The Eleglide M2 is an electric mountain bike that promises an impressive combination of features at an accessible price point. In this review, we'll delve deep into its specifications, performance, and user experience to determine if it's worth the investment.
Unboxing the Eleglide M2
Packaging and Initial Setup
Upon receiving the Eleglide M2, it arrives in a substantial box weighing approximately 27 kilos. The bike itself is around 22 kilos, which is relatively lightweight for an e-bike. The packaging ensures the bike remains undamaged during transit. However, some assembly is required, including attaching the handlebar, front wheel, light, and pedals. The setup process is straightforward and should take around 30 minutes.
Initial Impressions
When you unbox the bike, you'll find it comes with a grip without a throttle, but there's an additional throttle grip included, allowing you the option to accelerate using the throttle if desired. Initially, the bike's grip does not have a throttle; however, the option to switch to a throttle-based acceleration system is a welcomed feature.
Key Features of the Eleglide M2
Motor and Performance
- Motor: The bike is powered by a 250-watt motor located in the rear wheel. Interestingly, this motor can peak at 570 watts, providing significant assistance on flat surfaces. The motor's assistance caps at 32 kilometers per hour, though it can be set to 25 kilometers per hour out of the box.
- Speed and Assistance: The bike offers five levels of assistance, allowing you to adapt the bike's performance to your needs. Even on steep inclines, the motor assists well enough, though you will need to pedal substantially on more challenging ascents.
Build and Components
- Brakes: One of the standout features of the Eleglide M2 is its hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear. Hydraulic disc brakes are uncommon in this price range, providing powerful and reliable stopping power.
- Wheels and Tires: The bike features 27.5-inch wheels with 2.4-inch wide Kenda tires. The tires offer decent road grip and also perform well on off-road terrains, making the bike versatile for various riding conditions.
- Suspension: Equipped with front suspension that can be locked or unlocked based on the terrain, the bike offers a smooth ride even on bumpy roads.
User Experience
Riding Comfort and Ergonomics
- Seat: The seat, while functional, is a bit on the skinny side, causing discomfort on longer rides. This could be improved with additional padding.
- Handlebar: The handlebar's width is adequate, but it's not adjustable in height, which might require leaning forward, potentially causing wrist strain on extended rides.
Battery Life and Charging
- Battery: The 15 amp hour battery is detachable, making it convenient to charge separately from the bike. It offers a considerable range, up to 125 kilometers under optimal conditions, and realistically around 70 to 80 kilometers.
- Charging: The bike takes about eight hours to fully charge from zero to 100%, which suggests overnight charging is most practical.
Shifting System
- Gears: The bike features a 24-gear Shimano shifting system. However, it may require initial adjustments as it tends to be misaligned out of the box and can jump gears unexpectedly.
Additional Features
- Kickstand: The kickstand is sturdy, made from a combination of plastic and metal, and keeps the bike stable even in windy conditions.
- Headlight: The included headlight is bright enough for both daytime visibility and night riding.
Performance Testing
On the Road
The Eleglide M2 performs well on various terrains. Even with minor adjustments needed for the shifter and the front wheel being slightly out of balance, the bike offers a smooth ride. During our road tests, it demonstrated excellent braking power and satisfactory gear shifting once adjusted.
Off-Road
Off-road, the bike’s tires provided adequate traction, and the suspension system absorbed most shocks, making for a comfortable ride. The motor power is sufficient to handle moderate inclines without excessive effort.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable: Competitive pricing for the features offered.
- Powerful Brakes: High-quality hydraulic disc brakes uncommon at this price point.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for both road and off-road conditions.
- Good Range: Decent battery life for extended rides.
Cons
- Initial Adjustments Needed: The shifter system and front wheel may require tuning out of the box.
- Seat Comfort: The seat could be more comfortable for longer rides.
- Non-Adjustable Handlebar: Fixed handlebar height might cause discomfort over time.
Conclusion
The Eleglide M2 presents itself as a commendable option in the budget e-bike market. Despite some minor issues with initial setup and ergonomics, its powerful motor, hydraulic disc brakes, and versatile tires make it a solid choice for both commuting and recreational riding. If you’re looking for an affordable electric mountain bike with robust features, the Eleglide M2 is definitely worth considering.