Class 2 electric bikes do have a throttle, but it tops out at 20 mph. The pedal assist modes in this class will also cease at 20 mph. In some jurisdictions, class 2 is the most powerful legal option.
Even as avid bikers, we had more difficulty getting going on this bike than others in the test. Beyond the ability to fold up and how quick and easy the setup was, we were also impressed with what kind of terrain the 4-inch tires could plow through. We rolled over 2-inch-deep sand, rutted-out gravel roads, and city roads with schwinn electric bike ease and comfort. It comes stock with a suspension fork and a suspension seat which adds a bit of “bounce” and intensifies the fast and loose feel of the ride. It’s finished with nice leather hand grips and a rack on the rear and the front. The power delivery is more aggressive than any other bike we tested, so be ready.
An LED indicator on the downtube shows the amount of remaining power. Mid-drive motors are mounted directly to the crankshaft and the drivetrain, which creates a natural feeling of assistance because the power comes from the same place as a regular bike. Unfortunately, mid-drive motors create significant wear and tear on the chain and gears over time. The 2022 Schwinn Mesa 2 is nearly identical to the Schwinn Mesa 3, but features a few upgrades for improved performance, which bring it a step closer to an entry-level mountain bike racer. Notably, the mechanical disc brakes offer superior stopping power and control compared to linear pull brakes.
The 90 Nm of torque makes short work of climbs even our world champion’s legs can’t conquer.
The Hub Duo is the lowest price tier of the Juggernaut line, with the main difference between them being the motor. And while sometimes hub motors get a bad rap, we found the 80 Nm of torque delivered by the Bafang 750W to be totally adequate for all the riding we did. All in all, the L20 is the perfect ride for casual cyclists looking for an affordable grocery-getter or a joy rider. It comes with two well-built racks, which provide tons of storage space. Some of the drivetrain and gearing components are a little on the cheap side, but the overall build quality is reasonable relative to the bike’s purpose and price tag. This bike would make a great gift for a short-distance commuter or retired family member.
All of the early mountain bikes were TIG welded, though they went to lugs for the ’93 and ’94 model years. Excluding the composite frames, the high-end road bikes were all lug brazed. An infinite stretch of downhill cruising will take you as fast as you can safely manage. As for pedal and throttle assist modes, e-bikes have a top speed of 20 mph (classes 1 and 2) or 28 mph (class 3) at which point the motor will disengage. If you’re seeking a simple commuter bike, a $1,500-2,000 budget is a good place to start. Performance mountain, road, and gravel e-bikes cost upwards of $3,000.