I took an E-Bike to a Group Ride!!! Ride1 Up CF Racer 1

[@vernfrier1771]

I bought this bike (road verrsion) based on this review. I've been searching for about a year trying to find a used e-bike for maybe $3500ish. I was blown away by this video review so went on-line and bought this bike right away. I now have 5 road bikes. Carbon, aluminum, steel, wood and now this carbon e-bike. This Ride1up CF Racer 1 Road Bike is my new love affair. One negative is that the battery is weak, so on a solo ride with wind or hills it's hard to go 30 miles as the battery will drain before finishing the ride. On group rides I'm able to tuck in the draft and turn the motor off and save battery. So on a 40 mile group ride I'll come back with about 40% +/- of battery left. I ordered the extended battery and that is arriving today. Now wind and hills are no longer my enemy. RIDE ON!

[@thegoodwheel]

This is so good to hear Vern. I am glad the review helped to inform you👍🏾

[@bigboy7512]

Have you tried the extended battery? How well did it perform?

[@vernfrier1771]

@@bigboy7512 I have the extended battery. This is my first experience at an e-bike. I have ride buddies that have Trek and Specialized e-bikes. I was suprised at how weak my main battery was so I got the extended battery. I think my 2 batteries together equal theirs with just one battery. But I'm ok with all this. The $2300 price is still way better than the $7-8K they paid.

[@eto2352]

I rode with a group and it took a month before I realized one guy was riding a e-bike. After a medical issue, it allowed him to keep riding with the boys without hurting himself and not holding up the others. Some couples with fitness differences, especially on climbs, allows both to enjoy the ride without feeling destroyed the next day. Bikepacking, it will allow you to enjoy the ride without feeling bogged down. Many great uses for e-bikes. The hub motors are not as good as mid-drives. Mid drives are smoother, more efficient and much more finesse. But the cost of hub motors are much cheaper.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@neilrobinson7965]

Not sure I agree. Check out the Mahle X20 system. Most efficient and lightest ebike system on the market and super smooth.

[@tmayberry7559]

Well said

[@tmayberry7559]

@@neilrobinson7965 cost

[@eto2352]

@@neilrobinson7965 only 250w, and that weight is all at the rear wheel. Doesn't matter how light it is. The motors more than compensate. The only reason they care about weight is hub motors have so much rear bias. mid drive uses the bikes gearing, so it's far more efficient,smoother, and especially climbing. All the weight is centralized, which makes for the best handling. It does not require special wheels. Hub motors are cheap, don't require frame expensive redesigns and work well on flat terrain.

[@fifthcircle1]

I have a different scenario for Ebike usage. My son (13) and I (46) love to mountain bike. Coming out of winter in the Midwest, going on a biking spring break trip, I rented us full suspension ebikes in Bentonville. Completely changed the game. I may never ride my own bike on vacation again. I'm there to have as much fun in the time allotted. Ebikes give you that, and then you aren't dead ass tired after riding 4 hours, and can still do family stuff. At home, I'll keep grinding to stay fit. But, an Ebike is definitely in my future. Too much fun!

[@thegoodwheel]

Very good perspective on the usage.👍🏾

[@NOWitsOKto]

Well Luis, as an old man who does ride e-bikes, looking at the web page for the e-bike you rode, the first thing that pops out to me that probably affects many of your “issues” is the bike has a “cadence sensor”. When you talk about “soft pedaling” and the bike trying to maintain a speed, that is precisely what a cadence sensor does. A “torque sensor” on the other hand, feels so much closer to a non-motored bike in the way the motor engages. A cadence sensor is more like an ON/OFF switch. A torque sensor on the other hand applies motor assist by monitoring how much force/torque YOU are applying, thus a more natural feel. I suspect your experience may have been quite different with a torque sensor bike. Quite honestly as a 70+ yr old guy with a fake knee, (why I own e-bikes) over time I prefer a torque sensor far and away over a cadence sensor. I own both types, by the way, and have ridden them for 1000s of miles. Yesterday's ride was 67 miles, and I hurt all over...lol. Now to the e-bikers that want to comment on this, sensor types are like many items, we each have I own preference. I was just trying to explain to Luis why certain things were happening during his ride. Hope this helps to explain the “why” for certain things in your ride.

