Best bike locks in 2023 | 8 top-rated D-locks, foldable locks and chain locks
Looking for a lock to protect your bike? We tested the best bike locks to destruction to reveal the best bike lock on the market.
Our test included a selection of the best D-locks, foldable locks and chain locks for cyclists, at a range of prices. Carry on scrolling after reading our recommendations to our bike locks buyer’s guide. Buying the best bike lock is only part of the job. You need to use it properly, of course, so we have included a guide on how to lock up your bike at the end of this article.
The best D-locks for bikes
The D-lock, or U-lock as it is alternatively known, is the classic bike lock. The design consists of a big shackle and toughened crossbar with the lock mechanism built in. It has been around for years, and it’s really just a supersized padlock. The benefits are the strength for its size and relative portability. The downsides are the slightly awkward shape if you want to lock more of your bike into it. You’ll want to add in an accessory cable or second lock to cover everything.
Litelock X1
The Litelok X1 bike lock is nearly indestructible. Its steel core, armoured with a composite material called Barronium, resisted the attack of our angle grinder for more than 17 minutes. That’s almost three times longer than the previous toughest lock we’ve tested.
Besides its excellent strength, the X1 is easy to attach and remove from your bike thanks to its bottle cage mounting bracket.
At 1.6kg, the X1 is a similar weight to locks that offer inferior theft protection. Considering it’s rated Diamond standard by Sold Secure, the price is competitive too.
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Abus Granit Extreme 59
The Extreme 59 is like a lock on a high-protein diet. With a torsional resistance that’s 1,000Nm higher than its nearest rival, and tensile resistance that would handle a couple of vans pulling on each end, it’s impressive.
Weather resistance is impeccable as is its resilience against picking. Under bolt cropping, it’s in the top three of all the locks we tested. If you prize your bike, have somewhere to store your lock when not using it, or want something tough for home use, then the Extreme is perfect.
The high price is the only thing that holds it back from a full five-star review.
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Abus Granit X-Plus 540
The X-Plus 540 is one of the cleverest D-lock designs ever, with its patented square-profile shackle that resists torsional attacks better than most, taking a massive 1,750Nm of pressure.
The state-of-the-art lock mechanism beat our lock picker, and has great resistance to bolt cropping (146kN) that far outweighs its relatively light weight.
The quality of the materials and the build meant this one outlasted our corrosion test. The EaZy KF bracket took the full 200 hours of abuse. In cutting tests, it stripped the standard saw blade, and took more than two minutes of cutting with tungsten. The power grinder result of nearly four minutes was only beaten by heftier rivals.
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Kryptonite New York M18
The Kryptonite New York M18 proved best for a number of categories in our testing. Immediate Media
The New York M18 is a beast of a lock, at over 2.5kg and, with a massive 18mm-diameter shackle, it’s built of sturdy stuff.
The double-deadbolt mechanism is centred inside the ovalised crossbar using a pick-resistant disc cylinder mechanism. The New York scores with its resistance to bolt cropping, sawing (best on test), tensile (best on test) and torsional resistance (runner-up).
With only its middling performance against the angle grinder going against it, the New York is a tough D-lock built the classic Kryptonite way. It may not be as clever as an Abus in its design, but the results are much the same.
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Hiplok DX
The Hiplok DX is a good shout if you’re looking for a lock to take with you on the go. Immediate Media
Hiplok’s DX combines a compact D-lock with a casing that protects your bike with soft-touch materials. It makes carrying easy thanks to the two built-in prongs that are designed to slip into your jeans. or behind a belt. These ergonomic touches add a little extra to what is a solid-performing little lock.
It’s built to last with excellent weather protection, and it’s a tough cookie when it comes to sawing, twisting and grinding. Only a lowly performance on the tensile (pull) test gave any cause for concern, but being able to withstand 28kN is more than enough to see off most compact, portable bottle jacks easily.
The relatively shallow shackle is bolstered by a big 85mm width, so even with its compact size our tester was still able to safely get it through the frame and back wheel of their bike. You will definitely need a second lock or some accessory cables to properly secure all the extremities of your ride though.
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The best folding bike locks
Sometimes you need a lock that’s more portable than a D-lock or chain, but one that’s stronger than a simple cafe stop cable lock.
If you want a combination of light weight, portability and toughness that you can trust for shopping stops and long lunches, these might be for you. The best folding bike locks are also suitable for securing touring bikes and bikepacking bikes for short periods.
Litelok Gold
- Price: £89.99 as tested
- Weight: 1,120g
- Shackle size: 265mm (circular diameter)
- Size: 736×50mm
- Rating: Sold Secure Gold
The Litelok Gold’s design combines a heavyweight disc lock mechanism with a mushroom stud and socket connection set within a sturdy steel casing joined by a nylon mesh-clad series of steel cables. The design keeps weight down and provides plenty of flexibility.
Carrying the lock is easy, either leave it straight and strap to your top tube or lock it into its circular shape and strap it between the seat and top tube.
The flexible nature makes it adaptable to what you lock it to, though it can be a little stiff, so hold the pressure while pushing the two locking ends together.
It performed perfectly after weather testing, and chilling and hammering only left a dent in the lock case. A standard blade sawed through the cables in 52 seconds and just 15 with a tungsten blade.
The Litelok took a massive amount of abuse (222.5kN) from the bolt cropper. Torsion tests had little effect, and it proved itself in the tensile test too. It didn’t last long against the angle grinder though.
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Abus Granit X-Plus Bordo
- Price: £139.99 as tested
- Weight: 1,520g
- Shackle diameter: 5.5mm-thick plates
- Size: 6×150mm plates
- Rating: Sold Secure Gold
The much-imitated Bordo design uses 150mm long hardened steel plates that are linked together by domed hardened rivets for a strong lock that can fold into a compact 190×70×40mm package.
