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Bandit Forerunner Review –
The Bandit Forerunner is an exciting, new fat tire ebike that has recently caught our attention due to its impressive features and affordability. Priced at just $999, this class 3 electric bike boasts a powerful 750-watt rear hub motor, a 14.5Ah battery and a cutting edge LCD display that sets it apart from many other premium ebikes. In this Bandit Bike review, we will delve into the various pros and cons of the Forerunner- its performance, comfort, and overall value.
Bandit Forerunner Specs
- PRICE: $999
- MOTOR POWER (W): 750 W 75N.M Torque
- BATTERY: 65+ Mi, 48V 14.5AH 696 wH Battery
- CHARGING TIME (HR): 6 Hrs
- TOP SPEED: 28 MPH With Pedaling – 20 MPH With Throttle Only
- CONTROLLER (V, W): 48V 750W 18A
- SENSOR: Cadence Sensor
- THROTTLE STYLE: Half twist throttle
- BRAKE: Aluminum alloy levers with motor cutoff switch, Hydraulic Calipers, 180 mm front and rear, Metallic
- DISPLAY TYPE: Horizontal LCD Smart Color Display
- PEDAL ASSIST: 6 Levels
- FRAME: 6061 Aluminum
- DERAILLEUR: 7 Speed Shimano Altus
- TIRES: 26” x 4” Puncture Resistant Tire
- FRONT LIGHT: Waterproof front LED headlight
- TAIL LIGHT: Rear integrated lights
- SECURITY: Set a 4 digit passcode that temporarily distables pedal assist. Bindable key-card that unlocks your EBike. A premium feature that notifies riders when a potential theft is in progress.
- WEIGHT (KG): 42 kg
- TOTAL LENGTH (IN): 63 in
- ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES: Front and rear fenders
1st impressions
Look and feel
The Forerunner sports a sleek and stylish design, resembling more expensive premium electric bikes. Despite its affordable price tag, it exudes a premium feel with a cool-looking frame and integrated battery. The integrated battery further enhances the sleek appearance of the Forerunner. It’s seamlessly integrated into the frame, making the bike look clean and sophisticated. The step-thru version comes in two colors, white or black with grey accents while the high-step version also comes in black as well as an attractive sand color.Â
Comfort
The Forerunner is designed with rider comfort in mind. The long straight handlebar keeps arms comfortably stretched, while the cushy and substantial grips provide a comfortable grip. The front suspension offers a responsive and smooth ride, making it suitable for off-road adventures and urban commuting alike. The 26 by 4 inch Kenda puncture-resistant tires provide excellent traction and stability on various terrains, further adding to the bike’s handling capabilities.
LCD display and Security Features
The LCD display on the Bandit Forerunner is one of its most impressive features. This advanced display is a crucial component of the bike’s interface, providing riders with essential information and control options. Not only will you get standard information like speed and total distance traveled but also individual trip distance as well as easy access to more detailed specs related to the battery. The bright and colorful display, which alternates between various bold colors, depending on pedal assist level, really stands out compared to most monochrome LCD displays.Â
Bandit has also incorporated advanced security features into the Forerunner. To access the controller and enable pedal assist levels you must enter a four-digit passcode, which you can set up upon setting up your bike. Additionally, the bike can be unlocked using a bindable keycard if you want to forego a passcode. We’ve never seen this feature on any other ebike so kudos to Bandit Bikes for being one step ahead of the competition.
Main specs
Similar to other Bandit bikes like the X-Trail Pro and X-Trail Lite, the Forerunner comes with a 750W rear hub motor that delivers 75Nm of torque. That’s already a lot of torque for what is essentially a $1,000 ebike but one of the coolest things about the Forerunner is that you can optimize the motor performance for either torque or speed using its state-of-the-art controller settings. You can select from two riding modes depending on whether you want to optimize your Forerunner for hill climbing or pure speed. As a class 3 ebike, It offers a top speed of 28 miles per hour with pedal assist and 20 miles per hour with throttle only.Â
Thanks to the 48-volt 14.5 amp-hour battery, riders can enjoy a range of 65+ miles, making it an ideal choice for long rides and outdoor adventures. Charging the battery takes approximately six hours, allowing for minimal downtime between rides.
