A high speed electric hardtail with with throttle on demand, hydraulic disc brakes and an extra large battery for $2k, all around good value with a 24 speed drivetrain
Optional rear rack for $50 transform the Peak into a sporty commuter, only one frame size and color scheme but the angled top tube makes it approachable, great saddle and pedal upgrades
Zippy 500 watt motor paired with a 48 volt battery and 9 Mosfet controller pushing 18 Amps, the controller is overbuilt and mounted separately for better heat dispersion
No bottle cage bosses, motor cable protrudes near rear derailleur but a metal guard helps protect it, quick cadence sensor, fixed display panel could be more vulnerable, lots of wires up front
Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Front Rotor and 160 mm Rear Rotor, Tektro Levers with Motor Inhibitor
Grips:
Velo Flat Rubber with Lockers
Saddle:
Selle Royal Gel (Magnum Branded)
Seat Post:
Promax
Seat Post Length:
400 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
30.9 mm
Rims:
Double Walled
Spokes:
13G Stainless Steel
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Smart Sam, 27.5" x 2.25
Wheel Sizes:
27.5 in (69.85cm)
Tire Details:
26-54 PSI
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Optional Metal Carry Rack ($49) with 25 kg Max Weight, Single Side Adjustable Length Kickstand, Integrated 5 Volt USB Charging Port, Metal Derailleur Guard
Other:
Locking Removable Battery Pack, 9 Mosfet 18 Amp Current Controller
Power Level (Power, Normal, Eco), Pedal Assist (0-6), Odometer, Time, Trip 1, Trip 2, Speed, Voltage, Battery Level (1-5), (Press Power Once for Backlighting, Hold Set for Menu)
Display Accessories:
Independent Button Pad (Power, Set, +, -)
Drive Mode:
Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle
Top Speed:
28 mph (45 kph)(20 mph Throttle Only)
Written Review
The Magnum Peak is a faster, more powerful version of the Mi5 electric trail bike (which is still available for $1,700). The Peak offers the same great looks at a still reasonable $2,000 price point but climbs better and can reach 28 mph top speed vs. the more standard 22 mph with the Ui5. Both of these e-bikes only come in one frame size and color scheme but they worked well for me, I think they look cool and the black hides the battery, hub motor and wires well. As a relatively lightweight 135 lb average height 5’9″ guy, the Mi5 is enough for zippy commuting and some mild packed trail riding but I wouldn’t actually mountain bike with it… I often go from pavement to dirt, taking new routes around town, and appreciate an ebike that’s capable on a variety of surfaces, but I also like actual climbing and trail riding. What the Peak delivers is that same versatility in town and a better experience in actual mountain conditions. Not perfect, but better. Most hard-core electric mountain bikes these days are built around premium mid-drive motor systems from Shimano, Yamaha, Bosch or Brose. They are much more efficient, better balanced (especially on full suspension frames) and more capable than hub motors for climbing because you can shift gears to enable them. The best drive systems even offer shift sensing technology because the forces being spread through the chain, cogs and derailleur are enough to cause real damage, real fast. And so, with the Magnum Peak, you get something a little different. A truly powerful motor that doesn’t care what gear you’re in, won’t strain your drivetrain and can be operated with throttle on demand whereas most mid-drives cannot. I had a blast riding it in the hills overlooking Salt Lake City Utah with the Magnum team. Amazingly, it maintained traction in the snow while climbing and was able to zip me along while filming with one hand over rocks and medium sized hills. It’s not a perfect product, the kickstand and battery plug are vulnerable to crank arm collision, it weighs a bit more than competing products due to a higher battery capacity and the motor power cable protrudes, but for the price it’s quite good.
