Lectric XPress2 Review: Smoother, Quieter, More Refined — Still a Great Value

Lectric burst into the electrical bike market 7 years in the past after they launched the reasonably priced XP folding e-bike. Since then, the model has established itself because the low-cost e-bike chief and grown into probably the most fashionable in North America. Lectric’s product lineup has grown in form, and now contains a number of fashions of XP folding bikes, together with electrical commuters, cargo bikes, fats tires, and even a trike. 

Lectric launched the unique XPress commuter/cruiser a few years in the past, including a budget-friendly big-wheeled mannequin to its lineup. I examined the XPress on the time and got here away fairly impressed by its efficiency at its $1,299 price ticket. Earlier this yr, Lectric gave this value-packed e-bike an replace, giving the XPress2 quite a few upgrades, together with extra superior sensors, a a lot quieter motor, nicer parts, a greater show, and extra.

I’ve been testing the Lectric XPress2 Commuter for the previous a number of weeks. From errands and grocery runs to river dips and visiting buddies, I’ve been avoiding driving as a lot as doable in favor of driving this zippy e-commuter. Certain, the worth has gone up by $100, however the XPress2 is certainly extra refined, smoother, quieter, and an all-around enchancment over the unique. 

Lectric XPress2 Particulars

Like the unique, the XPress2 is available in two body types: a Excessive-Step Commuter and a Step-Through Cruiser. Past the plain variations in body form and design, the Excessive Step model has a set stem and extra of a metropolis bike/commuter-oriented cockpit setup, whereas the Step-Through has an adjustable stem, swept-back handlebars, and a extra informal/cruiser-style entrance finish. 

In any other case, each variations have an identical specs and parts. They’ve a 330 lbs whole weight capability, new 80mm journey SR Suntour XCM 32 suspension forks, and 602 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. The XPress2 comes with an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain with intuitive trigger-style shifters. It rolls on 27.5” x 2.1” city-style tires with reflective strips and Slime put in to assist cut back the probabilities of flats. Entrance and hind lights are additionally included, and the rear gentle features as flip alerts and a brake gentle.

The Cruiser is available in Stratus White or Raindrop Blue. The Commuter is out there in Tempest Gray or Pine Inexperienced. At current, and on a regular basis, I believe, Lectric features a rear cargo rack (30 lbs capability), a set of plastic fenders, and an “Elite” headlight with 850 lux of illumination. It appears that evidently some equipment are at all times included with buy, and there are much more obtainable to seek out your ideally suited setup.

The XPress2 bikes are one-size matches most with a advisable 5’2” – 6’3” vary for the Cruiser and 5’4” – 6’4” for the Commuter. Lectric claims that each variations of the XPress2 weigh ~60 lbs with the battery eliminated. I weighed my check bike, and it clocked in at 71 lbs with the battery and 63 lbs with it eliminated.

Quieter Motor

The XPress 2 comes with the brand new Stealth M24 750W rear hub motor, which places out as much as 85Nm of torque and 1,310W of peak energy. Based on Lectric, this motor is “99% quieter” than the motor on the earlier model and simply as highly effective. Within the downtube of the body is a detachable 672 Wh (48V, 14Ah) battery that’s licensed to UL 2271, and the bike and all of its electrical parts are licensed to UL 2849.

By means of the menu, customers can set the XPress2 to Class 1, 2, or 3, to swimsuit their preferences or native rules. In Class 2, the XPress2 can attain speeds as much as 20mph utilizing the throttle or pedal help. In Class 3, the throttle nonetheless tops out at 20mph, whereas the highest pedal-assisted pace bumps as much as 28mph. 

Up to date Tech

The unique XPress solely used a cadence sensor, however the XPress2 has each torque and cadence sensors. By means of the menu, the person can select between the torque sensor’s extra refined, responsive pedaling expertise or the cadence sensor’s extra easy trip. Lectric additionally upgraded the show to a removable backlit 3.5” TFT colour display screen that’s bigger and simpler to learn and has a USB-C charging port. 

Lectric says in addition they up to date the 5 driving modes to be extra intuitive: Eco, Tour, Tour+, Sport, Sport+, and Turbo. Switching between them is completed with an all-in-one management unit by the left grip, with a paddle throttle for the thumb.

Unboxing and Meeting

Lectric sells its bikes on to the patron, and, as a rule, they’re shipped straight to your door in a big field. The model prides itself on straightforward meeting, and its XP folding bikes even present up with no meeting required — you simply need to unfold them. The XPress2 is a bit more concerned than that, however nonetheless very straightforward to place collectively by yourself. Lectric advertises it as “tool-free meeting,” however that may be a little deceptive.