[@thegoodwheel]

Great info! Thanks for sharing your experience and insights 👍🏾

[@lowb35]

@@thegoodwheel I have this bike and just saw your review. Prior to this I had an Argon 18 Subito e-gravel bike (sold because it was too big, and finances) with the Mahle X35+ hub system which also has a cadence sensor where the higher your cadence RPM, the more it drained the battery. The cadence sensor in the Ride1Up is different in that it puts out more power at lower RPM, which is really helpful on climbs if your cadence drops and you need more power. It took me a while to get used to it because it's opposite of the Mahle system. It's not an on-off cadence sensor at all where it ghost pedals per se (I have another bike that has a true on-off cadence sensor and it's noticably different) but when you soft pedal it's really better to be running at lower power levels like you did for most of your ride. It's really efficient at higher cadence (80+), more so than the more expensive Mahle X35 which otherwise has the exact same power, torque and battery capacity as the CF Racer1, and my battery range between the two bikes are pretty comparable. The gravel version is also set up to put out more power/boost for gravel terrain than the road version that may have better suited you and your riding, but that can be adjusted in the display. The road is set up for 9amp max power output and the gravel for 11amp. I have my gravel version dialed down to 9amp. Also the stock tires are actually really fantastic on gravel but they're definitely not a road tire. I ride almost exclusively gravel, but I were going to mix in more road riding I'd put a set of Specialized Pathfinders on mine which IMO are better for the times I'm on the road, and a real road tire if I were going to go on road group rides. Thanks for a fantastic review from a road cyclist's perspective!

[@ashurany]

Glad you took them up on their offer. So much hate around ebikes especially from roadies. Yet, they're fun, versatile and can get people on bikes, including physically challenged etc. I bought one last year to recover from cancer surgery and radiation treatment. Doesn't replace my road or mountain bikes but dang, it adds to my life. Recovery days, commute to the store (I live in a mountain foothill town where a min of 1,500 of ascent for a 10 mi ride is regular), days where I don't have much time. Plus, mine is an emtb so I use it on the trails when I know there will be quite a bit of climbing involved.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

The hate ebikes gets from roadies at least from my perspective are the ones that blasts through heavy pedestrian paths with no helmet and not slowing down when dogs/kids are present. I know roadies also do this but seeing young kids who have no idea of road rules/laws passing stop signs, red lights @25-30mph to me is asking for a disaster. I don't hate the ebike, I hate how it's being treated like a functioning motorcycle on sidewalks and pedestrian shared paths.

[@MisterSal9895]

I get this. I use my bicycles for recreational use mostly nowadays and ebikes for errands and commuting.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your insights... and I wish you the best on your recovery👍🏾

[@ashurany]

@@thegoodwheel Thanks! All is looking good on the recovery end.

[@madisonsinclair5123]

@@bonbonflippers4298 I wish we had different designations for these various cycles. I mean, when most people think of eBikes, they're thinking of an Aventon or similar large upright bike with a throttle, likely a Class 2 or 3 capable of speeds nearing 30 mph and requiring no pedaling. I believe what we're discussing here is pedal assist eroad bikes. In my experience (detailed above) roadies routinely confuse my bike, which forces me to actually work harder than they do, with one of those larger-format "scooter bikes" where you just sit yur fat arse and thumb the throttle. That's not what we're dealing with here, but that's the hate I experience at EVERY group ride once they realize my Pinarello has a motor in it. It's incredibly annoying to have to explain, repeatedly, every week, "no, it doesn't have a throttle," and, "yes, you have to work VERY hard, even with the motor, to keep up."

[@glendahunt8013]

An E-Bike is going to be my next purchase. I'm getting old and I want to keep riding. Wherever I want. If an E-Bike helps me up steep grades so I can hang with other riders -- I won't be ashamed. Grateful for E-Bikes.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍🏾

[@dave12059]

I’m leaning the same way in thought myself. 65 now and holding on is getting harder !

[@tuber6382]

Just ride with other people your age

[@jearcsta]

Thank you for an honest review. This bike needs a torque sensor to offset the ghost pedaling. Maybe in the next version.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@n22pdf]

E bikes aren’t for me but they certainly have there place in cycling and bring people into cycling and the hobby or if people are challenged health wise in certain ways.. this brand looks great and seems great quality. Excellent honest review Louis 😊👍👍🚴🏻 Pete

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks Pete!

[@ma7mgte]

Considering what Trek charges, this is a steal.

[@madisonsinclair5123]

Nine grand, baby. It's an awesome bike, but it STARTS at nine grand (up to thirteen).

[@charlesredick9424]

Recently turned 77. Traded my Trek Domane SLR7 for the Plus version. Same size, colors - everything but ads an assist motor when requested. Won’t move the bike without you pedaling. 3 programmable settings. Assist max’s out at 28mph. About 28 lbs. T level 1 good for about 60 Florida miles. Love the bike. But a lot more than $2,800. A lot more.

