![]() ![]() I do like the kickstand, which seems designed well and does its job perfectly. ![]() The Currie Ultra consists of mid-range components. The disc brakes, the shifting components, the tires, and the front suspension all seem to work well…but not buttery smooth (like expensive bike tech would be). The Currie system allows you to override pedal-assist by applying the throttle anytime convenient, but also makes it easier to be lazy! When I ride with a torque sensor, and use it to apply power, I end up pedaling much more than I would if using a pure throttle, thus getting better range and more exercise. This is a much smoother feeling and makes me feel more “bionic” than the cadence sensors. But the Ultra uses a torque sensor, which actually measures the tension you are putting on the chain while you pedal, and power is applied accordingly. The other Currie bikes I tested use a cadence sensor, a simple RPM sensor on the crank that applies power based on how fast you are pedaling. When you are in pedal-assist mode, an ebike needs to somehow figure out how hard you are pedaling. This one had a snazzy suspension front fork (a mono-shock just below the head-tube) which I like better styling-wise than the 2012 bike. These models are still around so you can still pick one up in this color. The other color choice I saw for the Ultra was last year’s (2011) model, also subdued. If you don’t like it, you will have to go with another ebike. I personally like the color of the Ultra, which is more subdued compared to the outlandish and somewhat bright Zuma and the Metro. However it is unfortunate that if you want an Ultra you’re stuck with just one color. Check it out above…it matches me and I blend right in with the bike. You can realistically only expect a 18 mile range with this pack. 360 watt hours (36 volts x 10-Ah) is really not a lot of juice for longer trips. A removable battery would allow you to double your range by toting a second battery. The Stromer also has the battery mounted in the same place, but it’s removable. However, one drawback of the Ultra battery is that it is not removable like the Stromer ( read review). The Ultra has a very balanced look and feel, because the battery is built into the downtube. To me this not only looks ugly, it also makes the bike back-heavy. The easiest way to build an ebike is to build it with the motor in the rear hub and the battery set into some kind of rear rack. The battery is built into the down-tube, a feature I really like. The Currie Ultra is built upon what I call a “purpose built” frame ( read our story). Like all Currie products, it will not go faster than 20-MPH when unassisted (as per the law) but it has decent torque and hill climbing ability, which makes it feel pretty zippy. Currie seems like a good bet, especially since last year they were bought out by a major Dutch ebike company, Accel Group. Before you buy into an electric bike company you should really ask yourself if this company will be around in five years time. Currie seems to be one of the better choices if you are looking for longevity and reliable customer support. ![]() When you buy electric bike, you will inevitably need parts and support. Stromer and A2B, on the other hand, failed this test miserably, barely responding to our emails requesting parts. The company tracks every Currie Izip owner in their database, listed by the bike’s serial number, and had all parts inventoried and in stock. Currie hit a home run, with an immediate and professional response from their repair department. We ordered some parts for a Currie Izip in his rental fleet, to see how they would respond. They have done something right to earn that spot.Ī friend of mine is an electric bike repair technician, and we decided to put Currie to the test. Currie has been around for 15 years, and is currently the biggest manufacturer of electric bikes in the USA. Ebike manufacturers come and go, and usually care only about getting those first dollars from you for the initial purchase. This is a rarity in the electric bike business. The leadership of Currie I have met seem determined to provide good customer support after the sale. They seem to have really good quality control all across the board. All the other components are warranted for two years. The battery pack uses quality Samsung cells and is warranted for one year. Currie really seems to have it figured out in terms of the battery, motor, and controller combination. One thing you get when you buy a Currie product is a brand that is known for reliability. In this review I will first break down the points I liked, and save what I didn’t like for last. Of all the Currie Izip bikes I haved tested–the Metro ( read review), the Express ( read review), the Zuma, and the Ultra–the Ultra was my favorite. ![]()
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