The new Denago Cruiser 1 is a lightweight step-through electric cruiser that embodies simplicity, comfort, and affordability. Priced just over one thousand dollars, this e-bike offers a wallet-friendly option for those seeking a classic cruiser experience. In this review, we’ll explore whether the Denago lives up to its promises and whether it’s a good fit for your riding needs.
One of the most enticing aspects of the Cruiser 1 is its affordable price point. In a market where electric bikes can often be quite expensive, the Denago Cruiser 1 offers an attractive option for riders who don’t want to break the bank. This affordability is achieved by simplifying the design and focusing on the essentials, making it accessible to a wider range of riders.
In terms of performance, the Denago Cruiser 1 offers the essentials needed for an enjoyable ride. It features a 350-watt motor that surprises with its pep when you need that extra boost to reach 20 miles per hour. Whether you’re tackling inclines or navigating headwinds, the motor provides the necessary thrust to keep you cruising comfortably.
In this review, we’ll dive deeper into the Cruiser 1’s features, performance, and overall value for its price. We’ll assess its comfort, ride quality, and how it handles various riding conditions. Stay tuned to discover if the Denago is indeed a good choice for your e-bike adventures. Thank you for joining us at Electric Bike Report, and let’s explore the Denago Cruiser 1 together.
| Frame: | 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, Step-thru style |
| Motor: | Shengyi 350W, 36V rear hub motor |
| Top Speed: | 20 MPH on pedal assist, 20 MPH on throttle (Class II eBike) |
| Sensors: | Cadence, Speed |
| Throttle: | Twist throttle, left side |
| Shifter: | Microshift 7 speed |
| Tires: | 27.5" x 2.3" cruiser tires |
| Chain: | KMC Z-Series, 3/32” |
| Freewheel: | Shimano Tourney, 7 speed, 14-28 teeth |
| Complete eBike with battery: | 56 lbs |
| Maximum rider weight: | 300 lbs |
Design and Build Quality
The Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru is a classic-looking e-bike that combines style, comfort, and affordability. Its standout feature is its lightweight step-through frame, making it easy for riders of all ages and abilities to mount and dismount with ease. The design of the bike is reminiscent of the iconic cruiser bicycles of the past, with its comfortable upright posture and mustache handlebars, providing a relaxed and enjoyable riding experience.
One of the most attractive aspects of this e-bike is its price point, coming in at just over one thousand dollars. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who want a classic-style e-bike without breaking the bank. Denago has achieved this affordability by keeping the design simple and focused on the essentials, ensuring that riders feel like they are getting their money’s worth.
In terms of build quality, the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive e-bikes, but it offers a reliable and durable construction. The absence of integrated lights is common in e-cruisers within this price range, but the inclusion of safety features like a bell and fenders to keep you clean is a nice touch. Furthermore, the availability of the bike in three different colors (pink, teal, and tan) sets it apart from similarly priced e-bikes and allows riders to choose a style that suits their preferences.
The gearing system on this e-bike is equipped with Shimano Tourney components, featuring seven speeds with a 14 to 28 tooth cassette and a 42 tooth chainring. Shifting is smooth and easy with the Shimano Revo twist shifter, which also includes an optical gear display for quick reference. The braking system is reliable, thanks to the Jack mechanical disc brake system with 180mm rotors and an automatic cutoff for added safety.
One standout feature of the Denago Cruiser is its puncture-resistant 27.5-inch by 2.3-inch Cruiser tires, which also have a safety reflective strip on the sidewall for improved visibility at night. Weighing in at just 55 pounds, this e-bike is relatively lightweight and easy to lift onto a rack for transportation or stow in the trunk of your car or SUV. The bike has a maximum rider weight capacity of 300 pounds, and if you opt for the rear rack accessory, it can handle up to 55 pounds of cargo.
So, the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru offers a stylish and comfortable riding experience at an affordable price point. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end e-bikes, its simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for riders who want a classic cruiser e-bike that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re cruising around your community or exploring new paths, the Denago Cruiser is designed for easy maintenance and enjoyable rides. To evaluate its performance further, a performance test would be the next step to see how it truly measures up.
Motor
One of the key moments where the motor’s capabilities shine is when riders need that extra boost to reach a cruising speed of 20 miles per hour. It’s here that the 350-watt motor truly comes into its own. When you require real motor engagement to accelerate to this speed, you’ll find that it responds with enthusiasm, providing the necessary thrust to get you there comfortably.
This performance characteristic can be a game-changer, especially in scenarios where you need to navigate inclines, overcome headwinds, or simply want to accelerate quickly from a standstill. The motor’s ability to deliver this level of power and engagement is a testament to the thoughtful engineering that Denago has put into this e-bike.
Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru: Driving Test
The Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru not only offers style and comfort but also a pleasant surprise in its ride quality and motor performance. One of the key aspects riders often want to know about an e-bike is its top speed in each pedal assist level, as this information helps them choose the most suitable mode for their specific riding situation.
