Earlier than we might journey the bikes, we toured Lectric’s HQ, met the group, and watched a short presentation in regards to the fashions we had been there to check (together with entry to the XPedition 2.0). Luckily, the presentation answered my largest query: why was the XPeak getting a second technology so shortly when different fashions had gone years and not using a successor?
Lectric’s CEO, Levi Conlow, was brimming with satisfaction as he shared his group’s gross sales successes. He claims the XP sequence is the best-selling e-bike in America. The XP Trike leads e-trike gross sales, and the XPedition is the chief in cargo bike gross sales by models offered. The XPeak noticed early success however wasn’t class-leading, so why not throw all of the upgrades at it now and make a greater product? “Good wasn’t adequate,” he later defined to me. And so, onto Gen 2 we go.
Lectric has began standardizing many new elements throughout its fashions, and a number of other really feel like pure selections for the XPeak. Let’s take a better have a look at essentially the most vital modifications—a minimum of, what stood out to me throughout my time on the bike.
The body regarded sturdier this time round—and it actually rode prefer it. Describing body sturdiness is hard, nevertheless it principally relies on how assured you’re feeling when turning, using over tough patches, and dealing with related challenges. I’d say the XPeak 1.0 felt “principally assured,” whereas the XPeak 2.0 felt “very assured” throughout varied situations. Whereas the Lectric group didn’t share particular particulars about what was improved, it felt as stable as any inexpensive fats tire bike I’ve ridden.
As soon as once more, the bike is ISO 4210-10 authorised. This certification means it meets the stress-testing requirements eMTBs should cross to show they will deal with the trials of off-roading. It provides one other layer of confidence that you just’re using a motorbike constructed to take some punishment if you wish to combine in off-road rides.
The geometry doesn’t seem to have modified a lot. It’s nonetheless suited to an inexpensive fat-tire bike: principally relaxed however able to offering sufficient forward-leaning assist when tackling uphill grime trails.
Braking energy noticed an improve. As a substitute of 180mm hydraulic rotors on each the entrance and rear, the XPeak 2.0 now encompasses a 203mm rotor on the entrance. We’ll see the way it performs in our official testing as soon as we get a mannequin again to the Electrical Bike Report workplace, however throughout our journey, it carried out nicely on each roads and grime.
My private favourite improve could be the brand new Acera drivetrain. It options eight gears as an alternative of seven, however the standout enchancment is the shifter. I don’t fault an inexpensive bike for utilizing the Tourney, however I’ve by no means been a fan of it on bikes designed for off-roading. Having to unwrap my thumb from the grip to shift whereas bouncing round is way from superb. The brand new shifter is a a lot better choice, for my part, and it carried out reliably throughout our journey.
Lastly, the battery acquired a small commonplace bump, together with an choice for an extended-range battery. The brand new commonplace measurement is 15Ah (up from 14Ah) on the $1,399 beginning worth. For $1,599, Lectric additionally affords a 20Ah battery choice, which gives 33% extra vary. Extra battery is all the time a welcome enchancment.
