Raleigh Sprint iE Review

Raleigh Sprint Ie Electric Bike Review
Raleigh Sprint Ie
Raleigh Sprint Ie Tranzx M25gts Mid Drive Motor
Raleigh Sprint Ie Active Velo Saddle Rack And Fender Bosses
Raleigh Sprint Ie Monochrome Fixed Display Panel Tranzx
Raleigh Sprint Ie Locking Grip Ebike Button Pad
Raleigh Sprint Ie 180 Mm Shimano 396 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Qr
Raleigh Sprint Ie Shimano Slx 11 32t Drivetrain
Raleigh Sprint Ie Sr Suntour Ncx 63 Mm Suspension Fork With Lockout
Raleigh Sprint Ie Ebike Battery Charger
Raleigh Sprint Ie Electric Bike Review
Raleigh Sprint Ie
Raleigh Sprint Ie Tranzx M25gts Mid Drive Motor
Raleigh Sprint Ie Active Velo Saddle Rack And Fender Bosses
Raleigh Sprint Ie Monochrome Fixed Display Panel Tranzx
Raleigh Sprint Ie Locking Grip Ebike Button Pad
Raleigh Sprint Ie 180 Mm Shimano 396 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Qr
Raleigh Sprint Ie Shimano Slx 11 32t Drivetrain
Raleigh Sprint Ie Sr Suntour Ncx 63 Mm Suspension Fork With Lockout
Raleigh Sprint Ie Ebike Battery Charger

Summary

  • A stealthy, fully-integrated speed pedelec (capable of hitting ~28 mph in pedal assist) with bosses for adding fenders, a rack or wiring in 6 volt lights to build a capable commuter
  • The M25GTS mid-drive motor from TranzX is smooth, relatively quiet and relies on a combination of cadence and torque sensing for dynamic acceleration, it and the battery are mounted low and center for improved balance
  • Quality M396 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, higher end Shimano SLX 10 speed drivetrain, 15 mm front and 12 mm rear thru-axles for stiffness and durability
  • The battery looks great but pops out when unlocking for removal so be careful to avoid dropping it, no shift sensing or brake lever motor inhibitors so the chain, sprockets and derailleur may take increased wear, excellent two year warranty

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Raleigh

Model:

Sprint iE

Price:

$2,999

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3), Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2016

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

51.5 lbs (23.35 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.6 lbs (2.54 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

15 in (38.1 cm)17 in (43.18 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

32" Stand Over Height and 74" Length on the Medium 17" Frame

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Gloss Red with Black and Gray Accents

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour NCX Suspension with Lockout and 63 mm Travel, 15 mm Thru-Axle with Quick Release

Frame Rear Details:

Alloy 142 / 12 mm with Quick Release

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses

Gearing Details:

10 Speed 1x10 Shimano SLX, HG62 Cassette 11-32T

Shifter Details:

Shimano SLX Triggers on Right

Cranks:

Lasco EB05 Chainring with Alloy Guide, 42T

Pedals:

Wellgo R200 Aluminum Alloy Platform, Track Style

Headset:

FSA Integrated Cartridge Bearings, 5 Risers

Stem:

Alloy 31.8 mm Diameter, Lengths: 70 mm, 80 mm, 90mm

Handlebar:

Alloy 31.8 mm Diameter, 640 mm Width

Brake Details:

Shimano M396 Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Rotors

Grips:

Flat Rubber, Black with Locker

Saddle:

Velo Active

Seat Post:

Alloy with Quick Release Collar

Seat Post Length:

320 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Weinmann Disc Bull Double Wall, Aluminum Alloy

Spokes:

Stainless Steel 13 Gauge, Black

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kuick Bitumen, 700 x 45c

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

30 TPI

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Single Side Adjustable Length Kickstand, Aluminum Alloy Chain Guide

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 2 Amp 1.8 Pound Charger, KMC X10 Chain, Modus Alloy 36h Hubs, CAN Bus Communication (Diagnostic and Firmware Updates)

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

TranzX, Model M25GTS

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

550 watts

Motor Torque:

70 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung or LG

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8.7 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

417.6 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

15 miles (24 km)

Estimated Max Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Display Type:

Fixed Monochrome Backlit LCD with Adjustable Angle

Readouts:

Speed, Odometer, Battery Capacity (5 Bars), Assist Level (0-4), Range Estimation

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Optional Boost Button on Right

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Speed, Cadence and Torque)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)(Optional 20 mph Button Throttle)


Written Review

The Raleigh Sprint iE is one of the sleekest, most unassuming electric bikes in the lineup for 2016 because the battery is integrated directly into the downtube and the motor is compact and circular… mirroring the chainring sprocket. It’s fast, capable of hitting 28 mph in the highest level of assist when pedaling with the higher gears, and surprisingly quiet. The motor used here is a new one from TranzX called the M25GTS that uses speed, cadence and pedal torque to adjust power output. I found that it operated quite well but did suffer from some mashing of the chain, sprockets and derailleur when shifting due to the lack of shift detection and standard brake levers without assist. This motor still isn’t as responsive as Bosch but it’s much improved over earlier generations from TranzX and this keeps the price of the bike lower at $2999.

