The Big Cat Phantom is a value driven electric bike with more basic components but a range of accessories that make it functional. My biggest complaint is the single speed design because the bike pretty heavy at ~68 pounds. If you run out of juice it’s not going to be fun to pedal (or walk) home. That said, the lack of a cassette and derailleur means you don’t have to tune this bike up as often and won’t drop the chain as easily when riding over bumps. Ultimately, the inclusion of a twist throttle and pedal assist mode along with LED lights and disc brakes for under $1,500 make this a decent option for people with more limited budgets.
The motor is a standard 350 watt geared design with good torque and efficient freewheeling. It’s light weight (compared with most gearless designs) and small so it doesn’t stand out. Geared motors produce a bit of noise and can wear out faster than gearless but should last several years. This one is modular with a quick disconnect plug on the right seat stay for wheel maintenance or motor replacement. It’s powerful enough to move most riders but may struggle to climb moderate hills or reach the 20mph top speed without a bit of pedaling help.
The battery pack on this bike offers 36 volts of power and 8 amp hours of capacity. It’s not the largest configuration so range is a bit limited but replacements are only ~$249 so you could potentially buy a second one to keep at work. The pack is removable which is great because it makes charging and storing inside much easier. It also reduces the weight of the bike if you need to lift it up for transport. The cells inside are Lithium-ion which are known for being light weight and long lasting. To maximize their lifespan I’ve been told it’s best to discharge to ~50% the first few times but always avoid completely depleting. Store them in moderate temperatures (avoid extreme heat and cold) and top the pack off when finished riding with refills every couple of months if you haven’t gone out.
The cockpit area of this bike is relatively simple and easy to use. After inserting the key into the battery pack and turning it to on, the bike is in pedal assist mode. There’s only one level so you just start pedaling and it takes off. At any time you can twist the grip throttle for an extra boost but this drains the battery faster. A basic LED battery indicator gives you some idea of how much battery is left and there’s a separate button on the left to activate the lights. It’s a simple design that was common on electric bikes around 2010 that helps to keep the price low here. In order for the bike to operate the keys have to be left in the pack (so they can jingle around a bit when riding) and this reduces tampering when the bike is parked if you take the keys with you.
All things considered, the Phantom is one of the most affordable electric bikes I’ve tested and it has quite a few features. I like the addition of assist and throttle mode. Even though the frame is heavy, the steel design reduces vibration and the larger knobby tires also feel good. The rear heavy design is less balanced (especially with the high-mounted battery pack) but the rear rack is welded on for strength which is nice. I also appreciate the LED lights which are wired right into the main battery pack and Big Cat offers a basic warranty on factory defects for a year which is cool. The biggest downside here is the single speed but again, that can reduce maintenance and works just fine as long as you don’t run out of juice.
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