Welcome back to Electrified Reviews! I’m Mitch, the one behind the camera, and today we’re taking a close look at the Wing Freedom X.2 electric bike. If you’ve been following our recent reviews, you’ll know that we’ve had the pleasure of testing out the entire Wing bike lineup over the past month or two. These bikes have given us a comprehensive understanding of Wing’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and overall riding experience.
Wing bikes are known for their exceptional build quality, attention to detail, and stylish finish. The Freedom X.2 maintains this reputation, offering a premium look and feel.
Among the Wing bike models, the Freedom X.2 is positioned at a slightly higher price point, indicating that it likely boasts additional features and capabilities compared to its counterparts.
As we continue our exploration of the Wing Freedom X.2, we’ll delve into its design, components, and performance to provide you with a comprehensive review of this intriguing electric bike. Stay tuned for more insights and details!
| FRAME & FORK | Lightweight Aluminum |
| ELECTRIC MOTOR | 36V/550W Bafang or Wing custom |
| TOP SPEED | Up to 25MPH |
| Torque | 55Nm |
| GEARS | Shimano Tourney rear derailleur with 7-Speed 11-28T |
| BRAKES | Mechanical Disc, 180mm Stainless Steel Rotors |
| RIMS | Double Walled Al-Alloy |
| TIRES | Puncture resistant Kenda (black) and puncture resistant Innova (grey) (26 x 1.75) |
| Battery | 8 Ah |
| RANGE | Up to 35 miles per charge |
| WEIGHT | Approx. 39 pounds |
Design and Build Quality
The Wing Freedom X.2 features a clean and sleek design that is well-suited for city cruising. The integration of various components contributes to its modern aesthetic.
One of the standout features is the integrated stem display, which adds to the bike’s minimalist look while providing essential information to the rider. The bike comes with integrated front and rear lights, seamlessly incorporated into the top tubes. This design choice not only enhances safety by improving visibility but also maintains the bike’s overall aesthetics.
The X.2 is equipped with a set of fenders that, while slightly smaller in size, effectively protect the tires and keep the bike clean in various weather conditions.
An optional front rack accessory is available, which is notably wide and practical. It includes bungee straps with convenient connection points for securing cargo, making it a useful addition for urban commuting.
The bike features a Cable Management clip for keeping cables organized, ensuring a clutter-free appearance. The removable battery, a key component of any electric bike, is easily accessible, adding to the bike’s user-friendliness. The inclusion of a key fob for locking and unlocking the bike adds an extra layer of security and convenience for riders.
The Wing boasts a high-quality build that emphasizes both durability and functionality. The bike’s frame is robust and designed to withstand the demands of city riding. It offers stability and confidence to the rider. The removable battery is securely held in place, preventing any annoying rattling during rides.
The straight front fork, while lacking suspension, aligns with the bike’s intended use as a city cruiser. It contributes to a lightweight and agile feel. The inclusion of optional bottle cage bosses allows riders to customize their bike further, whether for carrying a water bottle or securing additional items. The integrated lights, while not featuring brake light integration, enhance safety during nighttime rides.
So, the Wing Freedom X.2 combines a sleek and modern design with a robust build quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and stylish city cruiser. Its attention to detail, including the front rack and cable management options, reflects a commitment to practicality and user satisfaction, ensuring an enjoyable riding experience in urban environments.
Handlebar and Display
The grips are crafted with a thoughtful ergonomic design, which means they are shaped to fit comfortably in your hands. This design reduces hand fatigue and enhances overall comfort during extended rides.
The grips are made of high-quality rubber material. Rubber grips are known for their excellent grip and shock-absorbing properties, which contribute to a more comfortable and controlled riding experience. They also provide a good level of insulation from vibrations and road bumps.
The locking mechanisms on these grips are a notable feature. Having two locking points on each grip ensures that they remain securely in place, even during vigorous riding. This feature adds a layer of safety and reliability to the bike.