[@JohnMFlores]

Thanks for an honest accounting of the pluses and minuses.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching John👍🏾

[@daniellarson3068]

Good Video - There seem to be a great number of manufacturers of E-Bikes. I guess I can stick with pedaling for a bit until they have their shake out. If you hadn't told us, I would not have known the bike was an E-bike.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching Daniel. Yes, it is very stealthy👍🏾

[@petekosowski3858]

Love your channel, Luis. As a former collegiate and cat 3 racer, I turned my nose up at ebikes initially. But being in my 50's with a fulltime job and cardiomyopathy, it's difficult to maintain fitness. My Specialized Creo has been a revelation- the assist is very subtle and removes my hesitancy about over-exertion, and ensures I can keep up with my buddies. I'll use the lowest setting for 1-3% grades just to compensate for the weight, but the higher boost is essential on trails with steep inclines. The e-bike allows me to continue pursuing my love for cycling, but I can see how it would be less essential in the flats of Florida ;-)

[@thegoodwheel]

Hi Pete! Thanks for sharing your insights 👍🏾

[@christerlundgren3805]

Why not. The idea to have one to take the wind infront has crossed my thoughts when i been bonking, tounge hanging in the spokes 😂 Its a good way to "dope" back in to good form after being sick or after a crash.

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@EllaB-yd9nw]

The GRAVEL tires don't suck, they are meant to be on gravel, road tires are for the road. That is a gravel bike the 71* head angle is typical gravel geo as are the other geo numbers you mentioned. Take the bike on one of the great gravel trails around your state and really enjoy it for what it was meant to be. Like any good gtravel bike a nice set of 30c road tires would enhance the experience on pavement. A larger chain ring would help with spinout.

[@thegoodwheel]

Hi Ella, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. The geometry for both the gravel and road version of the CF Racer1 is the same. The difference being the tires fitted to the bike. These tires are fine for some uses, so maybe saying they suck was harsh... however, the tires do move around because of the construction of their knobs. I have recently ridden a set of Pirelli gravel tires (reviewed on my channel) as well as Vittoria Tereno and Challenge Chicanes, all of which performed very well on the road as well as the gravel.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

Excellent review. I was just thinking about e- bikes yesterday and how my wife and I could enjoy riding together. I have a regular gravel bike that I use for everything. I even did a century on it late last summer and had no issues. Like the above posters, have said e-bikes makes cycling accessible to people who aren’t as fit or have an injury, I think they’re great. BTW, my gravel bike has a 1X, 11 speed set up with Rival and I absolutely love it. My fast riding days are long gone. I mostly use cycling to augment my running so I like to ride slow and just enjoy the ride so the simplicity of the 1X set up is really nice, especially since I live in Colorado where we have a lot of wind, high altitude, bad roads, etc. so being able to jump off onto a quiet gravel road is REALLY nice.

[@thegoodwheel]

I appreciate that Daniel! Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@marccarter1350]

For sure on a big Climbing day. But it looks good enough not to need to boosted performance. Love watching these rides. Wish i was closer, i would ask to join you 🙂

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks Marc! I appreciate that👍🏾

[@Joaquim.Oliveira]

Life is crazy, I was just thinking about this bike last week and you are one of the people that made me want to get a road bike, get out and exercise. Ill buy the road version, I’m really out of shape so I want to ride constantly and long miles, I dont wanna b fast, I wanna go often. Thx !

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@nerigarcia7116]

I purchased a CF Racer road version right after watching the same GC Performance video. He sold me on riding into headwinds. I got it as my commuter bike in hopes that it would get me to commute more as I wouldn't have to work as hard coming home and it was a great decision. I actually rode it into work this morning. This was my first dive into ebikes as I am an avid cyclist and thought as long as I'm still able to pedal a bike I wouldn't need an ebike. I attached some panniers and fenders to it and it made the perfect commuter. It weighs as much as my analog commuter but with the pedal assist the weight makes no difference. Headwinds coming home and being tired after work aren't an issue either as it just makes you feel like you're always in the right gear, for less work. I'm not as sweaty once I arrive to work and my legs feel fresh. It cut my commute down 8-12 minutes off my analog bike. For the price it can't be beat for a full carbon bike with full cable integration for a clean look, one-piece carbon bar/stem, a rear hub motor that is quiet, SRAM Rival groupset, and hydraulic disc brakes. The road version has deeper section rims and 32c tires with presta valves. They even give you a nice torque wrench set to assemble it. Quite a value. A similar bike I would say would be maybe the LeMond Prologue but that's twice the price and any other ebikes at this price point will be a steel/aluminum frame and way heavier and/or uglier. This bike looks good. I am happy with this purchase and surprised I finally pulled the trigger on an ebike, but I'm glad I did. I still ride my other acoustic bikes but this is a perfect setup for me as a commuter.

[@thegoodwheel]

That is awesome Neri! Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@nycLPplayer]

With you being in FL you should see about swapping that 42 in the front. The road version can't take as big a tire and is a little shorter which maybe the way to go.

