I’ve at all times discovered the sub-$1k e-bike section fascinating. The bikes aren’t at all times the perfect, however the good ones are normally adequate for many informal and/or leisure riders. And that is the group of e-bikes with the largest potential for successful over new riders who haven’t totally dedicated to the concept of a pricier e-bike changing a superb chunk of automobile miles. The $899 Starrun R20 is the most recent folding fats tire e-bike that appears able to compete on this shortly crowding market. So does it have what it takes?
Starrun R20 video evaluation
To see this e-bike in motion, take a look at my evaluation video under. Then hold scrolling for much more particulars!
Starrun R20 tech specs
- Motor: 750W geared hub motor within the rear wheel
- High pace: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Vary: As much as 88 km (55 mi) relying on person enter
- Battery: 48V 20Ah (960 Wh)
- Weight: 36.7 kg (81 lb)
- Max load: 181 kg (400 lb)
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
- Extras: Sturdy rear rack with seat pad, coloration LED show, built-in head/tail/brake LED lights, fender set, left-side thumb throttle, folding design
What does the bike have going for it?
On paper, there’s lots to love right here. For simply $899 (or apparently $799 from Walmart), you’re getting a full-suspension fats tire e-bike with a fairly darn massive battery and a few good efficiency.
The largest claims to fame are the 28 mph prime pace, the massive ol’ 960Wh battery (48V 20 Ah), and the complete suspension. These are all nice options for a brilliant low-cost bike! I like having the ability to go quick on an e-bike, and naturally any quick e-bike goes to want a much bigger battery to keep away from burning by all your vary with the upper energy wanted for top pace.
However the third a part of that trifecta, the complete suspension, sadly isn’t all that a lot to jot down dwelling about. The entrance suspension fork is respectable however nothing particular. It absorbs bumps however it’s not a high-quality piece of package, that’s for positive. And the rear suspension, properly it’s not a lot both. Once more, it does the job, however it’s not high quality suspension. In truth, I’m fairly positive these orange piggyback reservoirs are only for present. I’m not satisfied that they aren’t simply plastic Yahtzee shakers bolted onto the highest of the shock. These are mainly simply springs, not true hydraulic damping as it will seem.
However hey, it’s a low-cost bike and so I get it.
For the worth, you’re getting quick speeds, fairly good vary (although most likely not the true 55 miles they promote), and a few respectable suspension to clean out rougher roads and trails. The fats tires after all assist add to that suspended feeling.
However then there are some downsides right here too.
For one, the mechanical disc brakes aren’t terribly punchy and can after all want extra tuning than nicer hydraulic disc brakes. The rear bench is a pleasant concept, however is essentially unusable for a rear passenger until they’re additionally sporting curler skates. Add some foot pegs after which we will name it a real passenger bench.
And lastly, although maybe most significantly for anybody who really desires to pedal this bike, I discover that the rear body flares out so huge for the shock mounts that it really offers me a bizarre heel strike state of affairs after I pedal. I’ve realized to maneuver my toes additional up the pedals to account for it, however that’s not nice pedaling type. You may see what I imply within the video above, the place the body simply doesn’t appear to account to your foot arc, and as a substitute cuts into your private area on every pedal stroke.
However as I mentioned, numerous these shortcomings are laborious to fault too laborious when contemplating the ultra-affordable worth. I’m removed from a motorbike snob, and I do know some folks simply desire a full-suspension e-bike for a low worth.
I can’t assure you the R20 goes to final for years. However I can inform you it really works fairly darn properly out of the field, is pretty comfy to trip (if to not pedal), and has the massive battery most folk are going to need when using sooner.
There are different nicer folding e-bikes on the worth, however they don’t have the suspension choices or the large battery of the Starrun R20, which positively offers it an edge. Good additions just like the fender set and coloration show are additionally good to see, as are the three totally different colorway choices.
However in the end, I’d should name this only a respectable e-bike. If you happen to really need full-suspension, it’s price contemplating. However if you happen to’re in search of increased high quality, I’d most likely move over the R20. It’s positively a price range bike for price range buyers, and there’s nothing fallacious with that. Like most e-bikes, it has a spot available in the market.