The bike arrives largely assembled, and a few elements of the remaining meeting are certainly tool-free, just like the quick-connect pedals and quick-release thru-axle for the entrance wheel. Attaching the handlebar, entrance fender, and entrance gentle, nevertheless, requires the usage of the included hex key set, which additionally features as a torque wrench. Lectric contains printed directions and, after all, there’s an meeting video, too.

So whereas it won’t truly be “tool-free,” it’s very easy. It took me about half-hour whole to unbox, unwrap, and end the XPress2’s meeting. For those who don’t have the time or are not sure of your mechanic abilities, your native bike store will in all probability be joyful to assist.

Driving the Xpress2

After I examined the unique XPress, I had the Step-Through model. Whereas it was fairly snug, the seated pedaling place was a bit extra relaxed than I preferred. So, I bought the XPress2 with the Excessive-Step Commuter body, which aligns a lot better with my preferences. At 6’0”, I’m properly throughout the advisable person peak vary. I’ve bought a variety of seatpost displaying, nevertheless it appears like a superb match, and I’m a fan of town/commuter-style cockpit setup. It’s nonetheless pretty relaxed however a lot much less so than the Cruiser model.

Proper out of the gate, the XPress2 could be very intuitive to make use of and simple to trip. The controls are simple, and the upgraded show is simple to learn and perceive. Even at midday in June with the solar beating straight down on it, I may simply see the show. Coming into the menu and making modifications to the settings was additionally a snap, and I instantly bumped from Class 2 to Class 3. 

The brand new motor feels lots highly effective, and it has no drawback reaching its prime 28 mph on flat floor in Turbo. I’ve discovered the 5 pedal-assist modes present a superb vary of energy output and prime speeds for any driving state of affairs. The XPress2 may also fortunately rip alongside at 20mph utilizing the throttle and has good pickup when getting began from a whole cease. As marketed, the motor can also be a lot quieter than the earlier model. 99% quieter is perhaps a stretch, nevertheless it doesn’t emit these whiny or tinny noises that low cost hub motors typically do.

I additionally respect the power to modify between torque and cadence sensors. Even on an e-bike, I wish to pedal and get somewhat train, so I strongly choose the sleek energy supply and trip really feel of a torque sensor system. However many individuals simply wish to delicate pedal and let the motor do all of the work. With the XPress2, you resolve what’s greatest for you. You can too make changes to throttle response and throttle energy settings, show items, brightness, sleep mode, and extra.

With slick 2.1” tires, the XPress2 rolls quick on pavement and, together with the 80mm Suntour suspension fork, it’s forgiving over cracks, bumps, and rougher surfaces. It’s very easy and steady, and sustaining management has additionally been straightforward with the highly effective hydraulic disc brakes. The 8-speed drivetrain has greater than sufficient vary, and I’m an enormous fan of the set off shifters, that are a step up from the thumb shifters that always come on bikes at this value level. Whereas none of them are fancy, the parts work properly and appear good for the worth.

I respect that the rear cargo rack is included, even when I nonetheless want to put in some type of basket on it. Curiously, the rack has a 60-pound restrict printed on it, whereas the web site says its capability is 30 kilos. The lights work properly for daytime visibility and are vivid sufficient for driving at nighttime. My solely criticism is that the big “elite” headlight vibrates a tiny bit whereas driving. Not a deal-breaker, however lower than ideally suited. Fenders are additionally a pleasant contact, and whereas I haven’t wanted them, I’d at all times fairly be ready for altering climate than not. Altogether, these options add worth and utility for commuting, cruising, and on a regular basis use.

So far as vary is worried, I haven’t even come shut to totally draining the battery whereas testing. My journeys to the shop, round city, or to the trailhead for runs are usually within the 3 to five miles per journey vary, which barely even makes a dent within the battery share. Is Lectric’s “as much as 60 miles” vary estimate affordable? Most likely not. However I’m keen to wager it may simply go 30-40 miles between expenses, relying on the way you’re driving it. 

My Takeaway

Previously a number of years, I’ve examined 4 completely different fashions of Lectric e-bikes, they usually simply hold getting higher whereas sustaining their low value, high-value place. The unique XPress was a darn good bike for the cash, and the XPress2 builds on that with quite a few upgrades and refinements that noticeably enhance its efficiency with solely a modest $100 improve in value.

The brand new motor, torque sensor, upgraded show, and higher-quality fork all mix to make the XPress2 quieter, smoother, simpler to function, and extra snug than its predecessor. Is it the very best e-bike on this planet? Completely not. Is it the very best e-bike for the worth? I believe it’d simply be. At $1,399, the XPress2 could also be the very best worth commuter/cruiser in the marketplace.

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