Driving the bike is a 500 watt nominal internally geared rear hub motor from Das-Kit. I’m not as used to seeing this brand but felt that it performed at or above expectations. Normally hub motors struggle with hills but the combination of a higher amp controller, higher voltage battery and the additional copper windings and design of the motor excelled. I still pedaled along to help but once there was momentum, overriding with the throttle gave me more power and speed. Note that the trigger throttle only goes up to 20 mph while pedal assist can get you in the 28 mph range. The motor is painted black which helps it blend in with the frame. It’s compact and even though the power cable protrudes from the right side, getting jumbled with the derailleur and shifter cables, I like that it was somewhat protected by a metal guard. This is not something you’d see on premium e-mountain bikes but I think it makes sense and would rather the added weight and novice appearance than a bent or frayed cable. The rear wheel does not offer quick release but uses thicker 13 gauge spokes to accommodate the added forces and weight of the bike. I love that one area Magnum has opted to spend more on is with the tires. You get 27.5″ Schwalbe branded tires with excellent traction. They are truly off-road worthy and helped a lot in the snow. One area I feel they missed was the right chainstay which is naked, you’ll end up with nicks and chips very quickly riding off road. I saw a brand new Magnum Peak go from pristine to many chips with the single ride shown in the video review above. Consider adding one yourself or using some clear plastic packing tape.
Powering the motor is an extra large 48 volt 13 amp hour battery pack that resembles the one used for the Mi5, just a little taller. It protrudes from the downtube a bit but is otherwise kept low and centered on the frame. I love that the charging port and USB accessory port are now positioned on the side of the pack vs. on top because they were difficult to reach on older models (located near the seat tube and fairly cramped). I would definitely take the battery off when lifting the frame, and possibly the front wheel since it’s quick release, but love that it can be charged on if you’d like. Just keep an eye on the plug because it’s still very near the left crank arm which could collide and bend it. The plug isn’t magnetic or anything so don’t drip on it or the bike might come crashing down. Also, when you’re done charging, pay extra attention to the rubber battery plug cap as it isn’t super easy to close but could be worth tinkering with if you’re riding in snow like I was. Thankfully, the extra large kickstand is sturdy and positioned near the center of the bike to spread out weight. This is a love/hate design for me because the stand also collides with the left crank arm. People who spend a lot of time trail riding usually remove the kickstand altogether but I love how convenient they can be. If you do take it off, lay the bike on the left side and be careful with the disc brake rotors. They’re less sensitive than the derailleur and power cable mentioned before but can still get bent or dirty which can wreck the pads. the brakes themselves are very nice, hydraulic disc with motor inhibiting levers (four finger style). The front is a 180 mm rotor and the rear is 160 mm which is about right for this type of bike.
Operating the Magnum Peak is a snap. The battery clicks in and automatically locks if you don’t have the key handy. From here, a single press on the power button at the control pad (near the left grip) gets you going and a second quick press after that activates backlighting. I love that it doesn’t use automatic backlighting because that can be distracting for some riders. There’s a Set button just below and to the left of the Power button that cycles through different trip readouts and just above and below are plus and minus buttons. These allow you to cycle from 0 to 6 assist level and the menu loops. In some ways this is cool but can take a moment to get used to. I often press +, +, +, +… frantically to get to maximum power without looking but with the Magnum Peak, that could get me back down to zero or just confused. On the flip side, pressing – just once can go from no power to maximum power! In any of these levels, including zero, the slim trigger throttle is active and blasts full power. It’s a more advanced setup but one I enjoy. The trigger throttle itself is a custom design from Magnum that allows the right grip area to stay clean. The cockpit on this bike has a lot going on with two sets of shifters to control 24 gear combinations (three rings up front and eight in the back) along with the display, independent button pad, brake levers with motor inhibitors and that throttle… but it manages to feel clean. The only messy part is all of the cables protruding at the front. Again, they are black and blend in but one downside to the frame setup is that many of the cables aren’t internally routed. Instead, they are run along the top tube. It makes them easier to service but could get in the way when loading the bike on a rack or just lifting it. I don’t want to glaze over the point about brake lever motor inhibitors however, as this is a cadence sensing pedal assist ebike. They tend to be slightly less responsive than torque or advanced sensor activated but I found the hardware on the Peak to work well and be more compact and protected than some others. The only other grip is that the display looks so nice but isn’t removable. You can angle it to reduce glare and possibly put a sack or glove over it when parked to avoid scratching but it could be vulnerable in the event of a crash where the bike gets tossed. Note also that the display offers three power modes in addition to the six assist levels. These help you tone down torque and save the battery… Whenever you’re opening the throttle from standstill, climbing steep hills or riding over 20 mph you can expect the battery to drain much faster. Since the Peak encourages all of these scenarios, there’s a wide range of possible ranges per charge you might expect. And since the charger is a more average 2 Amp, it could take upwards of 6 hours for a full refill.