It sailed through corrosion testing and the lock mechanism, being an X-Plus unit, couldn’t be picked. You can’t pull the barrel either because it’s set within a hardened steel case with folded-over ends.
Under saw attack, it’s unfazed by a standard blade, though a tungsten blade got though in under a minute. Bolt-crop resistance was impressive for such small steel sections and it out performs plenty of D-locks here. A grinder will make pretty short work of the plates however.
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Best chain locks for bikes
A chain, by its very nature, is adaptable. You can wrap it around pretty much any shape and thread it through your bike. Its shape also makes it difficult to attack with traditional tools – just try crowbarring a chain.
Chains make sense for your place of work or home because they are usually quite hefty and ungainly to carry safely in a cycling backpack.
Hiplok Homie
The Homie, at 1.5m long, is designed to thread through multiple bikes, and as the name suggests, is for home use.
The individual links are made from hardened steel, as is the shackle to protect the cylinder lock.
When using the Homie, be careful not to drop it onto a frame tube becaues that 4.2kg of weight will cause some damage.
The Homie is well protected against corrosion and hammer tests didn’t affect it either. Bolt-cropping on the links was middling, but on the lock shackle much more impressive.
The lock cylinder is good against pick attacks and the links are some of the toughest on test. It’s a strong solution and one we’d recommend for home use only.
For the money, you are getting a lot of lock and one that’ll work on multiple bikes at the same time – thread it through a floor or wall anchor and you can secure two or three bikes.
However, be careful how you handle it and don’t drop it on your favourite lightweight carbon frame.
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What to look for in a bike lock
Before we begin, the first thing to realise is that no single lock is unbreakable. Armed with the right tools and knowledge, someone who really wants to steal your bike will be able to, no matter what you lock it up with.
Whether your pride and joy is one of the best road bikes or mountain bikes, it’s unwise to ever leave it unattended outside – even secured by the best bike lock. The temptation could be too much to a thief.
What you can do is deter the bike thief looking for an easy steal. With that in mind, one of the best bits of advice we can give you, after many years of busting and picking locks in our tests, is to use two locks of different types and brands.
If a thief is adept at picking a certain type of lock and has the tools to do so, it’s less likely they will also have the tools or the knowledge to pick a completely different type.
Two budget locks that are wildly different in style and key/lock-cylinder types are sometimes better than just one expensive lock. Here’s a breakdown of all the key lock lingo that you need to know:
- Key: There are various types of keys, but all work a lock mechanism by moving pins or discs into alignment to allow the lock plug to be turned and open the lock
- Shackle: We know the shackle as the D-shaped part of a D-lock/U-lock or padlock. It shackles two things together. In our case, it’s our bikes to something sturdy
- Links: Chains are made up of links; hoops joined together. The smaller the internal diameter of the links the better, as this gives less space for a lever that can be used to break the link to be inserted
- Protection: Nobody wants a bare metal lock clattering against their frame. A cloth or sponge cover is handy to keep your pride and joy looking nice and to prevent the lock from corroding
- Lock barrel: Manufacturers will centre the lock mechanism in the barrel. Check the weight of the barrel because if it’s heavy that’s a sure sign it’s armoured
- Multiple keys: Multiple keys are essential, with manufacturers such as OnGuard offering up to five with a lock. Keep one at home, one at work and one on your keyring
- Maintenance: Check the action of the mechanism because locks spend most of their lives outdoors, so corrosion can be a problem. Use a light lube or water repellent (GT-85 or WD-40) liberally and top up periodically
- Warranty: An extended warranty is always good. It’s not going to cover you against theft but it should be a sign that the lock won’t fall apart or seize up on you
- Anti-theft guarantee: This guarantee is a form of insurance pioneered by Kryptonite. It does bump up the price, but definitely adds peace of mind into the package
How we tested the bike locks
Over the two decades that we’ve been putting together our intensive and independent lock tests, we’ve always used a combination of manual and power tools, and force and finesse to try to break locks.
Back in 2017, we used the facilities of Germany’s biggest security manufacturer, Abus, and more importantly its state-of-the-art test labs.
We devised a full-on torture chamber of tests that fully simulated each and every way a lock can be attacked and broken. For this, we needed multiple models from each manufacturer, so thank you to those who took up the challenge and supplied test samples willingly.
With nine tests on a total of 29 different models (seven of which are reviewed in this article), that’s 261 separate tests, and a total of in excess of £11,000 worth of locks tested to destruction.
Bracket test
Some of the locks come with a handy bracket to fit to your commuter bike. We tested the brackets fixed to a bike that’s attached to a treadmill, with bumps and lumps to simulate road conditions. This ‘rattle’ test runs for a total of 200 hours, which is plenty of time to see if the bracket is up to the job of carrying your lock safely.
Corrosion test
One of each lock was subjected to 168 hours in a climate chamber to ISO 9227 standards. The time is equivalent to around 10 to 12 months of outdoor use in a salty-air environment, such as living on the coast. Over the 168 hours, temperature and humidity fluctuate to further simulate real-world conditions.
Freeze and hammer test
This test simulates the use of a plumber’s freeze spray, which chills the metal. The theory is it’ll make metal more brittle when struck with a hammer. Our test lab consists of a chiller cabinet that freezes the lock down to.40°C. It’s then struck with a weight simulating a full-force sledgehammer blow multiple times from 1m and 2m.
Saw test
Our test machine is an articulated saw. Each lock was cut first with a fresh, standard steel blade. If it survived that test, it was then cut with a high-quality, precision tungsten blade in the same saw.