You get a commuter style suspension fork that’s narrower and offers less travel at ~63 mm but includes lockout adjust and threaded eyelets for adding a fender and support rods. Both wheels are and hubs are upgraded with brass nipples, larger 13 mm spokes and thru axles (15 mm front and 12 mm rear) which should handle the increased forces of higher speed riding and the large 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes. Both wheels also offer quick release for easy transport or tuneups and I love the Shimano SLX drivetrain components. Ten speeds is just enough to hit the 28 mph top speed where the motor cuts out and SLX is one of the highest groupsets I’ve seen on any of the Raleigh electric bikes. The chainring features an aluminum alloy guide that should keep the chain on track if you encounter bumpy terrain and protect the sprocket teeth if you hop a steep curb and bash the middle of the bike. The tires are slick but oversized compared to most traditional city and road bikes so you get some comfort there and you could always replace the 31.6 mm seat post with a Body Float to dampen vibration at high speed.

The Sprint iE would make a solid commuter or just a fun high-speed electric bike for zooming around the neighborhood or city environment. You could replace the tires and go off-road but being a Class 3 ebike, it might not be permissible in as many locations and the fork might get beaten down. One extra bonus with the TranzX system is that you can purchase a $50 boost button to add throttle on demand and the motor is so strong it will literally carry you up hills (when using the lower or mid level gears). While I wish that this thing had bottle cage bosses, there aren’t too many other things to complain about, it’s solid and the price makes sense given the warranty, multiple size options (small, medium, large) and high level components.

Pros:

  • Stealthy frame… the battery pack is completely integrated into the downtube and paint matched, the TranzX M25GTS motor is round so it hides behind the chainring, is smaller, lighter and quieter than some of the earlier TranzX / Currie Electrodrive designs like the M07
  • The motor is smooth, even though it doesn’t offer shift sensing the combination of cadence and torque sensing feels like a higher quality product
  • High speed pedal-assist performance (up to 28 miles per hour with active rider input) means you’ll arrive quicker but also drain the battery faster above 20 mph due to air resistance
  • The suspension fork, larger diameter wheels and thicker tires provide comfort when traveling over longer distances, bumpy terrain and at higher speeds… the grips and saddle are firm for active riding and the fork does offer lockout for efficiency
  • Braze ons and threaded eyelets for adding fenders and a rear rack, unfortunately none for adding a bottle cage on the seat tube
  • Since the Sprint iE is a speed pedelec the wheels and frame will endure more stress and strain so both axles have been upgraded (12 mm rear and 15 mm front) for improved stiffness and better alignment of the disc brake rotors with the calipers and pads
  • Even though this model only comes in a high-step “diamond” frame design, it has been engineered with a sloping top tube to lower stand over height which makes holding the bike at rest or walking over it easier, I measured ~32 inches on the Medium 17″ frame
  • Because the motor is mounted at the center of the frame along with the battery pack, weight is kept lower which improves stability and would leave a rear rack completely open for gear (if you add one)
  • The center-drive system leverages your chain and 10 speed cassette to operate more efficiently for climbing or reaching higher speeds, it offers better range than a similarly rated hub motor if you manage your gears properly and the SLX drivetrain is solid mid-level (better components)
  • Higher-end parts all around including Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with a larger 180 mm rotors , Shimano SLX derailleur for precision shifting and stiff alloy platform pedals (track style) for stability and grip
  • If you want even more control, a boost button can be added which offers two drive modes: a 6 mph starting speed (almost like walk mode) and a 20 mph throttle button which has to be held down to operate, most Raleigh dealers can add this for ~$50
  • Nice wire management, all of the cables and electronics are run through the frame and there are even some extra support points to keep them from getting in the way, there’s a 6 volt wire at the head tube and near the motor for adding integrated LED lights

Cons:

  • When unlocking and removing the battery pack it sort of pops out of the side so be extra careful not to drop it, the pack looks great but the cover is plastic and can get scratched easily
  • Given the beautifully integrated downtube battery design, the seat tube and downtube are wide open… I wish they had put bottle cage bosses here given the city/commuter use and the fact that there are rear rack and fender braze-ons
  • The display panel can be a bit confusing at first, holding the power button icon for a couple seconds when you’re in assist level 1 will take you down to zero (so you can the display without the motor), it would be nicer if you could just arrow down to zero, this also becomes confusing for people who want to turn the bike off by holding power… you have to hold it down again or push the button on the battery itself to completely shut down
  • The display unit is not removable so it could take more damage when the bike is parked outside or in a public location, thankfully the battery is
  • This model feels a bit expensive compared with the very similar IZIP E3 ProTour (also from the Accell Group) which offers fenders, a rack, integrated lights and suspension seat post at the same price (but weighs ~3.5 lbs more as a result)
  • The battery pack must be activated before the display unit can be powered on, it’s a two step process that takes extra time and can create confusion when going straight for the display on/off
  • There’s also no shift sensing with the M25GTS TranzX motor so the chain, sprockets and derailleur may take more wear if you don’t make an effort to shift when the motor is not adding force to the drivetrain, there are also no brake lever motor inhibitors which could otherwise help with shifting gears smoothly

Resources:

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