Ride1UP Core-5 Review

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Ride1UP got their start in the eBike world by building their own electric bikes by hand and came to the conclusion that most eBike riders do after one ride….”These things are life-changing. They offer an unrivaled level of independence and efficiency.” Ride1UP was created due to the fact that they thought there was not a category that offered a sleek, fast, and affordable quality eBike. With some eBikes on the market costing as much as a car, Ride1UP wanted to remove price as the barrier to entry, and they have done just that with the Ride1UP Core-5. The Ride1UP Core-5 eBike is an entry level eBike that is simple, efficient and versatile.

Motor and Battery on the Ride1UP Core-5

The 48V Geared Hub Shengyi 750 watt sustained motor on the Core-5 provides a natural, yet powerful eBike experience. The 750 watt motor works nicely alongside the 48V22A Lishui Sine-wave controller and the Integrated Sensitive Cadence Sensor (Pedal Assist) that delivers a smooth and effective acceleration from level 1 all the way to level 5.

The 48V10.4ah Reention battery is integrated into the downtube of the lightweight and durable 6061 alloy frame, and offers a sleek look with easy insertion and removal for charging, replacing and storing. The Core-5 also comes with a basic eBike charger, but what is notable here is the battery has Smart BMS (battery management system) built right in for longer battery life, efficient charging and cell protection.

The Ride1UP Core-5 series includes an intuitive handlebar mounted KD21C Adjustable Speed LCD that allows you to adjust pedal assist modes and displays three key data indicators – battery level, speed and mileage. The KD21C also improves the riding experience by offering customized levels of pedal assist and a walk assist feature. The customized levels of pedal assist can be set to 0-3, 0-5, 0-7, 0-9, as well as the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the pedal assist when and where needed, while the walk assist feature offers convenient, appropriate power for walking the bike over varied terrain. If you would like to learn more about the KD21C display there is a manual here that dives into all of the settings.

Ride1UP Core-5 Build

The Ride1UP Core-5 6061 alloy frame offers a nice strength to weight ratio featuring smooth welding for a good looking, high quality, comfortable ride. Equipped with a 7 Speed Shimano shifter, 11-32T cassette and a 44T front alloy chainring lands the Core-5 perfectly in the middle of the pedal power to speed range for easy hill climbs and fast flat surface cruising.

Tektro 160mm mechanical disc brakes deliver plenty of stopping power and are even equipped with and electric cut off senor that drops the power to the motor when the brake levers are pulled. The Kenda Kwick Seven 5 27.5” x 2.2″ All-Terrain tires feature K-Shield protection for puncture resistance and are the ideal option for the Core-5 as they roll smooth on pavement, easily transition to gravel and can even tackle rolling trails with ease.

Rounding out the build is the ergonomic rubber hand grips and the Selle Royal Freeway Plush Gel saddle. The grips and saddle are sufficiently comfortable and absorb most of the bumps and blows that you find on the road and trail, delivering a pleasant adventure when riding.

In addition, the Ride1UP Core-5 has water bottle bosses and standard rack mounting points should you want to add either.

Dimensions and Sizing on the Ride1UP Core-5

• Bike Weight – 49lbs
• Weight Capacity – 275lbs
• Seat Tube – 19″
• Minimum Seat Height – (top of seat to ground) 32″
• Maximum Seat Height – (top of seat to ground) 40″
• Total Length – 70”
• Wheel Base – 43”
• Rider Height Range – 5’6″-6’4″
• Stand-Over Height – 28.5″
• Handlebar Height – 42”
• Handlebar Reach – 22”

Performance and Handling of the Ride1UP Core-5

The Ride1UP Core-5 packs a powerful punch with the 750 watt motor, allowing the eBike to be pedaled up to 28mph or upwards of 22mph just using the throttle. This motor also offers a respectable torque rating of 60NM (Newton Meters), that makes hill climbing a breeze and provides faster take offs. The Ride1UP pedal assist system lands just right on the sensitivity spectrum, delivery one of the more natural feeling riding experience that I have ever tested, versus some eBikes that are all motor power output and any effort you put forth in pedaling is null and void. 

The Core-5 has a riding range of 20-40 miles. Meaning that you can travel about 20 miles when you are constantly using the throttle or leaving the eBike on the highest assist setting. The 40 mile range is for when you have the eBike on the lowest assist setting and putting in pedaling effort. The great thing about the Core-5 is the fact that it is so lightweight (for an eBike), pedaling it with the motor turned completely off is actually about the same effort and feeling as a non-eBike. So much so, that I often take it on rides without even turning on the display, but take comfort in knowing that if I start feeling tired or need to get home in a hurry I can turn it on and be flying fast. With all of that said, range has a large variation depending on riding style, terrain, elevation, acceleration, weight and many other circumstances.

The versatility of the Core-5 is fantastic, as it provides the stability and confidence for road riding, bike paths, gravel riding and even non-technical trails, ultimately translating into a relaxing and fun, go just about anywhere ride.

Specs for the Ride1UP Core-5

• Weight: 49lbs
• Cargo capacity: 275lbs
• Motor: 48V Geared Hub Shengyi
• Battery: 48V 10.4ah Reenton Eel Pro LG cells with Smart BMS
• Max assist speed: 28mph
• Frame material: aluminum
• Wheel size: 27.5-inch
• Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc
• Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed, 11-32 cassette and 44T chainring
• Throttle: yes

Final Thoughts on the Ride1UP Core-5

The Ride1UP Core-5 offers a great riding experience that is simple and efficient. It is a versatile eBike with a 28mph class 3 speed assist, a quality build that has all of the essentials to offer riders both the performance and the affordability of an excellent eBike. The Core-5 is an easy and solid recommendation for riders who value price, yet still want a top-notch electric bike.

The Ride1UP Core-5 is available in ST (Step-Thru) and XR (model reviewed here) as well as three colors. MSRP $1195 For more info visit ride1up.com.