Name: Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent Air Review
Item: Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent Air
Author: Court Rye

Home
Reviews
Brands
Juiced Bikes Reviews
Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent Air Review

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air Electric Bike Review

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air 350 Watt 8fun Motor Speed Pedelec

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air 48 Volt Samsung Battery Pack

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air Led Button Console Trigger Shifters

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air Integrated 5 Volt Usb Port On Battery

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air 9 Speed Shimano Altus

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air Plastic Chainring Guard

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air Rigid Alloy Fork 180 Mm Mechanical Disc Brake

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air Selle Royale Saddle Kickstand Wellgo Pedals

Juiced Bikes Crosscurrent Air 1 7 Lb 2 Amp Ebike Battery Charger

An affordable speed pedelec with high-definition cadence sensor, mechanical disc brakes and a nine-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, it's well balanced and relatively light weight
Removable battery and quick release front wheel make it easier to lock securely and fill-up at your place of work or possibly in class if you're a student, integrated USB charging port for portable electronics
Fairly stealth with a compact planetary geared hub motor and tiny LED display console, might not attract as much attention... optional LCD display, torque sensor and battery upgrades
All-Aluminum frame without suspension can mean back and neck stiffness at higher speeds, mid-step model does not have bottle cage bosses, cables are exposed vs. internally routed

Make:

Juiced Bikes

Model:

CrossCurrent Air

Price:

$1,195

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting, Road

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3), Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, 2 Year Mechanical, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2017

Total Weight:

48 lbs (21.77 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.4 lbs (3.81 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

16.5 in (41.91 cm)17.5 in (44.45 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Step-Thru: 16.5" Seat Tube, 23" Reach, 27" Stand Over Height, 71" Length, High-Step Medium: 17.5" Seat Tube, 23" Reach, 30" Stand Over Height, 71" Length, High Step Large: 19" Seat Tube, 23" Reach, 31" Stand Over Height, 71" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Flat Black

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Custom Geometry (Interchangeable with Suspension Fork), 9 mm Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135 mm Length, 10 mm Threaded Axle with Nuts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Rear Fender Boss, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano Altus Derailleur, 11-34T Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano Triggers on Right

Cranks:

170 mm Length, 52 Tooth Chainring with ABS Plastic Guard

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform

Headset:

Neco, Threadless Integrated 1 1/8"

Stem:

Frank Alloy 80 mm, 6° Rise

Handlebar:

Frank Alloy Low-Rise, 27" Length

Brake Details:

Shimano BRM375 Mechanical Disc with 180 mm Rotor Front, 160 mm Rotor Back, Wuxing Levers with Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Generic Flat Rubber

Saddle:

Selle Royal Free Way

Seat Post:

Frank Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Double Wall, Alloy with Reinforcement Eyelets, 36 Hole, Flat Black

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 12 Gauge Rear Spokes, 13 Gauge Front Spokes, Silver

Tire Brand:

Kenda, 700 x 45c (28" x 1.75")

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

50 to 95 PSI

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Optional Trigger Throttle ($99), Optional 20 mph Speed Limiter for Class 2 (Canada, Australia), Optional 8 Amp Quick Charger from Grin Technologies ($299), Optional Torque Sensor Upgrade ($199)

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 1.7 lb 2 Amp Charger, 13 Amp Controller Output

Motor Brand:

8Fun

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Peak Output:

624 watts

Battery Brand:

Samsung or LG, 3C Discharge Rating

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8.8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

422.4 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Display Type:

King Meter, Fixed LED Console

Readouts:

Battery Level (5 Dots), Assist Level (Eco, 1-4, Sport)

Display Accessories:

Sport Button (Jumps to Highest Power), 5 Volt Standard USB Port on Battery

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist (High Definition Hall Cadence Sensor)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)(Optional 20 mph Limit with LCD)

