Now e-bikes are currently very popular. But, the fact that they are frequently out of our reach financially and when they are, meh, is one of the main reasons people don’t opt for one. With its recently unveiled Turris, Ride1Up is dispelling the myth that a cheap e-bike is boring.
What does the name Turris sound like when you read it? Yeah, I hear the word “tour” there, and perhaps even something about bulls. Though it has more power than I would suggest for someone purchasing an electrified two-wheeler for the first time, I discovered when I investigated the recently unveiled e-bike that touring is definitely a possibility with this one. I’ll explain why in a moment.
We need to learn a few things about Ride1Up before I continue. Once you do, you will comprehend their decision to make such capable and reasonably priced two-wheelers. This group was founded when Kevin Dugger, the owner of Ride1Up, realized that the majority of e-bikes available on the market cost around $2,000, which is money that most people just don’t have. Access to supply chain information plus the fact that he is also a builder and mechanic for bicycles convinced him that his dream could come true, and thus here we are.
So, Turris, an electrified yet reasonably priced two-wheeler with more than enough sass to put a smile on your face but a price that won’t make you feel like you need to get a handle on your finances, elegantly packs all those concepts together. After all, Ride1Up is only requesting a maximum donation of $1,300 (or €1,200 at the current exchange rate) for this annoyance. So let’s examine the reasons you ought to think about the Turris for your first or possibly even second e-bike.
| Motor | 48V 750w |
| Battery | 48V12.8ah |
| Fork | Hydraulic Lockout 100mm Travel Suspension |
| Tires | Kenda K1227 27.5"x2.4" |
| Display | KD21C Adjustable Speed LCD |
| Shifters | Shimano 7-speed SL-TX30 |
| Brakes | Zoom 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Height range | 5'6"-6'4" |
| Bike weight | 55 lbs |
| Wheel base | 43” |
| Front Light | 60 Lux Front Light |
Ride1Up Turris: Design and Build quality
The Ride1Up Turris was one of the simplest bikes to put together out of every one I tested, save for a fully completed folding e-bike, and I am convinced that anyone can put it together and get it ready to ride in within ten to twenty minutes. The cardboard container from Turris Bikes is carefully made so that it can serve as a rack to hold the bike in place while you assemble the various sections.
You maintain the frame in its cardboard packing while mounting the handlebars, mounting the front wheel, flipping down the pedals, and adjusting the seat height. Given the size of the bike and how simple the installation was, I was quite impressed. Within an hour of delivery, I was able to ride the bike because the battery Ride1Upd quickly.
I also appreciated how they included valve covers with tire pressure indicators so you could quickly and easily make sure the tires were inflated and ready to travel. The owner’s manual contains all the information on your bike that you will need for future maintenance and problem-solving, even if the quick start guide should be all you need to get set up the first time.
The rotating front handlebars for storage are a unique feature on the Ride1Up Turris that I have yet to see on any other bike. The handlebars may be turned 90 degrees to line up with the rest of the frame using a release mechanism at the top of the bike. By folding the handlebars in this way, you can fit the bike much more easily between bins and nooks while saving at least two feet in width. This is one of the Ride1Up Turris’s best qualities.
Even though I don’t yet have access to all the design information, it is obvious that Ride1Up developed a comfy bike. In addition to the frame layout, the riser handlebars should aid in maintaining your upright posture. A handlebar is a reasonably inexpensive bike part to change if it’s not your style. You can maintain control and keep your eyes on the road thanks to ergonomic grips and controls that are within your thumb’s reach.
Nothing has been divulged about the bike’s geometry, although two riding styles are available: a traditional step-over and a safer, more comfortable step-through. Although though the step-over version has poor mounting and dismounting clearance, the top tube is sharply angled towards the back of the bike, providing the space required to protect the family’s priceless possessions.
In order to understand the Turris better, it is helpful to think about the frame whenever we examine a bicycle, whether it is electric or not. Actually, that frame is aluminum for this kind of money and serves as the foundation for the entire apparatus. It is lightweight, affordable, and strong, so you can still add electric parts like a motor and battery.
The spoked front wheel has mechanical disk brakes, and the bike is outfitted with sizable, puncture-resistant Goodyear tires for comfort on the road and respectable off-road performance. After using these puncture-resistant tires for a while, I found it challenging to switch back to regular tires because of the speeds I travel at and the daily requirement for a dependable commuter.
The folding pedal design of the Ride1Up Turris allows you to effortlessly retract the pedals and convert them into a vertical position for storage. The complete bike is now around five to six inches narrower.
In relation to hitting things, riders can anticipate a good suspension system. There is no denying that the bike is a hardtail. The Turris can handle a little more than simply asphalt, though, thanks to its knobby 2.4-inch cross-section tires, unlike other bikes that may be made for urban environments. As if the front fork hadn’t already suggested this. There is no mention of a lockout feature but you will find 100 mm of travel here.
Ride1Up Turris: Motor and Battery
Before we dive into everything that makes a Turris, let me first say that this is not a toy for kids, and if you’ve never rode an e-bike, do take things slow and gradually increase your speed. What makes me say this? The 750-watt powerhouse the Turris has installed to the rear tire is enough to kill you if you’re not careful, according to my experience riding motorcycles with different motor capacities.
With this much power, electric two-wheelers are only capable of 28 mph, but 750 watts is more than enough to quickly surpass that speed. For the sake of everyone’s safety, avoid tampering with software. Also, even while you’re hauling cargo, you have more than enough spunk to ride up and down hills as if they don’t exist. The frame appears to be suitable for fenders and a rear baggage rack. Anybody up for some bikepacking?
I can tell you that a 750-watt motor is somewhat hungry, so a 48 V, 12.8 Ah battery is put within the downtube to supply it with power. It’s true that Ride1Up hasn’t disclosed this’s range information, but it should last at least 40-50 miles (65-80 kilometers). Pick up a spare battery if you’re going farther than usual; it seems to be detachable.
Last but not least, it’s critical to remember that e-bikes with this much power require strong stopping power. The Turris does, however, come with hydraulic disc brakes even at this price. Why is this crucial? Every time I ride the 750-watt monster with cable-driven brakes in my living room, I get frightened. Make sure to master the art of feathering those babies since hydraulic brakes have higher stopping strength.
The Turris is a solid, reasonably priced, and reasonably adaptable e-bike, though you won’t be hauling butt down a hillside or bringing home gold medals. Well, simply return it to Ride1Up within the trial period if you don’t like it. With this one, we have nothing to lose.
Ride1Up Turris: Conclusions
What really distinguishes the Ride1Up Turris in my opinion is its small storage footprint. If you live in an apartment or have a small garage, you’ll value the handlebars’ ability to fold and the pedals’ ability to flip down. Now, it’s a feature I hope every bike I own has.
The Ride1Up Turris has good cable management because all wires to and from the batteries and brakes are run through the internal frame, leaving only the cables on the front of the bike that are clearly visible. The huge tires contribute to a more stable riding experience, the lights are brilliant, and the fenders keep out debris.
The modest monitor serves its purpose and conveys the bike’s state adequately, but I would have preferred to see a larger central display. I was pleased to see this arrangement on the handlebars because I prefer having the throttle on one side and the gear shifter on the other. Anyone seeking a comfortable ride will be happy to find that the Ride1Up Turris comes up to its name because both the seat and handlebar grips are exceptionally comfy.
There are other bikes that cost less than $2,000 but I haven’t seen any electric bikes with similar tiny storage facilities. Look into a few other choices that might satisfy your riding requirements.
