Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Review

The Revv 1 on steroids, the DRT takes Ride1UP's capable little e-moped and turns it up a notch for dirt service. Equipped with an inverted, dual crown fork and a coil-sprung rear shock, the bike is more capable and taller than other Revv 1 models. The retro-looking alloy frame and gas-tank style battery are a familiar look, but new for this model are spoked wheels, off-road tires, a molle panel, and lightweight plastic fenders. So, is it as fun as it looks?

Performance Comparison

Ride

This bike gets attention wherever we ride it; the Revv 1 DRT looks custom-built for boomers to shake a fist at. Using the Multi-Class Speed system, the bike ships in Class 2 mode, which limits its assisted speed to 20mph. A few button pushes away is the Class 3 setting that gives the bike a pedal-assisted speed of 28mph but still limits throttle speed to 20mph. Registering the bike, signing a waiver, and pushing a few more buttons unlocks “Off-Road Mode,” and that's where this machine comes to life. Intended only for private property, this setting allows you to hit speeds into the forties under throttle power alone. It doesn't change the amount of pedal assist, but many users won't actually pedal this “bike” anyway. The additional suspension travel gives the DRT more comfort, more breakover clearance, and more confidence, especially off-road. We got one of the very first DRT bikes available, and its RST Sigma suspension fork was lackluster. The fork would top out its travel with a terrible mechanical sound. After a few weeks of emails and complaints, we were able to get the fork fixed/updated under warranty, and we've been told that newer models will not have the same issue. Should you have one of the bikes with an excessively loud fork, contact Ride1Up or RST for a fix.

The single-speed drivetrain helps you skirt laws that would otherwise categorize this machine as an electric motorcycle and lets you pretend to pedal when you're spotted on the bike path. You can also use the pedals to trigger the cadence sensor and propel the bike, but your efforts aren't likely to add much propulsion. Nothing about the ride quality of this machine feels bicycle-like; you're straddling the battery of a 95-pound mini-bike while feathering the throttle and staring at a virtual instrument cluster.

Like the other Revv 1s we've reviewed, it's quite comfortable due to a nice selection of components. Five-inch rise handlebars and a short stem give the bike an upright feel but enough forward bias to give it snappy handling. The non-adjustable cafe-style saddle has less padding than the other Revv1's and a more distinct forward tilt; we found it comfortable to sit on but less than effective for pedaling. Some riders preferred to sit further back on the saddle, and it gave the bike an easy-rider feel, but it loses its steering accuracy if you move too far back. Quad-piston calipers and 203mm rotors provide powerful stopping force, even from unlocked “off-road” speeds.

This bike feels tall when you stand over it and heavy when you pull it off of the kickstand. The front of the saddle sits 33.5" from the ground, and while the bike compresses into its shock travel when you sit on it, it doesn't generate much more space. The off-road tires have large lugs and knobs, but tread doesn't always equal traction. The 4" Innova tires struggled to maintain cornering grip on our test trail, a place where the Revv 1 FS with CST e-moped tires oddly excelled.

Equipped with an LED headlight in a cool retro design and a tail light with a functioning brake light, night riding is a joy. The headlight is mounted high on the fork, turns with the front end, and, despite not being adjustable, provides wide and bright illumination. Plastic fenders contribute to the bike's cool retro appearance but do little to keep mud and debris from ending up on the rider.

Range

This is the third Revv1 we've tested, and since the other two posted such impressive range figures, we had high (mileage) expectations. With the 1040Wh battery at full charge and the bike in non-boost off-road mode, we set off on our throttle-only adventure on the same roads we use for all of our e-bike range testing. In this standardized test, the DRT registered a completely depleted battery after only 25.85 miles, with less than 1500 feet of climbing. This figure is significantly less than the FS version of the bike, and while low for a bike with this size of battery, it's a fair distance given its off-road spec.

Ride1Up claims a range of 30-60 miles, but they use the same figure for all of the Revv1 models, so they may be shooting from the hip. The biggest range-effecting difference between the DRT and FS models is the tires. The smooth CST e-moped tires found on the FS model inflate to 30 psi, while the custom Innova tires on the DRT inflate to 20 psi. We can't imagine that the suspension factors into the range equation, especially since we weren't pedaling and the weight between these two bikes is within a few percent, with the FS actually being slightly heavier than the DRT. Aerodynamics isn't likely a significant factor either, given the slow nature of this test.

