Magnum Low rider 1.0

1 review for Magnum Low rider 1.0

1. 

   CC E-Cycles – July 7, 2023

   Video Review

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   Written Review

   To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Magnum. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Magnum products.

   If you were ever looking for an approachable step-through frame that was more akin to the masculine look of a high-step, this bike may be the one for you. This is the Magnum Low Rider, and is a more approachable version of their cruiser bike with a bit of a longer relaxed frame style. Technically speaking, it is a little more of a mid-step, but still quite comfortable to get on and off. It comes in 1 frame size (18”), but has a lot of adjustment in the seat and stem (which has a tool free adjustment clamp) to kind of get the perfect fit. Once mounted, everything is super comfortable too. Like these Schwable Big Ben 26” x 2.15” wider city tires with both puncture protection and a reflective sidewall. They are housed by great aluminum alloy fenders, and the front even features a cozy suspension fork with both lockout and preload adjust. They even have a wide cruiser saddle with rubber bumpers. The handlebars are a little higher and feel good with the stitched grips, but they don’t really sweep back like cruiser style bars. An interesting choice, but I suppose this does make it easier for the bike to get in and out of doorways a lot easier. There is a set of lights here too in the front and rear, however, they are operated by independent AAA batteries rather than running off the main power. Kind of a bummer, but I am still glad they are here. All in all the 59.9lb bike is decently priced at $2,249 and even comes with a rear rack. The details on the rack are a little up in the air at the moment because I test rode one with a prototype rack, but the bike will indeed come with one. Other features include a sticker slap guard, bottle cage bosses, a mid mounted kickstand that avoids annoying pedal lock, a bell, and a derailleur guard.

   Driving the bike is a planetary geared hub-motor from Das-Kit. The motor is pretty strong with a 500 watt nominal rating and a 750 watt peak rating and 90nm of torque. It is operated either via the slim thumb throttle on the right or by using the 12 magnet sealed cadence sensor when pedaling. I love that the throttle is full power at all times, but it is also always live, so do be aware of that. Mechanically the bike features an 8 speed Shimano Acer system with an 11-32 tooth cassette in the rear and and 48 tooth chain ring in the front. I love that there is an aluminum chain guard coupled with a kind of minimalist plastic/steel hybrid chain cover. Stopping the bike is a set 180mm hydraulic disc brake rotors in both the front and rear, definitely a big win to match that motor power.

   Powering the bike is a semi-integrated lithium ion high capacity battery pack rated at 48v 13ah. The battery is protected via lock and key and features an LED readout to quickly see about how much power is left in each charge. Charging the bike is done with the 1.5lb 2amp charger. I like that it is light weight and will charge the cells slowly to protect them, but it does take a bit longer with that high capacity battery rating. I also noticed that the charging port is located down near the crank arm. Do be careful not to rotate the cranks and snag that cord when charging on the bike. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.

   Once the battery has been filled and you’re ready for some electric riding, just hold the power button on the little control pad near the left grip. It activates the display and you get several readouts including assist level, current speed, and battery capacity. Pressing power one time will activate backlighting on the LCD display and holding the down arrow constantly will activate walk mode (which can be handy if you need to to ascend a ramp, make your way through a walk-only space, or even climb stairs). The display can show different menus if you press the set button, and depending on your preferences for speed or the geography you live in, Magnum dealers can lower the top speed to 20mph or less by using a password. I like the size and position of the display, you can even angle it forward and back to reduce reflection glare, but it is not removable. For those who plan on commuting, it might be worth strapping your helmet over the display to keep people from noticing or scratching it, and also protecting it from the sun, while parked at racks. Overall, I would still call this display panel and accompanying button pad above average, I love that it can be angled to reduce glare and feel that it looks beautiful and is well sealed against water… but to clean the bike it is recommended to use a damp cloth vs. spraying it. Don’t ever submerge the bike components or spray them hard.

   Wrapping up, I think the Low Rider is a pretty fun and unique ebike that hits all the right notes for those interested. I did want to mention some of the tradeoffs though. For example, I love that they included a set of lights here in the front and rear, however, they are operated by independent AAA batteries rather than running off the main power which is kind of a bummer, you don’t want to forget to turn them off and dry up the batteries you bought. I also noticed that the charging port is located down near the crank arm. Do be careful not to rotate the cranks and snag that cord when charging on the bike. And finally, due to the leg extension and wider saddle, it is not the best bike for long durations of pedaling. I recommend using the throttle to get around on longer extended rides. That being considered, the bike is a lot of fun and has a great relaxed, smooth, and easy-rider type feel to it. As I said, it is decently priced considering you get suspension and brand name components like Schwalbe Big Ben tires, Shimano Altus derailleur, and Tektro hydraulic brakes. Couple that with Magnum dealer support and you have a great offering. I would like to thank Magnum for letting me review the Low Rider and I look forward to their other offerings.

   As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Magnum ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe 🙂

   Pros:

   • A comfortable, powerful, and approachable step-through style low and long cruiser bike with brand name components and utility like lights and rear rack
   • Comes in 1 frame size (18”), but has a lot of adjustment in the seat and stem (which has a tool free adjustment clamp) to kind of get the perfect fit
   • Features Schwable Big Ben 26” x 2.15” wider city tires with both puncture protection and a reflective sidewall
   • Cool accessories like aluminum alloy fenders, rear rack, slap guard sticker, and bottle cage bosses
   • A lot of comfort around the bike, like cozy suspension fork with both lockout and preload adjust, a wide cruiser saddle with rubber bumpers, and stitched grips
   • 500-750 watt planetary geared hub-motor with both thumb throttle and cadence based pedal assist via a 12 magnet sealed cadence sensor
   • 8 speed Shimano Acera system with an 11-32 tooth cassette in the rear and and 48 tooth chain ring in the front, I love that there is an aluminum chain guard coupled with a kind of minimalist plastic/steel hybrid chain cover too
   • A big win here are the 180mm Tektro Hydraulic disc brake rotors in both the front and rear, it matches the power of the bike well
   • Features a 48v 13ah high capacity battery, that rating should have decently good range as well as power for that hub motor
   • Decently priced at $2,249 considering you get suspension and brand name components like Schwalbe Big Ben tires, Shimano Altus derailleur, and Tektro hydraulic brakes
   • A straight forward, easy to use and easy to read display with a backlight and a bunch of necessary readouts
   • Magnum has a dealer network and has been around for years as an established brand in the industry

   Cons:

   • I love that they included a set of lights here in the front and rear, however, they are operated by independent AAA batteries rather than running off the main power which is kind of a bummer, you don’t want to forget to turn them off and dry up the batteries you bought
   • The charging port is located down near the crank arm, so do be careful not to rotate the cranks and snag that cord when charging on the bike
   • Due to the leg extension and wider saddle, it is not the best bike for prolonged durations of pedaling, I recommend using the throttle to get around on longer extended rides
   • The throttle is always live, which is a bit of a double edge sword, it is nice to have it when you want it, but do be careful not to bump it and engage the bike forward