[@thegoodwheel]

I will definitely be looking at some upgraded soon👍🏾

[@adamweb]

Great review Luis, always enjoy your content! While not for me, it's nice to see more budget ebikes being released... My father is 70 and still rides but struggles with knee pain on longer or hilly routes. Bikes like this are a good match for riders like him.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks Adam! Hope something like this could benefit your Dad.👍🏾

[@onajesalim6122]

Thanks Luis! I bought the road version, in part based upon your review. I've only been out 3 times on the bike, but everything you said is true! Love the quality of the construction, the smooth shifitng of the gears and the motor. I received alot of compliments on the looks of the bike with the rainbow-black paint job.The bike is heavy, which made it difficult for me to keep up during my first group ride with it. I used the motor very sparingly, only for some hills. Next time, considering that as you say, the motor offsets the wieght of the bike, I will engage the motor generously and see if I have a more pleasant, guilt-free experience. Also looking forward to the One Love ride.✌🏾

[@FuriousFilipino]

Great review from an avid road cyclists perspective. Often a lot of the e-bike reviews are coming from casual riders. Because of some nagging knee pain in both knees and wanting to keep riding, I just recently rented a Trek Domane SLR+ e-bike for a week to see what it would be like. Short of some killer 10-15 mph headwinds and 10% climbs, I kept it on “ECO” mode which seems to mirror the modes 1-2 on the bike you reviewed. Further, the power meter showed that based on my cadence and gearing, I was only getting anywhere from 20-40 watts of sustained assist, with about 80 watts max (on ECO)-and that’s if you really slow down and grind on the pedals. You feel it, but it’s more like “just having good legs at your peak form for the year” type of assist. I think that the surging is a factor that comes up often on bikes that are on the “budget” scale, as the motor “over-run” isn’t quite as thoughtfully tuned or the electronics are not good enough to make the assist be nuanced so as to continuously bias the power even on higher power settings.

[@the_derpler]

I used to use one for commuting in san francisco. It was amazing, best way to get around and let me get places without being gross and sweaty. I guess an e-bike could be nice if you just want to do an easy zone 2 spin but want to go much further miles or something.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍🏾

[@daviddjerassi]

That's a great looking bike with a price to match angles a bit slack for my taste i agree change those tires for road ones having completed my first 55km ride this year any full of sweat im loving that bike even more this video was a real eye opener your really making me think Luis keep safe Sir.

[@thegoodwheel]

Hey David. Thanks for shaving that. I hope you find a mode that works for you👍🏾

[@RCPilot48]

Excellent review, my first time watching your channel and I thought it was very thorough and balanced. I have a different perspective for you. I am a 75 almost 76 year old former road rider. I’ve changed to a mountain bike and found an e-assist mountain bike that has brought me back to all the fun of riding. I balance my gears in my power setting quite frequently with what I call my “happy button.“ I can adjust the amount of power I want the bike to work or the amount that I want to work with my legs. It has freed me up to think I can ride pretty much anywhere I want. I now ride mostly sidewalks and very low traffic roads when I’m going to ride in the woods and I can strip off all the road accessories and ride it as a mountain bike. When I’m in the city if I need to ride off the sidewalk onto the grass or over something bumpy, it is no issue for me. There is a time and place for each. I’ve come off of a carbon fiber titanium Serotta Road Bike and now love my mountain bike and have it dialed in. I couldn’t see myself changing or going back. Keep riding & producing videos, you doing things that 90% of the people don’t do .

[@thegoodwheel]

Wow, 75 and still going strong! I really appreciate you sharing your insights. Keep pressing that happy button👍🏾

[@gillean2]

I would like the front crank to be a larger ring.

[@jamesvlambert]

Beautiful bike, rider, and review. Thank you. Higher end e-bikes are moving towards road bike design. I just purchased a gazelle c380 with bosch mid drive motor. No throttle. Nothing wrong with a small amount of assist for us that need to stay in the saddle and enjoy cycling.

[@pharaohsarmy290]

This and any e-bike I would use as a daily commuter. I live in NYC and recently purchased a citi-bike subscription. Rode a few of them while my sister was in town for the BK half marathon. Been using their e-bikes and I can't understand why anyone wouldn't opt for one instead of the classic citi-bike. With the summer months approaching, an e-bike would allow me to ride to work and not arrive a sweaty mess and needing an hour to cool down.

[@brockjennings]

My e-bike comes in handy especially early in the riding season. I live in the mountains at around 4000 ft elevation with a 15% grade climb on my last couple miles home. I'll be undergoing surgery soon and the bike should assist in my recuperation.

[@thegoodwheel]

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery👍🏾

[@rigotamayo4476]

Hola Luis, no me canso de mirar este video, esta será mi opción sin lugar a dudas, aprecio tus comentarios y reseña de esta bicicleta.