Power

The DRT arrives as a Class-2 model, which limits its speed to 20mph. There is plenty of torque for cruising around town or riding low-elevation change trails. When we pointed the DRT uphill on a common mountain bike trail, it bogged down with voltage sag to a walking speed after less than 1 mile. Switching to off-road mode and even activating the Boost feature did little to increase its stamina. If we turned the bike off and let it rest/cool for a few minutes, we could resume normal power, but it would quickly become limited again and slow to a walking pace. Given the appearance of this bike, having the performance slow to that of a Barbie Jeep was frankly embarrassing. As the bike started to slow down, we wanted to help and assist in the hill climbing effort, but with cranks like t-rex arms and no gears, it was difficult to propel in any meaningful way.

Switching the bike into its Class 3 setting doesn't increase its power but does increase its top pedal-assisted speed. In Class 3, you can pedal up to 28mph, but the throttle power still cuts off at 20mph. This pedaling motion does more to signal the cadence sensor and add power than actually help move the bike. Switching into off-road mode allows you to get the bike's full, unrestricted power with the throttle. If that isn't fast enough for you, there is a “BOOST” feature that is accessed by holding down the - button for two seconds. This switches the controller's amperage from 28 amps to 35 amps, giving the bike more pep and even higher top speed. Boost mode is only available in off-road mode on the FS and DRT models, and it takes a higher toll on the battery.

Interface

The Revv 1's display is thoughtfully designed for easy readability and provides essential information for riders. Its two-tone color scheme and central location on the handlebar make it effortless for riders to glance at without diverting their attention from the trail. The display prominently shows the current speed and represents the state of charge with a decreasing battery icon in 20% increments. Additionally, it showcases PAS level, average speed, and trip distance around the perimeter.

The throttle is intuitively controlled by a half-length twist grip on the right side, while the handlebar controls, including the power button, headlight switch, and horn, are conveniently placed within reach of the rider's thumbs. Switching between PAS settings is straightforward with the +/- button, and the main power button is located on the side of the battery. The opposite side of the battery features a clear LED display indicating the current charge level. Although the M button turns on a Bluetooth icon, there is currently no connectivity available. Apart from a navigation map, it's hard to envision a phone screen adding much value to the already comprehensive display. If you want to add a phone to the handlebar, there is a USB outlet on the back of the thumb controller that will allow you to keep your phone charged while you ride.

Assembly

The DRT arrives mostly assembled in a top-off crate-style bike box. The fork is connected to a welded metal support that protects it and stabilizes the bike for assembly. The bike comes with a set of tools, an owner's manual, and, like all other Ride1Up bikes, a beanie. The final assembly involves installing the handlebar, fenders, and front wheel. Installing the front wheel should be a two-person job as each fork leg can twist independently, and lifting the bike's front end isn't exactly easy.

Visual learners might enjoy the assembly video that Ride1Up produced; others can rely on the included instruction manual. It's important to check the tire pressure, do a bolt check, and charge the battery before your initial ride. Additionally, it doesn't hurt to familiarize yourself with the controls before riding, and if you're new to fast e-bikes, give it a few rides before unlocking off-road mode.

Should You Buy the Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT?

This depends on your expectations. We admittedly had higher expectations of this bike based on its appearance and specs. If you plan to conquer any serious hill climbing, this might not be the machine to do it on. If you're looking for a versatile e-bike that you can pedal and get some exercise on, it's still not the right bike for you. If ripping around town or on dirt trails without much elevation gain is in the cards, this bike is at least as fun as we've stated above. It's fun, relatively capable, and very well-priced for what you get.

What Other E-Bikes Should You Consider?

If this type of e-bike is of interest to you, the full-suspension Revv 1 FS has been our favorite. It has full fenders, a lower standover height, and ample power. You might also check out the Super73 S2, it doesn't have the speed or power of the Revv1 but it's exceptionally stylish. Super73 has done a great job with multiple models and configurations, but they don't carry the same value proposition that we find with the Revv 1 models.