Howdy folks, I’m Forest, your guide to the exciting world of electric bikes, coming at you from the Electric Bike Report channel. Today, we’re diving into the spunky and stylish world of the Superhuman FLX Bandit 2, a Moto Style e-bike brought to you by FLX. There’s more to this two-wheeled marvel than just its cool looks and dual suspension design, so let’s saddle up and explore all the details in this comprehensive review.
Now, let’s peel back the layers and explore what makes the Bandit 2 tick. From its powerful motor to its versatile pedal assist options, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re cruising on straightaways or tackling challenging hills, the Bandit 2 is engineered to keep the adventure alive.
In the world of e-bikes, getting a bang for your buck is crucial. Discover how the Bandit 2 offers not only thrilling rides but also solid value for your investment. From style to performance, this Moto Style e-bike is poised to leave you with more than just a grin.
So, join me, Forest, on this Electric bike adventure as we unravel the Bandit 2’s mysteries and showcase why it’s more than just a cool-looking e-bike. Saddle up, and let’s hit the road together!
| Frame Material | 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
| Motor | 750W Bafang HUB Motor |
| Speed | 25+ MPH |
| Display Features | Speed Display, Range, Odometer |
| Brakes | 180 mm Tektro Aries Cable Disc Brakes |
| Rear Suspension | 60mm Coil Shock |
| Tires | K20" x 4.25" Kenda Fat Tires |
| LCD Display | King Meter Nokee |
| Pedal Assist | Cadence Sensor |
| Battery | 48V 14/17.5AH Samsung Lithium Ion Cells |
| Range | 30+ Miles |
| Total Weight | 88 lb (39.92 kg) |
| Battery Weight | 8.3 lb (3.76 kg) |
| Rated Weight Capacity | 275 lb (124.74 kg) |
Design and Build Quality
The Superhuman FLX Bandit 2, with its moto-inspired design and impressive set of features at an affordable price point, showcases a strong emphasis on both design and build quality. Let’s delve into the key aspects that make the Bandit 2 stand out.
The throwback mini bike design of the Bandit 2, riding on 20-inch mag wheels, immediately grabs attention. This unique aesthetic harks back to classic motorbike designs, giving the e-bike a distinctive and stylish appearance. The four available colors – Sandstorm, Rari Red, Onyx Black, and Slime Green – provide riders with options to suit their personal style.
The 24-inch long motorcycle-style seat contributes to the overall design, providing a comfortable and authentic riding experience. The BMX-style handlebar with a 6-inch rise and 760mm width adds to the motorcycle feel, enhancing control and handling.
The Bandit 2 boasts a noteworthy dual suspension system, a feature usually found in higher-priced e-bikes. The coil spring rear mono shock and MCX coil spring hydraulic fork work in tandem to absorb shocks and bumps, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride. This is a significant build quality feature, enhancing the bike’s performance in various terrains.
The Bandit 2 delivers an enjoyable riding experience with its robust motor power. The bike possesses the kind of muscle expected from a vehicle with its unique look. This power factor contributes to the overall performance, making the ride thrilling and dynamic.
Featuring a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain with a 14-28 cassette and 52-tooth chain ring, the Bandit 2 offers versatility in handling different terrains.
The 20-inch by 4.25-inch Kenda Craze tires, coupled with aluminum alloy mag rims, not only provide traction but also ensure durability. The inclusion of quality components in the drivetrain and tires adds to the bike’s overall build quality.
The Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake system with 180mm rotors on both the front and back wheels ensures reliable stopping power. This feature contributes to rider safety and adds to the overall build quality of the Bandit 2.
So, the Superhuman FLX Bandit 2 impresses with its moto-inspired design, attention to detail, and high-quality components, all while maintaining an attractive price point. The combination of a unique aesthetic, dual suspension, powerful motor, and reliable drivetrain and braking system positions the Bandit 2 as a compelling option in the e-bike market.
Superhuman FLX Bandit 2: Motor and Driving Test
The heart of the Superhuman FLX Bandit 2 lies in its powerful 48-volt Buffong 750W motor. This motor efficiently propels the bike to its top speed, offering a quick acceleration whether using the throttle or the pedal assist. The 48-volt power, combined with 750W output, ensures that riders experience a swift and exhilarating ride.
The FLX Bandit 2 is configured as a Class 2 e-bike, featuring a five-level pedal assist system and a throttle. The pedal assist system assists riders in reaching speeds up to 20 mph, providing a seamless integration of motor power with pedaling. However, for those seeking an extra thrill, the bike can easily be adjusted to reach speeds up to 28 mph through settings customization.
During the speed test, the Bandit 2 showcased its capabilities across the different pedal assist levels. Starting with no motor assist (Pas zero) in the third gear, the pedaling experience was less enjoyable, reaching only up to about 8.1 mph. However, engaging pedal assist gradually increased the speed:
- Pas1: 9.7 to 9.8 mph
- Pas2: 12 mph
- Pas3: 15.5 to 16 mph
- Pas4: 18 mph
- Pas5: 19.6 mph
The throttle speed test from 0 to 20 mph demonstrated the Bandit 2’s responsiveness, achieving the desired speed in a commendable timeframe.
It’s important to note that moped-style e-bikes, including the Bandit 2, may not offer the most comfortable pedaling experience. The non-adjustable seat height suggests that riders might not engage in intensive pedaling. The gearing ratio, particularly at higher speeds, may feel a bit spinny. The suggestion of using an 11 to 28 tooth cassette, instead of the current 14 to 28 tooth, hints at a potential improvement in pedaling efficiency, especially on flat surfaces.