I love that Magnum is bringing more electric bikes to the US and growing their dealer network. It’s a company that is pushing the limits of value by offering a solid one year warranty and a range of accessories (including a cool sturdy rack for $50 that works with the Peak). I’d certainly be tempted to go for this version of their mountain bike because I like to go fast, but I still wouldn’t discount the Mi5 which is several pounds lighter and several hundred dollars less expensive. For heavier riders, those that might be facing steeper hills and people who can appreciate the little refinements being made (some of which also apply to the Mi5) this is a winning electric bike if it fits you. I was impressed with the frame stiffness and overall handling, loved the suspension fork and am even more excited about the 100 mm upgraded fork shipping on the production version. You could lock the fork out for efficient city commuting and possibly get a shorter angled stem and riser bars for improved comfort. Furthermore, a seat post suspension is something I frequently recommend when riding faster and for longer periods. The Peak has a thicker seat tube, designed for 30.9 mm posts. It would work well with a shim and a Thudbuster, Body Float or even a more generic post if you’re on a budget. Big thanks to Spenser for his mountain ride demonstrations and to Magnum for partnering with me on this post and making the trip to their headquarters in Salt Lake City possible :)
Pros:
The Peak offers throttle-only mode, allows you to override assist with the throttle up to 20 mph and can hit 28 mph in pedal assist… it’s one of the most open, fastest electric mountain bikes I’ve tested
You get 24 gear combinations here which is unique in the world of value electric mountain bikes, this also means more potential maintenance and weight but when you need to climb or hit the 28 mph top assisted speed I feel it’s worth it
Name brand Schwalbe tires and mid-level SR Suntour suspension fork with lockout and preload adjustment improve ride quality and won’t take damage as easily as super cheap options
I like that they ship the bike with a derailleur guard to protect the main derailleur, I’d probably leave it on in case the bike tips because that’s also where the power cable enters into the hub motor
While the Peak only comes in one frame size and color, I feel that the design is great because the top tube angles for lowered standover height, the head tube is tapered for improved strength and the black color helps wires and the battery blend in
The battery has a charging port on the lower left side vs. on top which is much easier to get to (of course it can also be charged off the bike if you want) and I like that there is a female USB port near the top (close to the bars for easy use), you can use the USB off the bike as a backup power source if desired, consider a right angle adapter for charging while riding
Hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors in both levers keep you in control of the bike and are especially important for high-speed operation, you get a larger 180 mm rotor up front for improved braking power and the brake levers offer adjustable reach for people with different hand sizes
Even though it’s not removable, I like how compact the display is and appreciate that you can swivel it to reduce glare, there are lots of options built in, the button pad used to operate it is mounted close to the left grip where it’s very easy to reach and use on the fly, overall the cockpit didn’t feel super crowded even with the extra wires and two trigger shifter units
Minor pluses here but I love that the saddle and pedals are upgraded, less reason to have to replace them for improved comfort and traction respectively, they worked great for me even in the snow when my feet were wet and the trail was bumpy
Quick release front wheel and removable battery reduces weight significantly (by over 10 pounds) making the bike easier to toss into the trunk of a car or lift onto a storage hook in a garage
Magnum has a specially designed trigger throttle that is super slim so it doesn’t crowd the brake or shifter mounts and can be easier to reach, the cadence sensor is also slimmer, smaller and better protected by a plastic shell
The battery capacity is quite impressive, you get 48 volts and 13 amp hours which I would call way above average and the cells are premium brands (LG, Samsung or Panasonic) with a one-year warranty
