric bikes that can still save you some serious dough.

Lectric XP LITE

The Lectric XP LITE is likely the latest king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes.

For years, the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 and its previous 1.0 predecessor reigned supreme in the budget electric bike category. That’s still a great bike, and we’ll discuss it next, but the more affordable $799 Lectric XP LITE is an even more wallet-friendly electric bike.

That new e-bike offers some great riding at under 800 bucks.

It’s a throttle-enabled Class 2 folding electric bike with 20″ wheels, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a motor rated for 300W continuous and 720W peak.

It’s not going to be the strongest hill climber, but it does get going quickly on flat and modestly hilly terrain.

This is the only e-bike in this price range that I know of with a 48V electrical system. All the other budget e-bikes under $800 use a 36V system and thus suffer from weaker power.

There are some things that you give up with this model, such as that the fenders aren’t included free. But for just $799 , you’re still getting built-in lights, a hidden battery, large LCD display and a lightweight folder. Plus it comes in four color options.

There’s a lot of value there!

Lectric XP LITE quick specs

• Motor:  300W (720W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (40 mi), but less on throttle only
• Battery:  48V 7.8 Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 21 kg (46 lb)
• Price :  $799  

Lectric XP 3.0

If you like the idea of a low-cost US-based company like Lectric eBikes but want something with more power than their XP LITE, consider the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 . The XP 3.0 is the newest version of America’s best-selling electric bike, and now it’s even better with hydraulic disc brakes! In my opinion, this is the current king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes right now. It’s clear why this is the best-selling electric bike in the US.

Between the fast 28 mph speed, comfortable ride with front suspension, nimble yet thick three-inch tires, and the powerful 1,000W peak-rated motor, the bike combines high performance with an awesome price. The new version comes with a higher power motor featuring more torque, a new rear rack that can support 150 pounds (and has a passenger package option for carrying a friend), has longer travel suspension, and several other key upgrades.

There are both step-over and step-through frames available. To be honest, the frame member is low on both of them and so they’re both easy to mount, but I actually prefer the step-through. Even though low-step bikes are often considered to be “women’s bikes,” the Lectric XP 3.0 looks badass enough that no one would ever think of calling the step-through option a ladies’ bike. It’s just a more comfortable way to hop on and off.

Plus, the folding frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 means you can bring this high-value e-bike with you in a car or truck. I know several people who keep one in their RV, and I’ve even heard of folks traveling with it on their boat or light airplane.

The company also has longer-range batteries for the XP 3.0 that add 45% more range. If you’re the kind of person who likes to ride fast, that battery will help you use that power for longer rides at higher speeds.

It’s hard to find a better combination of low cost and high performance anywhere in the e-bike market right now. That’s why this is the bike I used when I worked undercover as an e-bike delivery rider .

Check out my first ride experience on the Lectric XP 3.0 here .

Lectric XP 3.0 quick specs

• Motor:  500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  45 km/h (28 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
• Battery:  48V 9.6 Ah (460 Wh), or larger 14Ah battery available
• Weight : 29 kg (64 lb)
• Price :  $999  

Ride1Up Portola

When Ride1Up launched the Portola , it was pretty obvious what the game plan was: fire a shot across Lectric Ebike’s bow with a direct competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0. By all accounts, Ride1Up nailed it with an impressive competitor, the best-selling e-bike out there.

The Ride1Up Portola has a lot more going for it than just the awesome price of $995 . The bike has great performance with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and great components including hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a built-in rear rack, and a 750W motor.

There are two battery options available, either a 48V 10.4Ah or a 48V 13.4Ah, and the larger battery only costs an extra $100.

I love the sleek-looking frame and apparently, I’m not alone. Those who are on the hunt for a good-looking folding fat tire e-bike that doesn’t break the bank will likely find this to be one of the more fashionable options.

Ride1Up Portola quick specs

• Motor:  750W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 10.4 Ah (504 Wh), or larger 48V 13.4 Ah battery available
• Weight : 27.2 kg (60 lb)
• Price :  $995  

Ride1Up Roadster V2

The Ride1Up Roadster V2 seems to hop back and forth in price from $995 to $1,095 , depending on the time of year and current sale. Even when it falls just north of the $1k mark, the Roadster V2 is an awesome deal.

But you should know going in that this is very much a pedal-oriented e-bike. There’s no throttle, and the motor is only moderately powerful, peaking at 500W. That means the Roadster V2 is best for someone who enjoys cycling and simply wants an assist motor to help them go faster and farther.

The belt-drive setup, low-weight design, and fast speed of up to 24 mph make this an incredible deal.

You can check out my full, in-depth review of the Ride1Up Roadster V2 here .

Ride1up Roadster V2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak (350W continuous) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  24 mph (38 km/h)
• Range:  20-35 miles (32-56 km)
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (252Wh)
• Weight : 32 lb (14.5 kg)
• Price :  $995-$1,095

Propella Mini

The $849 Propella Mini almost looks a bit odd at first glance, but the quirky proportions result in a super nimble and lightweight e-bike.

It’s not particularly fast at just 18 mph. And it’s also a pedal-assist e-bike, meaning you don’t have a throttle for the days when you feel lazy. But for anyone that doesn’t mind pedaling as long as you get a decent electric boost, the Propella Mini is a great option for you.

I love the bright blue rims, white chain, and slim black frame. The look is killer. And the bike rides both smoothly and efficiently. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the upside is there’s no suspension fork to break. The bike should last a long time with modest upkeep, and it’s a definite winner for anyone that’s low on space.

See my full review of the Propella Mini here .

Propella Mini quick specs

• Motor:  250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  30 km/h (18.5 mph)
• Range:  32-56 km (20-35 mi) depending on pedal assist level
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
• Price:  $849
• Weight : 14.9 kg (33 lb)

JackRabbit micro e-bike

The $999 JackRabbit OG is in one of these fuzzy areas between e-bikes and other e-rideables. In this case, it straddles the line between an electric bike and an electric scooter.

It more or less feels like an electric bike based on its ride geometry. However, the lack of pedals means that it could also be classified as an electric scooter, albeit a large-wheeled e-scooter.

But with those 20-inch wheels and bicycle seat, the JackRabbit rides much more like a small folding e-bike than an e-scooter. And its electronics match that of a light e-bike too.