As the rider interacts with the bike, the integrated stem display is conveniently located nearby. This display provides essential information, including:
- Speed in Miles per Hour: Riders can easily monitor their current speed.
- Pedal Assist Level: The display indicates the selected level of pedal assist, which can be adjusted for different riding preferences.
- Battery Status: The total battery capacity is displayed, ensuring riders are aware of their power reserves.
- Pedal Assist Level Indicator: The current pedal assist level is visible, allowing riders to make quick adjustments as needed.
A noteworthy feature of the display is the ability to show the wattage being generated. This is particularly useful for riders who want to monitor their power output and overall efficiency. It provides valuable insights into how the bike is performing in real-time.
The grips are crafted with a thoughtful ergonomic design, which means they are shaped to fit comfortably in your hands. This design reduces hand fatigue and enhances overall comfort during extended rides.
The grips are made of high-quality rubber material. Rubber grips are known for their excellent grip and shock-absorbing properties, which contribute to a more comfortable and controlled riding experience. They also provide a good level of insulation from vibrations and road bumps.
The locking mechanisms on these grips are a notable feature. Having two locking points on each grip ensures that they remain securely in place, even during vigorous riding. This feature adds a layer of safety and reliability to the bike.
As the rider interacts with the bike, the integrated stem display is conveniently located nearby. This display provides essential information, including:
- Speed in Miles per Hour: Riders can easily monitor their current speed.
- Pedal Assist Level: The display indicates the selected level of pedal assist, which can be adjusted for different riding preferences.
- Battery Status: The total battery capacity is displayed, ensuring riders are aware of their power reserves.
- Pedal Assist Level Indicator: The current pedal assist level is visible, allowing riders to make quick adjustments as needed.
A noteworthy feature of the display is the ability to show the wattage being generated. This is particularly useful for riders who want to monitor their power output and overall efficiency. It provides valuable insights into how the bike is performing in real-time.
Wing Freedom X.2: Motor
The motor is a 36-volt motor, which provides the necessary electrical power to drive the bike’s rear wheel.
With a rating of 550 watts, this motor is capable of delivering a considerable amount of power to propel the bike forward. The higher wattage provides ample assistance for various riding conditions, particularly in urban environments.
The motor is equipped with 55 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. While it may not be the most torquey motor available, it still offers a respectable amount of force to assist the rider in conquering inclines and maintaining a steady pace.
With these motor specifications, the Wing Freedom X.2 is well-suited for city cruising and urban commuting. It can easily handle typical city terrain, including flat roads, mild hills, and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving Test
The driving test of the Wing Freedom X.2 provides valuable insights into the bike’s performance and overall riding experience.Â
The bike’s handling is smooth and stable, making it ideal for city and urban riding. The upright riding position adds to the comfort, allowing riders to maintain a relaxed posture. The X.2 functions exceptionally well as a traditional bike, even with the motor off (in pedal level zero).
Gearing is well-suited, offering a range of options for various riding scenarios, and allowing riders to maintain a comfortable cadence. The absence of “ghost pedaling” indicates a well-designed pedal-assist system that engages and disengages smoothly. The five pedal assist levels offer a good range of assistance, allowing riders to choose the level of assistance that suits their preferences and terrain. Level five provides a top speed of approximately 25 miles per hour, making it suitable for faster commuting.
The braking system, while functional, could benefit from improvements, especially for high-speed riding. Hydraulic brakes would likely enhance stopping power and control.
The bike handles well on various surfaces, including pavement, loose gravel, and sandy paths.
The tires, although relatively thin, maintain good traction and stability.
The motor responds quickly to pedaling input and cuts off promptly when the rider stops pedaling or applies the brakes. The Wing Freedom X.2 offers a pleasant and comfortable riding experience, making it well-suited for urban commuting and city cruising.
Its quick motor response and smooth pedaling assistance enhance the overall ride quality.
