The Wing Freedom ST.2 is an electric bike that combines style, performance, and affordability. With its sleek design and modern aesthetics, the ST.2 stands out in the crowd. It features several notable upgrades compared to its predecessor, offering an improved riding experience.
Equipped with a powerful Wing branded buffong rear hub motor, the ST.2 delivers 500 watts of nominal power and 55 newton meters of torque. With pedal assist, the ST.2 allows riders to reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, while the optional included throttle enables quick acceleration up to 20 miles per hour.
I suggest starting my detailed review by watching the video, and then go through categories such as build quality, driving features, battery life and talk about the pros and cons.
| Frame | Aluminum 6061 |
| Motor | 500 watts |
| Torque | 55 newton meters |
| Top speed | up to 25 miles per hour |
| Suspension | None |
| Gearing | 7 Speed Shimano Tourney |
| Brakes | 180mm Rotors Mechanical Brakes |
| Battery | 316.8Wh |
| Minimum Range | 20 Miles |
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the Wing Freedom ST.2 offers a range of features that enhance the overall riding experience. The bike comes with integrated front and rear lights, a horn, fenders, and disc brakes.
The Wing Freedom ST.2 features a step-through design, which means it lacks the top bar commonly found in traditional bike frames. This design makes mounting and dismounting the bike easier, especially for individuals who prefer not to swing their leg over a high top bar.
The integrated front and rear lights provide decent visibility and help ensure your safety on the road. While the beam adjustment is not available, the lights offer a satisfactory spread of light, making you visible to others and keeping you aware of your surroundings.
Safety is an important aspect, and Wing has taken measures to ensure rider protection. While the details are not specified in the given prompt, Wing likely incorporates several safety features in the Freedom ST.2. These may include components such as front and rear lights for visibility, reliable brakes for effective stopping power, and possibly even integrated reflectors for enhanced visibility during low-light conditions.
The horn, although not obnoxiously loud, emits a powerful sound that can be heard from a distance. It serves as an effective means of alerting pedestrians and other vehicles of your presence.
The fenders on the Wing Freedom ST.2 are lightweight but offer good coverage, protecting you from small rocks and debris that could otherwise hinder your ride. They effectively keep road spray from reaching your eyes, ensuring a clear field of vision.
The bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, which, while not as advanced as hydraulic brakes, provide reliable stopping power. Considering the lighter weight and relatively lower speeds of the ST.2, the mechanical disc brakes are sufficient for most riding situations.
The grips of the bike feature a double locking mechanism, ensuring a secure and comfortable hold. This is an important feature for maintaining control and stability while riding.
Wing also includes a key fob and alarm system with their bikes, including the Freedom ST.2. This added security feature is becoming more common in the industry and serves as a valuable deterrent against theft.
Moving to the back of the bike, you’ll notice that the front and rear lights are positioned at different levels. While this asymmetry may catch your attention, it doesn’t significantly affect the functionality of the lights. They still serve their purpose by providing visibility and safety on the road.
The step-through frame design leaves ample space without any obstructions. This allows for the addition of a bottle cage boss, providing a convenient location to attach a water bottle holder. However, it’s important to note that using a bottle cage may limit the full advantage of the step-through aspect of the bike, as it may slightly reduce the available clearance.
In terms of the ride feel, the Wing Freedom ST.2 offers a comfortable experience despite the absence of front or rear suspension. The upright position and swept-back handlebars contribute to the overall comfort of the ride. While the hill climbing performance may not be exceptional, the bike still provides a zippy and enjoyable ride, particularly for urban commuting.
It’s worth mentioning that all Wing bikes, including the Freedom ST.2, come with a throttle. However, it seems that the throttle installation was not undertaken during the review process. The ease of throttle installation is not discussed, but it’s likely a straightforward process. Throttles can be installed on the handlebars to provide additional control over the bike’s speed without pedaling.
So, the Wing Freedom ST.2 is a well-designed e-bike with decent specifications and a reasonable price point. It may not be perfect for every use case, but for those seeking an affordable e-bike with a sleek appearance and satisfactory features, it represents good value for the money.
Wing Freedom ST.2: Power and Riding
The Wing Freedom ST.2 is an e-bike that offers a lightweight and efficient riding experience. Powered by a Wing-branded Buffong rear hub motor, this bike provides a reliable and smooth propulsion. The motor has a nominal power of 500 watts and generates a torque of 55 Newton meters.
While 55 Newton meters may be considered relatively low compared to some high-performance e-bikes, it is more than sufficient for the lightweight design of the Wing Freedom ST.2, which weighs approximately 40 pounds. This power output allows the bike to perform well in various riding conditions and terrains.
With the assistance of the motor, riders can achieve speeds of up to 25 miles per hour when using pedal assist. Additionally, the bike comes equipped with an optional throttle, which enables riders to reach speeds of around 20 miles per hour without pedaling.
During the ride test of the Wing Freedom ST.2, various aspects of the bike’s performance were evaluated. The saddle was found to be comfortable and well-fitting, providing a pleasant riding experience. It featured a design with a slit for improved airflow and ventilation.