In my opinion the price point of this bike is amazing, it really feels like a good value at $2k given all of the options and dealer network they’ve built (over 70 shops in the US carrying it at the time of this post)
The bike ships with a rigid 30.9 mm seat post which works fine and is a little thicker for added strength… this is one are you could potentially upgrade with a seat post suspension like Thudbuster or Body Float, you might just need a shim in some cases for the perfect fit
Cons:
Surprisingly, I didn’t see a slap guard on the right chain stay, this means you’ll get chips in the paint over time and possibly some wear on the chain itself, consider adding one yourself aftermarket like these
I’m accustomed to seeing internally routed cables, integrated batteries and compact motors as with the Peak here but the controller box stood out as being unique and potentially vulnerable… I asked about it (positioned in front of the bottom bracket) and was told it had to be overbuilt to dissipate heat due to the higher amp output and tapped it to be sure it was Aluminum and sturdy
Due to the hub motor design, there isn’t a quick release at the rear which means you’ll need extra tools for flat-fixing on the go, the power cable also protrudes a bit and could get snagged or bent easier than if it was fully tucked in
The kickstand is large, adjustable and sturdy but I wish it was mounted slightly back so the left crank arm wouldn’t collide, the demo bike had some nicks already, this is also a concern with the charging port as the pedal could snag it or bend the plug
No bottle cage bosses here, I suppose they wouldn’t fit on the downtube due to the larger battery case, thankfully there’s a special rack mounting setup so you could bring a trunk bag or panniers with extra gear… I could see this becoming a fun commuter platform during the week (I believe their rack is proprietary)
While I think they did a good job keeping the weight of the bike reasonable considering the larger battery pack and motor, this is about four pounds heavier than most other hardtail electric mountain bikes
One area for possible improvement would be a thru-axle on the fork for added stiffness and sturdiness given the off-road nature and higher speed capability of the bike, as it stands you get a regular 9 mm quick release skewer
Many of the wires are run along the base of the top tube vs. being internally routed, this combined with the angled nature of the top tube could make hanging style racks difficult to work with (snagging cables or just not fitting without first removing the battery pack)
If you’re commuting, especially at high speed, add some reflective stickers or lights because the matte black frame and lack of integrated lights combined with higher speed riding could make you vulnerable
The charger is compact and light weight at ~1.5 lbs but it’s not super fast with just 2 Amps output and that could mean longer waits given the larger capacity of the battery on the Magnum Peak
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Hey Billy! I don’t think I’ll ever skip a con or two… my goal is to be objective but share my own considerations which include “trade offs” and such. Magnum has done a great job here but it’s not perfect. If you’re willing to compromise on the areas covered then it could work :)
Love this bike with personalized upgrades… Tires it comes with not ebike rated. So upgraded to Kenda Quick Seven 2.2″ wide. What a difference on road and smooth trail. Added Satori Anamaris suspension seat post. Good post for good price. Took an inch off each side of handle bars with pipe cutter because they were too wide for my liking. Raised handle bar and installed adjustable bike stem. Added Seller SMP saddle, no more numbness. Bought Magnums bike rack and made a 1/4 piece of varnished oak to install on top. Owned for half a year, so far very reliable. Great bike for over 6′ tall and over 200lb humans.
Updating my review after riding this bike over 2 years now and putting many miles on it. This is a very durable bike and the battery is holding up. So far so good. I’d be interested to hear from other Peak owners about how their bike is holding up. I mainly ride on gravel trails, paved trails, and country roads. Again great thanks to Court for enlightening many to the benefits of ebiking! I’m seeing more and more of them on the trails in Notheast Ohio.
Dana B
8 years ago
Just wondering why this bike isn’t showing up on the Magnum website yet??
