Thanks for doing these reviews! I went ahead and purchased the LMTD back on Black Friday. Your reviews were very helpful in my final decision. I enjoy the performance of the torque sensor and seems to transition pretty smoothly. Hills are a breeze to get up and I can ride much longer compared to a regular bike. I have the newer display like the 700. The only problem I have right now is my battery charge indicator keeps showing 100% charge on the display. I've sent a note into the tech dept. so hopefully they can share a fix.
Glad the videos were helpful! Hope you can get your charge indicator sorted out - that is a problem I haven't heard of from any ebike company. Enjoy your LMT'D :)
Thank you a LOT for this video. You highlighted some very serious issues (i.e. the lack of the brake lever's ability to immediately cut off power to the engine; I'm shocked that a bike with these components lacks such a basic feature) and it's sobered me up from my intoxication having just read the specs and watched some RU-vid videos in which people raved about this bike. Your approach was much more realistic and I appreciate that.
Actually there is an update, this bike now has cutoff switches. There are also a few more changes as well and I have a video slated for tomorrow just wrapping up the bike since I sold it the other week.
@@EbikeEscape Wow. I guess the fact that you sold it says all that really needs to be said. And they sure had an interesting way of fixing the torque sensor problem -- they eliminated it completely and implemented a cadence sensor. That doesn't exactly instill confidence, TBH. Are you considering the mid drive Prodigy from Ride1Up that's supposed to be shipped 1/22? It's selling for a good price for what it offers, at least on paper.
We actually miss the LMT'D mainly because it was a different experience with the torque sensor. I am excited for the Prodigy since it should compete with more premium ebikes. As a reviewer I'm fine with a gen 1 bike but if you're looking at buying there is something to be said about buying one after they make some changes.
@@EbikeEscape I'm stuck between this bike and the juiced rip current x and and cross current s. The juiced bikes have 52v and 19ah and torque and cadence sensor but doesn't look as clean as this one. Battery protrudes. All for $2400. Now would u take the limited bike on trials, nothing crazy tho and just change the treads.
@@coolbecool13 I would take the LMT'D on some light trails, just need some new tires as you mentioned. We took ours on crushed gravel for almost 40 miles and it was great (there is a video of it). Not having the swept-back bars that I have on mine would also help when being off-road. My opinion is always to buy the cheapest bike that meets your needs. You could get a LMT'D and a second battery for less than $2400. I have nothing against Juiced, I think they are a great company.
Thanks for the video. I have a test ride scheduled tomorrow. I'll most likely purchase the LMD'T. Most situations a less powerful bike is fine, but having that extra quickness can get one out of safety jams. Also want the added power for trips into the mountains. I've developed hip arthritis. I do need assistance on a bike because my pedal endurance is limited to a couple of miles due to hip arthritis pain.
Thanks Scott - it has changed a bit since my original review but it's still a solid bike. I'm guessing we will see some kind of sale and of course I appreciate if you use my link before you buy to help keep me going.
@@bernievassallo3336 No, got a bad case of analysis paralysis and still haven't gotten an ebike. I read reviews daily and compare prices... maybe I'll pull the trigger one of these days. 😀
thanks for this video! the issues with the torque sensor is a deal breaker for me. basically it seems like pedaling uphill is more like a complicated task to where it should be an easy non distracting smooth task that you don't even think about. using the throttle just to make it up hills smoothly is pretty ridiculous. i want to be sure i need to rarely if ever use the throttle on the bike i purchase. please let us know once you receive the updated flash/software & get the new controller installed !
@@golden-63 they have? So do you have one with the new software update mated to the new controller and can show us or do a review please? Seems like a pretty serious issue they would address somehow on their website but this video is the 1st and only public announcement of it, which kinda makes you wonder if they are even SURE they have "fixed" it, or are just waiting for feedback from people with the new software and controller update
@@lewokejames They have shared the news in an email as well. But here is the video I just published with the new controller: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OAV4TozI0GQ.html
I pedaled my first time on my Lmt'd today and I am not convinced I will keep it. The torque sensor on this ebike is different from my trusty Radrover 5. The Lmt'd eats the battery charge. It is fast. Can I increase the PAS levels to 5 ? .