Starting at pedal assist level one, the test rider gradually increased the speed while pedaling at a slower pace. At this level, a speed of around eight miles per hour was achieved, demonstrating the initial assistance provided by the pedal assist system.
Moving up to pedal assist level two, the rider continued to pedal and noticed the need for an adjustment in the handlebar position. The menu buttons on the bike were deemed convenient and easy to read, but accessing the speed adjustment feature required a slightly tricky maneuver due to its location. It was suggested to ensure the handlebar position is properly set before conducting a test ride to avoid inconvenience.
Switching to pedal assist level three, the rider began shifting gears smoothly and reached a speed of approximately 16 miles per hour. The bike’s gear shifting capabilities were reported to be easy and seamless.
Advancing to pedal assist level four, the rider continued to shift gears, resulting in a speed of around 19 to 20 miles per hour. It was noted that reaching the top speed of 20 miles per hour was possible in pedal assist levels three, four, or five.
Regarding adjusting the top speed, it was uncertain what options were available due to the unique display built into the stem. I attempted to access advanced settings but did not provide further details about the possibilities.
I encountered some challenges while trying to access the advanced settings menu on the bike. They humorously mentioned their attempt to navigate the menu while riding and pressing the power button. Amidst the struggle, they emphasized the need to stay hydrated and took a break to drink water.
I also highlighted the presence of ergonomic grips on the bike, which provided a comfortable and secure hold. They found it interesting that despite the absence of traditional suspension, the Wing bikes they had tested, including the Wing Freedom ST.2, didn’t transmit jolts and bumps as much as expected. Speculated that the upright riding position and weight distribution might contribute to this smoother ride.
I experimented with riding no-handed, describing the feeling of leaning forward slightly due to the majority of their weight being towards the back of the bike. They expressed satisfaction with the stability and comfort it provided.
In a spirited manner, I added an element of playfulness, referring to the riding experience as the “bike riding man” and engaging in fun movements. They demonstrated the effectiveness of the brakes when needed and noted the delay in response from the particular cadence sensor installed on the bike.
I encountered a challenging situation while attempting to pedal hard on grassy terrain. Despite struggling uphill, they emphasized the importance of second chances and decided to give it another try.
While acknowledging the similarities between the Wing Freedom ST.2 and other bikes in terms of the straight top tube and integrated lights design, I highlight that there are still differentiating factors. They mention other bikes on the market, such as the Cowboy and VanMoof, which share some inspiration but have their own unique features.
During the ride, I encountered a little bump, showcasing the bike’s ability to handle minor obstacles without causing discomfort. They take a break to rest and express their appreciation for viewers who have stayed engaged with the review, offering lighthearted commentary and a touch of humor.
With enthusiasm, they encourage viewers to continue watching and express gratitude for the research and dedication put into researching an e-bike purchase. I acknowledge the small audience but appreciates their presence, maintaining an engaging and conversational tone throughout the segment.
Battery and Range
When it comes to battery options, the Wing Freedom ST.2 offers three choices with varying capacities. These options include 8.8 amp hours, 10.4 amp hours, and 14 amp hours. As you go up in capacity, you can expect to pay an additional hundred dollars for each level.
In our opinion, it is advisable to upgrade to the 14 amp hour battery by paying the extra $200. This higher capacity battery provides longer range and ensures you have sufficient power for your rides. However, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how far you intend to travel on a single charge.
If you opt for the 8.8 amp hour battery, you can expect a solid range of 15 to 20 miles on the lower end. However, to achieve the maximum range of up to 30 miles, you will need to do a significant amount of pedaling and possibly use a lower level of pedal assist.
Wing Freedom ST.2: Conclusions
So, the Wing Freedom ST.2 has garnered positive feedback from me. They appreciate its appealing aesthetics, decent specifications, and affordability. While acknowledging that the bike may not align perfectly with their personal needs, they recognize its potential appeal to a wide range of individuals seeking a stylish and well-performing e-bike without breaking the bank.
The option to upgrade the battery provides an opportunity to extend the bike’s range, but it comes at an additional cost of $1,500. However, considering the overall value proposition, I believe that the ST.2 offers a good balance between price and performance.
Ultimately, personal preferences and specific requirements will vary among individuals. IÂ encourage potential buyers to assess their own needs and preferences before making a final decision. Nevertheless, for those seeking a cool-looking e-bike with decent specifications at a reasonable price point, the Wing Freedom ST.2 presents a solid option worth considering.
Pros:
- Stylish and modern design
- Lightweight construction for easy handling
- Powerful Wing branded buffong rear hub motor
- Good acceleration and pedal assist capabilities
- Multiple battery options for extended range
- Integrated front and rear lights for visibility and safety
- Included horn for added alertness
- Fenders to protect from road debris
- Disc brakes for reliable stopping power
- Upright riding position and swept-back handlebars for comfort
- Step-through frame design for easy mounting and dismounting
Cons:
- Mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic, which may affect braking performance
- Delay in response from the cadence sensor
- Limited information provided on advanced settings and customization options
- Higher capacity battery option comes at an additional cost
- Lack of front or rear suspension may result in a less cushioned ride on rough terrain