The 300W motor gets the little runabout up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The small 158 Wh battery only offers around 10-12 miles (approximately 16-20 km) of range, but is also conveniently small enough to easily keep a spare battery in a cargo pocket or even a small purse.

The biggest benefit of the JackRabbit is that it is so simple that the lack of frills keeps the weight down to just 23 lb (10.5 kg)! For an e-bike, that’s almost so light that it floats.

The company also released a higher power and larger battery capacity version too , which might be good for riders that want to push harder and go farther.

See my full review of the JackRabbit here .

JackRabbit quick specs

• Motor:  300W geared rear hub motor
• Range:  20 km (12 mi)
• Bike weight:  10.5 kg (23 lb.)
• Brakes:  Rear mechanical disc brake

Best electric bikes under $2,000

Once you bump up above the $1,000 limit, you start to see many more great options for e-bikes in a wide range of categories.

From electric cargo bikes to cruisers and even electric mopeds, there’s something for everyone in this price range.

The Lectric ONE is listed in the “Best under $2,000” category, but in many ways, it’s the best in under a significantly higher dollar value. To put it into perspective, it’d be hard to buy the gearbox alone on this bike for under $2,000, and yet that’s the price tag of the entire bike! For just $1,999 , you’re getting an e-bike with components normally found on $10,000+ bikes.

The Lectric One was unveiled as a lightweight commuter e-bike designed with an ultra high-end drivetrain based around the Pinion C1.6i auto-shifting gearbox. Paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and a true 750W-rated Stealth M24 motor (with 1,300 peak watts!), the Lectric ONE hits class 3 speeds in style with some extra premium components.

Lectric ONE quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor (1.3 kW peak)
• Battery:  48V 10.4 or 14Ah (500Wh or 672 Wh)
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h)
• Range:  up to 75 miles (120 km)
• Weight:  55 lb (25 kg)
• Price:   $1,999

Lectric XPedition

We were the first to review this new model and we called it a runaway hit right from the start. With heavy-hauling weight capacity, the option for one or two batteries for extra long range, hydraulic disc brakes and a watt-based more comfortable feeling pedal assist sensor, this e-bike is dragging electric cargo bikes into the future.

The $1,399 Lectric XPedition has turned the electric cargo bike market upside down, finally bringing a heavy-hitting cargo e-bike to market for an ultra-affordable price.

While it’s not the nicest cargo e-bike on the market, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck thanks to a combination of high value parts and reasonable pricing.

Lectric XPedition quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh) with the option for a second battery
• Weight:  68 lb (31 kg)
• Price:   $1,399

Aventon Soltera.2

The $1,399 Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest version of Aventon’s beautiful city bike that offers some of the best quality fabrication that I’ve seen in this price range – or even in higher price ranges. It is offered in either a single-speed or seven-speed format.

The bike rolls on narrow tires for that efficient city ride, while still packing in a 500W motor.

The battery is a bit smaller at 36V and 10Ah, but the bike makes up for a smaller battery by being able to integrate it into the frame in a sleek and attractive package.

The beautiful color display also adds to the bike’s charm, as do the powerful headlight and frame-integrated tail light. There’s even an awesome companion app that lets your phone track your bike’s important stats. Basically, you’re getting a lot for $1,199 here!

Check out my in-depth Aventon Soltera.2 review here .

Aventon Soltera.2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak-rated rear hub motor
• Battery:  36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h)
• Range:  20-63 miles (32-101 km)
• Weight:  46 lb (21 kg)
• Price:   $1,199

Ride1Up Turris

Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, the $1,095 Ride1Up Turris (at it’s current sale price ) is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options.

A powerful 750W continuous-rated motor gets the bike up to Class 3 speeds that will have you keeping up with traffic or even passing cars when they get bogged down in the city. That extra speed over most class 2 e-bikes can be quite useful when riding on the side of the road trying to reduce the number of times a car whizzes by you. Even when riding alone or in a protected path away from cars, the extra speed sure makes for a fun ride.

The sporty tires and two choices of frame style (step over or step through) give riders plenty of options to use this bike on the trails or the streets. I love that it includes full metal fenders as well so you don’t have to spend extra on those. I’d definitely recommend spending an extra $50 for the rear rack though if you plan to use the bike as a commuter, since you never know when you’ll need to toss something on the back.

If you want to upgrade to more power and a nicer set of components, the $1,695 700 Series is worth a look. But I think the Ride1Up Turris is sufficient for most riders.

Ride1Up Turris quick specs:

• Range:  32-64 km (20-40 mi) throttle vs. pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 12.8Ah (614 Wh) with genuine LG cells
• Weight : 25 kg (55 lb)
• Price :  $1,095

Lectric XPeak

Lectric Ebikes recently expanded into larger territory with the launch of the new Lectric XPeak. It’s the company’s first e-bike with a larger than 20″ wheel size, bringing some chunky 26×4.0″ tires into the company’s inventory.

The XPeak takes the form of a typical adventure-style fat tire electric bike. It features a hardtail design with a suspension fork, high volume tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a relatively large battery that is certified by the Swiss testing agency SGS to meet UL 2849 standards.

The bike is also tested to higher standards for ruggedness of the frame and fork than most e-bikes in this price range, meaning it’s likely going to last longer too. As far as fat tire adventure-style e-bikes go, there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lectric XPeak.

Lectric XPeak quick specs:

• Motor:  750W (1,300W peak)
• Range:  Up to 75 km (45 mi) on low power
• Battery:  48V 14 Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 39.4 kg (67 lb)
• Price : $1,299 (may increase to $1,399 after promotional sale ends)

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is Ride1Up’s first non-purely commuter electric bike, and boy did they knock it out of the park on this one.

The Cafe Cruiser, as its name suggests, is part cruiser bike, part fast motorbike.

The cruiser bars, suspension fork, comfortable seat and pedal-forward geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The high performance 750W hub motor and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed make it a blast for quick errand running and fun commutes.

High quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes complete the package, and the included fenders and rear rack increase the bike’s value.

One of the coolest features though is the passenger package that adds a rear bench seat, wheel skirt and foot pegs so you can carry a second rider on back. The second seat has a quick release so you can easily pop it on and off the bike whenever you need to swap back and forth between carrying your friends or a basket full of groceries home.

