FREY AM1000 e-bike review: 1.5kW and almost 40 mph, what else can I say?

The FREY AM1000 electrical mountain bike is one thing of an enigma. You may not understand it by taking a look at it, however the unassuming electrical mountain bike is packing extra energy than nearly some other e-bike and has the suspension required to elegantly navigate even probably the most technical terrain.

If the AM1000 was an olympic athlete, it’d be each a powerlifter and a determine skater. And it’d medal in each.

I had the prospect to journey one over a number of days final fall once I was hosted by FREY as a part of an alternate journey to Jinhua, China and the encircling space.

We visited the factory to see how their bikes are hand built, after which spent the remainder of the time driving trails, mountain roads, staircases, and all the things else that might match two tires.

By the point I used to be completed, I acquired the purpose. FREY’s e-bikes aren’t simply highly effective, they’re additionally packing a number of the greatest mountain bike elements within the business, which means they will compete in opposition to the priciest $6-8k Euro EMTBs regardless of FREY’s fashions costing lower than half as a lot.

FREY AM1000 electrical mountain bike video assessment

FREY AM1000 tech specs

• Motor: 1 kW steady, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Extremely mid-drive motor
• Torque: 160 Nm
• High pace (examined): 59 km/h (36 mph)
• Battery: 48V 21Ah (1,008 Wh)
• Vary: Varies significantly by journey model/terrain, however 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
• Body: 6061 aluminum
• Entrance suspension: RockShox YARI RC Enhance 110×15 mm, 160 mm journey
• Rear Suspension: RockShox Deluxe 205x65mm, 160 mm journey
• Transmission: Shimano Deore XT M8000
• Brakes: Magura MT5-e hydraulic disc brakes with 203 mm rotors
• Extras: 3 body sizes (M, L, XL), colour LCD show, facet stand, Maxxis 27.5*2.8″ REKON+ TLR tires

Using the dragon

Regardless of providing as much as 1.5kW of peak energy, the AM1000 isn’t onerous to journey. That Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor is well-known for its energy. It may be a bit shocking at first for brand spanking new riders, however is rapidly tamed as riders modify to the ability.

And whereas I used to be responsible of utilizing excessive energy typically, particularly whereas climbing mountain trails, riders with extra self-control than me can drop the ability degree down. You don’t all the time must journey it in filth bike mode – you can too deal with it like a easy electrical mountain bike.

I did most of my driving on trails, however did sometimes hit the streets as properly. There I clocked a high pace on flat floor of 59 km/h (37 mph), although I used to be on {a partially} depleted battery. E-bike speeds are voltage-dependent (when not software program restricted), and so a full battery will lead to the next high pace. Others have hit sooner speeds than me, however 59 km/h is what I can personally vouch for.

Understand that your native legal guidelines may not allow such speeds on public streets, and also you’ll need to take that into consideration. The bike may be simply restricted in each pace and energy, which can assist in the matter.

What’s all of that energy for?

Look, I’ll be the primary to say it. Nobody wants a 1.5kW motor. However dang, it positive is enjoyable!

The realm the place I loved it most was on robust hill climbs. Plenty of the driving I did was on a downhill monitor, which suggests it’s important to pedal again uphill if there’s no chair elevate. With 1.5kW of energy, I may both throttle or pedal-assist myself again up these large mountains with out tiring myself out an excessive amount of for the extreme downhill run I’d expertise subsequent.

Different methods grow to be attainable too, corresponding to climbing flights of stairs. Once more, is it crucial? After all not. However is it enjoyable? Hell yea!

What makes the FREY AM1000 completely different?

It’s not like that is my first rodeo. I’ve had the pleasure of driving numerous really nice, really expensive electric mountain bikes prior to now.

The issues that drive up the value of those bikes are normally high-quality building and high-quality elements. That’s why it’s not exceptional for premium electrical mountain bikes to exceed $6,000.

However the FREY AM1000 advantages from a small, devoted crew that builds round 5-10 bikes a day, spends nearly nothing on advertising and marketing, has low labor prices, and has native entry to the most important marketplace for premium e-bike elements on the earth. They’ve additionally designed their very own patented suspension system, which means they don’t need to pay a license to anybody else to make use of it.

All of meaning you could get a premium high quality electrical mountain bike with ridiculously giant 1.5kW motor and 1kWh battery for simply $3,120. There are alternatives to improve some elements, like shifting from an important RockShox YARI fork to an insane RockShox Lyric fork (a fork that by itself prices greater than two of the final three e-bikes we’ve got reviewed). However the bike already comes with premium degree components, one of the best brakes cash can purchase, and efficiency specs that might make a Haibike blush.

So what’s the catch?

Right here’s the rub. FREY isn’t fairly a mom-and-pop firm, however they’re shut. And being China-based, they don’t have any US distributors. They’re engaged on it, however worldwide they solely have a Swiss and UK supplier up to now.

That implies that ordering could be very quaint, the place you contact the corporate via the website and trip with emails till you’ve gotten the bike designed the way in which you want. Or you can too order via Alibaba, although many Westerners discover that course of to be unfamiliar and thus uncomfortable.

Then there’s delivery, which is killer. Like, “I hope you’re sitting down for this” form of killer. If you would like your bike rapidly, delivery prices round $800 for air freight. Should you can wait a few months for the sluggish boat, sea delivery is round $500. FREY has also launched a free-shipping option, although it makes use of the ultra-slow boat and might take round 6 months – greater than most individuals need to wait.

So should you’re an instant-gratification form of particular person, ready on a FREY bike goes to be robust. However then once more, at half the price of its opponents, the wait would possibly simply be price it.

I’ve lined plenty of e-bikes in my time, and I’ve not often seen bikes with this a lot worth on the premium finish of the spectrum. Clearly, most riders aren’t going to start out out with a premium electrical mountain bike, however for these which might be able to put money into the next high quality and extra rugged bike, the AM1000 shocked me with its worth.

There’s nearly nothing I can complain about, apart from the snail-paced ordering and delivery course of. I’d like to see a dropper put up on the saddle, that’s one factor its lacking. However aside from that, it’s only a loopy quick, highly effective, and high-quality machine that introduced a smile to my face whether or not I used to be flying up or down the mountain.

Fast word about accountable driving

Clearly e-bikes of this energy degree usually are not “regular” by any stretch of the phrase.

Some would even say they’re harmful. I’d are inclined to agree, relying on how the bike is used.

Using at excessive speeds like this on crowded trails or in bike lanes isn’t simply frowned upon – it shouldn’t be completed. Interval.

With nice (e-bike) energy comes nice (e-bike) accountability.

Please journey bikes like these in areas the place they’re a) authorized, b) not a hazard to others, and c) not a hazard to your self.

Which means checking your native laws and path insurance policies, checking that you simply’re driving in an space the place you aren’t a hazard to others, and likewise not driving previous your talents.

Let’s preserve e-bikes enjoyable and leisure by driving responsibly.

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