OK, I did ride it… in a big, well-lighted parking lot. I put just over 2 miles on it. I’m very pleasantly surprised! In fact, I’m more than surprised. Initial impression is that it exceeds all my expectations.
First, it doesn’t feel small. I’m 5‘10“ and a shade over 200 pounds and it feels like plenty of bike under me. I put the seat and handlebars right in the middle of their adjustment ranges and the bike fit me almost perfectly, so there’s plenty of adjustment height left for taller riders.
The display is fantastic, much better than even the one on my 2020 Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (sold earlier this year), which I’ll be drawing comparisons to. The backlight is brilliant and there’s plenty of contrast, super easy to read. While we’re on the controls, the control pod is oddly-shaped and it’s going to take some getting used to. I’m still not really sure whether my thumb is on the desired plus or minus control until I push the button and see if the display responds correctly. I just need more time with it, but the design could perhaps be a bit more ergonomic.
This is a completely different kind of ride experience than the Vado. The Vado senses your pedaling effort and cadence and smoothly adds power based upon the assist level (1–3). Basically, it still feels like a bicycle, but it gives varying degrees of steady tailwind that make you feel like Superman. Of course, if you stop pedaling, it stops delivering power. Like Specialized says, “you, only faster”.
This Lectric is different as night and day. Not in a bad way at all though, just different! First and foremost, that throttle! What a luxury. No matter how high end of an e-bike I might be considering, I don’t think I’ll consider one without a throttle after this short ride. The cruise control is pure heaven. Especially in traffic, I can see how it could allow you to devote 100% of your attention to the ever present hazards all around whenever we’re on the street. Hold the throttle steady at your desired speed and hold the minus button to set. Tap either brake to deactivate. Intuitive and fun. Arguably lazy, yes, but sometimes you just want to get there in one piece, not tired out and drenched with sweat. This will make that easier.
Now, for the pedal assist levels (“PAS” 1-5)… Since this works so differently than the Vado, I know I’m describing something most people here already understand, but since it’s new to me I’ll explain it anyhow. Each level can be thought of as a “speed limit”, beyond which pedal assist simply cuts off. They all seem to provide the same feeling of “boost” or assistance, they just each serve a different purpose, helping to strike a balance between how fast you get there and how much range you can expect. Choose your desired balance and go. If you outpedal the assist and feel it cutting off, either back the cadence down a bit or bring the PAS up one level. That’s the balance you’re always seeking to achieve… which brings me to something else: the gearing.
I didn’t know what to expect with this being a single-speed, but I think they achieved a great compromise. Granted I was on flat ground, but 20 MPH seems to be a perfect cadence. There’s PAS for the uphills, so 20 MPH on level ground has to be just right, and I really think they did nail it. I don’t think I’ll miss a cassette on this bike. It’s so simple and elegant, which has its time and place. Here, it seems to “just work”, especially with this type of PAS. The PAS levels can be thought of as “gears”, since the overall ratio is so appropriate and PAS helps with not needing to be in our personal “cadence sweet spot” (which can feel pretty restrictive and narrow on regular bicycles, hence all the ratios available on better ones).
One minor disappointment is that I was hoping this bike would be easier to pedal with no power assist, but like every other e-bike I’ve ever ridden, it feels like pedaing through molasses on flat tires. You’ll get it home alright, but it won’t be any fun.
The bike is a little bit growly when the motor is making startup torque. I didn’t expect it to be as smooth and quiet as the Vado. That isn’t realistic. There were no other rattles or odd noises. Fewer parts means less to rattle. I hate rattles.
It doesn’t have flawless craftsmanship. It’s a tool for getting places, something you don’t have to treat with kid gloves, worry about scratching, or freak out if it ever gets stolen. I’m not sure how I feel about the black. I’m wondering if I should have chosen another color. No big deal, though. Can’t say I love the black; can’t say I would love any of the others more.
Rambling on… The headlight is good for being seen and not much more. It’s aimed a bit off the right, too. I need to fix that. It needs a better headlight, and perhaps a better tail light. Maybe soon… though I don’t plan to ride it much at night.
One thing I do plan to change is the tires. They’re only 35 psi rated (!) and I have to believe the range will get better with tires that allow higher inflation pressures, even if they do beat me up a bit more. But I’m planning mostly for smooth pavement. I’m looking at Schwalbe Super Moto-X’s (65 psi), but I want reflective sidewalls… any suggestions?
That’s about it for now until I put more miles on this thing, but I can pretty easily say if one keeps his or her expectations realistic, you won’t be disappointed with this machine. I just told my brother to order up before the lines get any longer
Edit: I just checked, and the rear tire imbalance feels pretty much the same, so maybe no Slime in this one after all. When I replace the tires, I’ll replace the tubes, then we’ll know.
Edit again: I forgot to talk about the weight. This might be called the “XP Lite”, but it isn’t really light. It still feels plenty heavy to schlep around, and though I won’t be folding and unfolding it much, I wouldn’t want it to be any heavier (and I’m a fairly able-bodied individual). It’s perfectly clear to me now why they designed such a bike, and I think they’re really onto a good thing here that will be very popular.
One final thought because I don’t feel sleepy yet… Someday we’re probably all going to be floating around in hydrogen fuel cell powered hovercraft or something, with automatic, thought-controlled navigation, collision avoidance, etc. This little machine is a baby step in personal transportation, but it’s one that can really make a big difference right now. For example, I’ve been doing lots of walking. To eat, to Mass, really everywhere… yes, I enjoy it, but it takes time. Too much time, if I’m honest with myself. This little investment will help me recover some of that time, while still doing myself and the world a bit of good. It’s fun to dream about the future, but we’re not living in a bad age at all, are we?