At just $1,595 , the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is priced way below fair market value, which makes this an absolute steal of a deal.

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear geared hub motor
• Range:  50-80 km (30-50 mi)
• Battery:  48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
• Weight : 29 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,595

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes has been an industry favorite ever since it was first announced back in 2019. The company is actually on the RadRunner 2 now, but the update only made minor changes since the original was already so well designed.

The bike uses a step-through moped style frame to create a short utility bike or mini cargo e-bike. It’s quick up to the 20 mph top speed and offers a ton of uses. When outfitted with the Passenger Package , it has a seat and footpegs that let you carry kids or adults on the back, turning this into a multi-passenger e-bike.

The high-capacity battery and powerful motor also make for sprightly acceleration and longer than average rides, so you’ll have enough power to ride all day.

The RadRunner is truly one of those do-anything e-bikes because it has so many uses. The same bike can be used for fun recreational riding, city commuting, trail riding, or grocery shopping. There’s something for everyone.

There’s even an upgraded version known as the RadRunner Plus, which adds suspension, a seven-speed transmission, a more detailed display, and the passenger package, though the RadRunner Plus costs a bit more at $1,899 .

Check out my complete review of the RadRunner 2 here .

RadRunner 2 quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 29.5 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,499

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Cargo electric bikes are the workhorses of the e-bike world. They have higher weight capacities and more surface area for carrying all of your gear.

The $1,999 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is one of my favorite options thanks to the awesome build and wide range of compatible Rad accessories.

The bike’s 750W motor and large capacity battery make it easy to hit the top speed of 20 mph and ride farther than your errands will require.

Plus that long rear bench has tons of room for boxes, bags, or kiddos. I’ve had three riders on the bike plenty of times, and it can definitely do more. Plus, I love that double center kickstand for creating an ultra-stable parking platform.

Check out my full in-depth review of the RadWagon 4 e-cargo bike here .

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 quick specs:

• Motor:  750 W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672Wh)
• Weight : 34.8 kg (76.7 lb)
• Price: $1,999

Electric Bike Company Model Y

Electric Bike Company is one of the only e-bike manufacturers that actually builds its electric bikes in the US from the ground up.

They start with bare frames and perform the entire build locally with highly trained e-bike technicians. That also allows them to offer more customization options than any other e-bike company out there.

The $1,949 Model Y is a step-through cruiser e-bike with a hidden battery in the front basket. It offers fast speeds up to 28 mph and high-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes and top-end hardware. The color screen and leather accents on the seat and bar ends add to the classy look too!

The real treat though is getting to select the custom paint on every surface of the bike, plus your own rim colors, trim colors, and tire options. It’s incredibly customizable to the point where you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike if you wish.

Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y here .

Electric Bike Company Model Y quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 80 km (50 mi) with moderate pedaling
• Battery:  48V with either 9Ah (432 Wh) or 18Ah (864 Wh) options
• Weight : 26 kg (58 lb)
• Price:   $1,949

Velotric Nomad 1

Velotric has a number of interesting e-bikes in its lineup and I’m enjoying testing several of the companies new models. But one of my favorites so far — thanks to its excellent off-road abilities — has got to be the Velotric Nomad 1.

The e-bike isn’t just powerful or surprisingly comfortable for an off-road, it’s also quite safe. The punchy hydraulic disc brakes offer quick and controlled stops while the UL-certified battery and e-bike systems offer safe operations, removing the worry of dangerous thermal events.

For just $1,499 at its current sale price, this is an excellent bike for both asphalt commuting and dirt trail excursions, all on the same ride!

Check out my full review of the Velotric Nomad 1 here .

Velotric Nomad 1 quick specs:

• Motor:  1,200W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 88km (55 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 14.4Ah (691 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 33 kg (73 lb)
• Price:  $1,499

Ride1Up Rift

Ride1Up’s first adventure-style electric bike was a smashing success, helping the San Diego-based electric bike maker enter an entirely new category with a bang.

This fat tire electric bike has a powerful motor, a massive 960Wh battery and an ultra rugged frame with built-in rear rack that can carry heavy cargo or even an adult passenger on back.

With fenders, built-in LED lights and cargo capabilities, the Ride1Up Rift would also make a surprisingly good commuter bike that will traverse pot holes and other rough street imperfections just as well as it handles off-road conditions.

Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Rift XR here .

Ride1Up Rift XR quick specs:

• Motor:  750W continuous-rated rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle, or 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal assist
• Range:  Up to 96 km (60 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 20Ah (960 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 38 kg (84.5 lb)
• Price:  $1,895

Velotric Packer electric cargo bike

There are a lot of electric cargo bikes on the market, but the Velotric Packer has recently become one of my go-to recommendations for several reasons. It’s fairly priced, has loads of cargo accessories, includes a UL-certified battery, comes in some eye-catching colors, and works well for transporting my three nieces and nephews around with me.

At its sale price of $1,899, this is definitely an electric cargo bike to have on your short list for it’s slick-looking design and great functionality.

Check out my full review of the Velotric Packer here .

• Motor : 750W (1,200W peak) rear-geared hub motor
• Top speed : 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
• Range : Up to 52 miles (84 km)
• Battery : 48V 15Ah (692 Wh)
• Weight : 75 lb (34 kg)
• Price : $1,899

By the time you surpass the $2,000 dollar mark, you’re starting to get into serious e-bikes with serious performance or build quality.

If you’re spending this much, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company with top-notch products and service.

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike

The $2,295 Ride1Up Prodigy V2 has brought new meaning to the phrase “low-cost mid-drive electric bike”, updating an already impressive e-bike with a new next-gen setup.

This e-bike sports a high-end German-manufactured Brose mid-drive motor and can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), yet is price similarly to much cheaper hub motor-based electric bikes.

It’s a perfect commuter e-bike for someone that wants high quality parts like that German mid-drive motor with 90Nm of torque, hydraulic disc brakes, bright LED lights, included fenders, rear rack, and a very comfortable saddle. Plus there’s a choice between a nice 9-speed chain drive transmission or a fancier Gates Carbon Drive belt setup with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission.

This e-bike is easily worth another $500 more than the price tag, if not more. In fact, you’ll find many of these same components on e-bikes with $3,000-$4,000 price tags all over the place. So if you’re looking for a higher quality e-bike that doesn’t cost as much as a fancy bike shop e-bike, this is the one to consider.

