In an era where electric bikes are increasingly complex—with numerous features and functionalities—the Retrospec Judd Rev 2 stands out for its exquisite simplicity. It is a single-speed folding bike equipped with a motor, and that effectively summarizes its functionality.
While there are some additional features, the core design of the Judd Rev 2 is straightforward, making it a refreshing choice in a landscape often overcrowded with options. This simplicity has solidified its place in my collection of bicycles, particularly when compared to others brimming with technical enhancements.
One and Done
The essence of the Judd Rev 2 lies in its operating unit. Located on the left side of the bike’s handlebar, a compact cube presents three buttons (up, down, and power) along with ten green LED lights. Five of these lights indicate the selected power level, while the other five reveal the remaining battery charge.
This setup is all that is necessary. The bike does not include intricate LED screens that display animated patterns upon startup, no navigation features, nor any metrics detailing the output in watts.
Importantly, the absence of these gadgets is not inherently negative. While I often appreciate informative ebikes that provide various statistics and telemetry, I found myself enjoying the pure riding experience without such distractions. Indeed, the Judd Rev 2 evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of childhood biking—an experience that I hadn't encountered in a long while.
During my test rides, rather than managing buttons and data displays, I focused on the surrounding environment, taking pleasure in the sensation of the breeze. This bike is capable, easy to store, and fun to ride—qualities that would make it an excellent choice for daily commuting.
As a Class 2 ebike, the Judd Rev 2 features a 350-watt rear hub motor that can achieve a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Riders can choose from five power settings, including a walk mode activated by a left-hand control, while a thumb throttle on the right-hand side allows for easy acceleration. The bike is equipped with 160-mm rotors and Tektro mechanical brake levers, ensuring reliable stopping power.
Retrospec’s specifications highlight an impressive 42-mile range for the Judd Rev 2, which is commendable for a lightweight Class 2 ebike. However, my personal experience yielded a range closer to 30 miles on a full charge. It's worth noting that my surroundings consist of substantial rolling hills, and no ebike I've tested has met its stated range. Nonetheless, a 30-mile battery life is more than sufficient for two to three days of use before requiring a recharge.
The bike's 36V/360-Wh lithium-ion battery meets UL2271 and UL2849 safety standards specifically for electric bicycles, ensuring a robust level of safety for its electrical systems. Additionally, the battery can be easily removed from the frame, allowing for convenient charging inside your home or office.
Heavy Weight
However, no bike is without its challenges. The Rev 2 weighs in at 60 pounds, which is considerable for a conventional bike and fairly average for an ebike. Interestingly, the enjoyment I derived from riding the Judd Rev 2 made it feel lighter compared to other similarly weighted ebikes.
While I typically favor a 20-inch wheel for its agility, it may not be ideal for city commuting, especially in urban areas known for their potholes. The combination of 20-inch wheels and 2.1-inch-wide tires may feel somewhat inadequate on rough surfaces. This perspective might vary depending on personal preferences—editor Adrienne So, for instance, has a preference for 20-inch wheels with her own ebike.
My rides did not feel rough or unstable; rather, the Judd Rev 2 provides a smooth experience. However, I reside in an area with well-maintained paths and numerous bike lanes, and it would be beneficial to have slightly larger wheels for navigating through city environments. That said, creating a folding bike with larger wheels presents its own challenges; consider the difficulty of collapsing a 29-inch bike for storage.
The Rev 2 possesses narrow, 21-inch handlebars, which, when paired with the 20-inch wheels, can create a slightly jumpy and twitchy ride. While some may argue that a twitchy feel is advantageous when maneuvering through congested traffic, the ride experience does suffer slightly due to the narrow handlebars.
The bike's design, which lacks a significant triangle in its frame, limits locking options. While a cable lock can easily secure the bike through its rear triangle, crowded bike racks demand versatile locking capabilities.
Nonetheless, the trade-offs provided by small wheels, narrow handlebars, and a foldable frame are advantageous for portability, foldability, and storage. Therefore, the critiques regarding the bike should be considered with careful consideration. Overall, the Retrospec Judd Rev 2 is an enjoyable, practical, aesthetically pleasing, and delightful choice in the realm of electric bikes.
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