Denago Commute model 1 Review: After Testing This E-Bike I Was Surprised!
For a reasonable price, the Denago Commute model 1 offers a solid overall package. Find out how the reasonably priced e-MTB persuaded us here.
Denago offers their electric bicycles through budget stores, distributors, and its own website. We borrowed the “Commute model 1” electric mountain bike and gave it a week of testing. Our evaluation revealed that the e-mountain bike is the best among reasonably priced e-bikes.
The Denago Commute model 1 could at first glance look like an old-school e-bike with its sizable battery in the center of the frame. Is that still current? But if you leave this place too hastily, you’ll lose out. Because reading the data sheet indicates that the e-bike has all of the necessary components for off-road use.
Denago.com
And as it turns out throughout the test, even more. Actually, my Commute model 1 received a Shimano brake, albeit a mechanical one, in place of the Tektro disc brakes. Although Tektro produces reasonably good brakes, that is still a compliment.
Contrary to the 8-speed gears, the Microshift rear derailleur is available instead of the Acera gears that are advertised online. However, in actuality, there is practically any difference in class here. Such shifts have been commonplace since the pandemic, thanks in large part to inexpensive e-bikes. Delivery issues can arise with even inexpensive components.
The Suntour suspension fork is one location where the proper component is crucial. Suntour is at least a legitimate brand, even though it is not Fox or Rockshox. Here is where many inexpensive e-mountain bikes fall short. Cheap forks with no brand strike too far, shoot out again without braking, or yield excessively when loaded horizontally.
Denago Commute model 1: Design and Build Quality
Before I even enter the forest, I observe that Denago, with the Commute model 1, has actually succeeded in introducing a very affordable E-MTB to the market. Despite the fact that the frame is a little too small for me at 185 cm, I still feel at ease. While riding, the e-bike does not appear to be inexpensive at all.
The braking system reacts superbly, and the shifting is flawless. Shimano has been producing bicycle components for well over a century, but I can attest from personal experience that the Tektro Aries brake, when used as intended, performs admirably.
Regarding the pedals, I experience some nostalgia. The wide pedals with pins shocked me when I recently tested the Denago Offroad. Sadly, the Denago Commute model 1 is a little bit more traditional in this situation.
This e-bike handles beautifully overall, so that is a minor flaw. Whether by chance or engineering prowess, everything fits together properly. I feel so assured after only a few minutes that I’m flying up the mountain without using my hands.
The suspension fork, too? She honors the vow I made to myself. It should always be this way: smooth, synchronized driving, good cushioning while rolling over obstacles. This creates a stable team for off-road use when combined with the off-road tires from Maxxis.
Denago Commute model 1: Motor and Battery
The back wheel hub of the Denago Commute model 1 houses a 500 Watts motor that is managed by a pedal sensor. In other words, the device detects when you are pedaling and activates the motor. The device, however, is unable to detect how firmly you pedal.
On low-cost e-bikes, the rear-wheel drive and pedal sensor combo is stan dard. It functions either better or worse depending on the system. But what usually stands out is the apparent thrust of the back engine, which is likewise activated when you softly press the pedal. The Denago Commute model 1 is in the same situation. However, the support for karacho does not begin right away; rather, it begins gradually and builds up the boost over time. Because of this, even in the absence of a torque sensor, a reasonably realistic driving experience is guaranteed.
You can adjust the support’s tensile strength and the top speed at which the motor can still pass under your thighs (10, 14, 24, 35 or 45 km/h) with the support levels 1 through 5.
The small display does more than just provide information about your speed, battery life, support level, or miles. The motor activity is also seen in the top left. This means that you are always aware of how much the motor, battery, and potential range are being used.
To navigate between the five support levels, use the button on the display. Level 0 is another option, and I was also impressed. The Commute model 1 is quite simple to operate even without motor help because of the sporty shape and the high-quality equipment. I didn’t feel any resistance when pedaling, and with the correct gear, I had no trouble going more over 45 km/h over a short distance of a few hundred meters.