Bolt crop test
The bolt cropper is perhaps the favourite tool of the modern bike thief. Short, concealable bolt croppers are available for very little cash and can get through most budget locks with little fuss. Higher-standard locks are much tougher, and those that cross over into motorcycle security are stronger still.
Our bolt-cropping rig has to be capable of out-performing hand-operated bolt croppers, so the one we’ve used is a hydraulic jaw that cuts like a bolt cropper, but is capable of applying in excess of 250 kiloNewtons of pressure. That’s around the equivalent of a 1.5m-long set of bolt croppers operated by a couple of contestants from World’s Strongest Man.
Tensile pull test
This pulling rig had to simulate the bottle jack approach to breaking locks. A small hydraulic bottle uses a jack to push apart the two sections of lock, breaking the mechanism and causing the lock to fail. Our hydraulic test rig does the same by pulling on both parts simultaneously. This rig is capable of more than seven tonnes of pulling power, while your average bottle jack can perform to around three.
Torsion test
The good-old torsion attack, or crowbar to you and me, is a very effective method, but the downside is it usually leaves the bike being stolen with significant damage.
Our test rig can torsionally twist a lock to massive pressures, the equivalent of using a crowbar of more than 1.5m and one of those world’s strongest men doing the crowing.
Picking test
Picking locks is a learnable art and with many ‘picks’ available online we are seeing a rise in bikes being stolen this way. We used a resident expert armed with an inexpensive homemade pick to try to open the locks on test.
Grinder test
Hand-held powerful battery-operated angle grinders are a fast and effective way to cut through metal. However, they do generate a lot of noise and sparks, so if you park your bike in a high traffic area, and not hidden out of sight, you’re less likely to see this method of attack being used in broad daylight.
For our test, we used an off-the-shelf unit, with multiple batteries and a constant cycle of recharging, along with a fresh grinding disc for each test, so that each lock had the exact same conditions to record the time it took to cut through.
How to lock a bike
Looping the lock through the frame and the front wheel is a good way to stop any thieves from making off with your wheel, and reduce leverage space. Jack Luke / Immediate Media
There’s nothing worse than coming back to where you left your bike to find that someone has stolen it.
Investing in one of the best bike locks is an ideal first step to stopping this from happening, but there are also other things to bear in mind when locking your bike up to make sure it stays safe.
Firstly, you always want to lock your bike to a secure anchor point, such as a bike stand and avoid locking it to things like posts where a thief could simply lift the bike and lock off the top.
Choosing a location where there are plenty of people around is good too, as it will (hopefully) give thieves less time to break a lock before someone intervenes.
A good tip is to also use a second lock, or cable, to secure your wheels because it is relatively easy for a thief to remove these and make off with them.
If you do use a second lock, it’s a good idea to get one that’s a different make to your first one. this is because some thieves might be adept at picking one brand and not another, or have a particular tool that could cut through one type of lock but not another.
If someone does want to try and break your lock, you want to make it difficult for them. Keep the locks off the ground so thieves can’t use the leverage to prise the lock open, and fit the lock tightly around the bike to also reduce the amount of leverage required to break it.
You can read more tips in our article on how to lock a bike properly.
Keeping a bike inside is obviously one of the safest ways to keep it safe and we have an article on how to improve your bike shed security.
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Warren Rossiter
Warren Rossiter is BikeRadar and Cycling Plus magazine’s senior technical editor for road and gravel. Having been testing bikes for more than 20 years, Warren has an encyclopedic knowledge of road cycling and has been the mastermind behind our Road Bike of the Year test for more than a decade. He’s also a regular presenter on the BikeRadar Podcast and on BikeRadar’s YouTube channel. In his time as a cycling journalist, Warren has written for Mountain Biking UK, What Mountain Bike, Urban Cyclist, Procycling, Cyclingnews, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike and T3. Over the years, Warren has written about thousands of bikes and tested more than 2,500 – from budget road bikes to five-figure superbikes. He has covered all the major innovations in cycling this century, and reported from launches, trade shows and industry events in Europe, Asia, Australia, North American and Africa. While Warren loves fast road bikes and the latest gravel bikes, he also believes electric bikes are the future of transport. You’ll regularly find him commuting on an ebike and he longs for the day when everyone else follows suit. You will find snaps of Warren’s daily rides on the Instagram account of our sister publication, Cycling Plus (@cyclingplus).
Touring Bike
At least when measured on an e-bike history line, when it comes to making e-bikes, Magnum has been around for an eternity. Founded in 2010, they are known for their unique designs and affordable prices. They concentrate on five different bike categories: touring, trail, fat tire, cruiser and folding, as well as a line of electric scooters. The Navigator falls into that touring category.
THE BIKE
The Navigator is based on an aluminum, low-step-through frame design that makes for easier mounting and dismounting. The battery is integrated into the downtube, and the seatstays loop around past the seat tube and join the downtube to provide added stiffness.
“The slightly steep geometry of the head angle makes the bike very responsive to steering input, but the bike felt controllable and planted in every corner we went through with it.”
With 100mm of travel, the SR Suntour XCT-ATB fork will help take out the major bumps, and it has a lockout switch and some degree of preload adjustment.
THE PARTS
The Promax stem offers a range of adjustability that will allow riders to either sit in a more upright or more aggressive position by changing the angle of the stem without the need for any tools. The overall seating position is upright.
Touch points are nice, including faux leather grips and a gel saddle from Selle Royal. Under the saddle is a Promax aluminum suspension seatpost, which does also make for a very comfortable ride on poorly maintained roads. Pedals are black platforms from Wellgo, and they offer good grip on most shoes.
Full aluminum fenders are an attractive touch that will help keep you dry, and because they’re aluminum, they’re very rigid and don’t rattle around.