I have a 700xr and had the motor go out which was replaced by a Bafang which is a little louder. I'm a big guy 270lb and ride 15-20 miles at least 4-5 days a week and have over 125 miles on since motor and wheel replacement and hope it last. I also noticed that they changed the max weight rating to 275lb compare to the 300lb when I bought it back at end of Jan. this was the reason I bought this bike.
Thanks for all the information on the LMT'D. Right now there is very little information by the owners of the LMT'D 1.0 to go on. Let us know how the new controller works out. Ride1up seems to be listening to their customer base and making corrections to address their concerns. The LMT'D shares the same Schwalbe tires, Tektro brakes and a 14 amp battery as the Dost Kope, but there is a $850.00 difference (once you add tax on the Ride1up) between the two bikes and I'll have to make a decision on which way to go to get a 750 watt motor..
Other differences to keep in mind is that the Dost is a mid-drive, has custom frames (which probably contributes to the price), the potential for dual batteries etc. I am hoping to try out a Dost - we'll see. It would be fun to compare side by side!
I agree. LMT'D still is in the higher quality but still somewhat budget friendly category. If you're spending nearly $3k on an ebike there are probably others you should consider. Though don't get me wrong I like what I've seen of Dost so far.
This is a perfect example of why you should never wait for the next best thing. If you've decided you want to buy a certain product, just buy it. Don't wait, because there will always be a new and better one just around the corner and so you'll never end up pulling the trigger on anything. For this reason, I'll be ordering a 700. Because it's available now, it's an inherently better product.
Your reviews are some of the bestest. It's a year later by now. Just wondering what you think about the LMT'D claim of 100nm torgue. Haven't seen another company claim this. But other companies claim higher than ride1ups 1000w peak
Thanks Randy - the MXUS motor is powerful, it's just that with the torque sensor it just doesn't feel as fast since it is a different way of engaging the power. Even the 700 Series feels plenty powerful in my book. Hard to tell the difference between say a motor that has 80nm of torque but the ones that peak much higher of course are going to feel more powerful like some of the moped style ebikes.
Have been in situations with my Magnum where the motor cut-off in the brakes saved the day. Almost every ebike I've seen has this feature. Hard to believe this bike does not have them.
Ryan how adjustable are the handlebars? I'm 5'5 and my husband is 5'9" and we'll share this bike occasionally. So I want to be able to make adjustments for my height and comfort. Thanks
Thanks for this video.. I'm thinking about getting that bike now. I'm also thinking that maybe a bigger front chain ring would be better. Anything after 18mph or so and your spinning so fast your legs can't keep up. Probably get to 30mph with a 52t.
Hi John - that's awesome! You'll have tons of fun with it. The rack is the Sherpa from Old Man Mountain. The company sent it to me so I could test out. I wanted to really use it for a bit before I did my video. It is crazy sturdy but I wish there was a bit better solution for mounting to the fork. I'll be doing my 2020 accessories video here soon and I'll try to show it quick so you know what I'm talking about.
Thanks for the serious in depth footage of riding it! I noticed that at around the 21:44 mark the motor is sort of turning on and off rapidly? Is that normal? I've never had an Ebike before but I hear a torque sensor is better than a cadence sensor for a natural feel which is why I considered this one over the 700 but wondering if the $300 upcharge and no rack/fenders/lights is worth it. Other than the motor and torque sensor, is there any other big difference between the 700 and the LMT'D worth looking into? Also, I know it's stated that the LMT'D is "lighter" than the 700 but I wonder if that's just because of the whole no accessories situation. Maybe if you took off the accessories on the 700 it'll weigh close to the LMT'D weight?
