On the display, riders can access trip distance and time; average and max speeds; calories used; carbon dioxide saved (also, what?); temperatures of the motor and controller; and total odometer. Via control buttons on the left handlebar, riders can toggle between the five power-assist levels and walk mode, which plods along at 2.9 mph whenever the rider needs to maneuver around a crowded space. Below the buttons is a USB-C port to keep your phone charged throughout the ride.
Over the rear wheel there’s a sturdy rack for strapping on a pannier, pack, or groceries. Front and rear fenders keep the crud off clothing, and the headlight and taillight are powerful enough for riding home at dusk. On the app, riders can opt into Apple’s Find My app, extra insurance against theft. It also offers over-the-air firmware support for the inevitable system upgrades throughout the life of the bike.
I’m like most humans, in that I have a need for speed. I was not disappointed with this bike. On my first foray, 8 miles across the city on after-hours streets to a distant hardware store, I had to go fast because it was getting cold and dark. My partner, Brian, was on a more powerful electric mountain bike, but the Discover 2 kept right up, holding a steady 20-mph pace. If I did lag, I used the throttle to power back on up right behind Brian’s wheel.
Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
The difference in feel between torque and sensor modes was subtle at first, but the more I rode, the more I settled into torque mode because it provided a more natural pedaling experience and, hence, felt like more exercise.
Ride after ride on city streets, I was impressed with how stable and comfortable the bike felt, especially for a step-through, which I’m not accustomed to riding. The bike felt so solid, in fact, that I was almost tempted to kit it out with studded tires so I could ride year-round.
Despite the sturdy craftsmanship and all the bling, I did find one glitch: On an errand that took me out after dark on a starless night, the adjustable headlight threw out only enough lumens to brighten a square patch roughly 10 to 15 feet in front of the bike. Everything else around me was dark. It might have been plenty of light had I been taking it slow in Class 1 mode, but my nature got the best of me. I had unlocked the bike’s 28-mph Class 3 mode and was speeding away into the night.
