Total Weight:
54 lbs (24.49 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:
Metallic Dark Grey with Black 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 11-32TShifter Details:
Shimano SLX Triggers on Right
Cranks:
Lasco EB05 Chainring with Alloy Guide, 42T
Pedals:
Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform, Black
Headset:
FSA Semi-Integrated Ahead, 5 Risers
Stem:
Tranz-X 3D Forged Alloy, 31.8 mm Diameter, Lengths: 70 mm, 80 mm, 90mm
Handlebar:
Tranz-X DB Alloy 31.8 mm Diameter, 650 mm x 25 mm Rise
Brake Details:
Shimano M396 Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Rotors
Grips:
Velo Dual Density Rubber, Ergonomic Locking
Saddle:
Velo Street
Seat Post:
TranzX Alloy with Suspension and Quick Release Collar
Seat Post Length:
320 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
31.6 mm
Rims:
Alexrims FR30 Double Wall, Aluminum Alloy, Brass Nipples
Spokes:
Stainless Steel 13 Gauge, Black
Tire Brand:
Kenda Kuick Bitumen, 700 x 45c (1 5/8" x 1 3/4")
Wheel Sizes:
28 in (71.12cm)Tire Details:
30 TPI
Tube Details:
Presta Valve
Accessories:
Single Side Adjustable Length Kickstand, Aluminum Alloy Chain Guide, ABUS Pro Tectic 4960 Frame Lock, Alloy Rack with Standard Gauge Tubing (18 kg Max Weight, 40 lbs), SKS Plastic Fenders with Mud Flaps and Support Arms, Integrated AXA Luxx 70 LED Headlight and AXA Slim LED Back Light
Other:
Locking Removable Battery Pack, 2 Amp 1.8 Pound Charger, KMC X10eRB High Torque Rust Proof Chain, CAN Bus Communication (Diagnostic and Firmware Updates)
Greg
9 years agoDoes the boost button work when the bike is in level “0”?
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoExcellent question Greg… I went out to test it and NO, the throttle does not work at level zero which is a bit disappointing. It also stutters a bit when using the 6 mph mode and will sometimes not start if you’re in a high gear and really straining the motor. It’s not the best throttle experience I’ve ever had but if you’re moving a bit, in a mid-level gear and press for 20 mph operation it works pretty well and eliminates the need to pedal at least as long as you can hold the button down and it’s not super difficult or uncomfortable. I’d call it a soft button.
ReplyJames Ledesma
9 years agoThe three wheel car that’s coming out is the cost of two of these bikes the value get for the bike compared to the car is ridiculous when weighs 1200 pounds 1 way 200 pounds. So what I’m saying is if you split that car in half and basically the components in the price the parts that you get out of that car are way better than once on a bike for the price that you’re paying $3,000.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoWhich car are you referring to James? I’d love to get some updates as I heard about something like this last year for the US, I think it used a motorcycle engine or something very efficient?
In any case, ebikes area a completely different tools… a car and a bicycle can both take you places but a car can haul much more, usually go further and faster etc. but it also requires parking, license and insurance and often more maintenance. That may change with electric cars but you still can’t ride them on paths like a bicycle. It’s just a different experience but I have a car and an ebike so I see where you’re coming from, ebikes seem pretty expensive at times and there are some coming in now below $1k which is exciting.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi James, it’s a completely different tool… a car and a bicycle can take you places but a car can haul much more, usually go further and faster etc. but it also requires parking, license and insurance and often more maintenance. That may change with electric cars but you still can’t ride them on paths like a bicycle. It’s just a different experience but I have a car and an ebike so I see where you’re coming from, ebikes seem pretty expensive at times and there are some coming in now below $1k which is exciting.
