The Ride1up Core-5 has been discontinued since we published our article. The newer Ride1up Turris is a comparable and similarly priced model.
Ride1Up ebikes deliver solid components and performance at excellent prices. The Core-5 from Ride1Up is one of their most popular models, reaching high speeds while looking stylish. We got to test out this ebike and were impressed with its powerful motor, elegant design, and value.
Specs of the Ride1Up Core-5 Ebike
- Price: $1045
- Motor: 48V Geared Hub Shengyi Motor 750w Sustained
- PAS Sensor: Integrated Sensitive Cadence Sensor
- Grips: Ergonomic Rubber Grips
- Cassette: SHimano 11-32T
- Controller: 48V22A Lishui Sinewave (potential peak output of 1000w)
- Fork: SMooth Welded 6061 Alloy
- Shifters: Shimano ASLTx30R 7-speed
- Chain: KMC Z7 7-speed Chain
- Battery: 48V12.8ah Reention Eel Pro LG Cells, Smart BMS
- Brakes: Tektro 160mm Mechanical Disc, with Electric Cut Off Sensor
- Gearing: 44T Front Alloy Chainring
- Throttle: Left side thumb throttle
- Display: KD21C Adjustable SPeed LCD
- Tires: Kenda Kwick Seven.5 27.5”x2.2
- Derailleur: Shimano Altus
- Handlebars:
- ST: Swept=back Ergonomic Cafe Bars’
- XR: 50mm Rise 640mm Width
- Saddle: Selle Royal Freeway Plush Gel
- Stem: Promax 28.6mm, 90mm ext. 31.8mm bar clamp
- Spokes 13G Black Stainless steel
- Seat post: Promax 350mmx31.6mm Angle adjustable seat post
- Kickstand: Adjustable arm chainstay mounted
- Front light: 60 lux front light
- Weight: 49lbs
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
- Rider Height Range: 5’6”-6’4”
First Impressions
Look and Feel
The Core-5’s attractive appearance is one of the first things you notice about this ebike. Available in Midnight Gray, Azure Blue, and Mint colors, this ebike is sure to turn heads. Its seamless battery integration into the down tube, gives it a stealthy and sophisticated look. Unlike some other ebikes, the Core-5 (and all other Ride1Up electric bikes) doesn’t reveal itself as an electric bike, with a bulky battery or cartoonish frame.
Comfort – Seats and handlebars
While the Core-5 may not offer a luxurious ride, it still provides a reasonably comfortable experience. The adjustable seat allows riders to find their preferred height, while the handlebars stem adjusts to suit different arm positions. Most folks will be able to find an upright riding position, reducing strain on your back and neck and giving better visibility while navigating through traffic.
LCD Display
The LCD display on the Core-5 provides riders with essential information, including speed, trip distance, trip time, maximum speed, average speed, battery life, and assist level. You control the display using three buttons, the mode button toggles between display functions, the plus button adjusts the assist level and activates the back display, and the minus button lowers the assist level. An interesting feature is the assisted walking function, which can be activated by holding down the minus button. This feature makes you feel like you’re walking alongside a pack mule. However, the walk speed might be a little fast for some and could make you jog.
Main specs- motor/battery/brakes
The Core-5 from Ride1Up impresses with its powerful 750W sustained geared hub motor, delivering a top speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge. The 48V12.8Ah battery energizes the bike, providing ample juice for extended rides. The Tektro 160mm mechanical disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power, while the Shimano Altus 7-speed derailleur allows for easy gear shifting.
A standout aspects of the Core-5 is its powerful feel. Even without the motor, the fast-rolling tires and large 44t chainring work together to maintain smooth momentum. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely ride around town, the Core-5 from Ride1Up provides an exhilarating and efficient experience, allowing you to effortlessly navigate various terrains.