That's the surging I was talking about. *Should* be addressed with the new controller. The new controller might change my mind about torque sensors - we will see. Motor, torque sensor, and the air fork are the main considerations between the two. Weight wise, I'm sure the accessories contribute, but also I bet the coil suspension fork is heavier. 11 lb difference between 700 Series and LMT'D, so maybe it's not so bad. I'm just used to our super heavy RadWagon :)
@@EbikeEscape I thought the 700 had a hydraulic fork as well? I wonder if you can forego both models forks for an aftermarket RockShox? I'm not planning on any off-road riding but I've got a buddy that has RockShox on his specialized (non ebike) and the ride is sooo smooth on pavement, are bumps noticeable with the LMT'D? I weigh 215lbs and have some back problems so the 750watt motor on the LMT'D is tempting since I live in San Pedro and there's some pretty steep hills here but I think I'ma wait on your follow up with the new control and see if you notice any significant difference, thanks for all the info!
@@Deadmau5y1 The comparison would be air fork vs coil. Typically I see companies only specifically state if it is an air fork. I'm assuming the fork on the 700 Series is coil. I could be wrong though. It's definitely smooth on the pavement but to be honest I probably have to let some air out of the fork.
@@Deadmau5y1 The shocks are pretty smooth, there's a lot of adjustment to dial it in just right. You may need a suspension seatpost to get it even more smooth. A lot of people like the thudbuster and the suntour one as well.
Thank you kind sir for the review. For me it's down to this bike, the Dost and the Rize RX. I really need the torque, and the Rize has the most, (at a higher price, of course). I like the simplicity of a hub drive, but I might need to go to mid-drive for the torque.
Plan on climbing mountains or prolonged hills then? I still have yet to try a mid-drive so I can't speak much to them. It would be hard for me personally to justify the additional cost. Of course I understand not everyone shops as I do :) In my next video with the controller, I'll take the LMT'D up a pretty significant hill and see how it does.
@@EbikeEscape I look forward to that test. And yes... I live in Alaska and my 6 mile work commute goes from sea level, up to 2000 feet. I'd like to be able to bike it, and worry that a hub motor might not be up to the task.
Mike. I was n ur exact spot between the two bikes. I pulled the trigger on the Dost Kope, Sept delivery. I want a mid drive for hills around the SF Bay area. Riding for recreation and short errands. Won't park it locked up anywhere. Maybe have to lock up n a few cases n safe spots. Anyways, mid drive is the way to go for torque and hills. Dōst bike is looking really cool. Has critical shift sensor and adjustable stem. Good luck.
@@davidg426 Thank you David. I wish I could test ride a couple models before I commit, but just not possible where I live. Maybe if I travel down south later this year I'll look into the possibilities. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Is there a way to move the thumb throttle to the right side? It is in the way of getting to change the assistance levels for those of us who do not have big hands. Also, a suggestion/request to Ride 1Up, to use the screen in the middle of the handlebar, the throttle on the right side, and the buttons to operate the pedal assistance on the left side. That will distribute all of them for an easier and more comfortable use. Also, to include the front and back lights plugged to the battery; fenders, and rack. All of those things I mention, have stopped me from getting this bike. Thank you!
I've seen the thumb throttle question a lot. One of the problems with that is what do you do about the shifter? At that point you need to go to a twist grip throttle.
You are right! But that, in my opinion, would be better than where it is. Very hard and uncomfortable to reach the buttons to change the pedal assist levels.
Great video… how well do the suspension forks work? Have you done any light off-roading? I would be doing mostly pavement, but also wanted to do some light off-road like fire trails. Is this bike sufficient for that? Thanks 😊
I really like the suspension fork on the LMT'D. It's an air suspension fork which are better quality than the springs forks often found on cheaper bikes. When we owned this bike we definitely did some light off-roading and I think you'll be just fine. Put on more cross country trail tires if needed. Thanks for your comment. Enjoy!
Great video. Really feel like I went for a test ride here. Any advance intel on how the Prodigy might compare? Wondering if that will be worth the wait or if I should jump on the Ltd. now. Living car-free, I feel like either of these bikes would be great all-around urban commuter/shopper/get-me-there vehicles. But to beat a dead horse, no lights on a commuter seems a dumb mistake!
