Ride1Up’s Prodigy V2 boasts an impressive array of features, building upon the original’s Brose-powered mid-drive components with even more enhancements, including the addition of a Gates belt drive system, making it a premier offering in the mid-drive e-bike market.
While it’s not going to outshine its specialized counterpart, it will still deliver impressive results at roughly half the cost, which is truly remarkable.
It’s hardly surprising, given Ride1Up’s longstanding strategy, that this development wasn’t entirely unexpected; after all, the company has been perfecting its craft since I first got behind the handlebars of one of their bicycles, roughly around the same time they began building them. The corporation has consistently aimed to provide the majority of features found in premium electric bicycle models, yet at a significantly lower price point.
While the Ride1IP Prodigy V2 has made significant strides, there’s still room for improvement. Don’t consider me? Check out our demonstration video below for a live look at how this works.
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 video assessment
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 tech specs
- The Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor delivers 90 Newton-meters of torque.
- 28 mph (45 km/h)
- 30-50 miles (50-80 km)
- 36V 14Ah (504Wh)
- : 58 lb (26.3 kg)
- 300 lb (136 kg)
- Aluminum alloy
- Tektro quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes
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The Brose colour scheme showcases a sleek design, complemented by entrance and rear LED lights that add a touch of sophistication. A premium rack and fenders are also included, providing a sturdy and practical setup. The bike features a 100mm air suspension fork for a smooth ride, while Maxxis tires offer superior grip on various terrain. To complete the package, a convenient kickstand is added.
Even higher than earlier than!
Here is the rewritten text: The Prodigy V2, according to Ride1Up, is accurately described as “the successor to the industry-disrupting Prodigy mid-drive e-bike”. The game-changing Prodigy burst onto the scene as a trailblazer, offering an identical mid-drive motor and a plethora of equivalent features typically found on high-end e-bikes sold at traditional retailers. Now the second iteration of Prodigy’s cutting-edge technology is poised to achieve the same feat, but with even greater precision and capability.
There are now two distinct versions of the Ride1Up Prodigy V2. The key difference lies in the drivetrain configuration, as the base $2,395 model features a microShift Creation 9-speed chain drive, whereas the higher-end $2,695 model sports a Gates Carbon Drive and Eniovlo hub combination that yields a belt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT) system.
These bugs can typically be discovered using either a step-over or a step-through debugging technique. I inspected the belt drive system within a prototype of a step-over body, specifically designated as the LX model.
At first glance, this seems like an unconventional bike for many Ride1Up enthusiasts, as its price tag is more than double what most of their models typically cost. While initially seemingly underpriced, the reality is it’s actually only half the value of its direct competitors, delivering a stark contrast that speaks volumes.
The Brose TF Sprinter motor, boasting an impressive 90 Nm of torque, is equipped with a built-in torque sensor to deliver a powerful drive that excels at conquering hills and accelerating swiftly, while also providing a silky-smooth pedaling experience. The torque sensor crafts a more immersive pedal experience, simulating a seamless connection between the bicycle and your pedaling efforts, making it feel like an extension of your own physical input.
As a result of being on the belt-driven model, the bike proved to be both incredibly easy and remarkably quieter. The components are well-maintained, with silent operation from the chain and smooth shifting from the derailleur. The wind whispers secrets in your ear alone? While the Enviolo CVT hub efficiently manages shifting, I’ve noticed that the gear range is somewhat substantial, requiring me to lift my hand off the shifter and reposition myself to smoothly transition from low to high gears. I’m rarely, if ever, using that range, as I’ve found that the upper half is all I truly need. While that decrease vary might suit your needs for climbing mountains, I’d prefer a more suitable terrain for my daily commute.
The bike can accelerate quite quickly, actually. As a Class 3 e-bike, it is designed to reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour), which is the maximum authorized speed limit for e-bikes in many jurisdictions throughout the United States. Without a throttle, you’re fully in control of reaching the 28mph speed limit using your own foot power, whether in Class 1 or 20mph in Class 2 mode. While riding the bike remains a delightful experience, you may find yourself missing the throttle less than you anticipated. At a minimum, that’s exactly how I felt.
While the 504 Wh battery may not appear oversized, it is actually one of the larger capacities found in direct-to-consumer electric bikes currently on the market? Since there’s no throttle restriction here, you’ll naturally drive more efficiently regardless.
You’ll likely experience the feeling of having a 750Wh battery instead, resulting in that impressive range rating of 30-50 miles. If you maintain a consistent speed of 28 mph throughout your journey, you may potentially fall below the threshold. While it may indeed be challenging to achieve a distance variation of less than 30 miles in many practical scenarios? For those with the discipline to maintain a lower intensity pace, they will likely find that they achieve greater overall variety as well.
The bike’s weight seemed to increase slightly with this modification. Compared to the original V1 Prodigy, the new model boasts a substantial weight gain of 8-11 kilograms, depending on the specific variant.
The brand-new weights, available in 58 lb and 61 lb options, represent a noticeable increase in weight compared to the previous 50 lb offering, which was decidedly more compact two years ago. That’s chunky, however not unmanageable. Having spent considerable time immersed in the e-bike industry, one becomes accustomed to the typical weight of an e-bike, around 60 pounds.
One peculiarity stood out – the entrance hub employs a quick-release skewer axle, differing from a comprehensive thru-axle, which would also be available in quick-release form for those who require it. While skewers offer many advantages, they pale in comparison to the robustness of through-axles when it comes to strength. The primary reason these issues are typically found on entry-level bicycles is due to their limited budgets for manufacturing and design.
I expected a thru-axle design similar to their previous Prodigy XC model’s innovative solution. Unfortunately, the quick-release skewer axle will have to do.
Beyond its axles, what truly sets this bicycle apart is not merely the synergy of innovative components such as the Brose motor, Gates carbon drive, and CVT transmission. All these are wonderfully subtle touches. The rear rack’s sleek design gives the impression that it was crafted for high-end motorcycles rather than a mass-market, direct-to-consumer bicycle. The innovative design features a seamlessly integrated tail light nestled within the rack’s deck, eliminating the need for an additional component that can potentially be damaged when securing a motorcycle. The quad-piston disc brakes deliver prompt and forceful deceleration, smoothly bringing the vehicle to a gentle stop. The 100mm travel air fork is a delight for off-road enthusiasts, effectively absorbing any unexpected potholes or rough terrain that might impede your progress.
You’ve managed to accumulate a substantial collection of bikes with your available funds. The German-engineered motor isn’t exactly budget-friendly, nor is the premium equipment that accompanies it – think quad-piston disc brakes, Enviolo’s innovative CVT hub, and the lengthy journey air suspension fork that promises a smooth ride. You’re also not paying property taxes on your local bike shop, meaning you’re enjoying the benefits of direct-to-consumer pricing combined with high-end packaging, effectively allowing you to bypass traditional retail markups and acquire top-quality products at a more affordable price point.
To many e-bike enthusiasts, the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 appears to be a substantial triumph. While it may exceed what many are willing to invest, this option provides unparalleled value for those seeking superior performance and a premium ride experience from a high-quality mid-drive motor paired with top-tier bike components.