Test Ride
The Ride1Up Core-5 electric bike handles exceptionally well and feels light on the road. Weighing 49 pounds, it is relatively light for such a powerful ebike, making it accessible for riders of different fitness-levels. Not only did I personally find it to be a fun ride, but it has also become my wife’s preferred ebike. Also, our friends who are on the shorter side expressed their appreciation for the Core-5’s adaptability, highlighting its inviting nature for just about any size riders of varying statures.
The Ride1Up Core-5’s pedal assist feature offers responsive and robust power, making conquering hills and headwindsit nearly effortless. While we didn’t conduct a battery drain test, reports indicate that the Core-5 covers Ride1Up’s advertised 25 to 45 mile range, making it a reliable choice for longer rides.
This ebike enables you to keep pace with traffic and reach your destination swiftly. In throttle-only mode, the Ride1Up Core-5 reaches speeds of 20 to 21 mph. Engaging pedal assist at level five, and making moderate effort, I was able to achieve speeds of 26 to 27 mph. It’s even conceivable to reach the advertised 28 mph top speed with pedal assist. Additionally, we tested the bike’s performance on an 80-foot incline with a five percent grade, where it maintained a speed of 16 mph. These results demonstrate the Core-5’s capability to handle challenging conditions while maintaining a satisfying speed.
Overall, the Core-5 ebike is an exceptionally fun and enjoyable bike to ride. Its upright seating position ensures a comfortable and stable ride, including on bumpy roads. The powerful motor and responsive pedal assist make conquering hills and covering longer distances a breeze. Furthermore, the bike’s high top speed adds an element of excitement to every ride. Whether you’re commuting or simply exploring your surroundings, the Ride1Up Core-5 enhances your travels, opening the gates to greater distances and more fun.
What we like about the ride
Firstly, the 750W motor delivers a noticeable boost and impressive acceleration. With a top speed of 27-28 mph in pedal assist and 21-22 mph with throttle only, the motor’s power thrills you and saves time.
Next, the commendable aesthetics of the bike are a pleasant surprise for a budget ebike. It closely resembles a regular bicycle rather than an ebike, thanks to the integrated battery and sleek geometry.
Also, the bike’s handling is impressive. Weighing approximately 49 pounds, it’s light for a powerful, lower-cost ebike, which contributes to its excellent maneuverability. It handles turns well and provides a riding experience that closely resembles a regular bicycle.
Finally, its Tektro mechanical disc brakes ensures reliable stopping power, particularly crucial considering the Core-5’s top speed of 27-28 mph. These brakes provide a sense of security and control, giving you the freedom to test the limits.
What we don’t like about the ride
The first drawback we noticed in the Ride1Up Core-5 is the battery’s relatively short range, and the inconvenience of needing to unlock it with a key to remove it. Additionally, the battery recharge time is lengthy, and the battery level indicator only provides an approximate reading rather than an accurate measurement.
Another drawback is the noise produced by the motor at top speed. Many people expect a silent ebiking experience, and the Core-5 might disappoint those ears.
The third issue we noticed is that the seat doesn’t match the Core-5’s style. It seems more like a cruiser seat, and we think it would look better with a smaller, more rigid, faster looking one. While this may not be a significant concern given the bike’s cost price point, it’ is worth noting for potential buyers.
Final Thoughts
The Ride1Up Core-5 is a well-rounded electric bike offering a great balance of performance and, affordability. It’s suitable for riders of different skill levels and can handle various riding conditions, from city streets to light trails. Additionally, the bike boasts a sleek and stylish design with clean lines and seamless battery integration, making it an attractive choice for riders who value aesthetics as well as function.
The biggest advantages the Core-5 delivers are its power and lower price tag. You get thrilling acceleration and high speeds from throttle only or pedal assist modes. It costs $1,045, which is a great value for a stylish-looking ebike.
Overall, we think the drawbacks, including short battery range, inconvenient battery removal, noisy motor, and unbecoming seat are outweighed by the advantages. The Core-5 is a solid buy that will please many ebike riders.