ReplyJames Ledesma
9 years agoLearning to think of them putting the motor on the bike is a way a lot cheaper will last only a couple hundred bucks you when I get crazy you can spend up to three hundred bucks or 4 hundred bucks but you got a vehicle that going to go far it’s going to go the same speed and it doesn’t rely on me having to basically guess how far I gotta drive my bike but I can also
ReplyRyan Maxwell
9 years agoOne thing I like about e-bikes with throttles is the ability to immediately get up and going when the light turns green on the street when competing with cars. What do you think about the boost button in that scenario?
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Ryan, I’m with you on that point… the boost button works alright but not as well as a hub motor with a twist throttle because in that scenario it doesn’t matter what gear you’ve chosen. Also, this boost button seems to stutter a bit and wasn’t as fluid or effective as the throttles on BBS02 systems like those from E-RAD or built onto bikes like BMEBIKES. It’s better than nothing and it worked pretty well for my video review but when I tried using it on a hill later (not filming) it struggled and there were a few quirky moments. I wish I could say “it’s awesome” but really, it’s more like just okay :)
ReplyJack Tyler
9 years agoA small suggestion, Court: On future iZip and Raleigh reviews, and others that use a boost button, please show us where and how its cable plugs in. I’m assuming it plugs into the display, so that raises questions about whether the receiver has a dust cover (or not), how rain might wheedle its way into the display, and so forth. These boost buttons seem to be a new thing, so some of us are pretty curious about their details. And I appreciated Ryan’s Q and your response to it, as I too was wondering how it works in practice. That told us some info about functionality you didn’t have a chance to demo in the video. Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Jack, good call… the boost button plugs into a pre-installed wire that has a little plastic cap (the inside has holes for pins and is yellow). It comes out of the downtube at the same location as the brake cables and motor wires enter, this internal routing starts near the headset. Sorry I wasn’t able to demo this for these recent videos, I’ll try to include it in the future (and may have shown it more closely on other IZIP / Raleigh review videos). In short, there is an extra wire that is folded and zip tied near the other wires that you can connect with. Regarding the LCD display panel, it’s well sealed and appears to be dust and water resistant.
ReplyStu Berman
9 years agoHi Court, I’m really enjoying your reviews and find the iZip e3 ProTour very interesting. You note that the motor on this bike is a TranzX Model M25GTS while the iZip website says that it is a Currie Electro-Drive Centerdrive 500W. It appears that Currie and iZip are made by the same company. Do you know whether in fact iZip (Currie) is just private labeling the TranzX motor. If they are in fact different motors do you have any comment on their differences? How do they compare to the Bosch motors?
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Stu! Great questions… I realize it can get confusing. Currie Technologies is an old company that made kick scooters and some of the earliest electric bikes under the eZip name. Eventually they wanted to do higher quality stuff and created IZIP. In recent years the whole company (and all bike brands) were purchased by the Accell Group (a European conglomerate which owns Haibike, Raleigh, Torker and some others). So, getting back to your question about TranzX… this is a motor company that can custom tune their hardware for companies like IZIP and others. In order to build trust, IZIP chooses to continue using the “Currie” name and has branded their drive systems with it (you can also see this with Raleigh). My data-driven opinion is that the Bosch Centerdrive motors are way more responsive and maintain your chain, sprockets and derailleur better with shift detection. You can’t get a throttle with Bosch and they have only a very limited number of speed-pedelec models (capable of ~28 mph top speed) so it depends on your intended use. The newest TranzX motor is the M25GTS here which I also make mention of on this motor comparison post. It’s one pound lighter than other TranzX motors, offers highs peed and is very small. It’s a solid system at a bargain price compared to Bosch but it’s just not quite as nice :)
ReplyJason Mitton
9 years agoCourt, if you had to choose between the iZip Protour and the Evelo Aires with 500W, which would you choose? It will be used primarily for 20 round trip commute with long steep hills. I am 6’3″ and 260
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoI would go with the IZIP E3 ProTour… The mid-drive motor they use from TranzX is way smoother and the frame is stiffer and more enjoyable to ride in my opinion. The built quality, components and even the look are superior from my perspective (though it has been some time since I checked out the Evelo stuff and they do a good job with support). If the Evelo Airies were much less expensive and you were on an extreme budget I would still push towards the IZIP products but understand if it was your only choice, even in that case I would advice that it is not great for off-road use despite the full suspension (which is very basic).
