The secret is out. Ebikes are not only tons of fun for recreation but can also vastly reduce the need for car trips to commute locally around town. They’re not all the same, of course; if you need a bike for daily errands, there are models tailored specifically for short range, urban riders. Others are designed for lengthier and sometimes more rugged weekend excursions. The 700 Series from Ride1Up may be the ideal commuter ebike, and in our review we’ll show you it’s capable of both.
Ride1Up describes the 700 Series as “the ultimate electric biking experience”. Powerful specifications and high-quality brand name components like Tektro hydraulic brakes, Shimano Acera trigger shifters and Samsung battery cells make this high-mileage bicycle one of the best in its class. Interested riders can acquire a 700 Series for a low $1,595 (**2023 Memorial Day Sale Price as low as $1495**), down from its original price of $1695! Make sure to check out our Ride1up Discounts page where we update all of the current coupon & deals for all Ride1up ebikes.
Here are the basic specifications of this ebike:
- MSRP: $1,595
- Class: Class 3 City Electric Bike
- Motor: 48V 750w geared hub Bafang motor
- Torque: 60nm
- Battery: 48V 15ah Reention Rhino, Samsung Cells
- Controller: 48V22A DMHC Sine-wave
- Brakes: Tektro dual piston 180mm hydraulic brakes
- Throttle: Left thumb throttle
- Tires: 27.5”x2.4” Schwalbe Super-Moto X or WTB Groov-E (varies by frame)
- Shifters: Shimano Acera 8-speed trigger shifter
- Range: 30-50 miles (48-80 km)
- Weight: 62 lbs
Also, the 700 has also a little brother – the 500 series.
Perks of Purchasing the Ride1Up 700
The 750W geared hub motor on the 700 Series Class 3 electric bike allows it to produce 60Nm of torque. With just the throttle, you can go up to 20 miles per hour, but those who have a major need for speed can easily reach 28 MPH using pedal assist. This is an upgrade over the 500 Series which has a cruising speed of 25MPH and a slightly smaller battery than the 700. This could be a critical difference if your aim is to keep up with traffic on lengthy roads and other major thoroughfares.
The battery is a 48V 14ah Reention Rhino with 39 x 21700 Samsung cells. In a nutshell, it’s robust and long-lasting. According to Ride1Up, the built-in battery provides a range of 30 to 50 miles on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for commuting. The 14ah battery pack is the most expensive option for the 700 Series, but the additional battery capacity will unlock higher acceleration on a full charge.
There are also a few accessories that might make riding more pleasant for you, such as the lightweight yet durable, low-maintenance hydraulic brakes—which provide ample stopping power. The metal fenders protect you from getting wet during your commute or while you’re out on the trail, and the front and back lights make it easier and safer to navigate congested streets in low-light situations. Furthermore, a 2.2-inch full-color display helps you keep track of your stats while riding the 700 series.
The ST (step-thru) and XR framesets are available from Ride1Up, giving buyers a handful of customization options. Except for the following, they are nearly identical: the ST features a bent handlebar but no top tube, while the XR sports a bent top tube and a straight handlebar. As a general rule of thumb, the ST resembles a moped and focuses more on leisurely cruising.
Riders can choose between these two frame options and the following two color options: Gunmetal Gray and Steel, otherwise known as light blue. The frame itself is constructed out of lightweight aluminum alloy, which means you won’t need super human strength to lift this e-bike over your shoulder.
Since there is no top tube on the ST, getting on the bike is much simpler for riders who don’t want to extend their legs all the way up and over. However, the XR has a more conventional mountain bike style and is ideal for individuals who prefer a leaned-in stance.
Moreover, the bike’s broad, comfortable saddle adds substantial padding for long rides. It also has a front suspension fork and large, 2.4″ tires that reduce the jarring sensation of bumpy roads when riding.
Lastly, the LCD TFT display features a 2.2-inch full-color screen area and displays the PAS 0-5 levels and more advanced metrics. The 700 Series has an integrated LED headlight and taillight for improved safety on the road.
Assembly is also made simple for the majority of riders thanks to Ride1UP’s comprehensive video tutorials. Ride1UP consistently earns high marks from its customers when it comes to customer service. In our experience the service is top-notch. Another way this company’s service shines is in the exceptional way they package their bikes minimizing the risk of damage in transit.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Ride1Up 700
The Ride1UP 700 Series is on the heavier side, coming in at more than 60 pounds. This means that if you’re looking for a smaller, more nimble bike that can get you where you need to go, this isn’t necessarily it—but if you want a bike that will last you for years to come and make your commutes and longer weekend rides more enjoyable, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.
A well tuned cadence sensor can make an ebike feel more nimble and responsive but we noticed a small but noticeable lag with the 700. The cadence sensor sits on the crank arm of the bike and measures revolutions around the crank which then activates power to the motor to enable pedal assist. The lag can be a minor annoyance but once you’ve built up a bit of steam it’s really a non-issue that most riders may not even notice.
Another small issue with the 700 is the assembly required, which some commenters have reported requires a bit more technical knowledge than a novice rider might be comfortable with. We’ve tested several Ride1Up bikes and we know from experience that some models require more assembly than others. If you haven’t done much bike tinkering and have never had to change the pedals or even change a tire on your bike you might think about calling in a professional to help putting your 700 together.
In Summary
The Ride1UP 700 Series is a classy electric bike that comes in a variety of colors. It can be purchased with either an XT or an ST frame and is rocking some solid components that you don’t usually see in an ebike this affordable. Namely, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Acera trigger shifters and an adjustable stem.
Overall it’s a really comfortable bike on account of its large gel-cushioned seat, springy front suspension fork and upright handlebars. Combine this with seamless shifting and handling and what you have is a really smooth and enjoyable ride. On top of that this ebike is equipped with a rear rack which makes it ideal for everyday commutes.
Ride1up has been manufacturing quality ebikes for several years now and when you consider how many great components you’re getting, the 700 Series is a screaming deal right now at only $1,545. We would expect an ebike of this caliber to cost several hundred dollars more. There is no doubt that Ride1Up has done an outstanding job with the 700 Series, producing a high caliber ebike that is fast, fun and comfortable and easily competes with higher end models from Rad Power Bikes and Aventon.