Hey Dana, I believe it’s coming very soon. Maybe you could ask your local shop when they expect to get them in or possibly call Magnum directly for more info :)
I think this Magnum hits many positive points and overall more so than the few cons it might generate. I’m thinking especially taking into consideration the price, which other makers don’t match as well. This is a solid e-bike for its price. I’m looking forward to a test ride :)
I ordered mine the first day it was on the web site (Feb 28). I can’t wait to get it. I talked to Spencer at Magnum on the phone. He said the bike should ship mid-April.
That’s awesome Phil! I’m excited for you, please share updates once you get it and try it out for a while. I enjoyed meeting with the folks at Magnum and feel that they struck a good balance of performance and price with the Peak ;)
Hi Mike, unfortunately I have heard from several shops that their Juiced Bikes have had some technical issues… one shop said 40% of their bikes have required work but that the Magnum Ui5 (which has been sold to many delivery cyclists) has not had issues. The Peak is too new to say one way or the other about long term reliability but so far Magnum has a good track record and solid customer support in my experience.
Ordered it right after your review – received it May 30. Dollar for Dollar, a fantastic value. Smooth, fast, attractive and practical. I challenge anyone to find anything close to the Magnum peak for even $1000 more then the Magnum price. Standard with 24 speeds, 48v battery, 700w peak output, 90 NM of torque, hydraulic disc brakes – all for $1,999.
Glad to hear you’re loving the bike Geoff! I heard they are temporarily sold out, looks like Magnum is doing a great job delivering what people want for a good price. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Peak :)
Can you reccommend an upgrade to replace the shimano set up that comes with the magnum? Maybe a SRAM ? DO you know of any high quality precision gear shifting system that is compatible with the rear hub drive on the magnum?
Geoffrey
Sandor
7 years ago
After watching the review I did not understand if the motor provided enough power to climb the hill because the guy was paddling as I do on my non electric bike when he as going yup the hill. Can you share your experience because what I want is to avoid heavy sweating.
Hi Sandor! The Peak will climb moderate hills with throttle only as long as you have some speed going in and don’t weigh above ~170 lbs or have a lot of cargo, otherwise you might need to help just a little bit. You can see the same drive system being tested on some hills and through grass in the Magnum Metro review here. I hope this helps, you’re still getting excellent support, but if you try to start from zero, it’s probably going to stall.
PHIL
7 years ago
I received my Peak 2 days ago. It absolutely rocks! The power response and handling are excellent. I totally recommend this bike to anyone. I plan to put a bunch of miles on this thing this summer. I will update on long term when time permits.
I’m a 70 yr.old rider, looking to commute and only minimal off road bike paths. Would a lighter model suit me, or should I not be concerned about weight of the bike?
Thanks
Hi Mike! It’s difficult for me to say without knowing how big and strong you are… yes, this is a slightly heavier ebike, but you get additional power, the throttle operation, and a lower price point. The Magnum Peak has been a very popular ebike this year and I enjoyed testing it. I feel like the company is offering good support and value. I hope this helps you! I’m 5’9″ and weigh 135 but am fit-muscular and this model didn’t feel too heavy for me. Lifting it to load into a car or up stairs could be difficult, but at least then the battery and front wheel are removable.
Good call, I think those would both be good additions for a commute setup. I might go for a rigid stem… but one that has a higher angle or is shorter vs. the adjustable type because they can rattle loose over time. Some are great, but the cheaper single-bolt designs don’t last as long in my experience.
Any idea on the USB charging Amps for your phone or GPS? I know 1 amp is usually just enough to keep the battery where it is and 2 Amps will actually make progress. Thanks!
I tested the bike at ELV motors in Santa Clara CA and it’s a nice solid bike!
Hi Dave, I have heard that many USB ports put out 5 Volts but am not sure on the Amps. I can ask Magnum about this the next time that I see them or maybe they will respond if you reach out directly using their contact form. If you do find out, I’d love to hear back on what they say!