[@thegoodwheel]

Hola Rigo! Me encanta que te gusto el video. Saludos👋🏾

[@bentubeiii]

Thanks for the review. Seems like this bike is a good fit for the right person

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@Trissb1988--]

Before I started getting into cycling just about a month and a half ago, I was looking into e-bikes. I had a regular bike into the garage and thought I should fix it up and I could get some exercise out of this,

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@CoryBurke]

Great review! Y'all look like a super fun crew to ride with - if I was in the area would definitely try to keep up! :-p I've been looking at this bike lately so of course more reviews for it are showing up via the algorithm. You've got yourself a new subscriber! Cheers man.

[@mr.keepitreal2200]

WOW ......... I'm surprised you would do a review of a rear drive E-Bike. I would think you would do a review of the new Campy wireless groupset, because I know how you love Campy. I do own a gravel bike and I am intending to install a Mid-drive E-bike motor on it. I got sidetracked and installed Sram Red Etap (wireless) on my road bike(2009 Cannondale caad9 with Mavic ES wheels) instead. I have a few friends with e-bikes and when I ride with them, they have to slow down for me- it is all good. I just enjoy riding my bikes.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@summercallie]

I rode an ebike several years ago for fun. And it was fun. I can see using one in the heat of summer to ease my risk of heat exhaustion. Big drawback for me has been the weight. How much does this one weigh? Last but not least, will it make me lazy before I need to be? I'm not a spring chicken any more, but I'm not ready to surrender.

[@justdelmar]

Great info. I love that you show real world group rides at speed. I just purchased a R1UP CF Racer 1. I can’t wait to spin the block.

[@thegoodwheel]

I hope you enjoy it👍🏾

[@barclayholmes5982]

Hey Luis, love your vid's. Before you re-dish the rear wheel, look at the axle spacers/washers to be sure they are placed correctly inside or outside of the frame.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks, will do!👍🏾

[@Thezuule1]

My biggest complaint with e-bikes is that people might think I'm riding one. I'm sure a few people assume that's the only way I'm able to go as fast as I do.

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@ArdGeal]

I bought one in 2018- a full suspension KTM- which I use for the serious mountains here in Scotland, it's so good for actually biking up steep, rocky tracks that are barely trails at all and where the "real" bikers are taking their bike for a walk but you can ride and get a damn good workout. Last year I used it 15 times- 440 miles and 40,000ft ascent. In comparison on my "real" road bike I did 239 rides with 6,250 miles and 273,000ft ascent....Our e-bikes are restricted to a stupid 15.5mph though, not the sensible 20mph in the US...rubbish for roads and if I bought a road/gravel one I'd derestrict it as beyond the limiter you are doing more work than a conventional bike. E-bikes do allow you to put as much effort in as you want, though I have to admit for many people they don't- you see folk in summer time in puffa jackets who are clearly turning the pedals in "boost" or "turbo" and not even sweating or breathing much!!!

[@mscm4592]

No thanks. You are riding a motorcycle sir - I will stick with my "real" bike and generate my own power - even if it means "taking my rig for occasional walks" up highly technical climbs. I will eventually learn the line and my self- generated fitness will get me up and thru and I will shine with way more pride than the fake bikers that ride motorcycles up tough tech sections. No thanks.

[@ArdGeal]

@@mscm4592 Oh stop, your massive ego is giving me a boner.... (Scarpa are a good walking boot by the way, recommend them for real mountain biking)

[@idickers]

E-bikes are great for sporty commuter bikes, and for allowing the significant other to ride with you onb your normally aspirated (NA) bike.

[@thegoodwheel]

Absolutely!

[@georgeskinner2474]

Very interesting, thank you for trying something different. My wife has an e-bike, a Specialized Creo SL. She likes it and it allows her to keep up on club rides. That bike has a mid-drive motor system. Maybe you could ride something like that next, if you continue your dive into e-land. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you Georges👍🏾

[@MarkHorne-vx7lh]

I live in an area with lots of short sharp 10% gradients. An e-bike is great if you want to do a ride keeping the heart rate in the zone. On the flat the motor cuts out at 25kph (has to to be street legal in the UK) and kicks in on the hills and flattens them out so you don't over exert. Great for easy day training rides.

[@LydonLewisDoUbLeZz]

Thankyou for this my friend! Your video is right on the money of what my friend who prefers gravel and roadbikes needs to see. He is adamant about getting any electric gravel Bike that's not crazy expensive and this may be it. I can't believe it took this long to run into one, but as soon as I saw I found it I sent it to him along with your video. You should totally praise the Google algorithm Your video popped up in my feed.😁

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you Lyndon! I appreciate you sharing with your friend. I hope it works out for him👍🏾

[@lordalfa600]

I use it as a commuter and a Z2 trainer. I ride a Domane+ HP. The Bosch motor is not surging. I changed from 46T chainring to a 50T.