THE MOTOR
Magnum uses Das-Kit for their motor systems. Das-Kit has been around for 15 years and is part of BB-Leisger International GmbH, which is based in Hanover, Germany. In addition to motors, they also make e-bike conversion kits for non-electric bikes. The Magnum powerplant is a 48V, 500W geared rear-hub motor that offers plenty of power.
Instead of a more common lithium-ion battery, Magnum has chosen to go with a lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery, which can offer a longer lifespan. At 576Wh (12Ah), it has mid-level range, usually enough to get you at least to your office, and perhaps back (maybe several times), depending on your commute. The battery is lockable and removable for remote charging, or to swap out for longer range.
The LCD screen mounted atop the stem has great contrast and is very easy to read. It offers mode, trip distance, battery level, battery voltage and power level all on one screen.
WHO IT’S MADE FOR
This is a solid bike for commuters and anyone who likes to go for short- or medium-distance rides. The fact that it will go 28 mph with assist makes it safer and better for most commuters. Though it’s likely that most people won’t maintain a 28-mph speed for the whole ride, the Class 3-level speed will enable them to keep up with most traffic and allow better safety.
THE RIDE
When we first got on the bike, we saw what looked like a dropper-post lever on the handlebars. It turns out that it was actually the throttle. It is the narrowest throttle lever we’ve ever seen. It works, though, even from a complete stop.
The Navigator has a cadence sensor only, so it will go whatever top speed the current assist mode is set on. If you want to go slower, choose a lower assist mode. If you want to go faster, choose a higher one. In level 6, it doesn’t go to 28 mph; it tops out at 23. That’s better than 20, but you have to put in a lot of work to see 28. Keeping it in level 1 gets you to around 10–12 miles an hour.
Brakes are more than adequate, easy to modulate and could stop us on the proverbial dime. The levers also have cutoff switches, which is really helpful on a bike with cadence sensors. If you need the motor to cut off, a light squeeze of either lever will work to do it and makes slowing down much easier.
The almost-generic CST tires have plenty of grip and some light knobs to keep you in contact with the ground. In a perfect world, we’d like these to have reflective side stripes for extra visibility. The slightly steep geometry of the head angle makes the bike very responsive to steering input, but the bike felt controllable and planted in every corner we went through with it.
The grips look like hand-stitched leather and are soft and comfortable, and all the controls are laid out ergonomically on the slightly swept-back handlebars. The saddle and suspension post combination was plush and kept us comfortable mile after mile. We did like being able to stop for a moment and adjust the handlebar height, especially on longer rides.
The gearing range was plenty for all our usual test hills. Because of the cadence sensor, even on steep hills we were hitting 20 mph in level 6. That may not have been good for battery life, but it sure was fun! The Acera trigger shifters got us into gear easily, one gear at a time.
On one ride, we took the bike over some really rough streets with huge root bumps to see how the bike would handle it. Not only did it handle it with stride, nothing on the bike made any noise. No creaks, no clangs, nothing. Fit and finish are excellent on this bike.
THE VERDICT
The Navigator makes a solid case for itself as a commuter bike, as a Class 3 bike with a low-step frame and a beefy rack, not to mention a good price in this class. We’d actually prefer a torque sensor to improve the ride and range at this price point. It certainly ticks a lot of boxes for commuters and those who want to run errands on an e-bike.
MAGNUM NAVIGATOR
Motor: Das-Kit geared rear-hub motor, 500W, 48V
Battery: 576Wh lithium nickel cobalt manganese (Li-NCM)
Top speed: 28-mph pedal-assist (Class 3), 20-mph throttle.
Drive: Shimano Acera, 8-speed
Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm front, 160mm rear
Fork: Suntour XCB-ATB 100mm travel
Frame: 6061 aluminum, step-through
Rims: Double-wall aluminum
Color choice: Black/blue, black/silver, white/blue, white/silver
ELECTRIC BIKE ACTION MAGAZINE
For more subscription information contact (800) 767-0345
Magnum E-Bike: Overview of the Magnum Pathfinder 500W Mini
The Magnum Pathfinder mini e-bike packs power, speed and comfort into a compact and attractive frame. With 20” fat tires, the e-bike’s stance and size provides presence and character. This e-bike is a formidable contender in the compact mini e-bike category.
Riders will immediately notice a more upright posture and positioning of the Magnum Pathfinder. This posture objects to the notion that rider comfort will be sacrificed for its compact size. The 500W model can stretch its travel distance to 30-50 miles in a single charge. The 48V 500W rear hub motor ensures this. Magnum will set the bike classification (Class I, Class II, Class III) for the rider upon purchase to alleviate any concerns for local e-bike regulations.
The Battery
The lithium nickel cobalt manganese (Li-ncm) battery is 13Ah standard. With integrated twist throttle on the controls, the Pathfinder’s battery will provide the power needed to carry the rider through any terrain. This compact ride offers full size capability reaching speeds of up to 25mph.
Comfort and Quality
The base price of 1999.00 is justified with all of the included features that would end up on a quality mini fat tire like the Magnum Pathfinder. The VELO seat saddle provides the comfort promised with the quality look that the e-bike demands. An LCD display updates the rider with information on range, battery level, speed, pedal assist level, trip, and odometer. A twist throttle makes a nod to the traditional concepts of two wheeled bikes.
Accessories
The Magnum Pathfinder includes front and rear fenders, with fixed alloy fork suspension for the 20” x 3” wheels. The e-bike integrates quality Shimano Altus shifters with an Altus 7-speed derailleur. If the rider provides their own pedal power, they will be moving a subtle total e-bike weight of approximately 50lbs. Included with the Pathfinder is a rear rack, as well as an integrated front and rear headlight completing the versatile package.