On the handlebar, there is a reflector as well. There is also a lamp present. However, both result in a congested cockpit. I didn’t even attach the lamp during the daytime ride because of this.
Denago Commute model 1: Conclusions
Drive instead of just watching! The Commute model 1 e-bike is a dependable friend that truly merits the moniker e-MTB for anyone who doesn’t mind the external down tube battery. I haven’t yet found an inexpensive e-mountain bike that makes me feel like I’m ready for challenging rides.
But with the Commute model 1, I was able to jump over muddy woodland roads securely and even use a root or two as a kicker without the fork breaking. It can absolutely go a little wilder, but it’s not a bike for the biking part.
The Denago Commute model 1 will suit all riders who want a sporty ride, are between 1.65 and 1.80 feet tall, and wish to experience some action on an e-bike. The e-bike can be purchased from the Denago website for a very reasonable RRP of 1799.
Due to the suspension fork and general handling, I would also choose the e-bike over less expensive e-MTBs that cost between 1500 and 2000. Just put, it’s worth more. I anticipate a longer service life because of the high-quality fork and the way the components work together.
Even better, Denago Commute model 1 is occasionally offered for sale as part of promotional activities. The e-bike is presently available on the Denago store for just 1799.
Denago Commute Model 1 Step-thru eBike. White 2023
Denago Commute Model 1 is an urban eBike with a step-thru frame with a low standover height. easy to mount and dismount for shorter riders or those with poor flexibility or injuries. Commute Model 1 is full-featured with a suspension fork and seatpost, integrated headlight, plus included fenders, rear rack, and kickstand. Stealthy, sleek battery integrated with the down tube.
Commute Model 1 was named best new commuter eBike by the editors of Bicycling.com and appears on their list of 18 best electric bikes you can buy right now.
Class III eBike Up to 28 MPH on pedal assist, and 20 MPH on throttle alone
Integrated Headlight Built-in bright front white light, powered by the eBike battery and controlled from the handlebar remote.
Digital Handlebar Display Speed, distance, and battery charge at a glance; plus PIN code feature to help keep your eBike secure.
PEDAL ASSIST PLUS THROTTLE
Arrive at work or school without breaking a sweat. This Class III eBike travels up to 28 MPH on pedal assist or 20 MPH on throttle alone. Control it all from the handlebar remote without taking your eyes off the road.
HIGH-CAPACITY INTEGRATED BATTERY
Sleek, high-capacity 652.8Wh Lithium-ion battery is integrated with the frame tubes for a stealthy look. Battery locks to the frame with included key for enhanced security, and can be charged on or off the bike with the included 3A fast charger. recharge up to 50% faster than competing eBikes.
It’s easy to remove the battery and take it with you if you’re parking outside or carrying your eBike on a hitch or bumper vehicle rack.
MILE RANGE
Powered by a sleek, integrated 652.8Wh Lithium-ion battery, Commute Model 1 can travel 45 miles or more between charges. enough for commuting to work or school without needing to charge during the day.
Range varies based on conditions and usage patterns, including rider weight, level of pedal assist or throttle used, hilly vs. flat terrain, and cargo carried.
POWERFUL REAR HUB MOTOR
Commute Model 1 is powered by a Shengyi 48 volt, 500 watt rear hub motor, producing plenty of torque for climbing hills, even when you’re carrying a laptop, change of clothes, or groceries.
CHARGE 50% FASTER THAN COMPETING BRANDS
Commute Model 1 includes a 3 amp fast Smart charger to recharge 50% faster than many competing eBikes. Spend more time riding and less time charging!
INTEGRATED POWERED HEADLIGHT
The front (white) headlight is powered by the built-in eBike battery, so it never requires separate charging. Control the headlight from the handlebar-mounted remote, and turn it on/off as needed with the push of a button.
INCLUDES REAR TAILLIGHT
Commute Model 1 includes a rear red reflector mounted to the back of the cargo rack for additional safety. Add 3 AAA batteries (optional) to turn it into a powered taillight for night rides.
HANDLEBAR LCD DISPLAY
Monitor all your important metrics including speed, distance, battery charge remaining, current pedal assist level, and much more on the high-resolution handlebar-mounted LCD display. There’s even a backlight for night commutes.