[@thegoodwheel]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.👍🏾

[@kmabike718]

Good honest review. So funny Im from New York and I rode every you guys were riding! I used to do the MS ride to Key Largo.

[@thegoodwheel]

Oh nice! That was an epic ride back in the day👍🏾

[@deirdrereynolds4684]

great review! not my style of riding because i’m more for touring but this was enjoyable. Thanks 😊

[@jackiegammon2065]

For me personally, I've always felt that we create our "fitness" by pedaling a bike. With the range of gearing that we currently have at our disposal, I honestly don't see the need for ebikes. For the folks that told me " they would get fitter by riding one for a bit after a long absence, well I see them riding but they aren't pedaling. Where i do see them working though is picking them up and loading them back onto their vehicle.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@jackiegammon2065]

@@thegoodwheel I know that we all have our own opinions, but I'm still not convinced that they are useful in terms of fitness. Thanks Again!

[@ArmandGirard]

Here in lies the problem with understanding the different kind of e-bikes. I have a Trek Domane+ which is a road e-bike. If you quickly looked at it you might not even know it's an e-bike. It doesn't have a throttle and I have to pedal it if I want to go anywhere. Most people with e-bikes think they HAVE to use pedal assist if they own an e-bike. Not so. My Trek Domane+ rolls very well (every though it's about 10 pounds heavier than a traditional Trek Domane). I don't use assist most of the time. I have two rules when to use assist: 1> If I'm climbing with someone and they are stronger than me, I'll use assist to keep up with them but I won't go faster than them and, 2> Bonk insurance. If I start feeling a bonk coming on (very rare) I'll use assist to keep moving.

[@M5Dri3rz]

Sweet review. Good timing on the video. I was considering a bike like this for commuting. Are the wheels tubeless ready? I'm thinking a flat on the back would take quite a long time to fix...

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you. I haven't worked on making them tubeless, but I am going to attempt it.

[@Combat556]

That e-bike is 1/3 the cost of a Specialized CREO SL, but the CREO is a mid drive bike. Perfect bike for the weekend warrior. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Be safe.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you for watching. It is indeed👍🏾

[@CommissionerManu]

That interaction at the start of the video was so funny 😂

[@thegoodwheel]

Non stop laugh with these guys 👍🏾

[@garyduetix]

0:00 I ordered the gravel version. My understanding is that it has a little higher gearing than the road version. My sense on the competitive group rides here: if you are taking long pulls at the front you will be forgiven. If you are squirrelly in the paceline cuz you can't soft pedal, better stick to the social group. I got mine for commuting and general fun training. I'd be comfortable on a fast social training ride, but not a tight double paceline.

[@silverbackcyclist1]

excellent review thanks for posting and sharing

[@thegoodwheel]

Hey Fam. Thanks for watching👍🏾

[@g.fortin3228]

Nice review.. I would think that the tires do suck for road. maybe they are ok on gravel. Bafang motor so at least it's available easily if you need a replacement. Not a bad bike for the money but I prefer Shimano drivetrain and thats a deal breaker.. that said, they probably make a model with Shimano. Good review man !

[@JAnthonySnorgrass]

Quite interesting. Nice review. I’m a lifetime Bianchi rider from my vintage steel (SuperSport), Eros, and aluminum Zurigo for cross rides and gravel. After a couple of hip replacements and tkr’s I decided I’d get a little help just in case I needed it so I purchased a e-Aria. Love the bike. It’s an e-assist though, not a true e-bike as it only has 3 levels and provides assistance only when pedaling up to 20mph. No help once you reach that threshold. Which means you still have to do the work :-). Is the CF Racer e-assist or a bonafide e-bike with throttle?

[@chris2ao]

Ebikes are just fun! I thought I would just use mine only on the levee, now I'm mixing up all my rides. I really like the angle on this ride video, fells almost like drone footage. Glad you enjoyed it. Let me know when you want to take it out on the levee, I'll join you!

[@thegoodwheel]

Absolutely Chris. I like what you are doing. We'll definitely get out in the next week or so.

[@realvaughnfelix]

Nice looking bike at least! nice and slim

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@MegaFclef]

I find it strange that they would name an e-bike Racer-1, I don’t think they race e-bikes (legally 😉) anyway it was a Great review and looking forward to your gravel review with it. Any thoughts on what tires you will switch out to ?