ReplyBrian
8 years agoAnyone know where I can test ride this in the Bay Area, preferably near San Francisco? The bike sounds really nice, but I haven’t been able to find a store that stocks it.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Brian! I’m not sure they have the bike in stock but try San Francyclo at 746 Arguello Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118 415-831-8031 there may be other locations, I found this one using the IZIP dealer locator tool here. Other good shops in the area include ELV Motors in Santa Clara, Motostrano in Redwood City and the Electric Bicycle Super Store in SF :)
ReplyGerry Altmann
8 years agoHi Court – really great reviews! I’m deciding between the iZip E3 ProTour and the Raleigh Misceo IE. I like the idea of auto-shifting with the Raleigh, and its lighter weight, but I prefer the integrated battery and commuting accessories of the ProTour (I can’t complain about the increased weight with those!). The bike’s for a 3.5 mile commute with some steep hills (it’s roughly half up and half down. I can’t do some of the hills on my regular bike without getting off and walking! A few folks manage it, but not me). The only ‘off road’ is my 700ft compacted gravel driveway, so it’s paved all the way except for that. I’m not a ‘pro’ cyclist, so maintenance is another issue. Any further thoughts? Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Gerry, I’m also a fan of the commuting accessories and suspension fork on the ProTour, that would probably be my personal choice even though it weighs a bit more. IZIP has done a great job with their 2016 line :)
ReplyPhil
8 years agoI wanted to write and give a review of my 2016 iZip Pro Tour now that I have about 1000 miles on its odometer. I live in a large metro area and am currently living without a car. I use the iZip mostly on my work commute (9 miles each way). I really like that I can work as hard as I want to, but not need to if I don’t want. That really makes a big difference in the cold of the winter and the hot of the summer.
I am glad I bought this bike. It has served me well. I will say, though, that I would not buy this bike again and would seriously consider not buying another Curie bike in the future.
What I like about my iZip Pro Tour:
What I have found not as good:
I had about 300 miles on the bike when it broke. I was at a stop light, and when I began to go, I heard and felt the mechanism between the crank and the motor break. The pedals then would freely spin but were no longer connected to the drivetrain so I had to sit on the top tube and Flinstone the bike along the path.
I took the bike to my local ebike shop who were very helpful but realized that they were not equipped to do the repair. So I took it to the other iZip dealer in town who worked on it for a couple weeks but could not get it going either. The bike ended up being sent back to Curie for a rebuild. The bike was shipped back to my original shop after 81 days. I only ever got cursory information back from Curie, and only when I would initiate a request for status. In the end, I got the bike back, Curie said it was a manufacturing issue, but have not heard anything more from Curie even after a number of requests for information. This was fixed at no charge to me, but I do know that the two very helpful shops invested a substantial amount of time in the diagnostics that I do not think was reimbursed by Curie.
I am certainly happy that I have the bike back and that it is again working. I am not happy that I do not know what it is that went wrong or how I can try to prevent it happening again. I admit that I am still nervous and wonder if or when this might happen again. I can fix nearly everything on a bike while on the road, but this failure appears to not be fixable by me, a local bike shop, or anyone outside the factory. I was particularly annoyed at how long the process took since I was not able to use the bike during the heat of the summer.
I think ebikes are fantastic and are likely to change how the general public interacts with transportation options. But this ebike let me down at a time when I was wanting and needing it most.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoWow, that’s a great review Phil. Thanks for sharing some of your time to help others here. For me, the IZIP E3 ProTour was exciting because it offered good value… but now it sounds like some of the parts (battery and motor) are suspect. I have a hard time encouraging people to spend more for a bike that will last when I’m not sure how frequently and hard they will be riding but in your case, it sounds like you ride a lot. I wish you’d had the bike during the hottest part of the year and I hope now that you’ve got it back it lasts! Maybe the motor thing was just a fluke. Feel free to post updates and good luck.
