Ride1Up Prodigy V2 Review: The $2,695 Belt Drive, Mid-Drive Ebike to Beat!

Ride1Up’s Prodigy V2 is yet another win for their fleet of quality, value-driven ebikes. This is a product refresh packed with premium components, rarely seen at this price point. The Prodigy V2 is available with a high-end belt drive with CVT for $2695, or a standard chain drive for $2395. 

Previous generations of Ride 1 Up’s Prodigy series continue to be available at discounted prices. Check out our reviews of the entire Ride1Up lineup here.

If you are interested in purchasing The Prodigy V2, or any of the Ride1Up range, using our affiliate link helps support the Ebike Escape channel.

The beautifully designed, premium-looking Prodigy V2 with CVT has three finishes: Onyx Black, Faded Bronze and Sea Fog. Weighing in at 61 lb, it comes in a high-step and step-through version, for enhanced accessibility. The non-CVT variation is slightly lighter at 58lbs.

The high step, or XR/LX, version has a standover height of 30.3” and is aimed at people 5’6”-6’4” whilst the step-through, ST/LS, is a good fit for those measuring 5’1”-6’3” and has a standover height of 25.8”.

German Engineered Brose Motor and Enviolo Stepless Shifting

Perhaps the most deluxe feature of the Prodigy V2 is the German-engineered Brose, mid-drive 250W motor with 90Nm of torque. It’s capable of speeds up to 28 mph as a Class 3 electric bike (no throttle). The Prodigy V2 is an ebike that’s meant to be pedaled, providing a boost, but not overpowering the rider. The torque sensor efficiently transmits human power through the four pedal assist levels: Eco, Tour, Sport, Boost.

Enviolo stepless shifter

The higher-priced edition, dubbed “with CVT, includes a sophisticated Gates carbon belt drive, offering a smoother ride while minimizing maintenance. Paired with a high-end Enviolo internally geared hub, all the gears are housed in the rear wheel. All you see is the belt and a cable which moves as you turn the Enviolo twist shifter in the cockpit. This premium component should be good for up to 20,000 miles of cycling, all with no messy chain.

Alternatively, an old-school chain and derailleur setup, with MicroShift components and a more traditional 9-speed shifter, will save $300. But, whilst it won’t cost anything in performance, there is more expense in upkeep and effort, as well as noise.

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 Review: Battery and Display

The battery with Samsung cells is more average, offering 36V, 14AH, 504 watt-hours of capacity, but it provides a generous 30-50 mile range. It is nicely integrated under a cover on the down-frame and can be charged on or off the bike. A button on the battery indicates its current capacity.

The minimalist Brose display is a little small to see especially in bright sunlight, but the compact buttons at the bottom easily cycle through the features, including, odometer, power use, and trip history.

Premium Components

More impressive are the excellent Tektro Orion 4-piston hydraulic disk brakes, with matching levers and 180mm rotors.

With a lockable air suspension front fork – giving 100mm travel – and Maxxis Rekon Race heavy tread tires, measuring 27.5”x 2.25”, there is an option to take this versatile ebike off-road. And metal fenders at front and rear make for a cleaner commute.

Always-on lights at front and rear are seamlessly integrated into the sleek design. The bright rear lamp, neatly inlaid into the included rear rack is particularly notable. Speaking of rear rack, it’s compatible with Ride1Up’s Connect+ accessories including their rear basket. The superior quality continues into the branded Selle Royal saddle, and Velo locking ergonomic grips.

There’s also a rear-mounted kickstand, two sets of bottle cages and the accessories box is better than most, with a set of quality Allen keys, wrenches and maintenance grease, not to mention a beanie hat!

View the full components list

Conclusion

Ride1Up’s Prodigy V2 is a superb ebike at an unbelievable price. Many of its premium components are usually only seen on ebikes costing almost twice as much.

It is certainly worth considering the belt-drive upgrade, since this low-maintenance, sleek component is set to be the drive mechanism of the future.

And, since the bike arrives 85% assembled, the belt drive should be ready to ride without adjustment. Ride1Up is able to keep its prices down by delivering directly to consumers. Recently they publicly announced they are doubling down on customer support touting one of the best response times in the industry. So if you’re on the fence, contact their US-based team via email or even by phone: 1-877-ride1up!

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 Review
Electronics (Battery, Motor, Display)
9
Components (Shifter, Derailleur, Fork, Brakes)
10
Frame (Geometry, Sizing)
9
0
Ride1Up prodigy v2 pros
Brose mid-drive motor
Enviolo internally-geared hub
Tektro Orion 4-piston disk brakes
Gates carbon belt drive
Air suspension front fork
Maxxis Rekon Race name-brand tires
Integrated front & rear lights
Selle Royal saddle
Great accessories pack
Included metal fenders and sleek rear rack
Step through offered
ride1up prodigy v2 cons
Small display (hard to see in direct sunlight)
Average sized battery
Cable management can be improved
9.3