[@MegaFclef]

Well did a little googling and found out that there is E-bike racing. That must be real fun regulating

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@BrianRPaterson]

Not for me, not yet anyway. But, it''s good to know that if/when the time comes, there are decent choices that won't break the bank. Cheers

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching Brian👍🏾

[@denisspratt926]

In EU countries it is illegal with a e-bike that can go faster than 25 kmh as top speed. So personally I don´t need one. But for a lot of people commuting to and from work, people that are not in good shape but want´s to start exercising and cycling it can be a really good thing.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍🏾

[@DD-xx8wh]

...future is a torque sensor, just a more analog solution...probably going to be on the next version Ride 1 up knows how to make a good one

[@michealofloinn2539]

We had a friend join us in the alps on an e-bike. Great for that.

[@thegoodwheel]

Absolutely 💯

[@bb-r5710]

Love this video really interesting❤

[@thegoodwheel]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@justinl487]

Grret reciew. I like how you discussed your body position

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@ArmandGirard]

From reading the comments, it's obvious there is a vast misconception of e-bikes. Yes, there are those with fat tires and throttles that lazy people ride. And then there are road e-bikes (like Trek Domane+) that rides like a real road bike even without assist. My Trek Domane+ weighs 27 pounds but I ride it almost all the time without assist. I ride with assist only to keep up with faster riders or when I feel a bonk coming on. Please keep an open mind about e-bikes. There are many different kinds of e-bikes and they allow many who might have physical limitations to continue riding.

[@merdwerkz]

Fantastic review

[@Yardie_in_Tampa]

Im looking to get an e-bike because of my medical condition (multiple myeloma and cardiomyopathy). But with that being said, i still go for short rides on my street bike. Where in Florida are you guys located? You all look like a fun group of Brothers.

[@generaphaelian8893]

Great review Luis. I'm considering an ebike and the CF1 looks like a great value. My issue is it only comes in a 50 or 56 and I typically ride a 54 (5'9"). Could i ask how tall are you and what size did you go with? Thanks!

[@BobChung-t4o]

Thank you for the info and your thoughts from your initial experience on the CF1

[@loopie007]

Thank you for the review. I have a couple questions. You mentioned measurements but didn't include your height. Were you happy you ordered the "50CM" frame or would you get the 56CM frame if you did it again. From what I read, most bikes are limited as far as speed goes to something like 20mph. What does it feel like if you go over 20mph? thx..

[@howlinhauler]

2 bike garage 1 road bike 1 do it all Ebike with full mounts

[@ToeKneeBee725]

Good Review - if you change the cassette to a 9-42T - you should get the 'road' gearing you're used to - actually a little better.. Fortunately, that's easier to do with a SRAM XD hub than a Shimano HG hub.. Additionaly - might a set of road tires (700x28) and TPU tubes (Tubolito) help the bike feel more nimble? 😁👍

[@thegoodwheel]

All great ideas! Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@wplg]

At my old age I've been shopping around, but the price range of an e-bike, with the power needed for group rides... Was way out of my price range. Thx for this review! 2 Questions: What was your average speed, and how far can you go, on a single charge?

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching. Average speed on this ride was 19. I haven't worked out max range yet. I think that with mixed power use I could get 40 miles on the flats.

[@wplg]

@@thegoodwheel One other question, can you install a bigger chain ring? Absolutely enjoy you hard work!

[@darrylswanson1199]

I might have missed it but what is the range on the battery? Wish you stated how long a ride you did plus the battery life at the end of the ride. I have a Trek verve 2, which has a range of 70ish miles at level one(excluding wind and hills).

[@wvjon75]

I'm interested in an ebike because I have a physical job, am getting close to 50 and lift weights twice per week. I feel the weights and physical job keep me in good enough shape and I'm never going to have the time and more importantly energy to dedicate to getting bike fit again. I want to ride for fun. I figure rail trails will be more stimulating at 20 mph vs 12, as will everything else for that matter.

[@MichaelSmith-em7pv]

Converted a Alloy and a aluminum bike with the BBSHD kit

[@MrSandperson0]

"Becoming a fan of the SRAM Rival...." but what will you do with your thumbs!? Campy forever 😛

[@user-mm9hv2oj8d]

Good video. What is your accent ? WI?

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you! Panamá

[@chriss6971]

Any good for a commuter who rides with a pack on?

[@guronanak9218]

What is the top speed after which it stops providing assistance? In Europe and the UK assistance tops out at 15mph?

[@jbn1958]

Thank you for the insightful review of the CF Racer 1. Really appreciated your perspective as an avid cyclist.

[@jd2996]

How tall are you? Was the 51cm too small? I’m 5’10 and can’t decide whether or not to go with the large or small. The large seems like it would be too big for me. Thanks.

[@thegoodwheel]

I am 5'10. Based on the geometry chart it seemed the best option.

[@Gravitationalist]

If you tried using without assist, how was it compared a gravel bike on the street with 38s or 45s?

[@thegoodwheel]

I did ride it without assist. It is slow to get off the line. Once you are rolling on the flats in a straight line, it's fine.