It depends. The 5V DC converter on my battery is terrible. I tested it with a USB multimeter and a load: **At 1.00A, the voltage already drops to 4.50V**. It shuts off at 4.25V, which for me was ~1.15A with a fully charged 54V battery. Once it shuts off, it won’t power the USB port until you unplug & plug it in again, so I wouldn’t depend on it to charge a power thirsty device. As an aside, I bought my bike from ELV Motors in SC and love it otherwise! Great shop too.
I’m thinking this is the bike for me but could use some feedback… I plan to use it for in-town errands and groceries (I can get groceries every 2 days to limit payload). I want the fastest ebike that can also fit a rack and front basket for a few bags of groceries for around $2-3k. Is it possible to fit aftermarket racks and baskets or do you have to stick with the rack that Magnum sells? Also any other suggestions you guys think would be better for my needs would be very very apprecaited. Thanks in advance!
Hi Levi! The Magnum Peak is awesome, and depending on your height and leg length, the Peak 29 is a good option because it raises air volume for comfort, lowers the wheel attack angle while improving stability a bit, and raises the frame off of the ground a bit. For city riding, it would be my first choice as a value, high speed, trail capable commuter. As for racks, yeah… I’d stick with their proprietary rack because it mounts to the top of the seat stays vs. the sides like most standard aftermarket parts. I hope this helps! You could ask around in the Magnum ebike forums and see what others have done :)
Thank you so much for your quick response! I am 6ft 135lbs and inseam about 30-32inch. If the Metro+ has the same motor, wouldn’t that be a better option for groceries etc since it already has rear rack and the handle bars look a bit easier to fit my wald basket on front? I don’t plan on doing much trail riding, mainly in-town stuff… very curious as to your thoughts on that or if the peak is better in some respect.. I am having trouble finding the major differences. Can’t thank you enough for this great site, we are all very fortunate to have such a great resource in this space!
Keri Hodgman
2 years ago
Had this bike for four years. About one year was trouble free, the rest has been very poor. Derailleur failed, I think I’m on my fourth set of spokes across both wheels. I have an 18 year old GT Avalanche that I’ve stored in my garage and has not a lick of corrosion on it. Anything not powder coated was visibly rusting within six months. I can’t recommend Magnum as a brand.
I appreciate your long-term feedback on the Magnum Peak, Keri. Thanks for chiming in about the failing spokes and derailleur. I’ve read studies about ebike use being significantly more than acoustic bike, which can lead to higher maintenance. I think the added weight and stresses of the motor, battery, and the higher speeds and longer distances could all contribute… but that doesn’t account for everything, and some brands do tend to make higher quality products than others. I hope you can find a bike that holds up better as you continue to ride, though it may cost more as well.
Billy
8 years agoIt seems ebike makers just can’t make a perfect bike. I’ll never buy one until Court reviews one without the all cons and at a sensible price.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHey Billy! I don’t think I’ll ever skip a con or two… my goal is to be objective but share my own considerations which include “trade offs” and such. Magnum has done a great job here but it’s not perfect. If you’re willing to compromise on the areas covered then it could work :)
ReplyTom O
6 years agoLove this bike with personalized upgrades… Tires it comes with not ebike rated. So upgraded to Kenda Quick Seven 2.2″ wide. What a difference on road and smooth trail. Added Satori Anamaris suspension seat post. Good post for good price. Took an inch off each side of handle bars with pipe cutter because they were too wide for my liking. Raised handle bar and installed adjustable bike stem. Added Seller SMP saddle, no more numbness. Bought Magnums bike rack and made a 1/4 piece of varnished oak to install on top. Owned for half a year, so far very reliable. Great bike for over 6′ tall and over 200lb humans.
ReplyTom O
4 years agoUpdating my review after riding this bike over 2 years now and putting many miles on it. This is a very durable bike and the battery is holding up. So far so good. I’d be interested to hear from other Peak owners about how their bike is holding up. I mainly ride on gravel trails, paved trails, and country roads. Again great thanks to Court for enlightening many to the benefits of ebiking! I’m seeing more and more of them on the trails in Notheast Ohio.