Ride1Up Prodigy quick specs:

• Motor:  Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive
• Range:  30-50 miles (50-80 km)
• Battery:  36V 14Ah (504Wh)
• Weight : 58 lb (26 kg)
• Price :  $2,395

Juiced Scorpion X

The $2,199 Juiced Scorpion X has all the old-school charm of a vintage moped, but it adds back in a powerful electric drivetrain. It also has awesome-looking cast wheels that remove the issue of spoke maintenance, plus add to the cool stance.

The bench seat allows riders to scoot forward or backward to find the best seating position, and the tall bars give a fun cruiser/motorcycle feel to the bike. With full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a built-in rear rack/fenders, there are a lot of nice parts on the Scorpion X

A powerful throttle lets you blast up to 20 mph, or engaging the pedal assist can take you even faster to 28 mph. And Juiced offers a larger battery than most competitors, letting you ride this moto-styled e-bike even further.

Check out my in-depth review of the Juiced Scorpion X here .

Juiced Scorpion X quick specs:

• Motor:  750W “nominal” (claimed 1.8 kW peak) RetroBlade rear hub motor
• Range:  Up to 55 miles (88 km) on pedal-assist or closer to half that on throttle
• Battery:  52V 15Ah 780Wh (removable and lockable)
• Weight : 100 lb (45 kg)
• Price : $2,199

Priority Current

I love the $3,299 Priority Current electric bike so much that it has become one of my daily riders. It’s the one I grab when I’m doing city riding and I know I want to be pedaling.

Becuase it doesn’t have a throttle, you’ll need to enjoy pedaling in order to enjoy this e-bike. But it makes it so much fun to pedal thanks to a torque sensor-based pedal assist that provides natural feeling assistance up to a fast 28 mph top speed.

The internally geared rear hub combined with a Gates belt drive system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes make this a very nice e-bike for the price. Plus that mid-drive motor offers tons of torque for climbing hills or accelerating quickly.

I’m also a fan of the built-in lights and included fenders, not to mention the integrated high-capacity battery that disappears in the frame.

Mid-drive electric bikes aren’t cheap, but the price is definitely a fair one for this e-bike.

Check out my full review of the Priority Current here . I also recently reviewed the Shimano 5-speed version of this e-bike, which you can find here .

Priority Current quick specs :

• Motor:  500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
• Range:  30-60 miles (48-96 km)
• Battery:  500 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 24 kg (53 lb)
• Price: $3,299

Ride1Up CF Racer1

I’m not normally a carbon fiber, drop bar, race bike kind of guy. But then again, that’s usually because those types of bikes are way out of my price range… until now.

The Ride1Up CF Racer1 brings carbon fiber road e-bikes to the common man, offering both a traditional road bike and a gravel bike edition.

At under 29 lb (13 kg), these e-bikes are some of the lightest around. I picked one up with my index finger and was shocked at how easily it left the ground.

To get there, that meant a relatively low-power motor and a smaller battery were required. But for the folks that ride these types of bikes, a big motor and heavy battery probably aren’t on their wishlist anyway. Instead, a simple extra boost, as if you’ve always got a tailwind, helps augment your own pedaling.

For just $2,295 , there’s no better deal out there for a budget-friendly carbon fiber road e-bike.

Ride1Up CF Racer1 quick specs

• Motor:  250W 42 Nm torque
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist
• Range:  16-40 miles (26-64 km)
• Battery:  252 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 12.9 kg (28.6 lb)
• Price: $2,295

Biktrix Moto

There’s a lot to like about the Biktrix Moto electric moped. Near the top of the list though has got to be the dual batteries. There’s a single battery option that starts at $2,299 , but the dual battery option doubles the range up to a maximum of 100 miles.

Even with just one battery, the high capacity of 1,008 Wh makes these some of the biggest batteries in the e-bike industry. Combine that with a high power motor, tall handlebars, and a long bench seat, and you’ve got a seriously fun electric moped.

It doesn’t slouch on components either. The lighting is ultra bright and it features other nice parts like powerful hydraulic disc brakes and an included rack/fender setup.

See my full review of the Biktrix Moto e-bike here .

Biktrix Moto quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor (peak power not published)
• Top speed:  25 mph (40 km/h) but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 100 miles (160 km) with two batteries
• Battery:  48V 21Ah (1,008 Wh) in each battery (two possible)
• Weight:  90 lb (41 kg)
• Price: $2,299

Ride1Up REVV1 FS

This full-suspension electric moped-style e-bike is a masterclass in high performance electric bike design. Sure, it’s an obvious SUPER73 imitation, but it’s a really well done imitation.

It handles well, it’s got great rubber between you and the road, the suspension gives a comfortable ride, and it’s got plenty of extra power.

Despite the 750W label, the e-bike can be unlocked to make use of nearly 1,500W of peak power. I was able to reach a top speed of 37 mph (59.5 km/h) during my testing (not on public streets!).

But the bike ships in Class 2 mode with a 750W limit and 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed, meaning you’ll have to contact the company to request an unlock for the bike to be used above Class 2 speeds and power levels.

All in all, the $2,395 Ride1Up REVV1 FS is an amazing e-bike for anyone who wants a moped-style ride with full-suspension, high quality 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a design that rides almost like a motorcycle, yet in a bike form factor.

Check out my complete Ride1Up REVV1 FS review here .

Ride1Up REVV1 quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, 37 mph (59.5 km/h) when unlocked
• Battery:  52V 20Ah (1,040 Wh)
• Weight:  93 lb (42 kg)
• Price: $2,395

Tern Quick Haul

The Tern Quick Haul is an electric cargo bike from the famed cargo e-bike company Tern. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable model in Tern’s lineup.

That says a lot, because Tern is known for its high quality e-bikes that are built to be ridden every day for real world errands, carpool duty and more. These e-bikes are meant to replace cars, and they do just that for many riders. With a huge list of accessories, you can outfit a Quick Haul for just about any job.

The Tern Quick Haul features a mid-drive Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Tern’s vertical parking rack, and a relatively lightweight but high utility design that is meant to carry just about anything in your life.

We had the chance to test a pair of Quick Hauls at Eurobike in Frankfurt last year, which you can learn more about here.

Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) with pedal assist (no throttle) Range:  Up to 60 miles (96 km), less when riding in highest power Battery:  400Wh, removable/lockable Weight:  50 lb (22.8 kg) Price : $2,999

Ariel Rider X-Class

When it comes to fast, powerful electric mopeds on a budget, it’s hard to compete with the $2,399 Ariel Rider X-Class . This is the e-bike I usually recommend when someone simply wants the most power and speed for the least amount of money.

The impressive performance comes from a powerful 1,000W motor that actually puts out closer to 2,000W of peak power. It can be limited to 20 mph if you’d like, but I got it up to 36 mph in unlimited mode.

The bike rolls on 20″ moto-style wheels and comes with nice parts including hydraulic disc brakes, a bench seat, dual suspension, and a big moto-style headlight.

You can see my full review of the Ariel Rider 52V X-Class here .

• Motor:  1,000W (2,000W peak) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h), but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
• Battery:  52V 18Ah (936 Wh), removable/lockable
• Weight:  80 lb (36 kg)
• Price : $2,399

Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 6 Plus with accessories

Technically the Rad Rover 6 Plus is priced at $1,999 . And with its free shipping, it comes in under the $2k mark. But I’m including it in the $2k-$3k category because you’re going to want to add a couple of important accessories to this one.

Rad Power Bikes has one of the widest arrays of e-bike accessories on the planet . In fact, it might have THE widest selection. And I’d highly recommend adding the rear rack ($79) to the RadRover 6 Plus, at the very least. It simply adds even more utility and turns an adventure bike into an adventure/hauling bike.

Accessories aside, the RadRover 6 Plus is an awesome ride and packs in some real value. It is the highest-spec e-bike in Rad’s lineup and includes hydraulic disc brakes, redesigned suspension fork, an upgraded frame with a new semi-integrated battery, new displays that are easier to read and use, and so much more.

This is absolutely an e-bike that is worth checking out for anyone that does adventure-style riding and needs big tires combined with high power, and who wants the support and comfort provided by going with North America’s largest e-bike company.

Check out my full RadRover 6 Plus review here .

RadRover 6 Plus quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on throttle or pedal assist
• Weight:  33.3 kg (73.4 lb)

Above $3.5k, you’re entering some seriously dedicated e-bike territory.

These e-bikes either feature top-shelf components like drivetrain and brake parts, or pack in so much power that they couldn’t possibly be priced any lower.

Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re heading down the e-bike rabbit hole.

Tern is renowned for building high-quality electric bikes that double down on utility features. The newly updated Tern HSD is the company’s more affordable utility e-bike, offering many features you’ll find on its higher end GSD but at a price that more riders can stomach.

The HSD uses small 20″ wheels and includes a folding stem, making it nice and compact. But taking it one step further, Tern outfitted it with its innovative rack that lets you park the bike on its tail, meaning it takes up barely more space than a coat rack in the corner of a room.

The bike’s Bosch mid-drive and high capacity batteries provide a high-end e-bike drive, and they are matched with a variety of performance drivetrain options that you can select from, depending on how high you want to spec the bike.

Whether you’re ferrying around kids or buying a week’s worth of groceries, the HSD is a solid option.

Check out my detailed first ride experience on the Tern HSD here .

Tern HSD quick specs:

• Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
• Range:  42-110 km (26-69 mi) depending on pedal input
• Battery:  Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
• Weight : 25.4 kg (55.9 lb)
• Price:  $4,299

CSC FT1000MD

The CSC FT1000MD sounds like a motorcycle name because it comes from a company with motorcycle heritage. CSC Ebikes was born out of CSC Motorcycles, a company with several decades of two-wheeler experience.

The FT1000MD is the company’s highest power option. The fat tire e-bike comes with a 1,000+ watt motor known as the Bafang M620 Ultra. It’s the most powerful and highest torque e-bike mid-drive motor on the retail market. CSC paired it with a big battery, quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, built-in lighting, and more to create a high performance and high-quality adventure e-bike.

I was able to hit speeds of around 34 mph with the motor in unlocked format, though you can limit it to 20 or 28 mph to fit into class 2 and class 3 designations.

Check out my full review of this incredibly powerful e-bike here .

CSC FT1000MD quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W continuous Bafang M620 mid-drive
• Top speed: 54 km/h (34 mph) when unlocked
• Battery:  48V 16Ah (768Wh) with Samsung 35E cells
• Frame:  6061 aluminum
• Suspension:  Front suspension fork with preload and damping adjustment, plus lockout
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
• Weight : 34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:  $3,299 or save $200 with discount code ELECTREK

Ariel Rider Grizzly

When it comes to all-wheel-drive electric bikes, the $3,299 Ariel Rider Grizzly is one of my favorites.

This incredible e-bike is really more of a small electric motorcycle. It uses two high-power motors – one in each wheel – to offer speeds in the mid-30s and acceleration that will get you there in the blink of an eye.

Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes make this an e-bike that handles well at any speed, and the bright red paint job looks as aggressive as the e-bike feels. It even comes with footpegs pre-installed so you can carry a passenger with you.

Plus it’s got double batteries to feed those two power-hungry motors, so you’ll be able to ride this e-bike pretty darn far too, as long as you aren’t too demanding from the throttle.

Check out my full in-depth review of the epic Ariel Rider Grizzly e-bike here .

Ariel Rider Grizzly quick specs:

• Motors:  Dual 1,000W continuous hub motors (1,850W peak or 3.7 kW combined)
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h) when unlocked, but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Battery:  52V 35Ah (1,820 Wh) between two removable/lockable batteries
• Weight:  105 lb (47.6 kg)

Specialized Turbo Como SL

For more of a cruiser/city e-bike experience, the $4,800 Specialized Turbo Como SL is a great option. This e-bike offers a much more upright ride for a fun, relaxed vibe.

The e-bike features a high-quality mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Gates carbon belt drive, and an eight-speed internally geared hub. Those are a lot of nice parts!

And don’t forget the slim fenders, front basket, and cruiser bars that all look super elegant, complimenting the nice lines of the Turbo Como SL.

This may not be a low-cost e-bike, but it definitely offers a ride that makes it worth it.

See my full review of the Specialized Turbo Como SL here .