Hide Advanced Search

Search Now

Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

Trusted Advertisers

Juiced Bikes started out in 2013 with electric cargo bikes designed to haul loads and go far… they offer some of the highest capacity battery packs in the space and tend to be popular with delivery cyclists. In 2016 they launched the CrossCurrent, a sporty city bike with more traditional battery integration, a suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes at an impressive $1,500 price point and now, they’ve got the CrossCurrent Air. This is an even more affordable, stripped-down version of the CrossCurrent that still comes in three frame sizes and a mid-step for people with shorter inseams. You get mechanical disc brakes, no suspension fork and a slightly less sexy frame (boxier tubing vs. smooth rounded) for just over $1k. Yes, it’s still a 28 mph capable Class 3 speed pedelec and you can purchase a throttle accessory if you prefer that kind of riding (the throttle will cut out at 20 mph). This bike rides comfortably with nine gears and a low but not lowest-level Shimano Altus derailleur. Just like the regular CrossCurrent, you can pay more for larger battery capacity if you plan to ride further and you get a solid one year warranty (two year components and lifetime on the frame) and it can be purchased through dealers! Many of the other “affordable” electric bikes I see and review only ship direct. That means you spend more time unpacking, dealing with trash, tuning the bike up and possibly pulling the trigger on purchase without test riding and knowing exactly what frame size is best. Big props to Juiced Bikes for working with dealers and hitting a price point that can still support them.

Driving the CrossCurrent Air is the exact same 8Fun internally geared hub motor used on the standard CrossCurrent. It offers 350 to 600+ watts output and is zippier than most motors this size based on a higher 3C rating for battery current output. While the motor does produce a bit of whirring noise, it’s not too bad with the lower levels of assist and it really does get you up to 28 mph. Perhaps my only complaints here are the same complaints that most hub motors get which is the lack of quick release and a wire coming out the right side of the axle where the shifter cables and derailleur are. It’s not as tucked in as the latest fanciest ebikes and could get bent or snagged more easily. Just be careful with that wire and enjoy the fact that this hub motor is compact, built from a mainstream supplier (Bafang/8Fun) and much lighter than a 500 or 750 watt option. Note also that the spokes are slightly thicker and the rims (painted black to match the frame and hub motor) use reinforcement eyelets so they won’t crack as easily under pressure. Sometimes these speed pedelec models can be uncomfortable to pedal at higher speeds if they aren’t geared correctly but those nine options felt good to me and I liked how clean the cockpit was with trigger shifters only on the right. Note that the chainring has a plastic guard to keep your pants or dress from getting dirty or snagged but it’s just plastic and only on the outside so you could still drop the chain towards the inside if the terrain gets really bumpy.

Powering the Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent Air is an efficient, high output 48 volt 8.8 amp hour battery by default but you can get more amp hours with two battery upgrade options and that will take you further. Range depends on a lot of things including how actively you pedal, whether you ride above 20 mph frequently as wind resistance takes a lot of energy to power through and if you’ve got the throttle accessory. For me personally, I’d probably stick with the smaller two options since the goal here is to keep the price low and I like lighter weight ebikes for carrying up stairs and bringing into my room for storage vs. leaving outside overnight. With the mid-step frame option, the largest battery simply will not fit so that’s a consideration also. I do like that Juiced made an option for petite riders but was a little bummed that it didn’t have bottle cages like the diamond frame seen in the video review above. This frame would be the easiest to lift, put on car or bus racks and have the bottle cage but all frames have threaded bosses at the rear for adding a traditional rack and that can be a real back-saver if you’re a student with books, laptops and other gear trying to get across campus on a budget. Note that the Air does not have that suspension fork so your body and gear might get a little jarred around at those higher speeds.