ReplyPhil
8 years agoCourt, I very much hope that my experience with this bike is an anomaly. I really do like this bike. I like the styling. I like that it has plenty of power. I like that it rides very well. As you say, I think this model offers good value. That is one of the reasons I bought it. It has not quite yet paid me back in subway and parking costs, but it is pretty close. The iZip is one of several bikes that I use throughout the week–mostly for my commute. It is a great option for when I don’t want to push hard on my regular bike.
I have inquired again with my local ebike shop and Curie about the battery performance and a potential replacement. I hope those interactions are more positive. I plan to let you know. Thanks, Court, for providing such thorough reviews on this site. I think that ebikes are going to be a substantial option in our future transportation system, and having good information about the choices is important to me and the other consumers looking for alternatives to their cars.
Jules
7 years agoHi, I have been using your fantastic web site as I pursue my desire to purchase an ebike to primarily commute to work (13 miles each way) but also want to use this for some touring. I am looking at purchasing a used Izip Protour 2016 at roughly 1/2 the cost of a new one. My thoughts are that I can see how I like using an ebike and not spend 3K. If I really like it then could upgrade to a new bike in the future. It has a lot of features that I really like but I am concerned about the battery experience that Phil wrote about. For comparison, I have tested the Arroyo Gazelle C8 2017 and really liked it.
I do have several big hills on my commute and feel that the more forward position of the Protour may be better than the Gazell but could be wrong. Gazelle has the performance Bosch motor and longer range. It’s tough to decided but just wonder if anyone who has an ebike can weigh in on to help me decide. I could stretch my budget and get the Arroyo which is 3K at my LBS. Thanks to anyone who replies.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Jules! It’s nice to get a deal on last-season models but I would probably choose the Gazelle because the motor and battery are from Bosch which offers a great warranty and tend to perform very smooth and efficiently. They may not wear the drivetrain as much because the Bosch motor has shift sensing. As for leaning forward, with electric assist, you can go further and think more about comfort and ergonomics… which for me are a bit better on the Arroyo C8. I have met people who bought cheaper e-bikes at first and then felt bad selling them at a loss and spending lots of time getting a nicer bike. If you plan to use this a lot and can afford to get the nicer bike right away, I would probably go that direction. You can always sell it used as well, but it might hold its value better because it is newer and has more recognizable hardware and drive systems.
Replyfasteddy1977
4 years agoI recently bought an 2016 IZIP E3 ProTour, without COBI, and unfortunately without the front fork suspension, seat suspension, or front light. Seems I missed all those things with getting a first gen bike. EVERYTHING else, however lines up. I bought the bike from an owner who only used the bike about 3 times a year, has less than 300 miles, and, came with a second battery. I bought the bike with intent to sell it, however, every time I ride it, I LOVE THE MID-DRIVE system. So, I am looking at upgrading.
How can I get a bigger AMP battery, where? The front suspension forks, where are those avail, and just as importantly, is there a guide on the switch over/install? I would LOVE to be able to upgrade my controller, but can not find it.(what kind is it ?). Since they upgraded the original display with a COBI system, could I do that for this bike? Or maybe use an Eggrider if the COBI upgrade is too difficult? Has anybody here done this? Or Know how to, and can help me? Or can point me in the right direction of somebody who has? THANK YOU :)
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHey! It’s great that you’re enjoying the bike so much. Yeah, these things are definitely fun… The battery limitation (possible upgrade) got me thinking. There’s a company in Southern California called FTH Power that can re-pack batteries, but only for certain types (that aren’t software locked). I’d give them a ring for sure. I think Bosch purchased COBI and may have changed some of the hardware and software… but I doubt that they support Tranz-X drive systems, so you may be on your own there. I hope this feedback gives you a starting point for figuring out some answers ;)
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