The Magnum Pathfinder provides a full size package in a compact mini stature that maintains a presence, wherever the path may lead.
Interested in other Magnum Electric Bikes? Check out our overview of the Magnum Metro e-bike.
Magnum Metro Spec Review – 2022
Welcome to our Magnum Metro review! Our team hasn’t had the chance to try out the eBike just yet, but we have ridden several other Magnum eBikes in the past. By comparing the latest Magnum Metro against past Magnum eBikes, and noting the components the bike shares with other eBikes, we were able to develop a solid enough idea of the bike’s capabilities for this Magnum Metro review.
While we can’t provide precise descriptions of its performance, we hope to offer some general impressions of the design, feel, and features of the Magnum Metro to help you in your buying decision.
The Magnum Metro may feature an entry-level price, but it’s an eBike that new cyclists, experienced riders, and everyone in between will want to consider. The 6061 aluminum alloy build provides a highly durable eBike, with an excellent suspension fork and design meant for riding in the city or occasionally light to moderate mountain trails. The Das-kit R4 motor has up to 90 Nm of torque output, helping you climb up the most challenging hills or accelerate quickly to 20/28 MPH, depending on your configuration. With a range of over 60 miles on a single charge, riding will be a smooth and enjoyable experience with the well-protected Shimano 8-Speed drivetrain.
The Tektro Auriga brakes will help you come to a stop anywhere you ride, and you can genuinely ride almost anywhere due to the balanced Schwalbe Big Ben 26’’ x 2.15’’ tires.
These are just a few of our highlights, and we have tons more to discuss, including high-quality grips, saddle, and other accessories that further set the entry-level eBike apart from the competition. If you’re shopping for an eBike you can ride to work or on a typical mountain trail on a budget, keep reading our spec review of the Magnum Metro electric bike!
Who It’s For: Cyclists on a tight budget who want an eBike that can ride almost anywhere. It is especially great for those interested in a rare class 3 eBike that won’t cost over 3,000.
Bike Specs
- FRAME: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
- UI/REMOTE: Das-kit C7 Backlit LCD Display
- BATTERY: Lithium-NCM 624 Wh Battery
- CHARGER: 2 Amp Charger
- MOTOR: Das-kit R4 Rear Geared Hub Motor, 500 W / 90 Nm
- CHAIN: KMCe Chain
- SHIFT LEVERS: Shimano Altus M310 8 Speed Trigger Shifter
- CASSETTE: Shimano 11-32T Cassette
- CHAINRINGS: Prowheel 48 T Chainring With Alloy Guard
- DERAILLEUR: Shimano Acera M360 Derailleur
- RIMS: Aluminum Alloy Double Walled 36 Hole
- TIRES: Schwalbe Big Ben 26’’ x 2.15’’ Tires
- SADDLE: Selle Royal Polygel
- STEM: Promax Ma-579
- HANDLEBARS: Low-Rise, Aluminum Alloy, 610 mm Length
- GRIPS: Selle Royal Brown
- BRAKES: Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180 mm Rotors
- PEDALS: Wellgo Aluminum Platform, B087
- KICKSTAND: Center-Mount Adjustable Length Kickstand
- BELL: Flick Bell
- HEADLIGHT: Integrated Front Headlight
- TAIL LIGHT: Independent Rear Light
- FENDERS: Aluminum Alloy Fenders with Mud Flaps
Cons
Features
- 6061 Aluminum Alloy FrameSturdy 6061 aluminum alloy frame that can support lightweight or heavy cyclists alike without compromising on performance. Available in one size and two colors, with a full assembly weight of about 55 pounds.
- Lithium-NCM 624 Wh BatteryMid-tube mounted eBike battery that will travel over 60 miles on a single charge with optimal riding settings. The battery has a USB charge port, allowing you to top off your phone battery while you ride quickly.
- 2 Amp ChargerA lightweight charger that meets the industry standard for eBike chargers included with entry-level bikes— slow charge time due to the high battery capacity, taking six to seven hours to recharge fully from 0% to 100%.
- Das-kit R4 Rear Geared Hub Motor, 500 W / 90 NmA mighty rear gear hub motor will be more than capable of helping you climb the most challenging hills in the city. It can be configured with class 1, 2, or 3 eBike configurations, capping the speed assistance at 20 or 28 MPH.
- Das-kit C7 Backlit LCD DisplayCenter-mounted backlit LCD display, easy to read while you’re riding during the day or night. Six pedal assist modes to choose from, along with several key metrics to help you track your eBike performance while riding.
- Shimano 11-32T Cassette with Prowheel 48 T Chainring Drivetrain8-Speed drivetrain with great gear control and reliable shifting to help you match traffic flow in the city. Aluminum fenders and chain guard keep the drivetrain clean and free of debris while also reducing the chain drop risk.
- Schwalbe Big Ben 26’’ x 2.15’’ TiresLarge, versatile tires that work well in the city or on light to moderate trails if you want to get out of town. K-Guard 3 protection lining reduces the risk of suffering a puncture as you ride over sticks, rocks, and other objects you might encounter on a trail.
- Low-Rise Aluminum Handlebar with SR Suntour Fork and 63 mm of TravelAdjustable low to mid-rise handlebar can be positioned for relaxed or aggressive riding, depending on where and how you want to ride. Moderate suspension support further helps you have a comfortable riding experience.
- Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180 mm RotorsLarge, very responsive hydraulic disc brakes will help you come to a quick and steady stop on dirt mountain trails or paved concrete hills alike. Hydraulic disc brakes last longer and are more durable than mechanical disc brake setups.
- Wellgo Aluminum Platform, B087High-quality aluminum platform pedals are shaped to support small and large feet alike. Sturdier than the average plastic pedal platform with better grip support and riding feel.