Riders can customize their settings using the display, including modifying the speed limiter if desired. You can also set a PIN code for additional security.
PIN LOCK KEEPS YOUR EBIKE SECURE
Prevent unauthorized use or slow down thieves by adding your own custom PIN code for additional security.
WALK MODE OPTION
Sometimes you need to walk your eBike at slow speeds. perhaps you’re shopping in a farmer’s market full of pedestrians, or crossing a busy downtown street. Engage walk mode with the push of a button, and your Commute Model 1 will move forward at a slow speed while you walk beside.
Walk mode can also be used to push your eBike up a hill or up a ramp into a trailer or pickup truck bed. Ideal for riders who carry their eBikes in RVs or toy haulers.
EBIKE COMPONENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS
ThrottleThumb throttle, left side
DisplayDenago LCD with speed, motor power, trip distance, odometer, trip time, battery charge level, and walk mode functions, plus PIN lock security feature
SensorsSpeed, Cadence
Battery48V, 13.6Ah, 652.8Wh, Fully-integrated style, LG cells
ChargerMulti-voltage 110-240V, 3A Fast Charger with USA plug
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)For 24/7 Chemical Emergency Response and SDS Information, call 1 (800) 255-3924
Denago Fat Tire Ebike Review – A large battery and a well-tuned torque sensor
We got to review the Denago Fat Tire ebike at the perfect time of year. Though the snow came early here in the midwest, the Denago Fat Tire ebike had no trouble holding its own. There are certainly quite a few fat tire ebikes on the market these days. A couple of things that make this bike stand out include a well-tuned torque sensor in a sub 2,000 bike, hydraulic disc brakes, and several frame size options. Check out our full video review or read on for all the details.
As always, consider using our affiliate link if you are planning to buy the Denago Fat Tire ebike. It is an easy and free way to support Ebike Escape.
Denago Fat Tire Step-Thru Video Review
The Denago Fat Tire comes in two different frame sizes, both of which are step-through. The small/medium is designed to fit riders between 5’4″ and 5’11” while the medium/large should fit people from 5’11” to 6’5″. There is only one color option: a sleek white/black mix. The bike weighs 79 lbs with the battery installed and the maximum rider weight is 300 lbs with a max cargo capacity of 55 lbs.
The frame includes a Zoom front suspension fork with preload and lockout. The riding position on this ebike is more aggressive than a lot of cruiser-type fat tire ebikes due to the straight handlebars and the lack of an adjustable stem. That may be a pro or con depending on your riding preference and these accessories can be added after market.
Battery and the Well-tuned Torque Sensor
It is unusual to find a torque sensor on a sub 2,000 ebike so we were pleasantly surprised to see this feature on the Denago. While a torque sensor tends to give an ebike a more natural pedaling experience than a cadence sensor, one criticism is that sometimes the rider has to put in more power than they would like to get increased motor power. This is not the case with the Denago Fat Tire. They have the torque sensor tuned so that you have a natural pedaling feel without having to put in a lot of effort to get moving.
The maximum speed in this Class 3 ebike is advertised as 28 mph on pedal assist and 20 mph with the left-hand thumb throttle. In our testing, we reached a top speed of 26 mph.
Power is provided by a 750-watt Bafang rear hub motor. The battery is 48V 19.2 Ah (921.6 watt-hours) and is hidden into the downtube of the bike. The website doesn’t have a range estimate but in our experience, we would expect 30-60 miles on an average ride. You may get more miles in optional riding conditions.
The display on the Denago is a high-resolution color LCD screen. It shows speed, distance traveled, battery power, trip time, and calories expended. It also has a walk mode function and an optional pin password.
Denago Fat Tire Components
Click for larger image
For components, let’s start with an important aspect of any fat bike, the tires. Denago features 26″ x 4″ Kenda tires which are pretty standard for this type of ebike. Simply put, they will handle any type of terrain. The brakes are Zoom hydraulic disc brakes which is always a nice upgrade compared to mechanical disc brakes. They are paired with 180 mm rotors. There is a Shimano thumb shifter, with a 7-speed Shimano Tourney Rear Derailleur. While sufficient for most riders, these are the most entry level components offered by Shimano. The crankset is 48T up front and there is a 14-28T freewheel.