Dana B
8 years agoJust wondering why this bike isn’t showing up on the Magnum website yet??
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHey Dana, I believe it’s coming very soon. Maybe you could ask your local shop when they expect to get them in or possibly call Magnum directly for more info :)
ReplyNicolas
8 years agoI think this Magnum hits many positive points and overall more so than the few cons it might generate. I’m thinking especially taking into consideration the price, which other makers don’t match as well. This is a solid e-bike for its price. I’m looking forward to a test ride :)
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoYeah, it brings the speed and power with a cool look for a very reasonable price… and has a throttle, that’s neat :D
ReplyPhil
8 years agoI ordered mine the first day it was on the web site (Feb 28). I can’t wait to get it. I talked to Spencer at Magnum on the phone. He said the bike should ship mid-April.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoThat’s awesome Phil! I’m excited for you, please share updates once you get it and try it out for a while. I enjoyed meeting with the folks at Magnum and feel that they struck a good balance of performance and price with the Peak ;)
ReplyMike
8 years agodang – this or the XL Cross Current in RED w/10.4 a/hr batt for $1589 shipped (refurb thru JUICEDBIKES)????????
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Mike, unfortunately I have heard from several shops that their Juiced Bikes have had some technical issues… one shop said 40% of their bikes have required work but that the Magnum Ui5 (which has been sold to many delivery cyclists) has not had issues. The Peak is too new to say one way or the other about long term reliability but so far Magnum has a good track record and solid customer support in my experience.
ReplyGeoff
7 years agoOrdered it right after your review – received it May 30. Dollar for Dollar, a fantastic value. Smooth, fast, attractive and practical. I challenge anyone to find anything close to the Magnum peak for even $1000 more then the Magnum price. Standard with 24 speeds, 48v battery, 700w peak output, 90 NM of torque, hydraulic disc brakes – all for $1,999.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoGlad to hear you’re loving the bike Geoff! I heard they are temporarily sold out, looks like Magnum is doing a great job delivering what people want for a good price. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Peak :)
ReplyGeoffrey Bloom
7 years agoCourt,
Can you reccommend an upgrade to replace the shimano set up that comes with the magnum? Maybe a SRAM ? DO you know of any high quality precision gear shifting system that is compatible with the rear hub drive on the magnum?
Geoffrey
Sandor
7 years agoAfter watching the review I did not understand if the motor provided enough power to climb the hill because the guy was paddling as I do on my non electric bike when he as going yup the hill. Can you share your experience because what I want is to avoid heavy sweating.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Sandor! The Peak will climb moderate hills with throttle only as long as you have some speed going in and don’t weigh above ~170 lbs or have a lot of cargo, otherwise you might need to help just a little bit. You can see the same drive system being tested on some hills and through grass in the Magnum Metro review here. I hope this helps, you’re still getting excellent support, but if you try to start from zero, it’s probably going to stall.
PHIL
7 years agoI received my Peak 2 days ago. It absolutely rocks! The power response and handling are excellent. I totally recommend this bike to anyone. I plan to put a bunch of miles on this thing this summer. I will update on long term when time permits.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoAwesome! Thanks for the quick update PHIL, I’m excited to see your update, have an awesome summer :D
Replymike harris
7 years agoI’m a 70 yr.old rider, looking to commute and only minimal off road bike paths. Would a lighter model suit me, or should I not be concerned about weight of the bike?
ReplyThanks
Court Rye
7 years agoHi Mike! It’s difficult for me to say without knowing how big and strong you are… yes, this is a slightly heavier ebike, but you get additional power, the throttle operation, and a lower price point. The Magnum Peak has been a very popular ebike this year and I enjoyed testing it. I feel like the company is offering good support and value. I hope this helps you! I’m 5’9″ and weigh 135 but am fit-muscular and this model didn’t feel too heavy for me. Lifting it to load into a car or up stairs could be difficult, but at least then the battery and front wheel are removable.