[@randytaz]

Can you do a video on bike sizing? Your experience with it, i know it may be subjective

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for the suggestion. You are correct in saying it's subjective... but also, there is no clear industry standard

[@madisonsinclair5123]

The answer is yes, espec for older and less fit people, but there is a cost. As your excellent review points out, despite the bike company ad claims, eroad bikes (and I own one) handle like trucks. They are not fun to ride. They are heavy and a challenge to maneuver, and I own one of the very best. With the power switched off, it's like pedaling a box truck around. The main benefit is, of course, the hills and that's my strong argument for them. On the flats and, Lord help you, the descents, most eroad bikes get smoked because at some point you exceed whatever speed the thing is throttled to (in Class 1 = 20mph), which means above that limit it's just you pedaling a box truck trying to keep up with riders half your age riding bikes at least 10 pounds lighter. Even when these kids are freewheeling, I have to continue pedaling to keep up. I actually work a LOT harder than they are on my eBike, while having to put up with glares (seriously) and resentment from the others who assume I am getting a free ride. So it becomes a point of contention and I stopped attending group rides because I tired of the BS misconceptions by low-information cyclists who don't know the difference between a scooter (an "ebike" with a throttle whom few if any people actually pedal), and what I ride, a pedal assist bike that helps only a little while weighing a LOT. You DO bring up an interesting problem, though, of eBikes within a peloton. And you are absolutely correct: it becomes a real challenge to keep pace. I usually end up constantly about to collide with or overlap the wheel in front, or end up tapping my brakes which enrages the people riding behind me. So best practice is to either pull from the front (which may also aggravate some people if you end up going too fast), or hang out at the rear so you can tap your brakes without enraging people. Which makes the pros of eroad bikes mostly about overcoming limitations at the expense of much of the actual pleasure of the sport. I enjoy my analog bike SO much more, but the hills are tough on my knees and I can't keep up with the snotty kids on the group ride.

[@thegoodwheel]

Good post! Thanks for sharing

[@jeremyjs8863]

Nice .....bike and vid !

[@RAG0407]

You should have got a 2x. Maybe u could get a bigger front chain and chainring to match

[@3ull]

How does this compare to an endurance bike geometry?

[@ArmandGirard]

Can't speak for the Ride1Up Luis rode but I have a Trek Domane+ (e-bike) and it has an almost identical geometry to the traditional Trek Domane.

[@michaelmuncy3593]

The geometry is very similar to my 2016 Cannondale Synapse.

[@danstenis660]

Is it possible to convert the chainring to a 2x? And how big can the big chainring be?

[@thegoodwheel]

That is something I will be looking into👍🏾

[@Chris._P._Bacon]

I need an E-Bike as I need a diet coke for my double cheeseburger and triple bacon on a donut bun.

[@randomdude5938]

It’s odd to me they made an ebike squarely aimed at cyclists and used a hub motor. Mid drives are much more natural feeling and experienced cyclists tend to prefer them.

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@danielgulseren9783]

they are locked at 25 km/h in Germany. not an option here.... 😅

[@tmayberry7559]

You looked cramped in the bike. It almost looked like it was a little too small for you I heard that a hub drive is more like someone always pushing you. A mid drive has a more natural feeling. If I am understanding it correctly

[@thegoodwheel]

Definitely weird to ride like I normally would

[@Omnis2]

4:25 Idea for using an e-bike: let your fat friend ride it so he doesn't get dropped... assuming he can wake up on Saturday mornings again LOL

[@thegoodwheel]

I don't have fat friends only a few that are big boned😂😂😂 You know you are welcome anytime Marc👍🏾

[@michaelhaney3388]

I offered my daughter to have a used EBike, Said no dad, I want to earn my fitness, especially when your riding old school schwinn paramount waterford.

[@UnFormCirusprint]

Can I ask your height?

[@thegoodwheel]

I am 5'10ish

[@UnFormCirusprint]

Thanks I'm 6'3" and was wondering about which size to look at.

[@glennhinrichsen5999]

Never

[@hdhd7402]

🤣😂😅

[@colombiancyclist]

Motorbikes are not the best bike option for a fit and able bodied person and they're driving an entire generation away from cycling.

[@ArmandGirard]

Have you seen real road e-bike (like Trek's Domane+)? They aren't a "motorbike". They are a great option for someone who might have a physical limitation that would preclude them from riding a traditional road bike.

[@starwilkinson8020]

It's a different beast entirely. Like the difference between a sail and motorboat. When I ride I'm looking to find what my ability is, not a motors. And while you're sitting on the side of the road with a 40 lb paperweight, I'll be sailing by (no pun intended) Electric=Lazy and incapable.

[@IHatePikeys]

what’s wrong with a Wal-Mart type bike? you sound like an elitist surfer whose insecure about having fun with your time on this earth with an e-bike.