In-Depth Review
Frame
The Magnum Metro is built with 6061 aluminum alloy, and if you’ve read our other eBike reviews, you’ll know it’s the most common material used for making eBike frames. 6061 aluminum alloy provides excellent durability and weight support while staying lightweight and affordable for consumers.
The full assembly weight of the Magnum Metro is about 55 lbs, which is around the average weight you’ll find on an eBike, especially one meant for riding in and out of the city. The bike is even available in two distinct colors, giving you a bit of extra customization when you purchase the Magnum Metro.
The only major downside to the frame is that it is currently only available in one size. The handlebar and seat are both adjustable, and because of the step-thru design, it’s easier to mount than most stand-over eBike. The average adult (those in the 5’2’’ to 6’2’’ range) will find the Magnum Metro an enjoyable and comfortable ride. Those outside of the recommended height range may want to consider a different eBike model, with a large variety of frame options from Magnum suiting exceptionally tall or short cyclists.
Motor Battery
Depending on how you order your eBike, the Magnum Metro can be configured as a class 1, 2, or 3 electric bike with a 20 MPH or 28 MPH speed cap.
The Magnum Metro is mounted with a Das-kit R4 rear geared hub motor, with an average output of about 500 W and 90 Nm of torque. While rear gear hub motors can feel somewhat jerky, you’re not going to find an entry-level eBike at this price point with an engine that matches this performance.
With 90 Nm of torque, you have more than enough strength to climb almost any hill without much of a struggle. This is also one of the few entry-level eBikes that we’ve reviewed that can be configured as a class 3 eBike, able to travel up to 28 MPH before the motor cuts off. Just be aware that it can be deafening due to the motor design while you’re riding, so listening to music to drown out the motor noise is recommended if you are sensitive to noise and it is permitted in your state.
We’re almost as impressed by the battery setup. The Magnum Metro comes with a Lithium-NCM 624 Wh battery, able to travel over 60 miles on a single charge depending on your riding settings, which should be more than enough to help you get to work or to traverse your favorite mountain trail.
The one let down is the basic 2 amp charger included. And while that’s the industry standard, you have to wait six to seven hours to charge the battery from 0% to 100%. One of the few upgrades we highly recommend is finding a compatible 4 amp charge since it can help cut the recharge time by half and help you ride far quicker.
Display/Assist Modes
The Metro eBike has a center-mounted backlit Das-kit C7 LCD display and can be used to control your motor or track your riding metrics during the day or at night. The display’s size is balanced, so you can quickly glance down and track how your trip is going without the screen being so large that it overwhelms your eBike.
The Dat-kit C7 provides a surprising number of readouts for an entry-level eBike, and we especially appreciate the six levels of pedal assist you can set the bike to. The included readouts and settings for the Das-kit C7 LCD display are as follows:
Magnum Metro Das-kit C7 LCD Display Readouts, Metrics, and Settings:
- Current Speed
- Pedal Assist Level (Six Levels Walk Mode)
- Battery Level (Six Bars)
- Trip 1 Distance
- Trip 2 Distance
- BMS Voltage
- Power Output Indicator
- Timer
- Odometer
With six levels of pedal assist to choose from, you can prioritize different performance levels for the eBike motor. The higher pedal assist modes drain the battery quicker for greater acceleration and torque power, while lower pedal assist modes drain the battery slower for greater riding range.
We recommend higher assist modes for keeping up with traffic or tougher trail rides and lower assist modes for casually riding around town or maximizing how far you can travel before recharging. Try each of the pedal-assist modes out for yourself. Just tap a button to change your pedal assist mode, even while riding!
Just note that if you do purchase the class 2 configuration, the throttle won’t be affected by the pedal assist settings and will always provide a full power boost from the motor.
Handling
- On Streets- The Magnum Metro is a hybrid eBike meant for riding in and out of the city, so in some ways, it handles even better than your average traditional city commuter eBike. The suspension fork, heavier frame build, and even tires provide better shock absorption when you hit gravel, cobblestone, and other less than perfect road sections. It accelerates pretty well and will easily outpace many class 1 city commuters if you pick the supercharged class 3 eBike setup. Whether going to work or cruising around town, it should be delightful riding the Magnum Metro electric bike.
- Turn Radius- It doesn’t have a tight turn radius but does turn well enough that you don’t cross multiple lanes of traffic with the Magnum Metro eBike. The 2.15’’ tires provide added stability, ensuring you can make tighter turns easily without the fear of falling over while still staying thin enough that you aren’t struggling to hug a corner. Take your time, and you can navigate switchbacks, narrow alleyways, and other difficult road sections without much trouble.
- Low-Speed Handling- The fully assembled Magnum Metro weighs about 55 lbs, so it isn’t as easy to handle at low speeds as lighter eBikes or non-motorized bicycles. However, you can set the motor to a low pedal assist mode, which provides a small push that’ll help you maintain a low speed and improve your handling without forcing you along. Alternatively, you can get off your bike and turn on walk mode, allowing you to push the bike with the motor’s aid without pedaling. The one warning we have is never using the throttle while you’re walking along the ground! Because the throttle is always set to max power, it will likely jerk and launch itself out of your hands. Not only could this cause injury to you and others, but it could lead to significant bike damage as well.
Gears/DriveTrain
You can look forward to a Shimano 11-32T cassette with a pro wheel 48 T chainring, connected with the help of a KMC eBike optimized chain. Shimano makes some of the most dependable eBike drivetrain setups globally, so it’s no surprise that they’re one of the most popular options as well and included on the Magnum Metro.