Specialized Turbo Como SL quick specs:

• Motor:  Custom Specialized SL1.1 mid-drive motor
• Range:  Up to 100 km (62 mi), or 50% more with range extender
• Battery:  Downtube-integrated 320 Wh battery
• Weight : 20.5 kg (45 lb.)
• Price:   $4,800

If you’ve been looking for a high-end trekking electric bike that was built with a combination of high-quality parts and the latest technology, look no further than the $4,550 Greyp T5.

There’s a reason why Porsche bought this e-bike company – it’s simply one of the best.

It uses Greyp’s own in-house developed 700 Wh battery combined with a mid-drive motor to offer a hardtail trekking e-bike. In addition to the awesome bike design, the built-in tech is what really opens people’s eyes. Integrated cameras at the front and rear of the bike can serve as dash cams or livestream your rides. Plus you can capture all of your ride footage on the bike instead of bringing along a Go-Pro camera.

There’s also an app that allows you to take full advantage of the built-in eSIM card, giving you connectivity to the bike and letting you check all your vital stats, find its location, and more – right from your phone.

The bike is truly a high-end offering by itself, but the embedded tech makes it a rarity in any category.

See my first ride review of the Greyp T5 e-bike here .

Best electric bikes above $5,000

You just couldn’t stop, could you? I showed you plenty of awesome e-bikes that didn’t cost most of a paycheck. But you just haaaaad to keep going.

Fine, here they are. These are some of the most expensive e-bikes out there that we’ve tested and that I’d actually recommend someone buying, if you can pony up the cash.

Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3

The $5,495 Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 are great examples of what happens when a motorcycle designer applies his tradecraft to a smaller platform, creating an e-bike built to a higher standard.

The Fuell Flluid’s smooth mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox and Gates carbon belt drive setup combine to make an ultra-responsive and polished electric powertrain. The two removable batteries built into special cutouts in the frame offer long-range riding without looking like a packhorse carrying massive batteries.

The e-bike is nearly maintenance-free thanks to the belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes. The duo removes the two most common maintenance issues with bikes: chain wear and brake adjustment.

Flying fast at 28 mph (45 km/h) is a blast, and doing it on a smooth-riding e-bike with Pirelli tires is even better. Then add in the ultra-bright lights, built-in fenders and rear rack, the suspension seat post, color LCD screen and other niceties, and now you’re left with a high-end e-bike that could serve you for years as a daily commuter e-bike designed for nearly maintenance-free high mileage riding. The only downside is that the bike is quite heavy at 36 kg (79 lb). But you can’t expect all these great parts and dual batteries on a featherweight bike!

Check out my full review of the Fuell Flluid here .

Fuell Flluid quick specs:

• Motor:  750-1,000W rated Valeo mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox
• Range:  Up to 200 km (125 mi) with dual batteries (though Fuell-3 has just a single battery)
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
• Weight:  36 kg (79 lb)
• Price: $5,495

GoCycle G4i+

When it comes to ultra-premium folding electric bikes, there’s only one name that comes to my mind: GoCycle. These are the most impressive folding e-bikes I’ve ever seen. And they better be – they were designed by a former McLaren engineer.

Between the carbon fiber work, single-sided wheels, high-tech tires, trippy LED dot display, innovative rear suspension, and completely enclosed drivetrain, there’s a lot of high-end stuff going on here.

The speed will vary from 15-20 mph depending on which country you buy the bike in, but the performance is only part of the equation. The quick folding and light, compact design of the e-bike is the real winner here.

Check out my full review of the GoCycle G4i+ here .

GoCycle G4i+ quick specs:

• Motor:  500W front hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) in the US
• Range:  up to 50 miles (80 km)
• Battery:  36V 10.4Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 37.2 lb (16.9 kg)
• Price:   $6,999

Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED

Serial 1, the electric bicycle company that spun out of Harley-Davidson, has several awesome electric bike models. While most fall under the $5,000 mark, I’m going to recommend their top of the line model: The $5,599 Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED . If you’re in the market to buy a Serial 1 e-bike, you might as well go for the best.

Like all of Serial 1’s e-bikes, it’s got a great design and ridability. Serial 1 scored top e-bike designers from companies like Trek, so they know how to build an awesome bike with killer geometry. They also brought in the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle engineers to build the custom battery, so it’s top of the line too. Then they used pro parts like the Brose mid-drive and Gates carbon belt drive setup. Basically, it’s an incredible e-bike. And with a 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed plus a huge 706 Wh battery to ride all day, the performance matches the build.

Serial 1 even goes above and beyond with their own custom weight bearing fenders that also happen to be functional racks (both in the front and rear), their own custom designed lights that throw serious illumination up front and give you great rear visibility from dropout-mounted lights, and there’s even a glovebox in the bike!

Basically, there’s a lot to like here. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re not just paying for the H-D name on the side. It’s actually a high quality, high performance electric bike regardless of the badging.

Check out my full first ride on the various Serial 1 e-bike models here .

Motor:  High torque Brose TF MAG mid-drive motor Top speed (tested):  45 km/h (28 mph) Battery:  706 Wh Serial 1 custom battery Range:  25-115 miles (40-185 km), likely more in the 30-50 miles range with normal riding Weight:  26.7 kg (59 lb) Price:   $5,599

FREY EX Pro electric mountain bike

The FREY EX Pro is a high-end electric mountain bike with crazy high power. It uses the same motor as the CSC FT1000MD we featured above (the Bafang M620 mid-drive), but cranks up the current to provide closer to 1,500W of power.

It’s enough to destroy chains if you aren’t careful. We know. Several of us here at Electrek have done it.

The FREY EX Pro not only features high-end parts like a RockShox Lyric fork and Magura MT5e hydraulic brakes, but it even comes with dual batteries so you can ride farther and stay on the trails longer.

I’ve personally taken this e-bike back UP a downhill mountain bike course – that’s how powerful it is.

It may be expensive, but it saves you several thousand dollars compared to many European electric mountain bikes with similar components but a fraction of the power in the FREY.

See my full review of the FREY EX Pro here .

• Motor:  1 kW continuous, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor
• Top speed (tested):  59 km/h (36 mph)
• Battery:  Dual 48V 14Ah packs (1,344 Wh total)
• Range:  Varies  considerably  by ride style/terrain, but 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
• Weight:  34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:   $5,580

Top comment by BluePizza

1–I have a Lectric XPLite. It’s great to load in the SUV or RV with my wife’s Liberty Trike, which weighs only 50 lbs AND comes apart into two 25-lb pieces. Easy on my old back! The new RAD and Lectric trikes are good, I’m sure, but would be unusable for me. Too heavy.