Operating this electric bike is about as easy as it gets. Once the battery is charged and locked ot the frame (you can charge it on or off the bike) just press the power button on the little LED console and watch it light up and dance through the different power levels and charge readouts before staying solid to let you know the bike status. You can press plus and minus to navigate through eco, 1, 2, 3 and sport with the higher levels going faster and feeling zippier. Once you decide on a comfortable level, say level 2 or 3, you can instantly jump up to sport for the most power (perhaps to pass someone or ascend a hill) with just one button press on the console. The red sport button jumps you right up and then back down when pressed a second time and makes riding a little safer than if you had to press several plus or minus steps and look down. The display is compact, mostly black to blend in with the bar and grips and close enough to reach without taking your hand all the way off. It does of course lack speed and odometer readouts but Juiced Bikes offers an upgrade for that as well. You can pay extra to get an LCD console that’s more thorough. Another option is a cadence + torque sensor that will respond to how hard you push in addition to pedal rotation. I wasn’t disappointed with the standard torque-only sensor that the Air came with because it responded quickly and was tucked into the rear dropout vs. using a plastic disc with magnets at the bottom bracket. Again, if you’re going to get this bike… the more basic version, and save $400 off the standard CrossCurrent then why spend hundreds more to upgrade one area or another when you could get those hydraulic disc brakes, suspension fork etc. all at once? I guess the big reason is that the standard CrossCurrent also does not come with an LCD display, both bikes require an upgrade to get that.

All things considered, Juiced Bikes has done an impressive job balancing value with quality for the CrossCurrent Air. Little upgrades like Wellgo platform pedals, sealed threaded electrical connectors and textured brake levers usually aren’t found on the other $1k range e-bikes. You might not be able to see how fast you’re going or get a perfectly accurate charge level readout with the basic display and the motor might not be as robust as some of the larger hubs or mid-drive options on the market now but they still work well. The drive system spreads weight out across the bike and the hub motor does not impede gear shifting or pedaling the way some mid-drives do… requiring more finesse to use without damaging the chain, sprockets and derailleur. Tora, the founder of Juiced Bikes, speaks multiple languages and lives part time overseas to ensure that his products are made to the correct specifications and this is a company that has been in operation for several years now. He and his team have taken their time to add products to the fold and the Air really speaks to me as a useable electric bike that wouldn’t break just from getting banged up a little at the rack and wouldn’t be as devastating if stolen as some of the $2k+ models out there. I see it as a great option for students and other commuters with a limited budget. Big thanks to Juiced Bikes for partnering with me on this review and driving to meet me with a whole van full of models to compare back to back and show on camera :)

Pros:

One of the most affordable electric bikes I’ve reviewed that can be purchased through dealers, Juiced Bikes also sells direct but it’s great if you can test the sizes and have the bike setup in person… that’s a great value at this $1,095 price point
Solid warranty for the price, you get one year on the battery and basically two years on everything else including components (lifetime on the frame)
Even though the motor is rated at 350 watts, it peaks out above 600 watts and the controller has been tuned to feel zippy and go faster… it actually works pretty well but doesn’t weigh as much or look as obvious as some huge motors
I love the matte black color scheme, this electric bike blends in because the battery, wires and hub motor are all black and the display panel is super small and compact, it might not attract as much unwanted attention at bike racks
The display has a cool “sport” feature that lets you jump from any of the three assist levels up to the highest speed and then back down with just one press vs. a bunch of clicks up then back down
The battery capacity isn’t huge at 48 volts 8.8 amp hours and will deplete more quickly when you ride above 20 mph due to air resistance but they do offer upgrade options and frankly… I like that they used higher quality Samsung cells with a 3C discharge rating (faster for charging and discharging to give you torque and power) and included a 5 Volt USB charging port on the side of the pack, consider a right angle adapter like this to charge your phone, lights or other electronic devices
Great pedals, they match the bike, offer good traction and are large and stiff enough to accommodate taller and heavier riders who might have big feet and need the support
Even though this electric bike uses a more basic rear-mounted hub motor drive system, they balanced out the weight by bringing the battery forward and keeping it low, impressively, they were able to squeeze in a mounting point for a water bottle cage along the seat tube (at least on the high-step models), so many ebikes don’t include this but it’s very useful even for things like folding locks and mini pumps
There are three frame sizes to choose from including a mid-step which will be easier to mount and stand over for people with a shorter inseam… that’s incredible for such an affordable product in my opinion
Despite the lower price, you get a solid nine-speed drivetrain with Shimano Altus groupset (one step up from the lowest Tourney groupset) so you can climb or ride at higher speeds with a comfortable cadence
The wheelset is bolstered with reinforcement eyelets to help spread weight out and handle the higher speeds and different rider weights, the spokes are upgraded to 13 gauge which is thicker and sturdier
The bike comes with threaded holes along the seat stays (the bars that come off the seat tube and go down to the rear wheel dropout) and these can be used to add a rack! Juiced Bikes even sells a rack that will fit the bike so you could carry your gear more comfortably than using a backpack
While the bike comes stock with a cadence-only sensor that isn’t quite as fluid and responsive as the torque + cadence sensor on the higher level CrossCurrent, Jucied Bikes does let you upgrade this part for $199 more if you wish, they also let you buy a throttle so you don’t have to pedal if you prefer not to
The cadence sensor in use here measures hub rotation as you pedal with a hall sensor and seemed more responsive and better protected than some of the plastic magnet rings that I often see on the bottom bracket of cheaper electric bicycles
Both brake levers have motor inhibitors so they cut power when pulled and that’s a nice safety option, especially if you get the optional throttle accessory
Even though cadence sensors aren’t as dynamic and smooth feeling as a torque sensor, they don’t require that you push actively to make the bike go faster, it’s more like a throttle activated with your feet and for people with sensitive knees that could be a good thing

