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Ride66 RX02 Electric Bike
Price: $1199
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Overall Score
Affordable Electric Fat Bike Review - Ride 66 RX02
Electric fat bikes have surged in popularity in recent years, but they often come with premium price tags of $1,500 or more. For riders on a budget, the Ride 66 RX02 offers an affordable alternative at just $1,200. I took this electric fat bike out on trails to see how it stacks up against pricier models.
Overview
The RX02 from Ride 66 cuts costs by starting with their standard non-electric fat bike frame and converting it to electric. They swapped out the rear wheel, added a battery and motor, and connected it all with wiring. It's not the prettiest or most polished looking e-bike, but if you just want electric power to get from A to B, it delivers.
Performance
This bike prioritizes raw power over finessed delivery. The pedal assist goes up to 29 mph on the highest setting. The half-twist throttle alone can hit 24 mph. It's exciting to have that kind of speed at your fingertips, but the power comes on very abruptly. Pedaling is actually smoother than using the throttle off the line.
The 1000W motor provides decent torque for climbing hills. I tackled a tough climb in low gears and it managed to power through. However, the motor did make the frame vibrate at times when working hard on climbs.
Components
Surprisingly, Ride 66 chose to upgrade some key components. It comes with quality hydraulic disc brakes that perform well. The extremely cushy, shock-absorbing saddle also helps smooth out bumps in lieu of rear suspension.
However, the bike's geometry felt off and took getting used to. I felt pitched too far forward, which led to twitchy handling at speed. The front suspension is basic but struck a good balance on the trails.
Range
One of the most impressive feats from this budget e-bike is the range. At an average speed of 25 mph, I achieved over 20 miles range with 1,400 feet of climbing. That's better than many bikes $500 more expensive. The trade-off is that the lighter weight impacts stability and ride quality.
Verdict
For around $1,200, the Ride 66 RX02 packs a punch with its power and range. The overall ride experience doesn't match pricier e-bikes, but makes for an exciting budget option if your main goals are speed and distance per charge. Just be prepared for the jolt of its abrupt motor assist.