When it comes to bikes priced at $700, I usually don't get too excited. There's typically not much to impress me, and sometimes I even question my decision to review a bike in that price range. However, I'm thrilled that I decided to give the Oraimo Monster 100 a try. Despite its appearance, this bike is truly a beast in terms of performance. In fact, it might just be the best bike I've ever reviewed in the $700 price range.

The first thing that caught my attention was the speed. Most bikes in this price range top out at around 15 to 18 miles per hour. Not this one. The Oraimo Monster 100 reaches speeds of 8, 9, 13, 14, and even 20 miles per hour with pedal assist. And let's not forget about the throttle, which also reaches a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. For a bike in this class, 20 miles per hour is quite impressive.

You might not expect a bike like this to have a quick and responsive start, but that's exactly what you get. From a standstill, a quarter of a revolution is all it takes for the power to kick in. There are bikes that cost four times as much as this one and yet don't have the same level of motor sensitivity. Even if I stop pedaling for half a second before re-engaging, it takes just over one revolution for the power to come back on. The pedal assist system on this bike excels in terms of motor reaction time. As for the throttle, it delivers immediate power off the line, making for a surprisingly energetic ride considering the affordability of this bike.

Now, you might look at this bike and think it won't be able to climb anything. It might appear tiny, weak, and pathetic, but let me assure you, that is far from the truth. The Oraimo Monster 100 boasts some serious torque for tackling hills. Even on a steep seven to eight percent grade, with the bike at 80% charge, it effortlessly maintains a speed of seven miles per hour. The motor operates silently, and the bike does all the work. It's truly impressive.

When it comes to the brakes, the Oraimo Monster 100 features standard dual disc brakes. They do their job effectively without any fancy gimmicks. The left lever controls the rear brake, while the right lever controls the front brake. Additionally, the brake levers offer motor cutoff functionality. Surprisingly, the brake levers have a solid feel and provide smooth and controlled braking. Considering the bike's size, it's quite remarkable how well it handles.

This bike solidified its awesomeness during a race test. My app recorded a distance of 15.76 miles with 593 feet of elevation gain. Achieving over 15 miles at 20 miles per hour is remarkable for a bike in this price range. Most bikes in this category typically offer a range of only 9 to 12 miles. While the company claims a range of up to 60 miles, that seems like a stretch unless you're maintaining a speed of around 10 to 13 miles per hour.

In terms of design, the Oraimo Monster 100 appears to have taken a regular bike frame and added a battery and a hub motor. The wiring is visible externally, as there's no internal wiring. This approach makes the transition from a non-electric to an electric bike cost-effective and straightforward. As for the geometry, as a 5'11" rider, I felt a bit top-heavy on this bike. However it still balanced well overall. Riding without hands might make me a bit nervous due to the slightly abrupt power response when pedaling stops, but it quickly cuts off when necessary. One advantage of this bike is that you can raise the handlebars, allowing for a more comfortable and commuter-friendly riding position. The mountain bike-style handlebars are wide enough, and for those who prefer a smaller and less bulky bike, the Oraimo Monster 100 is a great option.

As for the overall feel, the bike doesn't disappoint. It's surprisingly lightweight, with the only noise coming from the battery, which can be a bit annoying. Apart from that, the bike feels solid and well-built. Moving on to the grips, they have a cheap feel to them, which is a bit disappointing. The shifting levers, one to seven on the right side and rapid-fire from one to seven on the left side, are not my personal favorite. However, they do the job adequately.

The saddle on the Oraimo Monster 100 is actually quite comfortable, and it comes with some suspension underneath for added comfort. The Compass tires, although not the beefiest, are suitable for gravel terrain. The front suspension is particularly impressive, handling bumps and uneven surfaces with ease. Combining the suspension and saddle, the ride quality is relatively smooth and enjoyable.

The bike features an LCD screen with three buttons on the side. The power button turns it on, while the plus and minus buttons allow you to change the assist levels. Scrolling through different readouts is a breeze. The interface is straightforward and easy to use.

To conclude, I highly recommend the Oraimo Monster 100 for anyone in search of a bike within the $700 price range. Its exceptional speed, powerful motor, and impressive hill-climbing ability make it stand out among its competitors. With a solid build, comfortable saddle, and adjustable handlebars, it caters to a wide range of riders. Whether you're a smaller rider or prefer a more agile and compact bike, the Oraimo Monster 100 delivers. Despite a few minor gripes with the grips and shifting levers, this bike offers excellent value for the price.

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