Cons:

Since this is a Class 3 speed pedelec that can reach ~28 mph with pedal assist, the ride can get a little bumpy… especially since there is no suspension fork, the medium sized tires and gel saddle help a little, I would definitely consider a 27.2 mm seat post suspension like one of these
The kickstand is positioned just under the bottom bracket and if you back the bike up while it’s in the down position the left crank arm will collide with it, would be better if it was mounted slightly towards the rear and out of the way (also so you could pedal the cranks backwards while servicing the drivetrain without need for a full stand)
The power cable running to the motor protrudes from the end of the right side of the axle where the derailleur and shifter cables are, this is a little crowded and more vulnerable than if it were tucked into the left side as some newer Dapu motors offer, also there’s no quick release on the rear wheel, just the front
I like that they included a plastic chainring guard but would love a full guide (plastic walls on both sides of the chainring to keep from dropping the chain on bumpy terrain)
The display panel is not removable so it could take wear from the weather and sunshine a bit more when parked outside (as well as being scratched or banged up) but it’s so small and relatively simple that maybe a few scratches aren’t a big deal compared with a fancy LCD
The shifter cables and electronic wires aren’t internally routed and hidden the way they are on some more expensive e-bikes but I was told they are more serviceable this way and since they are black, they blend in with the frame pretty well, the top tube is kept bare at least which makes it easier to lift and put on racks without snags
Since you only get an LED console display by default, you won’t see as many readouts or trip stats but they do offer an upgrade to LCD if you want that stuff… nice to have the option
I’m not a fan of the little rubber nipple that fits into the charging port on the battery, it’s tricky to get in and since it’s low by your left crank arm it could get dust and water inside if you’re not careful… I do like that you can at least take the battery off the bike for charging or cleaning
No slap guard on the chainstay, consider using a piece of clear packing tape there to reduce nicks and dings when riding on bouncy terrain or buy a Neoprene wrap like this

Resources:

Official Site: http://www.juicedbikes.com/
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/TSWXK4GxhPLghfRu6

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Review

MSRP: $2,499
MODEL YEAR: 2020

The RipCurrent S is a powerful fat tire adventure electric bike, high speeds and long range rides feel almost effortless thanks to the massive 998 watt-hour battery pack, available in multiple sizes with free shipping in the contiguous United States. Feature complete with resilient plastic fenders, sturdy rear rack, and lights although only the headlight…...

Read Review

Juiced Bikes HyperScorpion Review

MSRP: $3,199
MODEL YEAR: 2020

The HyperScorpion is a powerfully fast electric moped from Juiced Bikes, high-capacity battery and a custom Bafang motor provide impressive acceleration and range, available in the lower 48 US states with free shipping. Powerful lights and turn signals for safe and legal street operation, durable fenders, mirrors, and…...