During our speed test, we meticulously evaluated the e-bike’s performance in each of its pedal assist levels, giving us valuable insights into how it behaves in various riding conditions. Here’s what we observed during our test ride:
- Pedal Assist Levels 1 and 2: In the lower pedal assist levels (PAS 1 and 2), the motor provides a gentle level of assistance, which is ideal for those who need some help to get the bike moving. In PAS 1, we achieved a speed of approximately 11.4 miles per hour, and in PAS 2, we reached around 12.3 miles per hour. These modes are well-suited for leisurely rides and starting from a standstill.
- Pedal Assist Level 3: PAS 3 is where the bike starts to pick up the pace more noticeably, reaching a speed of approximately 13.5 miles per hour. It offers a good balance of assistance and efficiency, making it suitable for riders who want a bit more speed without exerting too much effort.
- Pedal Assist Levels 4 and 5: In PAS 4, the motor comes to life, providing a substantial boost in speed. We reached speeds of up to 16.6 miles per hour, and in PAS 5, the motor’s engagement is even more pronounced, allowing us to reach a comfortable 20.4 miles per hour. These modes are perfect for riders looking to maintain higher average speeds while cruising on the streets.
The Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru also features a throttle, which can be used to reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour without pedaling. However, there’s a slight delay of around two to three pedal rotations before the motor fully engages with your pedaling. This delay is attributed to the cadence sensor, aligning with the bike’s straightforward and cost-effective design philosophy.
In terms of hill-climbing ability, the e-bike performed admirably considering its 350-watt rear hub motor. While it may not be a hill-charging champion, it managed to conquer hills with rider input. This makes it suitable for exploring neighborhoods with rolling hills rather than steep, challenging terrain.
So, the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride, with the motor’s power output impressively exceeding expectations, especially in the higher pedal assist levels. Its classic cruiser design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for riders seeking a leisurely and relaxed riding experience without sacrificing style or convenience.
Brake Test
Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to electric bikes, and at Electric Bike Report, it’s a top priority to evaluate and report on the safety features and performance of e-bikes. One critical aspect of rider safety is the effectiveness of the braking system. To assess this, we conducted a brake test on the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru.
Our brake test procedure involves accelerating the bike to a speed of 20 miles per hour with the assistance of pedal assist and then having the rider quickly engage both brake levers to bring the bike to a stop. We repeat this test multiple times to calculate the average stopping distance, providing a reliable measure of the e-bike’s braking performance.
The Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru demonstrated an average stopping distance of 27 feet 11 inches in our test. While this distance is certainly adequate for most riding situations, it’s worth noting that it was about five feet longer than the average for Cruiser e-bikes. This difference can be attributed to the type of brakes used on the Cruiser 1.
The Cruiser 1 Step-Thru utilizes mechanical disc brakes, whereas many other Cruiser e-bikes employ hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes typically offer superior stopping power and shorter stopping distances compared to mechanical brakes. This is because hydraulic systems are more efficient at converting the pressure applied to the brake lever into stopping force.
Battery and Range
The beating heart of the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru is its 36-volt 11-amp-hour battery. While 11-amp hours may seem smaller than what you typically find on cruiser e-bikes, this battery capacity is well-suited to the Cruiser 1’s design and performance requirements. There are a few key factors that make this battery a noteworthy component of the e-bike.
Furthermore, the e-bike’s battery charging capability is impressive. With its three-amp charger, you can recharge the battery fully in just three to four hours. This quick charging time is a significant advantage, especially when compared to the average 48-volt batteries commonly found in other e-bikes, which typically take longer to charge. The efficient charging process ensures that you can get back on the road sooner, reducing downtime between rides.
To evaluate the battery’s performance and answer important questions about range and longevity, we conducted two separate range tests:
- Lowest PAS Range Test (PAS 3): In the first range test, we selected PAS 3, the lowest suitable pedal assist mode for continuous long-distance riding. Under these conditions, the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru covered just under 35 miles. While this result may seem modest compared to some other cruiser e-bikes we’ve tested, it’s essential to note that the Cruiser 1 used PAS 3, which provides a balance of assistance and efficiency that enabled us to pedal effectively on varied terrain, including hills.
- Maximum PAS Range Test (PAS 5): In the second range test, we pushed the e-bike to its limits by using PAS 5, the highest pedal assist mode, to see how far the bike could go when utilizing maximum power output from the motor. In this test, the Cruiser 1 achieved a range of 18 miles. It’s worth mentioning that other cruiser e-bikes we tested had larger batteries with higher watt-hours, and they typically covered more ground. However, these bikes also came with a significantly higher price tag.
Conclusions
In the end, the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru defies traditional expectations of what a cruiser e-bike should be. By embracing a minimalist approach, Denago has crafted an e-bike that offers a unique blend of affordability, style, and performance.
One standout feature of the Cruiser 1 is its weight management, keeping it below the average for cruiser e-bikes. This choice contributes to an above-average ride quality, ensuring that riders experience comfort and ease while cruising through their neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru is a commendable e-bike that challenges the norms and delivers a unique and affordable cruiser experience. If you’re in search of an accessible cruiser that provides the essentials for your rides, this bike is a solid recommendation.
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We hope you found this review helpful, and stay updated on the latest e-bike insights. Thank you for joining us at Electric Bike Report, and we look forward to seeing you out on the bike trails. Remember to keep your hands on the bar, your feet on the pedals, and your eyes on the road. Until next time!