The bike’s versatility, with options for front baskets and throttles, adds to its appeal for a wide range of riders.
So, the Wing Freedom X.2 demonstrates impressive performance and versatility during the test ride. It excels as both a traditional bike and an electric bike, making it a suitable choice for riders seeking a comfortable, reliable, and enjoyable urban commuting experience. While there’s room for improvement in the braking system, the bike’s overall design and performance earn it high marks as a city cruiser.
Brakes
The Wing Freedom X.2 comes equipped with mechanical brakes, and it’s important to consider their performance in the context of pros and cons. Mechanical brakes, while functional, do have certain limitations compared to hydraulic brakes, which are worth noting:
Pros of Mechanical Brakes:
- Ease of Maintenance: Mechanical brakes are generally easier to maintain and adjust compared to hydraulic brakes. They require less technical expertise and fewer specialized tools.
- Cost-Effective: Bikes with mechanical brakes are often more budget-friendly, making them accessible to a wider range of riders.
- Reliable Performance: Mechanical brakes provide consistent and reliable braking performance for most everyday riding scenarios.
Cons of Mechanical Brakes:
- Limited Stopping Power: One of the primary drawbacks of mechanical brakes is their limited stopping power compared to hydraulic brakes. In high-speed situations or on steep descents, riders may find that mechanical brakes require more effort to achieve the same level of braking force.
- Less Precise Modulation: Mechanical brakes can be less precise when it comes to modulating braking force, which may result in abrupt stops in certain situations.
- Susceptible to Cable Stretch: Over time, the cables in mechanical brake systems may stretch, leading to a decrease in braking performance. Regular cable maintenance and adjustments are necessary to address this issue.
Battery and Range
The bike is equipped with a quick-read indicator located on the battery itself, providing riders with a visual representation of the current battery charge level.
A blue light indicator is used to signify a good charge, ensuring that riders can quickly assess the battery’s status at a glance. The battery is designed to be easily removable, which is a practical feature for charging and maintenance. To access the battery, simply unlock it from the side using the provided key fob. The battery is relatively lightweight, making it manageable for most riders.
After charging or when needed, the battery can be effortlessly reinserted into the bike with a reassuring chime to confirm the successful connection.
The reviewed battery has an 8 amp-hour (Ah) capacity. However, it’s worth noting that the Wing Freedom X.2 offers various battery capacity options, allowing riders to select the one that best suits their range requirements.
The charging port is conveniently located on the side of the battery for easy access. An upgraded charger is provided with the bike, offering an improved charging experience compared to standard chargers. The charger likely includes features such as faster charging times or added safety measures. Once the battery is reinserted into the bike, it automatically locks into place, ensuring a secure connection.
This automatic locking mechanism adds a layer of convenience and safety, preventing accidental disconnection during rides.
Wing Freedom X.2: ConclusionsÂ
In the end, the review of the Wing Freedom X.2 electric bike provides valuable insights into the bike’s features and performance.
The placement of the kickstand, while functional for supporting the bike, may lead to interference with the pedals when backing up, which can be a minor inconvenience. The cable management system on the bike is designed with aesthetics in mind, maintaining a sleek appearance by routing the cables through the frame.
The bike offers a pleasant and comfortable riding experience, especially for urban commuting and city cruising. The quick motor response, smooth pedaling assistance, and upright riding position contribute to this positive experience.
While the mechanical brakes on the bike work well, they may not provide the same level of stopping power and precision as hydraulic brakes. This is particularly relevant for high-speed riding situations.
The battery system is user-friendly, with a quick-read indicator, easy removal and installation, and automatic locking. Multiple battery capacity options are available to cater to different range requirements.
Ultimately, the Wing Freedom X.2 presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and practical electric bike for urban commuting and city cruising. Its design and features, combined with its riding performance, make it a worthy contender in the electric bike market. Riders may want to consider their preferences regarding brakes and battery capacity when choosing the right model for their needs.
