The Ride1Up Prodigy is an electric bike that packs a punch with its Class 3 mid-drive motor, which provides a powerful boost to help riders tackle steep inclines and cover long distances with ease. The Prodigy’s motor is capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 mph, making it ideal for commuting or leisurely rides.
What sets the Prodigy apart from other electric bikes in its price range is the quality of its components. It features a durable aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain, all of which contribute to a smooth and comfortable riding experience. The bike’s suspension fork also helps to absorb bumps in the road, further enhancing the ride quality.
One potential downside to the Prodigy is its weight. At around 56.6 pounds, it may be difficult to maneuver for some riders, especially if they need to carry it up stairs or store it in a small space. However, this weight is also a testament to the bike’s sturdy construction and high-quality components.
So, the Ride1Up Prodigy is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable electric bike at an affordable price. Its mid-drive motor and quality components make it a standout in its category, and while it may be heavy, it’s still a great choice for anyone who doesn’t mind the extra weight.
| Fork: XR & ST | Hydroformed 6061 Aluminum |
| Motor | Brose TF Sprinter German made mid-drive motor with 90nm torque |
| Display | Brose Display Allround, 1.5" Color |
| Tires: XC | Maxxis Forekaster 27.5"x2.4" |
| Gearing: XC | 42T Narrow-Wide Alloy Chainring |
| Chain | KMC e9 EPT, Mid-drive Chain |
| Headlight (all models) | Buchel Shiny 80, Ultra-bright 80 lux headlight |
| Seat Post | Uno SP-719 350mm x 31.6mm Dual Bolt |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-M275 180mm Hydraulic |
| Battery | 36V14ah Phylion BN21, Samsung Cells, Smart BMS |
| Shifters | Shimano 9-Speed Trigger Shifter, Electric Shift Assist Sensor |
| Stem: XR & ST | Wake, Smooth Alloy 0° 80mm 31.8mm Bar Clamp |
Ride1UP Prodigy: Design and Build Quality
The Ride1Up Prodigy is a fully-loaded electric bike that comes equipped with a wide range of features and accessories to enhance your riding experience. The bike features metal fenders, which help to keep you clean and dry while riding through wet or muddy conditions. The rear carrier rack is also a nice touch, as it provides ample storage space for carrying groceries, a change of clothes, or other essentials.
The Prodigy also includes an adjustable headlight and tail light, both of which are powered by the bike’s battery. While these lights may not be as bright as some riders prefer, they still provide a decent amount of visibility and help to keep you safe while riding at night or in low-light conditions.
One feature that is often overlooked on electric bikes is the kickstand, but the Prodigy has a sturdy one that is placed far enough back so that it never interferes with the pedals. Additionally, the bike has two sets of water bottle cage bosses in the frame, allowing you to stay hydrated on longer rides.
The Ride1Up Prodigy comes equipped with Tektro hydraulic brakes that feature 180mm discs. These brakes offer powerful stopping performance and are well-suited for the bike’s Class 3 mid-drive motor. The calipers on the brakes have dual pistons, which makes it easier to adjust the brakes to your liking and ensures that they perform consistently and reliably over time.
The bike’s transmission is a 9-speed Shimano Alivio system, which is managed by a rear derailleur and an integrated shift sensor. This system allows you to easily switch between gears and find the right gear for any riding situation. The shift sensor is particularly useful as it helps to ensure smooth and consistent shifting, even under heavy load or while climbing hills.
At a weight of 56.6 pounds, the Ride1Up Prodigy is a substantial electric bike that can be a bit heavy to maneuver, especially when climbing stairs or lifting it onto a bike rack. However, its weight is offset by the powerful Brose mid-drive motor, which is capable of producing up to 90Nm of torque. This motor provides a smooth and efficient power boost that makes it easy to tackle hills and cover long distances with ease.
The motor is activated with an integrated torque sensor, which ensures that the motor responds quickly and accurately to your pedaling input. The bike is powered by a roughly 500Wh battery that is hidden away inside the downtube. While you can remove the battery with a key, it can take some effort to undo the latch that keeps the battery from falling out when the key is turned. Once removed, the battery can be recharged either while it’s in the bike or when it’s outside the bike.
The Ride1Up Prodigy features 27.5 x 2.0-inch Maxxis Refuse wheels that are designed for road use. While these wheels are larger than what you might expect on a road bike, they are slicker and smoother than the mountain bike-style tires that are often used on electric bikes. This makes them ideal for the Prodigy’s intended use as a road bike.
The Maxxis Refuse tires offer a good balance of durability and performance, providing good grip on a variety of road surfaces while also holding up well to wear and tear. The larger size of the wheels also helps to smooth out bumps and provide a more comfortable ride, further enhancing the Prodigy’s reputation as a comfortable and efficient electric bike for road use.
As a direct-to-consumer bike, the Ride1Up Prodigy does require some assembly, which can be a bit daunting for those who aren’t familiar with bike maintenance. While the assembly process is relatively straightforward, there is always the risk of minor issues cropping up, such as improperly adjusted brakes or a skipping rear derailleur.