The Prodigy with a mid-drive motor will be a completely different experience. Tough call but if you're missing out on riding now I say pull the trigger. And agreed- the LMT'D needs lights.
Hi Russ, by next gen I just meant the next iteration. The bike has definitely changed since I reviewed the first LMT'D they released - namely a cadence sensor now vs torque.
Thanks for the great video. I've subscribed and had a question for you. I'm on the fence between the LMT'D and the Surface604 Shred. Value wise this one seems like it has similar options but with upgraded battery and shocks at a reduced value. Can you give me some direction on what you would do?
In my opinion it isn't worth spending $2100 and getting a 10.4 Ah battery so then you're looking at more for the battery upgrade. I do think Surface 604 is a good company and to be fair I haven't ridden any of their ebikes but to me I'd much rather have the LMT'D. I'd also suggest you look very closely at the 700 Series which is even cheaper. Good luck and let me know what you decide!
@@EbikeEscape Thank you for the reply, this really helps and I think that may be the direction I go. The 700 for myself and the standard or 500 for the wife.
Also another quick question, when you want to reach the top speed do you feel some resistance (what I'm looking for) or is it more like spinning on air(high cadence)? I've gotten used to raising the gear on my bike to where I feel a bit of resistance because I get a bit more control on steering as opposed to bobbing all over the place with a high cadence. Maybe you can test this out with the new controller? Thanks in advance!
Can you compare the different motors since they are different brands? Bafang has a bit more of a punch than a Shenghy(spelled wrong) motors is what I've heard from a couple videos.
Thank you for such awesome reviews...they have been so helpful in deciding which ebike to purchase ... now I am trying to determine if the ride1Up 700 or Ltd is best for female, fairly athletic, wants a workout option, I live in rural California but won’t be riding trails. I like the accessories on the 700 but like the weight & power of the Ltd ... arghh Which do you feel is better for me? Thank you!!
Tough call. Probably depends how big price is a factor and the main consideration for you is whether you want to go with a cadence or torque sensor. Check out my video on that if you haven't already. You can certainly get a workout with a cadence it just is a different way of delivering power. Both motors are plenty powerful, especially if you're athletic. Unless you feel really strongly about a torque sensor id probably lean towards the 700 Series for the value plus accessories.
Not having basic accessories like lights, fenders is kind of a bummer especially when their lower end model have them. I heard you talking about those accessories. Is Ride1 up going to add them? My delivery is scheduled for Aug 25. Am I going to get the updated controller?
They sell a rack now. I have a list on my website where I'm compiling popular accessories people are adding. And yes you will have the updated controller.
I weigh 300 im 5,11 I know I'm over but steady loosing checking out the limited here or the radrunner plus any advice on just anything that would be better for me
The RadRunner has a payload capacity of 300lbs, which is right around what you are after. The Ride1up however has a payload of 275lbs, so not to much less. Rad Power bikes his hard not to recommend as they are one of the top sellers of ebikes in the country. They would be my recommendation. -JT
Hey appreciate the detailed review. Quick question if you have time... now is the fit of the bike? I’m trying to decide between this version and the step thru version. I’m hoping for a pretty upright and comfortable ride. What do you think? Is the LMTd a good size and is it adjustable? Thanks!
The step thru version should come with swept back handlebars. Not sure if it comes with an adjustable stem but that would be another thing to help get you into a more upright position. You can of course make these modifications to the XR frame as well.
I find the standard diamond frame a bit high for me. I’m 6’ with a 32” inseam and the top tube is too close for comfort when I stand over it. I’m okay if I keep one foot on a pedal while stopped. At the time I bought mine, it was still available with the swept-back bars. I sit fairly upright when riding, which is how I like it now I’m older. 😅
Thanks for doing this video. I have been on the fence looking for an ebike that can handle some light/moderate trails. I'm just looking to get into light mountain biking. Do you think this bike can handle going on some smooth bike trails? The trails near me aren't too rigorous and I think spending over 2000 for a mountain version would be a waste for me. Have you tried using this bike on any bike trails?
If you have any recommendation on other ebikes that can do some moderate to easy bike trails let me know. I saw that RipCurrent by Juiced and didn't know if that bike would do trails better.