Juiced Bikes CityScrambler Review

MSRP: $1,799
MODEL YEAR: 2020

The CityScrambler is a powerful electric minibike designed for urban environments, cast-alloy wheels and slick tires provide great stability and rolling efficiency, compact design is eye-catching and comfortable but yields a subpar pedaling experience. Custom-designed 52-volt battery platform provides high capacity and long battery life, rear hub motor from…...

2018 Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Review

MSRP: $1,699
MODEL YEAR: 2018

An affordable yet feature-rich electric fat bike with higher speed operation, advanced torque + cadence pedal assist, trigger throttle power on demand, and a great display panel. Available in three frame sizes and three color options! You get large plastic fenders and…...

Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent S Review

MSRP: $1,699
MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

A high-speed, feature complete, value priced electric bike that comes in four frame sizes, high-step and mid-step frame style, and three colors. Relatively comfortable thanks to fatter tires, a suspension fork with compression slider and lockout, Velo…...

Juiced Bikes OceanCurrent Review

MSRP: $1,299
MODEL YEAR: 2017

An affordable high-speed cruiser electric bike, available in traditional cantilever high-step or relaxed mid-step for easy mounting, choice of five fun colors including traditional black or red. Excellent frame balance, the downtube battery keeps weight low and center, the compact hub motor…...

Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2016

An affordably priced speed pedelec that's well balanced, not too heavy and available in three frame sizes for a good fit, you can also upgrade the battery size. Comes stock with a powerful 48 volt battery but lower 7.8 amp hours, uses a…...

Juiced Bikes ODK U500 V3 Review

MSRP: $1,995
MODEL YEAR: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

A sturdy, high torque, cargo style electric bike with enormous range thanks to a 48 volt 15 amp hour battery pack with premium Panasonic Lithium-ion cells. Powerful 500 watt internally geared front hub motor by 8Fun, benefits from a smaller wheel…...

Juiced Bikes ODK U500 Review

MSRP: $2,199
MODEL YEAR: 2013

A sturdy, thoughtfully designed cargo bike with a low center of gravity that's easy to mount and handle. Super strong 500 watt front hub motor paired with 48 volt Lithium Manganese battery pack...

Liz

8 years ago

It makes me feel like I am going down hill both ways! Today when I took it out I thought, wow, this hill will be hard to climb back up again when I come back this way. But when I rode back I felt like I was going downhill for the most part. This was my experience the other day too.

It makes my ride so fun to go fast and not have to work overly hard. If I was in really good shape it would still be a lot of fun and I could go faster I bet. Without the pedal assist, I would have to get off the bike to go up a hill because I am not in super good shape. It gets me out to cycle and get some exercise while at the same time it makes it fun to ride and makes me look cool. So far I am only going about six miles but I want to work up to longer trips.

I had to take it into the bike shop to get it assembled but it was well worth it to get the brakes tuned exactly right. It is a great buy with a lot of bikes being in this price range or maybe a little more than an annual gym membership. But I prefer to be outdoors for exercise. If you are looking for something to make riding fun, fast and make the hills easy then this is a great bike. I haven’t done any super long, steep hills yet – kind of need more confidence for a longer trip over a mountain pass but it brings the idea into the realm of possibility.

Court Rye

Hi Liz! I enjoyed reading about your experience with the Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent Air. Made me smile… hope it works well for a long time and good luck with that mountain pass goal. Great job getting it setup correctly to start, that will help it last longer and of course, more enjoyable along the way :)

Rob

7 years ago

I am really looking hard at this one however really wish I could get even a pre-production model of the hyper fat due to most of the roads in South Louisiana have sub-standard shoulders so looking for beefy tires.