Additionally the Forerunner is equipped with a 48-volt 18 amp controller and features a reliable seven-speed Shimano Altus derailleur.Â
Test Rides on the Forerunner
During our test rides of the Bandit Forerunner, the bike showcased some impressive capabilities. Using throttle only, it quickly reached a speed of 20 miles per hour, demonstrating the power of its 750-watt motor. While on pedal assist level six, the bike effortlessly reached its class 3 top speed of 28 miles per hour, thanks to the efficient motor performance.
The Forerunner’s half twist throttle provided a smooth and responsive riding experience. Despite its 90+ pound weight and large size, the bike felt steady and well-built on various terrains, making it ideal for off-road adventures. Rugged riders will appreciate the springiness of this front suspension, which performed very well for us during our sandy test rides.
The 14.5 amp-hour battery offers an impressive 60+ miles of range, which should satisfy the needs of most long range riders. It’s hard to believe that you can now purchase a fat tire ebike with a nearly 700 Watt-hour battery, with hydraulic disc brakes, and high tech features for an uber-affordable price of $999. Bandit Bikes has really knocked it out of the park with the Forerunner.
Premium Feel at an Affordable PriceÂ
The Forerunner impresses with its premium look and feel, comparable to bikes from well-known brands with higher price tags. Even at its MSRP of $1699, the bike exhibits a level of quality and sophistication usually associated with more expensive electric bikes.
Stylish DesignÂ
The bike’s frame design is another area where the Forerunner stands out. It has a tough looking square frame that seamlessly conceals its battery. While the white color may not be the most practical for an off-road fat tire ebike, the branding and overall aesthetics of the Forerunner contribute to its appealing, less rounded appearance.
Quality ComponentsÂ
The Forerunner boasts a Shimano Altus derailleur, hydraulic disc brakes, and front suspension, showcasing a level of componentry typically found in more premium ebikes. The comfortable grips and upright posture add to the overall riding experience.
Excellent Off-Road PerformanceÂ
Designed for off-road adventures, the Forerunner excels in providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The wide handlebars, suspension, and high-quality Kenda puncture-resistant tires deliver confident handling on various terrains, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
What we don’t love about the Bandit Forerunner
48-Volt BatteryÂ
While the 48-volt, 14.5 amp-hour battery is substantial and provides a good range, some bikes in this class offer 52-volt batteries, delivering even longer range and potentially more power to the motor. Upgrading to a higher voltage battery could further enhance the bike’s performance.
Heavy WeightÂ
Weighing 93 pounds, the Forerunner is one of the heaviest electric bikes we’ve reviewed. While the solid frame contributes to a safe and stable ride, the weight may be a drawback for some riders. Maneuvering through crowded areas or riding at slower speeds could pose challenges with such a heavy bike.
Lack of RackÂ
The Forerunner does not come with a rack, limiting its utility for those who may need to carry additional gear or cargo during their rides. While not a major issue, some riders may find this omission inconvenient for certain purposes.
Size and Crowd NavigationÂ
The bike’s wide wheelbase and substantial frame can make it feel imposing, particularly when navigating through crowded areas or tight spaces. For riders who frequently ride in urban settings or heavily trafficked areas, the size may be a deterrent.
Final Thoughts
The Bandit Forerunner offers a compelling package, combining a premium feel, unique features, and impressive off-road performance, all at an attractive price point. Its powerful performance, long battery range, and advanced security features make it a standout option in its class. The premium look and feel, along with the comfortable riding experience, contribute to its appeal among riders seeking a reliable and feature-packed electric adventure.
While its heavy weight and lack of a rack may be drawbacks for some, the overall value and performance the Forerunner offers far outweigh these minor limitations. For those looking for an affordable and capable electric bike that excels both on and off-road, the Bandit Forerunner is a fantastic choice worth considering.