Hi Aaron - I would say yes. You may want to get some different tires though just depending on the terrain. I'd personally try it out where you plan to ride and decide from there if you want different tires. I did do a little bit of off-roading and found it was just fine. Appreciate it if you use my link if you do decide to purchase. Thanks!
You can hear the motor, which in my experience is common with geared hub motors. However, it isn't so loud that someone is going to hear you coming from behind.
Ok I know this is a old video, but to anyone who still has this bike or recently purchased one.. how is it going? I'm still thinking about getting the limited but I just don't see much about it which kinda throws me off.. lots of You Tube reviews on the 500/700 RIU series, but with the exception of these good videos that EBike Escape has done, there's not much to see on the Limited. Is this bike just not that popular? And if so, why? It's one of the few bikes that has just about all the features I want for the price, but not seeing much feedback on it which makes me a little hesitant on pulling the trigger. Any input would be appreciated!
Hi there, my guess is because the 700 Series is a more popular model. Nothing wrong with the LMTD if you want some of the upgrades but for most people the 700 Series is going to meet their needs.
@@EbikeEscape thanks for your comment. One of the things I've read is that the LMTD doesn't have a 750w motor, it really has a 500w motor that peaks in power to 750w. Can you confirm it's a 750w nominal motor? Was there a obvious difference in power when comparing the 500/700 series bikes with the 500w motors to the LMTD's power in your reviews?
While I have not ridden an Aventon I did do a post comparing Ride1up and Aventon: ebikeescape.com/ride1up-vs-aventon/ Note that I still need to update the article with the recent throttle changes Aventon has made. But if you want me to review an Aventon tell them to send one my way ;)
@@EbikeEscape Still trying to decide. Also like the tech like hydraulic brakes, good motor, etc but sometimes I think these companies charge too much because of the new tech. I have seen good reviews on the Ride1up brand, and they have US customer support. I think I want an all around bike, mostly commuter but capable of light off road. Looking for good speed and battery range with comfort. Considering the Rid1Up Limited.
The throttle will work anytime. Just with the upgrades you can use the throttle to achieve 28 mph as long as you're pedaling at all. It's a bit confusing but important to understand.
Depends where it would attach on the handlebars. The only thing that is unique compared to handlebars on a regular bike would be the display and the throttle. You also may have to worry about cable clearance depending on what kind of basket you're considering.
I'm wondering what the slowest speed possible while using pas on the LTD. Sometimes I want to ride with non-electric bikes and on the 2 ebikes I currently own, the slowest I can go in pas 1 is 11mph and 15 mph. {Too fast next to other bikes} I read on the 700 series the controller is customisable to whatever output percentage desired in any particular assist. So maybe I can lower the assistance and go 7 or 8 mph? Thanks in advance.
You can adjust the % assist of each level to suit your use case. Just enter the advanced settings menu. You can also choose from X-Y levels of assist, where X can be 0 or 1, and Y can be 3, 5, 7 or 9. The throttle is available even at 0 assist.
I really like the Lmtd model But also looking at the Juiced X models. One question I have on this one is why the controller is only 23A vs 25A. How can it develop the 1000W with less amps? Probably would never notice the difference but wondered why.
It is. If you don't know what to expect go with the 500 since it has a suspension fork something e bikes need or if you're in a flat area then core 5 is perfect.
I'd say it depends significantly on how much you ride. If you ride a lot like we do then it is nice to have some of the nicer components. That being said there is nothing wrong with the Core-5. If you haven't already check out my Core-5 or 500 Series review. In my opinion the 500 Series is in the sweet spot of components to price.
@@EbikeEscape I sent in an email to support. The computer is for sale on the site for 80$. I don't know if it's worth upgrading though. If you get one can you do a video on the advantages of the "upgraded" computer over the one that came with the first batch of LMT'Ds?
Gloves and helmet and eye protection (like me and my old man bifocals) from driveway to driveway. Just like motorcyclists say: ATGATT. All The Gear All The Time.