Hi Rob! I agree, the Hyper Fat looks very cool and I’ll be reviewing it at some point… I think that Juiced is double checking the parts, making sure it’s perfect before they really start pushing it :)

Greg

Hi Court. First up I love your detailed and informative reviews. Keep up the great work! Question, how would you rate the Air .vs the Cross Current? It will be my first e-bike. I was going to get a refurbished Cross Current but they ran out. Also, what size frame do you recommend for me – Medium or Large? I’m 5’8 – 5’9. Thanks

Hi Greg! I travel all around so the streets range from smooth to very bumpy… so the regular CrossCurrent with suspension would be my first pick. For the price savings, the Air is an excellent deal and I enjoyed testing it. Sounds like we’re the same height so Medium would be a good fit. The frame difference isn’t huge, you could fit a large if you prefer a more leaned-forward body position. I hope this helps :)

Thanks Court. I really appreciate your input. I decided to go with the Cross Current Air. The order is in for the next shipment which should arrive later this month. I’m really looking forward to my first e-bike. I will post my impressions when it arrives.

Awesome! Thanks for the update Greg, hope it works out well for you and I’ll be excited to hear back :D

Jerry chen

I am wondering how they ship the bikes out and how long that process takes?

Hi Jerry, I’ll reach out to the team and see if they can comment (or maybe a customer will chime in). I have no idea how long it takes to be honest with you, and timing may vary depending on which model is chosen and if a shipment is available or coming in.

BK

I can’t speak for other builds, but I ordered this CC Air on May 30th. I read somewhere they were shipping them sometime in June. I received an order confirmation the day I ordered, but no email, status update, or communication has been received since. I’m sure they’re busy and some things take time, but a simple email would set my mind at ease. I’ll be sure to update when the bike arrives.

Thanks BK, I hope they send you an update soon and appreciate your feedback here. Eventually, once you receive the bike, definitely chime in about how you like it and if there are any other details that might help others who are researching the product :)

Cesar Gordillo

I’m having the same issue. I ordered my CC Air on July 11th and they will send me the bike by late August. Electronic Bike City is not sending me any status on my order. I wish I would know this before I placed my order. Big letter said delivery in 7 days. This order is taking more time than a car manufacturing.

Hi Jerry, I reached out to Juiced with your question and they said: “In a box, UPS and about 4 days to Connecticut” so hopefully that holds true and I welcome your ongoing feedback about the product :)

45 days after my order I got this : *We are still waiting for the tracking number on your bike. There have been delays because they have to add racks to some bikes or add fenders and it really slows down the shipment or Fedex just decides to not show up some days. We will send you tracking by email as soon as your order ships out *

Peter Bilton

So the Crosscurrent Air is my second electric bike. The first was an Emazing Artemis, which I absolutely loved, but unfortunately it was stolen. I must say after owning this bike for a week I can understand why they sell out so quick. This bike feels like it was cleverly designed, well constructed, and boy is it fast! It looks stealthy in matte black , and the juiced decal on the down tube looks understated and elegant. My experience out of the box was very good. After putting on the front wheel, handlebar and peddles. I checked the front and rear discs to see if they needed truing up. Both discs were perfectly straight. The brakes will need adjusting, which you can probably do yourself with the allen tool that juiced provides. Watch a Youtube video for instruction on how to adjust the disc brakes. The gears did not require any adjustment. All I need do was lubricate the chain. As I am tall and like a more upright riding position I replaced the stem with a Sunlite adjustable, 125 mm stem. After ordering the bike I was concerned there may not be enough play on the electrical cables to add the stem, but it was no problem. You will also need a bag of 1-1/8 inch spacers. I added 2 x 2.5 mm. I also added an SP12 NCX suspension seat post. You could get by without a fancy suspension seat post, as the 700c x 45c tires do help to absorb road bumps. Inflate the tires to 50 psi, rather than the max 85 psi, for a more comfy ride. The reention battery is a really snug fit and at first i thought Juiced had given me the wrong key as I could not remove the battery. I then realized i didn’t have my battery removing technique down. The best way I found is to ignore the toggle on the battery case. Insert the key with your left hand and grab the top of the battery with your right, giving it a good yank toward you, whilst turning the key to the open position. The battery itself feels solid to hold and there is nothing loose or rattling inside. When you place the battery back on the bike you hear a clunk as it clicks into place and you know for sure its not going anywhere. I have the 11.6 ah battery. My commute is a 12 mile round trip which hardly touches the capacity of this battery. I also like the fact that the throttle overrides peddle asist regardless of which peddle asist level you are in. With my Artemis you had to be in asist level 5 to use the throttle which meant taking your eyes off the road to make the adjustment, not so with the Crosscurrent Air.

