Lectric XPeak Review – A Fat-Tired E-Bike Tough Enough for Winter Commuting

It is impossible to consider the electric bike market in the United States today and not include Lectric eBikes  in the discussion. They are the number one electric bike company in the United States and have done so quickly, a time period of just over 5 years. A recent interview with Levi Conlow, CEO and co-founder of Lectric, showed exactly how he and co-founder Robby Deziel have turned their garage start-up into a massive corporation. Motivation, hard work and dedication just ooze from Conlow, as well as a competitive spirit to be the best at whatever he puts his mind to. So when I asked him why Lectric decided to branch out and build a 26-inch fat-tired bike like the XPeak, his answer was fairly simple: "I'm competitive. I just have to win."

Not long after this interview, I finally got my hands on a production model of the Lectric XPeak, their new 26-inch off-road electric bike. While still in the throes of winter, I felt like it was the perfect time to test out a bike that is designed to excel in a variety of conditions.

Quick Specs

• Battery Power: 672 Wh

• Motor: 750 Watts (1310W peak)

• Torque: 85 Nm

• Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm rotors

• ISO 4210-10 e-MTB testing standard

• UL 2849 Certification

• 26-inch wheels

• Puncture-resistant 4" Chaoyang Hippo Skin tires

• Weight: 67 lbs

Unboxing & Assembly

While the XPeak comes in lighter than most heavy electric bikes on the market, this thing is still a take to get out of the box and build yourself. Make sure to warm your back up with some stretching before tackling the removal of the bike from the box. Or maybe get a friend to come over and help you out. On another side note, you could always open the box from the side by removing the heavy-duty staples and folding down the sides of the box. Lectric, if you are listening, an easy open bike box would be a great addition to helping customers build their bikes at home. Wink wink!

Lectric has done a great job following up on its promise to reduce the amount of plastic packaging when sending bikes to customers. They have entirely eliminated unnecessary plastic and use recyclable paper products, including tie-downs and cords made from paper and textiles. This made for an easy unboxing experience, and only a few small pieces of plastic were in the box.

During the unboxing process, I noticed that the LCD screen had been cracked during the shipping process. It still worked, but broken shards of glass stuck to the plastic, and I knew it wouldn't last. After reaching out to customer service, I had a replacement screen in less than 48 hours from when I called. The team at Lectric understands that things can happen during shipping and quickly resolved this minor issue. It's just another reason they are the leader in electric bike sales in the USA.

When it came to putting the bike together, Lectric provided all of the necessary tools and great instructions both in the box and online. Though, the bike is mainly put together right out of the box, and it doesn't take much mechanical skill to get it ready to ride. Follow the instructions carefully and in order, and you will have a bike ready to ride in less than an hour. Having straightforward instructions helps level the playing field and make non-technical customers more comfortable building their bikes instead of paying a bike shop to do it.

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Motor & Battery

The motor and battery combination are the heart and lifeblood of any electric bike system. Without these two components working together in symbiosis, the rest of the experience matters a lot less. Thankfully, Lectric understands this connection is vital and has put a lot of time into implementing a functional system.

Their 750W rear hub motor has been integrated with Stealth M24 technology, 400% quieter than previous 750W models. Coupled with a 673 Wh battery integrated into the downtube, you get up to 85 Nm of torque that can easily tackle steep hills and rough terrain.

The company employs a unique programming system called Pedal Assist Wattage Regulation (Lectric PWR™) in select models, which combines the benefits of torque-based and cadence-based systems. Torque-based systems provide a natural pedaling experience and efficient battery usage by adjusting power output according to terrain, while cadence-based systems focus on speed. Lectric PWR™ mimics torque-based dynamics without the premium cost, regulating power output based on usage scenarios to optimize efficiency and performance.

Bike Fit & Components

When Lectric first released the XPeak, they claimed it was an off-road bike with e-mtb certification for its frame design. As a mountain biker, I hoped the XPeak felt more like a mountain bike than a commuter bike, especially since I would be tackling some harsh winter conditions, including snow, ice and pavement.

The team gave the XPeak a more aggressive feel and riding position while making it comfortable for daily commuting. The top tube was set at an angle that wasn't too high to throw a leg over quickly, and it provided enough stand-ver height so that I didn't feel unbalanced when coming to a stop. The XPeak also comes in a step-thru model for those who prefer an easier mounting/unmounting option.

The cockpit felt balanced, not stretching me out too much but also not making it too tight for easy maneuverability. The handlebar, throttle, brake levers, and LCD screen were all easily positioned exactly where you want them. I'm very particular about how I like my handlebars set up, and all the tools were provided to move around and swap things into place.