Replyjjsva
7 years agoGreat review. I would add a nice adjustable angle stem and moderate swept back bars for city commuting.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoGood call, I think those would both be good additions for a commute setup. I might go for a rigid stem… but one that has a higher angle or is shorter vs. the adjustable type because they can rattle loose over time. Some are great, but the cheaper single-bolt designs don’t last as long in my experience.
ReplyChris Wyatt
7 years agoHow is it possible to get this bike shipped to Australia?
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Chris! No clue… maybe reach out to Magnum directly through their website here.
ReplyDave
7 years agoHi Court,
Any idea on the USB charging Amps for your phone or GPS? I know 1 amp is usually just enough to keep the battery where it is and 2 Amps will actually make progress. Thanks!
ReplyI tested the bike at ELV motors in Santa Clara CA and it’s a nice solid bike!
Court Rye
7 years agoHi Dave, I have heard that many USB ports put out 5 Volts but am not sure on the Amps. I can ask Magnum about this the next time that I see them or maybe they will respond if you reach out directly using their contact form. If you do find out, I’d love to hear back on what they say!
ReplyKISH
6 years agoIt depends. The 5V DC converter on my battery is terrible. I tested it with a USB multimeter and a load: **At 1.00A, the voltage already drops to 4.50V**. It shuts off at 4.25V, which for me was ~1.15A with a fully charged 54V battery. Once it shuts off, it won’t power the USB port until you unplug & plug it in again, so I wouldn’t depend on it to charge a power thirsty device. As an aside, I bought my bike from ELV Motors in SC and love it otherwise! Great shop too.
ReplyLevi
6 years agoI’m thinking this is the bike for me but could use some feedback… I plan to use it for in-town errands and groceries (I can get groceries every 2 days to limit payload). I want the fastest ebike that can also fit a rack and front basket for a few bags of groceries for around $2-3k. Is it possible to fit aftermarket racks and baskets or do you have to stick with the rack that Magnum sells? Also any other suggestions you guys think would be better for my needs would be very very apprecaited. Thanks in advance!
Replycourt
6 years agoHi Levi! The Magnum Peak is awesome, and depending on your height and leg length, the Peak 29 is a good option because it raises air volume for comfort, lowers the wheel attack angle while improving stability a bit, and raises the frame off of the ground a bit. For city riding, it would be my first choice as a value, high speed, trail capable commuter. As for racks, yeah… I’d stick with their proprietary rack because it mounts to the top of the seat stays vs. the sides like most standard aftermarket parts. I hope this helps! You could ask around in the Magnum ebike forums and see what others have done :)
ReplyLevi
6 years agoThank you so much for your quick response! I am 6ft 135lbs and inseam about 30-32inch. If the Metro+ has the same motor, wouldn’t that be a better option for groceries etc since it already has rear rack and the handle bars look a bit easier to fit my wald basket on front? I don’t plan on doing much trail riding, mainly in-town stuff… very curious as to your thoughts on that or if the peak is better in some respect.. I am having trouble finding the major differences. Can’t thank you enough for this great site, we are all very fortunate to have such a great resource in this space!
Keri Hodgman
2 years agoHad this bike for four years. About one year was trouble free, the rest has been very poor. Derailleur failed, I think I’m on my fourth set of spokes across both wheels. I have an 18 year old GT Avalanche that I’ve stored in my garage and has not a lick of corrosion on it. Anything not powder coated was visibly rusting within six months. I can’t recommend Magnum as a brand.
ReplyCourt
2 years agoI appreciate your long-term feedback on the Magnum Peak, Keri. Thanks for chiming in about the failing spokes and derailleur. I’ve read studies about ebike use being significantly more than acoustic bike, which can lead to higher maintenance. I think the added weight and stresses of the motor, battery, and the higher speeds and longer distances could all contribute… but that doesn’t account for everything, and some brands do tend to make higher quality products than others. I hope you can find a bike that holds up better as you continue to ride, though it may cost more as well.
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