Just to add to my comments about raising the hight of the handlebars on the Crosscurrent Air for tall riders, and, or those who like a more upright riding position. Today I changed the Promax handle bar for an Atomlab pimplite 3 inch riser bar. So the original hight of the handle bars was 41.5 inches. With the riser stem and 3 inch riser bar the hight is now 48 inches. But that’s it folks, there is no more length on the electrical cables to go any higher. However that is the perfect hight for me at 6 feet 1 inch, 33 inch inseam.

Very cool, thanks for sharing this Peter! I linked to the bar you mentioned, which color did you get? I really appreciate the tip about how the wires won’t go any further. That’s the kind of detail that is very easy to overlook when you’re excited and shopping online for solutions ;)

You’re welcome Court. I figured I owe it to you for pointing me in the right direction, and to Juiced Bikes for a great product. I got the handle bar in black. The Atomlab Pimplite is about 2 inches longer and is slightly more swept back than the stock handle on the bike. I was fortunate in that the brake levers were too close to the end of the handle bar. That gave me about 4 extra inches of play after moving the brake levers back on the new handle bar. Aside from the handle bar and stem I have also added the Planet Bike Versa rack from Juiced Bikes and the SP 12 NCX suspension post. I plan to add schwalbe Marathon plus tires and Spank Spoon 110 peddles.

dan

Was the model you were riding the 17.5″ or 19″ frame? I was looking to purchase the step through model but it’s not in stock. Wondering if you were able to stand over the frame comfortably or not. Thanks for the awesome content!

Hi Dan, I don’t remember exactly which model is shown on film but I believe it was the Large because that is what my pictures show. In any case I did measure each of the two high-step models as follows: High-Step Medium: 30″ Stand Over Height, High Step Large: 31″ Stand Over Height.

I’m 5’9″ with a ~31.5 inseam and believe that either of the two models would have worked but it was probably the Large. There’s only an inch of difference between the two after alland I measure stand over height from just in front of the saddle nose for what a real-life bar height would be vs. down by the seat tube where it’s often lower. I hope this helps you and am sorry that I cannot guarantee for certain which I had.

Clement tsang

Heya,

Update: The Juiced Crosscurrent Air is now $1,195, but comes with a 500w motor.

Also, could you do a review on the Crosscurrent S?

Best, Clem

Hi Clem! I’d love to review the CrossCurrent S, will definitely be keeping an eye out for it and I appreciate your feedback on the price changes :)

mike rohfeld

Hello Court,

I’ve decided to purchase my first E bike and really want to thank you for all of your reviews. They have been extremely informative and very helpful in learning about ebikes. The last time I owned a bike was several years ago and I don’t recall ebikes existing back then.

I’ve since learned a lot about different features and so far, I am leaning toward the Cross Current Air, mostly because of the features and its price point which is really at the max of my intended purchase price.

I live in Orange County and will plan to visit Sam at some point in the near future. I called him last week to see if he had one of the CC Airs in stock (new or used) but he didn’t and the Juiced website looks like they are backordered, presumably because of their popularity?

My question however has to do with something I’ve not seen so far. With ebikes becoming more and more popular, there seems to be a growing market for used ebikes. I’m looking for information or a guide on purchasing a used ebike. I called one shop and they only had a 30 day warranty which isn’t enough for me, given the cost.

Have you written or are there any guides or places you can recommend discussing what considerations to consider in purchasing a used ebike?