2–RE: the importance of the sub-$1000 list…I think this also applies to some of the Chinese EV cars, the 50-mph, low-priced category. If brought here, or built here, they’d allow far more people to get into an EV, as a primary city car, or even a suburban 2nd car.

The Tern GSD improves upon the Tern HSD with even more capability and even nicer components. There are multiple versions that can take you up to nearly $10k, but even the lower-tier versions are not “low tier,” if you know what I mean.

Parts like automatically engaging electric locks, 10-speed Shimano Deore transmissions, Magura MT5e quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and more set these e-bikes apart from the rest of the pack.

If you’re getting a Tern GSD, you’re getting a fully qualified car replacement. There are many people that use these instead of buying a second car. When you look at it like that, the price suddenly seems pretty reasonable.

Check out our full review of the Tern GSD here .

• Motor:  Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive
• Range:  42-85 km (26-53 mi) depending on pedal input
• Weight : 33.6 kg (74 lb)
• Price : $5,399

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

Micah Toll's favorite gear

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike sale

Best $999 electric bike ever!

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Road & Track

Tested: The Best Electric Bikes, as Chosen by Experts

Posted: March 4, 2024 | Last updated: March 19, 2024

The push toward automotive electrification has set forth a wave of research and development into battery and charging technology. A byproduct of all of this R&D has been a trickle-down of some of this technology into other modes of transport, perhaps most notably the humble bicycle. The market for electric bicycles has exploded, which has led new manufacturers as well as some established cycle makers to produce their own electric bicycles.

The Gear Team knows that the interests of our car and truck-loving readers sometimes extend to things like watches and alternate forms of transportation. As we set out to assemble a list of the best electric bicycles on the market, however, we were humbled by the dizzying amount of information about them.

Conveniently, our colleagues at Bicycling magazine released their list of the best e-bikes earlier this year, so we reached out to the head of Bicycling 's product test team, Tara Seplavy, to find out what we need to know and what to look out for when shopping for electric bicycles.

Things to Consider about Electric Bikes

Road & Track readers know jumping into the deep end of car shopping without any of the requisite knowledge is a bad idea. Likewise, there is a lot to know about electric bicycles with all the latest tech, gadgets, and features they offer. So before you purchase one of these (not inexpensive) shiny new vehicles, take a moment to consider a few things:

Purpose and Use : First determine what you will primarily use your electric bicycle for. Different models are tailored to specific purposes, such as commuting, recreation, off-road, and cargo hauling or deliveries.

Type of E-Bike : Electric bicycles come in various types, including road , mountain , hybrid , folding , and cargo bikes. Each type caters to different riding conditions and needs.

Battery Capacity and Range : Battery capacity, usually measured in watt-hours (Wh), influences how long you can ride and how far you can go on a single charge. An e-bike’s range also depends on factors including the rider and bike weight, the terrain ridden, and the level of assistance used. Consider your typical ride length and whether the battery range meets your needs.

Weight and Portability : Electric bicycles are generally heavier than traditional bikes due to the motor and battery. Consider the bike's weight if you need to carry it upstairs or lift it frequently. Folding e-bikes offer added portability but are usually still heavier than unassisted bicycles (those without motors).

Security : Some electric bicycles require a key or key fob to operate, adding to their security. Moreover, numerous electric bicycle manufacturers design integrated batteries to be lockable and removable, offering several advantages: off-bike charging, theft deterrence, ease of transport on racks, and lighter weight for carrying upstairs.

All that said, there's nothing wrong with picking up a heavy chain lock or good quality U-lock if you plan to keep your bike in any theft-prone or outside area.

Pedal Assist vs. Throttle : Some electric bicycles offer pedal assist, which provides power only when you are pedaling, while others have a throttle mode that can propel the bike without pedaling. Decide which mode or combination of modes suits your riding style.

Fit and Comfort : Like most bicycles, electric bicycles usually offer sizing options via seat and handlebar adjustment. But these tweaks will only get you so far. Ensure the height, weight, and frame size fit your body. Test ride different models to check for comfortable seating position, handlebar height, and ease of mounting and dismounting.

Warranty and Service : Check the warranty coverage for the bike, battery, and components. Consider the manufacturer's reputation and the availability of service and parts.

Legal Restrictions : Be aware of local regulations regarding electric bicycle use, such as speed limits, motor power limits, and where e-bikes are allowed to be ridden.

E-Bike Classes: Electric bicycles are broken down into three distinct classes based on the type of assist and how fast the motor can propel you; classes one and three are the most common.

• Class 1 supports pedaling up to 20 mph with a max power output of 750 watts;
• Class 2 e-bikes feature a throttle and can reach up to 20 mph without pedaling. Some models, like Aventon's Pace 500 , mix features, reaching 28 mph with pedal assist and 20 mph with just the throttle;
• Class 3 (often known as "speed pedelec") offers assistance up to 28 mph with the same maximum power output.

The Best E-Bikes You Can Buy

Level.2 Commuter

The Level.2 from Aventon builds on the solid success of its first-generation Level commuter bikes. The Level.2 is a Class 2 e-bike, featuring both pedal assist and a throttle that can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. However, it has the capability to be unlocked to a Class 3 e-bike, allowing for pedal-assisted speeds of up to 28 mph.

This second-generation version of the Level includes a new torque sensor, integrated lights, and a smaller user-friendly display. The testers at Bicycling noted that the Level.2 bested their expectations in every situation, saying "the Aventon Level remains the best commuter electric bicycle you can purchase for less than $2000 and one of the best commuter bikes you can buy overall."

Generation e1.1

The Generation e1.1 is a solid bike for short trips, city dwellers, and around town. Its rigid aluminum frame, SR Suntour fork, and hydraulic disc brakes help to provide a smooth and compliant ride, the sort that those riding around cities will surely appreciate. You can choose between either blue or black, but whichever you choose, you'll also get a rack, lights, and tough Schwalbe Super-Moto-X tires.