When it comes to the components package, Lectric made sure to emphasize outfitting the XPeak with quality components, especially where it mattered most. It starts with the RST Renegade 80mm front suspension, which helped soften out rough terrain and didn't feel clunky like other suspension I have tested. Couple that with some reliable hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors, which provide great stopping power when needed. Electric bikes are heavy and travel at high speeds, so stopping power is paramount.

I was also fortunate enough to get the XPeak outfitted with front and rear baskets, which greatly increased the bike's carrying capacity and gave it a more utilitarian look. If you love to carry loads of gear with your e-bike, I would highly recommend these heavy-duty baskets, although a Clik-Lock system to add and remove them might be a nice addition.

Finally, a few minor details made a big difference to me, and I wanted to point them out to other customers who may not have noticed. Firstly, a thru-axle on the front fork is a great addition and should be standard on every electric bike. They have been a standard piece of equipment on mountain bikes for years, and if you are still dealing with bolt-on axles, please get with the times and save your customers the hassle of dealing with wrenches to remove the front tire.

Secondly, the XPeak comes with easily removable pedals. Anyone who has ever owned a bike and decided to change pedals has probably tried to remove the pedals and had trouble. Which way does it spin? Did I tighten it? I can't believe I smashed my knuckles into the chainring when I finally got it loose. Lectric has added some quick-release pedals that take all that guesswork out of your pedals. Thanks for saving everyone from getting bloody knuckles from the XPeak.

My only two complaints with the components package were the LCD screen and the LED headlight. Overall, the screen and its utility features are fine. The problem arose when riding at night. The screen is exceptionally bright when riding and is a huge distraction, especially when there are no other streetlights. Try as I did, I couldn't find a way to turn the brightness down, so I often covered it with one of my hands, which isn't the safest thing to do.

While the headlight looks like it would blast a formidable beam of light, I found it to be slightly below par compared to some other lights that were smaller yet more powerful. Not a deal breaker, but a wider beam and more lumens would be a nice improvement.

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The Ride

When I finally got out on the XPeak, it was mid-winter, and conditions were a mix of ice, snow, and pavement. I reduced the air pressure in the fat tires to give me the most grip and surface area, adding to the bike's stability. Whenever I encountered changing conditions, the XPeak handled the terrain well. It was a stable ride, and the more I rode it, the more confident I became in all conditions.

The PWR system, combined with the 750W rear hub motor, gave me plenty of power when I needed it, but it wasn't overpowering me in situations when stability was important. Other fat tire bikes can often be jumpy or jerky when encountering slippery or snowy road conditions, but the XPeak handled itself well.

Related: TRANSFORMER – A New Interview Series – One-on-One with Lectric CEO Levi Conlow

Due to its more aggressive design, the XPeak's handling was consistent and stable. I felt I could attack the road more when conditions were more suitable, but when the road conditions got snowy or slippery, I didn't feel the need to drastically reduce my riding style.

Coming to a stop at an intersection was no problem due to the tremendous hydraulic brakes, which performed admirably even in cold temperatures. When starting again at any stop sign, the thumb throttle was a great way to get rolling quickly, especially if you forgot to change gears before stopping at an intersection. The throttle was also helpful when pedalling wasn't necessary or when you had to focus on traffic while riding.

Overall, if you are the type of rider who is comfortable on a bike in most conditions, the XPeak is a fun and solid bike for winter commuting. If you think of yourself as a little less comfortable on this aggressive bike, the step-thru frame would be a better choice, as it would allow easy mounting/dismounting options.

Overall Impression – 9/10

Lectric eBikes has a simple mission: to be the most prominent electric bike company in the world. And to reach that goal, they are trying to diversify their lineup to cover all the market categories. This is their first foray into the fat-tired, off-road electric bike category, and as expected, they have done a great job understanding what people expect from this style of bike while also doing their best to accommodate as many riders as possible.

Finding the balance between off-road capabilities and city commuters is a difficult task. The XPeak can take you on an adventure or two, with enough power and torque to rip you to your secret fishing or picnic spot (they might be the same place). Yet it can also serve you as a daily commuter, especially if you live somewhere with a mix of rough terrain or harsh conditions. Being able to live between these places while using only one bike is not an easy task to design, and Lectric understood the task well when putting the XPeak together.

Is the XPeak the best fat-tired, off-road bike on the market? I would probably say no. But that doesn't mean they haven't knocked it out of the park with their first off-road model. If I have learned anything about Lectric and the team behind the brand, they will continue to tinker and improve their bike designs to give their customers the best product possible. With their track record of success in such a short period, there isn't much more you could ask for from such a young company.

I think I can be honest when I say I'm really looking forward to what Lectric has to offer in the coming years. Their dedication to quality bikes, passion for improving their products and philanthropic efforts worldwide is unmatched. They seem to be destined to take over the electric bike market and I think we will all be keeping a close eye on them as they continue to strive for that goal.