Also, in looking for an ebike (either new or used) at around the $1000 range, are there any brands you can recommend? In going through your reviews, most of the bikes in that price range are made by either start up companies or offered over the web which is something I don’t want to do..

Any advice you can give regarding purchasing used bike or a new bike at that price will be most appreciated and I’m sure appreciated by others. BTW – I’m looking to purchase the bike for recreation only, mostly trails and bike paths, no off road use and not for commuting.

Thank you again Court, I really appreciate your help and all the advice you’ve given…
Mike

Hi Mike! If I were in your position, I would try to add a bit more money to your budget and then go to Sam’s shop to see if there are any last-year models that could be on sale. I have seen some great deals on Haibikes in particular and feel that their drive systems are very reliable. The CrossCurrent Air is indeed back ordered (the last time I checked with Tora) and that’s a reflection of the value and quality + support that they offer. I am always careful when buying a used electric bike because it can be difficult to tell how many charge cycles the battery has been through and a replacement can be $600+ often $800 for a Bosch battery. I realize these things can be expensive… I wish there was more I could offer you, but there is a used section of the EBR forums and I think Craigslist can also be worth exploring, especially in your area, California has a lot of electric bikes because of population density, weather, and wealth in some areas :)

Troy Kimberlin

Hi – does the battery lock into place with a key? How do you keep it from getting stolen when parked?

Hi Troy! Yes, the battery locks to the frame and I have a picture of it if you scroll through to the third image above. You can see where the battery interfaces in the downtube and the silver circle there near the top (on the left side of the frame) this is what keeps it from getting stolen and keeps it secure in place :)

Steve

6 years ago

What size is this bike used for the review, medium, large?

court

Hi Steve! I think it was the high-step in size Large. If you look closely at the bottom portion of the seat tube in the third picture (where I’m focusing on the battery pack) you can see an L stamped on the frame. I listed out measurements for all of the frame sizes because I think we had several on hand! Hope this helps, I’m 5’9″ tall and have a 31″ inseam, I weigh ~135 lbs :)

Mitchell Davis

I have owned a few electric bicycles. I normally prefer the cheaper models without the torque sensor. I have an expensive Haibike which I don’t ride very much because I am in bad shape and the torque sensor makes me put forth a decent amount of exercise which makes long bike rides difficult. I was interested in purchasing a Juiced bike when coincidentally I saw someone my daughter knew riding this same model at the park. I took it for a brief ride up a hill and was very impressed by the power. I just ordered one from Juiced for only $1,000. I am hoping to one day get in shape, but for now I will need this bicycle for my longer rides.

Sweet! Thanks for sharing your insights about cadence sensors vs. torque sensors and the level of effort required to ride your Haibike vs. something like the CrossCurrent. Hope your ebike arrives soon and is a ton of fun! Feel free to post another comment here as you spend more time with the bike :D

Anup

Great review! I checked the website, it says high definition cadence sensor by default and upgradable to torque sensor.

Court

Oh, cool! I remember talking to them and seeing the different sensors when we were looking at another bike. Thanks for sharing those details, Anup! I’m a fan of the torque sensor design because of my sensitive knee, it starts a bit faster from zero without as much effort :D

Cesar A Gordillo

I don’t know if this happened to anybody else but I recommend to pay extra and take your new bike to your local bike shop to make sure everything is assembled correctly. After few months of usage, I had an accident due to the seat which main bolt broke in half while riding it. I’m glad I wasn’t riding too fast.

Juiced Bikes sent me a new seat, but the rear wheel got unaligned. I thought the spokes were bended, but after taking the bike to the bike shop they told me it was the rim and some spokes. Juiced Bikes don’t have wheels in stock so they sent me a new rim, but they don’t want to pay for the spokes and the installation.

Hi Cesar, thanks for the update and advice. I’m glad you’re okay after the seat bolt incident… I usually do work with local shops to get my bikes assembled and tuned up. Even with good experience building, it’s nice to have a second person taking a look and using the appropriate tools to get everything setup right, it will help the bike last longer too.