There are integrated rear and front headlights which are plenty bright. They can be turned on and off on the handlebars and the rear lights operate as brake lights. With the lights turned off, the brake lights will still illuminate when pulling the brakes. With the lights on, the brake lights go brighter.
The saddle has a lift handle attached for easier maneuvering. While it would be nice to have a rear rack included, the bike does come with metal fenders and mounting points for a front and rear rack. If you are looking for other accessories or ways to customize your bike, check out our accessory page.
In Conclusion
The Denago Fat Tire ebike may be joining a large field but I think it compares favorably. The torque sensor is a big plus for some and the fact that it is geared to require less input from the rider is nice. The large battery and powerful motor allow this bike to take you where you need to go. For a closer look, first-person riding footage, and a hill climb test check out our video review above. Looking for a city-oriented electric bike? Denago offers two other models, the Commute and the City.
Denago Fat Tire Review: A Status Electric Bike in 2023!
The Denago Fat Tire electric fat bike could not have come to me at a better moment. I’ve wrestled with the usefulness of an electric fat bike for a long time since I tend to view them as niche products that are more fun to use than practical. Then, though, on the day the box arrived, it started to snow, and a lightbulb went off over my head.
I’m going to try ditching my car as much as possible this winter and riding my bike the rest of the time. The best option for me is a cargo bike, but since it snows frequently in Colorado, it makes sense that I’ll need a bike that can withstand these conditions. The Denago Fat Tire appears to be perfectly suited for the task.
It has large, 26 x 4-inch tires to handle bad weather. Additionally, Denago made the Smart decision to install large, wide-coverage fenders in the front and rear to assist reduce the inevitable muck spray from those large pieces of rubber.
Bike.com
Also popular is the electronic trend. The LG battery has specifications of 48 volts and 921.6 Wh, and it is paired with a 750W motor that has a maximum output of 1,200W. The system requires six hours to fully charge, and according to Denago Fat Tire, a single charge should provide a maximum range of 70 miles. Naturally, that depends on where you bike, how you ride, and the weather. There is a throttle on the Denago Fat Tire, so if you use it frequently, your range will decrease.
With the Denago Fat Tire enters the medium market for electric bicycles. We examined the best e-bikes sporting the logo of a well-known automobile manufacturer and rode them for a full day. The outcomes of our test of Denago Fat Tire e-bikes are available here and in the video.
Denago Fat Tire: Design and Build Quality
Denago hasn’t previously been associated with expensive e-bikes. Instead, the company has delighted its clients with affordable, rear-wheel drive e-bikes. Now, however, Denago itself describes the model Denago Fat Tire as “SUV e-bikes.”
These e-bikes have a mid-mounted engine, unlike earlier Denago models, and a large battery with ample power. Denago’s new flagship models have a pleasingly unique appearance. As soon as we opened the box, we realized that.
You may utilize the Denago fantastic commute to work thanks to strong construction, accessories with a secure luggage rack, mudguards, and a lighting system. We assume that the bike will look great no matter the weather. Use in the trekking area is also possible due to the battery performance and sitting arrangement. The e-bikes’ comfort is another feature of the bikes. You can effortlessly board and exit the Denago step-through bike in stop-and-go traffic. The term “SUV e-bike” is therefore entirely appropriate, even though the inexpensive suspension fork limits the off-road mobility to gravel and woodland paths only. As a result, you shouldn’t ride these e-bikes on truly unpaved terrain.
The Denago has an angular trapezoidal frame that, while not an exact replica, is somewhat evocative to bike in design. The weld seams are strong and solid, and the matte finish appears exquisite and long-lasting. The Denago appears much more stable thanks to the sizable battery in the bottom tube.
The Denago’s top tube was the only part that was removed, but even without it, the e-bike doesn’t resemble a comfy city garbage bike and is equipped for any crime. Instead, it looks quite strong. A step-through appears like this!
