Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT, a powerful off-road moped-style ebike that stands out in a competitive market. We’ll dive into its features, riding experience, and how it stacks up against other models. For more Ride1Up reviews, check out our reviews of the Revv 1 FS and Revv 1 HT. And click below to watch our in-depth video review with 1st-person riding footage.
Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Video Review
Introduction
The launch of the Revv 1 DRT was somewhat surprising, given Ride1Up already has two other Revv 1 models: the hardtail (HT) and full suspension (FS). However, the DRT is designed specifically for off-road use, making it a unique addition to the lineup. It shows Ride1Up’s commitment to offering versatile ebikes that meet various riding needs which is something we saw with their numerous commuter style ebikes.
Pricing and Fitment
Priced at $2,595, the DRT is Ride1Up’s most expensive moped-style ebike. It weighs 91 lbs and comes in two colorways: Blackout and Toy Soldier. Ride1Up recommends this ebike for riders between 5’3″ and 6’4″. My wife, who is 5’5″, can stand over it on her tippy toes, so shorter riders should consider this. The seat height is 34″, one inch above that of the HT and FS models.
Key Components
Battery and Motor
- Battery: The DRT features a massive 52V 20Ah battery (1040Wh) from Bafang, UL 2271 certified.
- Motor: A 1,000W Bafang motor with a 35A controller, providing close to 2,000 watts of peak power with boost mode enabled.
Brakes and Tires
- Brakes: LBN Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors front and rear. Stopping power is excellent.
- Tires: 20×4 inch Inova tires, described as “chunky” and perfect for off-road. These should hold up for many miles across varying terrains. However, on pavement they can be loud.
Suspension
The front suspension is commendable, but the rear suspension truly elevates the riding comfort. It’s the best rear suspension we’ve encountered on a moped-style ebike.
- Front Suspension: Inverted RST fork with 150mm travel.
- Rear Suspension: DNM suspension with 76mm travel, rebound, and compression adjustment.
Other Features
- Lights: Custom Ride1Up enclosure with daytime running lights, low/high beam options, and brake-actuated rear light.
- Display: Standard Revv 1 Ride1Up display with off-road and boost mode indicators. You need to contact Ride1Up to change this to off-road mode though it can easily change between Class 2 and 3.
- Drivetrain: Single-speed with a cadence sensor.
- Pedals: Metal pedals with short cranks.
- Additional: Mudguards, custom fenders, and a mounting option for a second battery.
Comparison Chart: Revv 1 Models
| Feature | Revv 1 DRT | Revv 1 FS | Revv 1 HT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,595 | $2,245 | $1,795 |
| Weight | 91 lbs | 93 lbs | 83 lbs |
| Battery | 52V 20Ah | 52V 20h | 52V 15Ah |
| Charger | 4 Amp | 4 Amp | 3 Amp |
| Controller | 35A w/ boost | 35A w/ boost | 25A |
| Motor | 1,000W | 1,000W | 1,000W |
| Suspension | Full | Full | Front |
| Tires | 20×4 inch Innova off-road | 20×4 inch Scout eMoped | 20×4 inch Kenda Krusade |
| Brakes | 4-piston | 4-piston | 4-piston |
| Max Speed (Off-Road) | 34 mph | 34 mph | 30 mph |
Unboxing Experience
The Revv 1 DRT comes in a massive box that weighs over 100 lbs. Since they are direct-to-consumer ebike company assembly is on your own or you might be able to find a bike shop to help assemble it. To get an idea of what to expect, here is our unboxing video so you can see how the bike comes packaged and what to expect during assembly.
The bike was well packaged and there was even a metal plate to help protect the front fork from any damage. Assembly involves attaching the front wheel and attaching the stem and one of the mounts for the display.
DRT Riding Experience
On-Road Performance
The bike comes shipped in Class 2 mode with a top speed of 20 mph, In Class 3 mode, the DRT reaches speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist, but the throttle cuts off at 20 mph. Ghost pedaling, or not being able to provide human pedal power should be expected at high speeds. The shorter cranks also make pedaling awkward but are an understandable choice given moped-style ebikes aren’t optimized for pedaling due to not having an adjustable seat.
Speeds up to 34 mph are possible in off-road mode using throttle only in “boost” mode. Motor sound is quite loud as expected and the tires also produce a lot of road noise.
The motor being advertised as 1,000 watts on their website is a bit confusing since the bike wouldn’t fall into the category of an ebike which requires a 750 watt designation. It’s possible Ride1Up is capping the power in Class 2 or Class 3 modes and only allowing more power in off-road mode.
The bike’s acceleration is smooth, and the powerful motor handles hills with ease.
Hill Climb Test
We tested the DRT on a steep hill to gauge its climbing capabilities. The motor maintained a minimum speed of 23 mph on a significant incline, showcasing its impressive torque and power. This makes it a great choice for hilly terrains.
Off-Road Performance
The DRT excels off-road, thanks to its robust suspension and grippy tires. It handles rough terrain, including gravel and soft mud, with remarkable stability and comfort. The suspension soaks up bumps effortlessly, making for a smooth ride even on challenging trails. The boost mode in off-road settings provides an extra power surge, perfect for tackling tougher obstacles.
Revv 1 DRT Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful Motor: Provides excellent performance both on-road and off-road.
- Comfortable Ride: Outstanding suspension and ergonomic design.
- High-Quality Components: Top-notch brakes and tires.
- Aesthetic Design: Attractive two-tone color and sleek panels.
Cons
- Heavy: At 91 lbs, it’s not easy to transport.
- Limited Pedaling Efficiency: Short cranks and single-speed drivetrain are not ideal for extended pedaling.
- No Turn Signals: Missing a feature that could enhance road safety.
- Loud tires: The road noise from the knobby tires is quite loud at high speeds.
Value Proposition: Ride1Up Revv 1 vs Super73 and others
Ride1Up has built a reputation for offering high-quality ebikes at competitive prices. The Revv 1 DRT is no exception, providing better value compared to higher-priced competitors like the Super 73. While the Super 73 R Series starts at nearly $4,000, the DRT offers similar, if not better, performance and features at a significantly lower price.
Conclusion
The Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT is a top contender in the moped-style ebike category, offering impressive power, comfort, and design. While it’s on the heavier side and less optimized for pedaling, its off-road capabilities and overall performance make it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure.
If you’re considering the DRT or any other Ride1Up models, be sure to check out our detailed reviews to make an informed decision. Ride responsibly and safely, especially with a bike as powerful as this one.
For more Ride1Up reviews, check out all our Ride1Up reviews here.
