Co-op Cycles Electric Bikes Review
Whoever is not familiar with Co-op Cycles should know that they are REI‘s in-house bike brand. Their bikes have reached a high demand in recent years for several reasons.
Co-op Cycles has managed to design bikes with above-average components at a below-average price tag.
So far they’ve managed to produce a broad selection of road, touring, mountain, hybrid, and now the electric bikes! More than a month ago they released their first fat tire bike as well, which also provides one of the greatest value on the market at $1,299!
About Co-op Cycles Electric Bikes
Released in September 2020, Co-op Cycles has used the latest technologies and trends when making their new electric bikes.
Components such as the mid-drive motor instead of a hub drive, hydraulic disc brakes, and a decent, lockable battery. E-bike-specific front fork and an e-bike chain, not to forget all the bells and whistles a typical ebike user could ask for.
*Electric Co-op Cycles bikes are based on the successful CTY hybrid series.
Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 Electric Bike
Best value under $2,000 mid-drive Hybrid E-Bike on the market! 🏆
Price: $1,999
- Integrated rear rack
- Adjustable eBike-specific front suspension
- Chainguard
- E-bike specific chain
- Sleek design
- Integrated front and rear lights
- Abus-locked battery!
Co-op Cycles’ CTY e2.1 is a robust electric commuter bike designed for heavy urban use. It comes with thick tires and a strong aluminum frame that includes an integrated rear rack for carrying heavy loads.
Design & Components
Puncture-resistant tires, lockable forks
Everything about the CTY e2.1 feels like its been purposefully designed to take on the rigors of tough, urban cycling. The Suntour front suspension fork easily swallows up the shock and vibration from curb jumps, potholes, and any other road obstacles you may encounter.
The 1.95″ wide puncture-resistant Schwalbe tires have a thick tread to tackle any kind of road or weather conditions, including any off-road diversions through parks or fields.
At 50.5 lbs (23kg) it’s a heavy bike but since you have a powerful 250W Shimano E5000 motor helping you along with 40Nm of torque, those uphills will feel like a breeze. The CTY e2.1 is a Class 1 pedal-assist bike, so you’ll still need to give it a bit of leg power to get going. This is provided by a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, including an Acera Rapidfire shifter and an Alivio rear derailleur.
Once you get rolling you’ll feel the motor kick in and help you along swiftly, reaching speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (32kph). The 418Wh removable battery will last for up to 50 miles (80km) on a single charge – more than enough to get your around town all day long. The battery also includes an ABUS lock for added security so you can feel safe leaving the bike parked around town.
Integrated front light, adjustable handlebar, electronics display
For quick and responsive stopping power in both wet and dry weather conditions, Co-op has fitted Shimano Altus hydraulic disc brakes which are more than sufficient for average city commuting. Other notable additions include a kickstand, riser adjustable handlebars, and integrated front and rear lights that don’t need separate charging.
Points of Improvement
There isn’t anything major not to like about this bike, although the overall weight and battery charge time could show some improvements in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, the CTY e2.1 is a decent quality electric commuter bike that provides good value for money. It’s certainly not the lightest or cheapest electric bike available but if you need something strong and reliable for frequent, heavy use, it’s perfect.
Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2 Electric Bike
All-inclusive eBike specific design and features at an unbeatable value! 🏆
Price: $2,399
- Mid-drive motor
- Electric bike specific components – drivetrain and suspension
- Fenders & integrated rear rack
- 4 hour charge time
- 60Nm of torque
Co-op Cycles’ CTY e2.2 is one of Co-op’s leading electric commuter bikes with a powerful engine and strong frame for carrying heavy loads. The 6061 aluminum frame includes a built-in rear rack and thick, puncture-resistant tires for a smooth and comfortable ride.
Upgraded from CTY e2.1:
- Added fenders
- Better battery
- More power: 60Nm instead of 40Nm torque
- Faster charge time: 4-hour instead of 6.5h
Design & Components
Lockable battery
The 51.9lbs (23.5kg) pedal-assist bike is admittedly quite chunky but fortunately, it comes with an excellent 250W Shimano E6100 motor that puts out 60Nm of torque. This will provide enough assistance to easily carry you and any luggage you may have up any steep ascents. If you live in a hilly city and often commute to work, you’ll certainly enjoy the comfort and ease of cycling on the CTY e2.2.
Riders will immediately notice how solid the bike feels and the confidence it instills even when traveling at high speed. The Class 1 motor can reach up to 20 miles an hour (32kph) and one full charge of the removable battery will last you up to 50 miles (80km) – more than enough to keep you going all day long.
For added comfort on bumpy streets, Co-op has included a Suntour front suspension fork with 75mm of travel, more than enough to absorb the shock and vibration from any unexpected road obstacles. Schwalbe’s 1.95″ Big Ben tires also help to smooth out the tarmac and have an adequately thick tread for wet or icy conditions. If you are keen for slightly more daring excursions into the off-road territory, these tires will easily hold up on dirt or gravel.
Ergonomic handlebars, hydraulic disc brakes, controller
To keep the motor chugging along, the CTY e2.2 has a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain which is made up of Acera Rapidfire shifters and an Alivio rear derailleur. The Co-op also went with Shimano for the hydraulic disc brakes which stop quick and decisively, even when heavily loaded on downhill sections. If you have any security concerns, not to fear – the 504W Shimano battery includes an ABUS lock so it won’t get swiped off the bike if you need to leave it parked unattended.
Other great features include adjustable handlebars for a comfortable upright seating position, a kickstand to support the bike when stationary, and mudguards for wet weather protection. You also get integrated front and rear lights that run directly off the battery for safe cycling at night.
Conclusion
The CTY e2.1 is an impressive electric commuter bike for the price and doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to quality. It’s surprisingly quick and nimble for how heavy it is and feels like the kind of bike that can tackle tough city streets.
Lockable electric-bike specific forks
Which One to Choose?
Both of the bikes share an unbeatable value by a brand that produces indeed one of the price-packed bikes you can get, but which one is for you? The choice comes down to your frequency of use:
CTY 2.1 – MSRP $1,999
Choose if you mainly commute on nicer weather, flatter grounds, and the speed of a full battery charge isn’t a major concern – the CTY e2.1 is a great choice. After all, it’s above most hybrid electric bikes at that price range!
CTY 2.2 – MSRP $2,399
Choose if you want the best-priced electric bike deal on the market right now! It’s got decent charge time and plenty of torque to use it as your everyday commuter!
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- DRT series – Mountain bikes
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Co-op Cycles eBike Size Chart
S (Step-Through) 5’0″ – 5’6″
M (Unisex) 5’3″ – 5’9″
L (Unisex) 5’6 – 6’3″
Conclusion of Co-op’s electric bikes range
Co-op’s CTY electric bike range is quite limited but addresses the needs of most city commuters. We particularly like the integrated pannier racks as they feel strong and stiff even when heavily packed, which helps to keep the bike stable.
It’s also reassuring to see electric bikes put together with components that are all of medium-to-high quality. Many manufacturers try to cut costs on electric bikes by including low-quality tires, gears, or batteries but Co-op has not done that here!
Co-op’s CTY electric bikes aren’t highly versatile but rather built to purpose, which makes them ideal for zipping around town, collecting groceries, making deliveries, or commuting to work.
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