Additions to the Magnum Metro that help it stand apart from other entry-level eBikes include full aluminum fender coverage with mud flaps, along with an aluminum alloy chain guard. The fenders and guard both keep the drivetrain clear of rocks, dirt, sticks and other debris, while the chain guard helps guide the chain when you shift gears.
Speaking of shifting, this is an 8-Speed eBike. While it isn’t at the same level as dedicated mountain bikes, it does provide good shifting for your typical city commute or light to moderate trail expedition. The Magnum Metro is meant for riding in and out of town, and for the most part, it’s well suited for it partially because of the drivetrain setup.
Brakes
While you won’t be riding many extreme trails with the Magnum Metro, the eBike is ready for them with the potent Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brake setup, with 180 mm sized rotors. Hydraulic disc brakes have several advantages over mechanical disc brakes, including better stopping power, long-lasting brake systems, and more durable brakes, among other benefits.
With 180 mm sized rotors, you can expect a quick and steady stop even when you’re riding downhill fast, helping you come to rest without it feeling jerky. While it may be called the Magnum Metro, you can have great riding and stopping experience in and out of a metropolitan area.
Suspension
We much appreciate the SR Suntour NEX Spring suspension fork included with the Magnum Metro. The suspension fork has 63 mm of travel, with preload adjustment and quick release configuration included. You typically want over 100 mm of travel for serious riding trails. Still, if you stick to light and moderate trails, the SR Suntour suspension fork is more than capable of helping you have a more stable riding experience.
Furthermore, having a suspension fork also helps a lot when riding over gravel and cobblestone. The included 40 mm of travel Promax suspension seatpost helps too. If your commute doesn’t have pristine roads, or you want to ride on trails as often as you ride to work, we definitely would recommend the Magnum Metro!
Pedals
While the Magnum Metro is an entry-level oriented eBike, the pedals are exceptionally high quality and almost as good as what’s on many premium level eBikes. The Magnum Metro has aluminum pedals, which are sturdier and provide better foot traction than the traditional plastic pedals included with entry-level and mid-level eBikes. The pedals also have side reflector panels, which improves the overall visibility of the eBike and makes it less likely to suffer a collision with someone who failed to spot you. Unless you already have a set of premium pedals, we highly recommend using the ones that come with the Magnum Metro eBike.
Grips and Saddle
Comfort matters almost as much as performance on eBikes, and that’s what you get with the Magnum Metro eBike. The grips are made out of imitation leather, providing a fantastic look while having an ergonomic feel helping you ride for hours without tiring your arms.
That is especially true for the adjustable handlebars, which can be configured for low-rise to a mid-rise setting for when you’re riding in the city or on your favorite mountain bike trail.
The Selle Royal Gel seat is comfortable to sit on and has adjustable height components. While we’d still like to see more than one frame size for the Magnum Metro, the adjustable handlebars and saddle height help all types of cyclists have a more enjoyable riding experience with the Magnum Metro.
Wheels and Tires
When it comes to the wheels, you have Schwalbe Big Ben 26’’ x 2.15’’ tires mounted on aluminum alloy double-walled 36 hole rims. Holding the wheels together are stainless steel, 13 gauge spokes for the front and back tire, and a 30 to 55 PSI recommended inflation range.
You’ll hardly ever need to adjust the PSI, but due to the tire build, you can deflate the tire closer to 30 PSI for riding on trails and inflate them closer to 55 PSI if you want better performance while riding in the city. The tires feature K-Guard 3 puncture protection, which protects you while riding on a trail but has the added benefit of reducing the risk of a blowout while biking at high speeds.
Overall, it’s a fantastic wheel setup, especially when you also consider the side reflective striping that further improves overall riding visibility.
Accessories/Upgrades
The Magnum Metro has an entry-level price tag. Still, it offers an incredible value once you consider the long list of accessories and upgrades incorporated into the electric bike. The integrated headlight, the tail light, the kickstand, a flick bell, fenders and chain guard coverage, aluminum pedals, and several other features all help the Mangum Metro stand out.
The only accessory we’re a bit let down by is the tail light, which isn’t integrated into the eBike electrical system like the headlight is. Instead, the tail light relies on AAA batteries, which require independent activation and has to be periodically checked to make sure the light still turns on. We hope the tail light system gets integrated for one less thing you have to manage in a future model. Otherwise, you have everything you need to go out and have a blast with the Magnum Metro eBike the moment it arrives at your door!
Recommendation
The Magnum Metro eBike is very attractive for its entry-level price, and doubly so once you consider everything the fantastic all-around use bike comes with. The 6061 aluminum frame, available in two fabulous colors, is designed to help you have a smooth and comfortable ride through the city or over rugged mountain trails. The Das-kit R4 rear geared hub motor pairs well with the Lithium-NCM 624 Wh battery, helping you travel over 60 miles on a single charge whether you’re riding through town or up a steep hill with the 90 Nm torque motor.
Utilizing a very popular Shimano drivetrain, shifting is smooth and easy on the 8-Speed eBike, with additional chain guard and aluminum fenders helping keep the drivetrain on track and clean while you ride.
The Schwalbe 26’’ tires balance stability, handling, and speed while you ride, with the Tektro Auriga brakes ensuring you come to a quick and smooth stop when needed.
Ergonomic grips, adjustable handlebars, the suspension seat post, an integrated headlight, and a long list of other accessories all drive up the value of the Magnum Metro even more. If you’re new to cycling or want a fun, affordable secondary bike so your friend or family member can keep up with you, you will definitely want to consider the Magnum Metro electric bike!
Thank you for reading our spec review of the Magnum Metro eBike! If you want to see our review team do a performance or video review, or if you have any other questions, be sure to let our team know by leaving a comment below!
