CyCrown CycHunter

Overview

I love to see a dual-battery e-bike with over a 100-mile range that costs just over $1,000. That is exactly what you get with the CyCrown CycHunter, a rustic, vintage-inspired moped-style e-bike. Most e-bikes hitting these range numbers usually cost about $500 to $1,000 more, so getting more range at a cheaper price is something I will take any day of the week.

That being said, this bike isn't something I would recommend for experienced riders. To be brutally honest, its performance is actually pretty boring for me. However, for new or timid riders, it has pretty much everything you could want in a starter e-bike to keep you feeling safe and in control.

Real-World Performance

The first thing I noticed is the very, very slow acceleration. The company claims this bike can hit its 28 mph target speed in 3.8 seconds. In my testing, that was laughably false. I counted to four Mississippi out loud from a dead stop and barely felt like I was hitting 15 mph. While I personally hate how slow it is, the last thing a nervous rider wants is a fast, poppy throttle. This gentle rollout is exactly what beginners ask for.

I also tested the pedal assist delay. I set it to the highest pedal assist level (five) and shifted my SIS index Shimano shifter into first gear. It took about 2.5 revolutions of the pedals before the power hit. Again, experienced riders might hate this lag, but new riders love it because it allows them to get their balance before the motor kicks in.

When it came to hills, I was less forgiving. Yesterday, I ran it up my hill test from a dead stop at the bottom. While I was technically impressed that it actually made it to the top without stopping, I was only crawling at a miserable 5 to 6 mph. The brakes are another weak point; you really have to put a lot of pressure into the levers for hard braking, and even when you do, it doesn't stop you very fast.

Design & Build Quality

I really like the look and design of this bike. The brown and black frame, paired with BMX-style handlebars and gnarly welding scars, gives it a tough, rustic vibe. I particularly love that they mounted the dual battery displays side-by-side rather than putting one up front and one under the seat. It looks incredibly cool.

I couldn't find the official weight, but gauging it by hand, the frame has got to be 75+ lbs. It is a big, bulky bike with a 330-pound weight limit. As a 5-foot-11 rider, I actually feel kind of small on it. The bulk might make a timid rider nervous at a standstill, but once you get moving, the fit is great. Thanks to the BMX handlebars, I have an upright and comfortable posture with a lot of space in the cockpit.

Unlike most moped-style bikes where your knees feel cramped, the seat-to-pedal distance here is huge. With the large, comfortable fixed saddle, I only have a slight bend in my knee when the pedal is all the way down, meaning you can actually pedal this bike comfortably if you want to.

Key Features

The main selling point here is the massive range. You get two UL-certified 48V 13Ah batteries that each take 4 to 5 hours to charge. CyCrown claims a range of up to 120 miles. Realistically, if you are cruising around 23 to 24 mph, I always recommend dividing that rating by two, which still leaves you with an excellent real-world range.

The bike rolls on Chaoyang tires, which use a softer rubber compound that makes the ride quite comfortable. That's paired with a motorcycle-style front suspension fork and an adjustable spring suspension in the rear. Up on the handlebars, you get a full-color LCD screen, though I found it a bit tricky to read in direct sunlight.

The bike is rounded out with a massive front headlight, a cutesy little horn, functional turn signals, and some rad BMX-vibe rims. My main gripe with the features is the messy wiring. There is just a lot of extra wire bunched up in front of the handlebars, and trying to pull it down just moves the messy bunch lower on the frame.

Who It's For

I would strongly recommend the CycHunter to new e-bike riders who are nervous about too much power. Its slow, gentle acceleration and delayed pedal assist allow you to build confidence at your own pace, while the massive dual-battery range ensures you won't get stranded.

Who Should Skip It

If you are an experienced rider looking for thrilling performance, punchy acceleration, or a bike that can devour steep hills, skip this completely. You should also look elsewhere if you need a lightweight frame or highly responsive brakes.

How It Stacks Up

When comparing the CycHunter to the broader e-bike market, its main advantage is price. Most e-bikes that genuinely offer over 100 miles of range typically cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 more than this model. You are making clear sacrifices in hill-climbing torque and braking power to get there, but the value for distance is undeniable.

Final Verdict

At roughly $1,100, the CyCrown CycHunter is a fantastic option for a timid rider picking up their very first e-bike. While the brakes are weak and it struggles on hills, its cool rustic design, exceptionally gentle power delivery, and marathon battery life make it a highly approachable ride.