Therefore, we departed and tested the two e-bikes over various routes. There is some suspicion because, after all, we carefully examined the components and the data sheet before the journey. This is the company that makes the brakes for Denago.
However, we are familiar with Zoom’s suspension fork. The option doesn’t initially blow us away because many entry-level e-bikes already have this fork. Although it is dependable and springs rather well, in our opinion it belongs in a lower e-bike class.
But what exactly are components and data sheets? As we have frequently observed in our tests, cheap does not necessarily equal terrible. After a few meters of driving, it becomes apparent that an extremely pleasant and, more importantly, stable e-bike has been put together, even with Denago.
The seating posture on the Denago e-bikes is pretty comfortable, but the assistance of the engine makes you feel quite athletic. At the same time, passages across problematic surfaces are also simple. Due to the solid construction and suspension fork, we always maintain control. The hydraulic braking system serves us well and is very reminiscent of the competition from Tektro.
Denago Fat Tire: Motor and Battery
The drive of an e-bike, in addition to the handling, is what you notice initially. However, we purposefully chose not to describe it right away. Despite having a strong 750W of power, the Motinova mid-engine rarely asserts itself in front of other variants. We like that quite a lot.
However, we have never heard of the manufacturer before, so we wonder why. The mid-engine excels at performing its duty. It has fairly calm behavior and is not overly animated. The motor then deftly develops its strength and obviously pulls you beneath your legs whenever it is essential, such as when it is loaded or when traveling uphill.
The four support levels have also undergone careful tuning. Denago relies on an unknown engine maker in this case, but he clearly knows his stuff. This results in a drive system that is also suitable for touring when coupled with the 921.6 watt-hour battery.
Denago e-bikes are also not intended for “stokers.” Seven gears enable them to transport you easily up to the legal support limit of 45 km/h. Driving beyond the motor support is challenging, nevertheless, due to the highest gear’s translation. The Denago SUV e-bikes have a fairly high cadence above 45 km/h. You won’t encounter any issues, though, if you choose to ride with assistance within the allowed range to going a little quicker on your own.
Unfortunately, the Denago e-bikes lack a display that would allow you to accurately determine the speed. In this case, you must rely on a smartphone holder and an associated app. There would have been space for a small LCD display, which is a feature found on many other e-bikes, with a smaller control unit.
The engine glows. You might want to crank it down to the center of the five levels when you first get on because it engages rapidly and has a lot of power. You can also swiftly pick up speed with the throttle.
The Denago practically flies off the line when I start it from a complete stop on a steep slope. This is a major victory for the Nomad because so many of the e bikes I’ve tested have struggled up this particular slope.
Also, given the large tires that allow you to customize compliance through air pressure, I’m keen to see if the suspension fork proves to be a worthwhile addition to the overall design or if it ends up feeling unnecessary.
And finally, I’d love to test the Denago’s capacity to tote cargo if accessories, specifically front and rear racks, become available through Denago Fat Tire. With the correct storage additions, I have a hunch this would make a terrific vehicle for excursions to the grocery shop.
The front end of the bike feels shaky when braking since the suspension fork has a lot of fore-aft motion. However, the suspension does a good job of absorbing significant bumps and the majority of chatter, even if it does pile up when hits happen quickly. Although it’s typically a lovely touch, I’m not convinced it’s really essential given the enormous tires.
Denago Fat Tire: Conclusions
Denago’s e-bikes are a perfect example of how an e-bike is more than the sum of its parts. However, we think the 1999 is at least a little bit excessive given the component choices. However, when viewed as a whole, the new models of e-bikes are extremely outstanding.
A highly sturdy frame, a smooth drive, and plenty of power from a large battery form the basis for daily and leisure journeys, wherever you want to go, so the SUV bikes unquestionably break into the middle class.
The Denago e-bikes are durable e-bikes for everyone, in general. You can ignore the fact that not all pieces are equally well-made and comfortable in relation to their price range. When the e-bikes are already for sale, this is very simple.