The Superhuman FLX Bandit 2 proves its mettle when faced with challenging terrains, as demonstrated in the hill test on Southern Utah’s Hellhole Trail. The throttle-only test showcased the bike’s capability to ascend steep inclines with ease. The powerful 48-volt Buffong 750W motor maintained impressive speeds, reaching around 12 to 13 mph on steep sections. The motor’s sound, while audible, was not overpowering, contributing to a smooth uphill experience.
In the second part of the hill test, utilizing pedal assist (Pas5), the Bandit 2 continued to shine. Even though moped-style bikes like this are not necessarily designed for extensive pedaling, the Bandit 2’s motor power compensated for the limited leg extension. The bike effortlessly climbed the hill at an average speed of 14.9 mph, showcasing its ability to handle challenging inclines without requiring intense pedaling effort from the rider.
Riding the FLX Bandit 2 provides a unique experience, characteristic of moped-style e-bikes. The upright posture, with the torso almost straight up, and the BMX-style handlebar with a 6-inch rise, contribute to the moped aesthetic. While the bike lacks an adjustable stem, riders can make minor adjustments by pivoting the handlebar, allowing for some customization.
The moped-style frame, with a 32-inch height, may suit shorter riders better, as it might not offer optimal leg extension for taller individuals. However, the focus of this design is more on the throttle and the cool aesthetic, aligning with the essence of moped bikes.
The dual suspension system, comprising the MCX fork and a generic brand coil spring rear shock, provides a comfortable ride by effectively cushioning bumps. Noteworthy is FLX’s decision to equip the Bandit 2 with road tire street treads, enhancing handling on paved surfaces. This choice aligns with the assumption that riders will predominantly use the bike on the street, emphasizing its versatility.
The standout feature is the 750W Buffong motor, which excels in providing assistance in pedal mode and truly shines when utilizing the throttle. The instant acceleration showcased during the demonstration highlights the motor’s power and responsiveness.
Brake test
In our rigorous brake test, we subjected the FLX Bandit 2 to a thorough examination to assess the safety and reliability of its braking system. Our experienced test rider, Griffin, accelerated the Bandit up to 20 mph before engaging the brakes to bring the e-bike to a complete stop. This test allowed us to measure the braking distance and evaluate the overall braking performance.
The results revealed that the average stopping distance for the Bandit 2 was 22 feet and 5 inches. This places the Bandit 2 squarely in the middle of the pack when compared to other moped-style e-bikes equipped with mechanical brakes. Given the Bandit’s weight of 92 lbs, including the battery, it qualifies as a substantial and sturdy e-bike.
While hydraulic brakes are typically preferred for heavier bikes, the Bandit’s mechanical brakes demonstrated reliable stopping power during the test. The fact that it achieved a good stopping distance is commendable, showcasing the effectiveness of the current brake system.
However, considering the weight and potential future advancements, our evaluation suggests that the Bandit 2, being a substantial e-bike, could benefit from hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes often provide enhanced stopping ability and reduced maintenance requirements compared to their mechanical counterparts. The option for hydraulic brakes in the future could further elevate the Bandit 2’s braking performance, providing riders with an even safer and more efficient braking experience.
Battery and Range
The FLX Bandit 2 offers flexibility with its battery options. Our test bike was equipped with the upgraded 840Wh battery, featuring LG cells. For riders prioritizing cost efficiency or not requiring an extensive mileage range, there is also a smaller 672Wh battery available. This option provides a more budget-friendly alternative while still delivering a reliable power source.
The Bandit 2 underwent a comprehensive range test to determine its capabilities in different scenarios. In the first part of the test, using the lowest suitable Pedal Assist (Pas2), the bike impressively covered a distance of 69.6 miles on a single charge. This result is notable, especially considering the bike’s weight, moped design, and the 750W motor paired with an 840Wh battery. Additionally, the Bandit conquered an elevation gain of 2,333 feet during this test, appealing to riders who enjoy both hilly and flat terrains.
In the second part of the range test, utilizing the maximum Pedal Assist setting (Pas5) for maximum output with pedaling, the Bandit achieved a range of 49.1 miles. This result showcases the bike’s capability to cover substantial distances even when maximizing its power output.
For those conscious of budget constraints, the availability of a smaller 672Wh battery presents an opportunity to save around $200. Based on our calculations, this alternative battery option should still provide a respectable range of approximately 36 to 52 miles, catering to riders with more moderate distance requirements.
Superhuman FLX Bandit 2: Conclusions
Overall, the Superhuman FLX Bandit 2 emerges as a standout moped-style electric bike that seamlessly blends style, comfort, and performance. As a rider, the experience is not just about commuting; it’s about having a whole lot of fun without breaking a sweat.
The aesthetics of the Bandit 2 are undeniably attractive, contributing to its cool and eye-catching presence. The comfort provided by the moped-style design, dual suspension, and well-calibrated components ensures an enjoyable and smooth ride.
The Bandit 2 stands out for its well-rounded component package, with dual suspension being a particular highlight. This not only adds to the bike’s fun factor but also provides buyers with a solid value for their investment.
The Bandit 2 not only excels in performance but also offers solid value for money. The range, comfort, and overall experience make it a compelling choice for riders seeking a unique and enjoyable mode of transportation.
If you’ve ever admired moped or moto-style e-bikes in your neighborhood and are contemplating getting one for yourself, the FLX Bandit 2 is undoubtedly worth a closer look. Its combination of style, comfort, and performance, coupled with a reasonable price point, makes it a strong contender in the electric bike market.