While these issues are typically minor and can be resolved with a bit of adjustment and maintenance, they can be frustrating for those who are new to bike maintenance or who don’t have the necessary tools and expertise to fix them. However, Ride1Up does offer customer support and guidance to help customers with any issues they may encounter during the assembly process.
Ride1UP Prodigy: Motor and Battery
The Ride1Up Prodigy truly shines when it comes to performance on the road. Unlike many mid-drive e-bikes in this price range, which are limited to a top speed of 20mph due to being Class 1, the Prodigy’s Brose TF motor is capable of pushing past that limit. In the Sport mode, the Prodigy can easily reach speeds beyond 20mph and provide a comfortable riding experience even in fifth gear.
While reaching the top speed of 28mph can be a bit more challenging, the Prodigy still delivers an impressive level of performance in its most powerful setting. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just cruising around town, the Prodigy’s motor is more than up to the task, delivering a smooth and responsive ride that’s sure to impress even the most demanding riders.
The Ride1Up Prodigy is designed with comfort in mind, and the bike’s components reflect this emphasis. The bike comes equipped with comfortable ergo hand grips and a slightly plush seat that provides a comfortable ride, even on longer trips. The seat’s padding is particularly beneficial for the Prodigy’s upright riding position, which puts minimal weight on the hands and wrists.
Even with the seat raised to its maximum height, the Prodigy’s upright riding position allows riders to maintain a comfortable posture with minimal strain on their upper body. This makes the bike an ideal choice for anyone who wants a comfortable, easy-to-ride electric bike that can handle a wide range of terrains and riding scenarios.
While the Ride1Up Prodigy is capable of achieving impressive speeds, comfort may become a concern when riding at those faster speeds. The upright riding position of the bike can lead to increased pressure on the sit bones, which can be particularly noticeable when encountering bumps or uneven terrain.
To mitigate this discomfort, it may be helpful to slightly raise the seat when approaching rougher patches of road. Additionally, riders may want to consider investing in a more comfortable saddle or adding suspension components to the bike to help absorb some of the shocks and bumps of the road. Despite these concerns, the Prodigy remains a capable and impressive e-bike that delivers exceptional performance and value for its price point.
Despite the creaking issue, the Ride1Up Prodigy delivers a smooth and natural riding experience thanks to its range of gears and assist settings. The Brose motor, with its integrated torque sensor, provides assistance that feels natural and responsive, without overpowering the rider. While some riders may prefer a motor that does all the work, the Prodigy’s motor is still capable of making steady speeds of 20-25mph feel as effortless as a casual 10mph on a non-electric bike. Overall, the Prodigy offers an excellent balance of power and control, making it a versatile and enjoyable ride for a wide range of riders.
That’s not bad at all, especially considering that the Prodigy is a Class 3 bike with a powerful mid-drive motor. Of course, range can vary depending on factors like terrain, wind, and rider weight, but it’s good to know that the Prodigy can handle a decent distance on a single charge. Riders who want to go even further could consider carrying an extra battery or adjusting their riding style to use less assist.
That’s good to know. The range of an e-bike can vary depending on factors like terrain, rider weight, assist level, and weather conditions. It’s always best to test the range yourself and adjust the assist level accordingly to maximize the battery life.
Ride1Up’s estimate of 30-50 miles of range for the Prodigy e-bike is a realistic estimate, and lighter riders using lower assist levels could potentially get even more range out of the same battery.
Ride1UP Prodigy Conclusions
It sounds like the Ride1Up Prodigy offers a great value for its price point, especially when considering the powerful Brose mid-drive motor and high-speed capabilities.
The Brose motor on the Ride1Up Prodigy is designed to provide pedal assist, meaning it amplifies your pedaling efforts rather than replacing them entirely. This means that while the motor helps you go faster and makes riding uphill easier, you’ll still be getting a workout as you pedal. The amount of assistance can be adjusted through different power levels, so you can choose how much help you want from the motor.
The Prodigy comes equipped with full fenders, a rear rack, and front and rear lights that are powered by the main battery.
The Ride1Up Prodigy is a heavy e-bike, weighing in at 56.6 pounds, which can make it difficult to carry or maneuver if the battery runs out or if you need to navigate stairs or other obstacles. It’s important to consider your specific needs and use case when choosing an e-bike, and weight can be a significant factor to take into account.
If the Class 3 capabilities of the Prodigy are not necessary or legal in your area, there are other e-bikes available at a lower price point that may better fit your needs. It’s important to research and understand the different e-bike classes and regulations in your location before making a purchase.
The Ride1Up Prodigy relies on pedal assist to provide extra power, and does not have a throttle. Throttle-based e-bikes are generally less expensive, but they can also be less efficient and may not provide as natural a riding experience. It’s important to choose the type of e-bike that best suits your needs and preferences.
