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Ride1Up Gravel Roadster V2: A Sleek Commuter e-Bike On and Off the Trail
If you’ve been following my channel, you know that I primarily review video production gear and teach photo and video editing. But every now and then, I like to explore something a little different. Today, that something is e-bikes—specifically, the Roadster V2 Gravel Edition from Ride1Up.
Why Choose an e-Bike for Commuting?
E-bikes have played a big role in how I get to and from my studio. Since my wife and I mostly work from home and share a car, an e-bike provides an efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly commuting option. With so many commuter and fat-tire e-bikes on the market, why did I choose a gravel-style bike?
- Stealthy Design: It doesn’t look much like an e-bike, thanks to an understated display and a battery integrated into the frame. This reduces theft risk and keeps the bike looking sleek.
- Lightweight Build: Weighing only 33 lbs, it’s significantly easier to carry compared to my previous 55-lb Espin Flow. That makes it much more manageable when I need to lug it upstairs.
- Perfect for Short Commutes: While the Flow had more range and power, the Roadster V2 is ideal for my 4-mile round-trip commute to the studio.
Accessories to Elevate the Ride
Before diving into the bike’s features, let’s talk about the accessories I picked up to enhance the experience.
- Abus Hud-y Helmet – A sleek and stylish helmet with a USB-rechargeable magnetic rear light. While it’s not a MIPS helmet, it’s a solid option for urban riders.
- Abus Alarm Box 2.0 – This security add-on emits an ear-piercing 100dB alarm when the bike is tampered with. It can be used alone or with an existing lock, attaching to the frame with spring steel straps.
Assembling the Roadster V2
If you’ve ever put together a bike, this will be familiar. The Roadster V2 arrives mostly assembled, requiring only the attachment of the handlebars, front wheel, and seat. It includes instructions, a charger, Allen keys, a wrench, and even a Ride1Up beanie.
The only hiccup I encountered was with the handlebars. The factory cable routing wasn’t done correctly, requiring me to remove the grip, detach the brake lever, untangle the lines, and reassemble. Not a dealbreaker, but a bit of an inconvenience.
Performance and Ride Quality
At around $1,100, this bike falls into a price range where manufacturers sometimes cut corners. Here’s how it holds up:
- Brakes: The Roadster V2 uses cable-actuated disc brakes instead of hydraulics. While hydraulic brakes offer more stopping power, they often require frequent maintenance at this price point. The cable brakes on this bike are a more reliable choice.
- Pedals: The included metal pedals felt like an odd luxury, and sure enough, the right pedal started clicking after some testing. It likely has a bearing issue, so I’d recommend swapping them out.
- Gearing: The Roadster V2 is a single-speed with a belt drive instead of a traditional chain. This means less maintenance (no need to grease a chain) but also limited efficiency. Unlike multi-speed e-bikes where you can optimize power usage with gears, here you’ll need to increase the motor’s power level on steep climbs.
Range and Battery Performance
Ride1Up advertises a range of 20-30 miles, but as with most e-bikes, that estimate assumes ideal conditions (flat terrain, light rider, minimal power use). My real-world test, which included varied terrain, resulted in an 18-mile range on a full charge.
For reference, my riding weight (including a backpack and gear) was around 170-175 lbs. That range is more than enough for my 4-mile round trip, and I can always recharge at the studio if needed. With careful power management, I could likely stretch it further, but that’s a bit harder with a single-speed bike.
Who Is This Bike For?
The Roadster V2 is perfect for anyone who wants a sleek, low-profile e-bike for short commutes, errands, or casual rides. If you’re carrying just a backpack and need a simple, efficient way to get around town, this bike is a fantastic option.
However, if you need a bike for hauling groceries, towing kids, or tackling steep hills regularly, you might want something with more power, gears, and a sturdier frame.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few minor shortcomings, the Ride1Up Roadster V2 is an excellent choice for urban commuters who prioritize style, weight, and simplicity. The stealthy design, smooth ride, and low maintenance make it a compelling option in its price range.
If you’re interested, check it out here. And if you need something with longer range or a more powerful motor, Ride1Up has plenty of other models worth considering.
Thanks for reading, and happy riding!
Looking for a folding eBike? Check out our review of the DYU C3.