Samedi 29 Trail 5 – Smart System RS
The Trail 5 is a real mountain goat with its RockShox 35 Gold fork, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and MT6120 four-piston brakes that will allow you to climb and descend, and do it again and again, and smile and smile again :-
Available in 3 configurations
The Trail 5 is a real mountain goat with its RockShox 35 Gold fork, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and MT6120 four-piston brakes that will allow you to climb and descend, and do it again and again, and smile and smile again :-
Features that will make you smile
100% connected with the Bosch Smart System
Cadre
Trail, 6061 T4-T6 Alloy, w/150mm travel, Bosch PowerTube battery custom integration (horizontal), 12x148mm, Boost, motor cover w/cooling fins chainguide
Suspensions
RockShox, 35 Gold RL, DebonAir spring w/external rebound, Motion Control damping featuring low speed compression adjustment to lockout, 150mm travel, 15x110mm, Boost, 44mm offset, mini-fender compatible
Système Moteur
Bosch, Performance Line CX, 250W, Smart System, 85Nm
Bosch, PowerTube 750Wh, horizontal, Smart System
Calculated on average for a 70kg person under ideal conditions of use
Bosch, Kiox 300, Smart System, compact, color screen, customizable screens, Lock function (optional), 5 modes (Eco, Tour, eMTB, Turbo, Off), « Walk assist », LED Remote bluetooth
Transmission
Shimano, XT, RD-M8100-SGS, 12-speed
Shimano, Deore, CS-M6100 12-speed, 10-51
Freins
Shimano, BR-M6120, hydraulic disc brake, 4 pistons
Shimano, BR-M6120, hydraulic disc brake, 4 pistons
Roues
Front: Shimano MT410 w/ cartridge bearings, 28 holes, Centerlock, 15x110mm, thru axle // Rear: Shimano MT410 w/ cartridge bearings, 28 holes, Centerlock, Microspline 12 speed, 12x148mm thru axle
Moustache, asymmetric, alloy 6061E, welded, double wall, 28 holes, 29″, 30mm width, mounted w/ Tubeless valves flap, brass nuts w/ locking “Blue Nylon” insert
Cockpit / Poste de pilotage
Moustache, Sport, steel rails
KS, 900i, dropper-post w/remote lever, 31.6mm
Moustache, alloy, 760mm, 12mm rise, 9° backsweep, 5° upsweep
Moustache, alloy, 3D forged, 50mm
Acros, AZX-579, sealed bearings
Équipements
Alloy platform with reflectors
Garantie
5 years frame and fork Moustache Bikes. 2 years motor, battery
Autres
Moustache, Magic Grip Control 150, specific Air Shock w/ 2-position platform and dynamic control of rebound, Trunion mount, build-in 205x60mm, 150mm travel
Shimano, Deore, SL-M6100, 12-speed
Maxxis, Assegai, 29×2.50, foldable, EXO/TR (Tubeless Ready)
S: 125mm M: 150mm L/XL: 170mm
Black / Metallic Silver, Mat
Samedi 29 Trail 5 – Smart System RS in the news!
J’ai essayé pour la première fois un VTT électrique Moustache et j’ai pris une claque
Test du Moustache Samedi 29 Trail (2023) : on prend le même et… on fait mieux !
Test Samedi 29 Trail : le Moustache qui passe partout
Luggage
All our Moustache luggage racks are approved up to 27 kg, with the exception of the Samedi 28.1 and tandem, which is approved up to 25 kg. Our Moustache by Ortlieb bag, available from Moustache dealers, is compatible with all of our luggage racks. Other brands and models are also compatible with our bikes. Please do not hesitate to consult your Moustache dealer for personalised advice.
Luggage rack/mudguard
Within our range, there are mudguard and luggage rack kits that are compatible with some of our non-equipped models: Dimanche 28, Dimanche 29 Gravel and Samedi 27 OFF2. You will find more information on these products here. Visit your local Moustache Bikes dealer for and to place an order.
Baby carrier/child seat
We recommend the use of approved seat models that attach to the luggage rack. Our platform racks are approved up to 27 kg and can accommodate different models of child seats, such as those from Hamax, Thule, Polisport and Urban Iki. Our bikes (expcept for samdi 21.1 and tandem) is equipped with a MIK HD luggage carrier, which makes it compatible with the new generation of ultra-practical MIK baby carriers such as the Urban Iki and Polisport models. See the attached compatibility sheet. For personalised advice, please consult your Moustache Bikes dealer.
Bicycle carrier
We recommend using carrier systems which are attached to the tow ball of your vehicle and are compatible with ebikes (due to their weight). In particular, several models are offered by Thule who are renowned for the reliability of their equipment. Our bikes with a PowerTube battery integrated inside the frame are usually compatible with bike carriers whose mounting arms pivot to attach to the seat tube, for example. For personalised advice, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer who will best be able to guide you on the various products on the market that are compatible with your Moustache bike.
Trailer
To attach a trailer to the rear wheel of your bike, you often need to know the axle system, and the dimensions and thread of the wheel axle so that you can order compatible parts. For personalised advice, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer who will best be able to guide you on the various products on the market that are compatible with your Moustache bike.
Trailers are strictly prohibited on Speed bikes. It is also forbidden to use trailers on category 3 and 4 bikes (see page 8). Please note that Moustache Bikes shall accept no responsibility or warranty claims for the use of a trailer. There are many different attachment systems for this equipment, each with specific technical characteristics that can weaken the structure of the bike.
…and what about on Moustache handlebars?
There are, in fact, adapters for paniers specially designed for our Moustache handlebars (for the Lundi 26 and 27, and the Samedi 28). These specific adapters allow you to attach most standard accessories to your handlebars. Find more information on our accessories page. Please contact your authorised Moustache dealer for and to order the necessary part for your bike.