Ride1Up has just launched the Ride1Up TrailRush, a Class 3 electric mountain bike (eMTB) that’s set to shake up the market with its unbeatable combination of affordability, performance, and trail-ready components. Unveiled as Ride1Up’s first fully trail-equipped eMTB, the TrailRush brings premium features—like a German-engineered Brose mid-drive motor and a RockShox Judy Silver TK air fork—to riders at a price that undercuts much of the competition. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes the TrailRush a standout, how it compares to other eMTBs like the Aventon Ramblas and Velotric Summit, and why it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to hit the trails without breaking the bank.
A New Benchmark for Affordable eMTBs
The eMTB market has long been dominated by high-priced models, with many quality options starting at $3,000 or more. Ride1Up, a brand known for delivering value-packed electric bikes, is challenging that norm with the TrailRush. Priced to be accessible—$2,100 accessible—it promises to deliver a premium trail-riding experience without the premium price tag. This approach builds on the success of Ride1Up’s Prodigy model (our review), an affordable mid-drive ebike that won over riders with its quality and cost-effectiveness. The TrailRush takes that foundation and elevates it with better components and different geometry tailored for off-road adventures.
Comparing the Competition
To understand the TrailRush’s value, let’s look at two notable competitors:
- Aventon Ramblas: Priced at around $2,899, the Ramblas is a strong mid-drive eMTB with a 100Nm motor and a 130mm RockShox 35 Silver TK fork. While it’s a capable bike, its higher cost puts it out of reach for many riders. The TrailRush, with its 90Nm mid-drive motor and 120mm RockShox fork, aims to offer similar performance at a lower price.
- Velotric Summit 1: At $1,999, the Summit 1 is one of the most affordable eMTBs available. However, its hub-drive motor lacks the climbing efficiency and balanced weight distribution of a mid-drive system like the TrailRush’s. The Summit 1 offers a throttle, a 48V system, and accessories for dual-purpose use (e.g., commuting and light trails), along with tech features like a smart display. However, for dedicated mountain biking, the TrailRush’s mid-drive system and trail-specific components make it the superior choice. Prospective buyers should weigh these features carefully, but the TrailRush is unmistakably designed for mountain bikers.
The TrailRush stands out by offering mid-drive performance and trail-grade components at a cost that makes eMTB riding more accessible than ever. More people on ebikes is a win in our book, and having a trail-worthy and affordable eMTB is surely to get more people into the sport who might otherwise be on the fence with no electric assist.
The Mid-Drive Advantage
The TrailRush’s Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor delivers 90Nm of torque, setting it apart in the budget eMTB category. Mid-drive motors excel for trail riding because:
- Enhanced Climbing: They leverage the bike’s gears for superior torque on steep inclines.
- Balanced Handling: Positioned at the bottom bracket, they lower the center of gravity for better stability.
- Responsive Power: An integrated torque sensor ensures smooth, intuitive pedal assist.
Highlight: The RockShox Judy Silver TK Air Fork
The 120mm RockShox Judy Silver TK air fork is a standout feature, offering:
- Lightweight Design: Air forks reduce weight compared to coil alternatives.
- Adjustable Suspension: Riders can tune air pressure for personalized comfort and trail conditions.
- Smooth Control: 120mm of travel absorbs bumps for confident handling on singletrack.
This fork is a significant upgrade over the basic coil forks that might be found on other budget eMTBs.
Standout Features: Exaform Dropper Seatpost, Tektro Orion Brakes, and Maxxis Tires
A game-changing feature for trail riders is the Exaform KSP600 150mm dropper seatpost, a rarity in this price range, paired with Tektro Orion HD-M745 quad-piston hydraulic brakes and tubeless-ready Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 29″x2.6″ tires. The dropper post allows riders to adjust saddle height on the fly, lowering it for descents to improve maneuverability and raising it for efficient pedaling on climbs or flats, offering enhanced control, better balance, and versatility for mixed terrain. The Tektro Orion brakes deliver powerful, reliable stopping with quad-piston precision, ensuring confidence on technical trails and fast descents. Complementing these, the Maxxis Minion tires provide superior grip and durability, excelling on varied terrain from loose dirt to rocky singletrack, making the TrailRush a standout for trail-ready performance.
Trail-Ready Specifications
The TrailRush is built for performance with specs that rival pricier eMTBs:
- Motor: Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive, 90Nm torque
- Battery: 14Ah Phylion BN21 with Samsung cells and smart BMS for extended range
- Fork: 120mm RockShox Judy Silver TK air suspension
- Brakes: Tektro Orion HD-M745 quad-piston hydraulic for reliable stopping power
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10-speed with clutch, 11-36T cassette
- Dropper Post: Exaform KSP600 150mm
- Tires: Tubeless-ready Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 29″x2.6″ for superior grip
- Display: 1.5″ color all-round display
- Controller: 36V frame-integrated controller
- Chain: Heavy-duty KMC e10
- Speed: Class 3, up to 28 mph with pedal assist
- Sizing: Medium & Large
Where the TrailRush Fits in the eMTB Landscape
The eMTB category ranges from lightweight XC bikes to heavy-duty downhill models. As a hardtail eMTB with front suspension, the TrailRush is ideal for:
- Singletrack: The 120mm fork and grippy Maxxis tires handle moderate technical trails.
- Fire Roads: Class 3 speed and long-range battery support extended rides.
- Mixed Use: Its 28 mph capability suits both trail adventures and urban commuting.
Compared to full-suspension eMTBs, the TrailRush is lighter and easier to maintain, though less suited for extreme downhill runs. It offers a compelling alternative to other choices on the market.
Why the TrailRush Stands Out
The TrailRush proves that high-performance eMTBs don’t need to be expensive. By combining a Brose mid-drive motor, a RockShox air fork, an Exaform dropper post, and trail-ready specs, Ride1Up has created a bike that delivers exceptional value. It builds on the Prodigy’s affordable mid-drive legacy, making trail riding accessible to more enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned riders.
Final Thoughts
Clearly there was a gap in the market that Ride1Up sought to fill. While the price is unbeatable when taking into account the specs, it’s important to keep in mind that some assembly will be required. We’ll wait for our final verdict until we get to test a TrailRush out for ourselves, but on paper this thing looks downright impressive. Interested in other Ride1Up ebikes? Check out all of our Ride1Up reviews.