Being the house brand of outdoor retailer REI , Co-op Cycles benefits from the established infrastructure. This means that you can get your bike serviced, warrantied, and even assembled at REI stores. Further, if you are an REI member (just $30 for life!), the bike comes with free flat-tire repair and two years of free adjustments.

Aventon updated its popular Aventure electric bicycle, resulting in significant improvements that enhance the riding experience. A new torque sensor provides better control over the bike's rear hub motor, addressing the issue of excessive torque that reviewers had with the previous iteration. This is especially helpful for those new to e-bicycles.

Other upgrades include an updated head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders, making the bike more versatile for commuting in various conditions. While the folks at Bicycling found that the bike works well on snowy days and gravel pathways, its weight and components limit its performance on challenging trails.

RadRover 6 Plus

The 6 Plus is a versatile fat-tire electric bicycle designed for comfort across various terrains, including urban and off-road environments. Testers at Bicycling said improvements such as an updated display and hydraulic disc brakes, enhancing the overall riding experience when compared to its predecessor.

The bike's big drawback is its weight, which will be a limiting factor if you'd like to navigate it around a congested city. While the weight may make the bike cumbersome, the powerful 750-watt rear hub motor ensures that you'll have the torque needed to push the bike's heft around.

There is also a step-through version , and buyers can opt for either charcoal or white paint schemes.

Turbo Tero 3.0

Specialized Turbo-series mountain bikes are among the favorites of the staff at Bicycling. If you're a mountain biker and want to dip your toes into the world of e-bicycles, the Turbo Tero 3.0 is a great place to start.

With 2.4-inch-wide tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 110-mm travel suspension fork, this bike is capable but takes some getting used to on the trail, according to one test rider. The components are durable enough for off-road conditions, and their standard sizing facilitates easy upgrades and replacements, enhancing the bike's appeal for entry-level trail riders.

The Portola from Ride1Up offers a compelling package for city dwellers or anyone low on storage space, and it does so while providing good bang for your buck. It can be folded down to fit easily into the trunk of most cars and the back of just about any hatchback or SUV.

Though it's compact, the Portola comes with a handsome list of features including a powerful 750-watt motor, hydraulic disc brakes, an eight-speed drivetrain, and an integrated rear rack capable of carrying up to 130 pounds. An optional extended-range battery can be selected for additional cost and there are a few cool accessories you can snag, like a basket , phone mount , and passenger's seat .

As its name implies, the Haul ST is probably the best bike on this list for moving big loads, making it ideal for delivery workers or just running errands. This compact bike can carry an impressive 419 pounds and features a 750-watt motor, strong brakes, meaty 3.5-inch tires, and a bunch of intuitive features. For all of these reasons and more, the Haul ST was named Bicycling 's 2023 Bike of the Year .

If you need even greater carrying capacity, you can opt for the larger Haul LT , which includes many of the same features as the ST with more space for hauling.

Treadwell Neo 2

For casual riders looking to take a ride in the park or along the boardwalk, the Treadwell Neo 2 from Cannondale stands out for its classic good looks and comfortable riding position. The leisurely character of the Treadwell is enhanced in the Neo 2 thanks to the addition of electric power.

You'll never be overworked again thanks to an adequate 250-watt rear hub motor assisting pedaling. The package is only sweetened by a pair of Maxxis 650b tires, a seven-speed drivetrain, and a wide-range cassette for conquering inclines.

Turbo Vado 4.0 Step-Through

Road & Track readers know: If you want the best, it's going to cost you. The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 stands out for its exceptional design, seamless integration of components, and superior ride quality, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned cyclists and first-time e-bicycle users.

The folks at Bicycling heaped on the praise by adding, "We have ridden a lot of e-bikes over the years, and the Specialized Turbo models consistently test among the best in all categories. The brand puts a ton of development time into its Turbo series e-bikes.... This work pays off with best-in-class ride quality."

There are lots of options available for the Turbo Vado, including several colors, traditional or step-through frames, and a few drivetrain configurations. A full-spec Turbo Vado 4.0 can top out at over $5500, so choose your options carefully.

Cafe Cruiser

Classic motorcycle style and comfortable practicality are combined to create a relaxed cruiser with a casual ride. The smooth ride is provided by a torquey 750-watt motor, relaxed geometry, 3.0-inch wide tires, and a bit of heft. Bicycling testers found the big cruiser comfortable while offering enough oomph to get you over whatever small inclines block your way.

A version with a step-through frame is also available , and we recommend opting for the passenger kit as this bike is well suited for two-up cruising.

What is an electric bicycle?

An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that can provide assistance to the rider. This assistance can come in the form of pedaling support or, in some models, a throttle that can power the bike without pedaling.

Are electric bicycles legal to ride everywhere?

E-bike laws vary by country and, in the United States, by state. Generally, e-bicycles are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed, but there may be restrictions based on the e-bike's top speed and whether it has a throttle. It's important to check local laws.

Do I need a license to ride electric bicycles?

In most jurisdictions, you do not need a license to ride an e-bicycle if it meets certain criteria, typically regarding its maximum speed and power output. However, regulations can vary, so it's important to verify local laws.

How far can electric bicycles go on a single charge?

The range of an e-bike depends on a variety of factors, including battery capacity, level of pedal assist, rider's weight, terrain, and riding conditions. E-bikes can typically travel between 25 to 70 miles on a single charge, but these numbers may increase or decrease depending on the above-mentioned factors.

How long do electric bicycle batteries last?

E-bike battery lifespan is typically measured in charge cycles, with many batteries rated for 500 to 1000 cycles before their capacity significantly diminishes. This can translate to several years of use, depending on the frequency of charging.

Do electric bicycles require maintenance?

E-bikes require similar maintenance to regular bicycles, such as tire-pressure checks, brake adjustments, and drivetrain lubrication. The electrical components, however, should be serviced by professionals or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Why Trust Us?

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices. Read more about our testing process here .

For this article, we reached out to our Hearst colleagues at Bicycling magazine . Bicycling provides expert reviews and advice on everything cycling, including gear, accessories, and fitness. Deputy editor Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling 's product test team. Having led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run world championship–winning mountain bike teams, and wrenched at some of the best-known bike shops in NYC, Tara is among the best at what she does, and we appreciate her cooperation for this piece.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something we haven't.

We've evaluated dozens of product categories, from heated steering wheel covers to traction boards and radar detectors . Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

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