The FX+ 2 has a 250 watt Hydrive rear hub motor, which is the European standard. That might seem a bit weak to Americans looking to power big hills, but this bike is so light and maneuverable that it’s not a problem at all to have a smaller engine. The average frame size weighs 40 pounds—almost 30 pounds lighter than my Tern GSD S00.
Not only is it easy to climb hills, but it’s also easy to maneuver onto cramped bike racks when I’m out and about or pick up a bike rack in my garage. Also, in the past two weeks, it’s been the first bike that both dad and I grabbed to run errands around the neighborhood. The stated range is 35 miles, but we’ve gone at least 10 miles so far and the battery seems to be mostly unaffected. Fast 45c off-road tires are also unaffected.
Nothing is superior
Photo: DYLAN REMIS/Trek
Currently, it lacks some features we’re used to seeing on higher-end e-bikes, such as a low-maintenance carbon belt drive or continuously variable shifters. Instead, it has a regular bike chain on a nine-speed Shimano gearshift system, with a derailment that, yes, you might have to adjust from time to time.
But honestly, this is more than good for me. I didn’t need to learn a new gearshift system or figure out how to calibrate gears with assist levels. I’m not riding a bike trying to predict how much support I’ll need and when — I can just turn more or less on the bike. That way, it feels much easier and more natural.
It also has a ton of accessories that can be equally important, especially as the weather in Oregon has turned cold, gray, and wet over the past few weeks. Extremely bright 120 lumen floodlight. The bell is very loud. The fenders kept my jeans relatively dry, and I was able to sling items onto the rear rack. The kickstand holds it in the garage for quick access, and the hydraulic disc brakes work even in the pouring rain.
The price tag seems high compared to direct-to-consumer bikes from Aventon, Lectric or Rad Power. But once you start adding costs for quality components, labor, and accessories, their prices start to creep up. Mail-order companies can offer much lower prices for basic models because their engines are cheaper. With a nicer engine, a mail order bike like Ride1Up Prodigy costs the same as the FX+ 2 and you must assemble and test it yourself.
Over the years, I’ve seen bike manufacturers argue and then fight to add or remove features that make e-bikes more appealing to people who’ve never ridden a bike before. Step over extremely low! Strange teleport system! Application! Giant tires! Perhaps the best way to get people to use an e-bike is the same way you get people to use a regular bike—by making it fun, light, and easy to ride.
