Ride quality can make or break an e-bike experience, so let’s chat about how the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ handles the open road (and the not-so-open road).
First off, the suspension seat post is comfortable and I’m glad it’s there, but not without its quirks. There’s a noticeable vibration that seems to come from the tires or frame, making its way up to the saddle. This might not be a dealbreaker for most, but it’s something to be aware of. In fact, some of you may really like that—no judgment here.
The RST Guide Fork, with its 75mm travel and lockout, performs well and should suit most rides. It’s a trusted brand, unlike some unbranded forks we often see, which means it can be serviced and maintained for a long time.
Now, about those accessories. The bike comes with lighting, a rack, and fenders—useful features, no doubt. However, there’s a bit of a rattle that seems to come from the thin metal stabilizing attachment rods for the fenders. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of the noise, which could be a bit annoying on rougher rides.
The step-through frame, with a low height of 18 inches, makes mounting and dismounting easy, but it also introduces a bit of flex. While this never affected the safety or the ride during our testing, it’s something that comes with having such a low step-over height.
The bike’s overall weight is on the heavy side, tipping the scales at 78 lbs. The big, heavy 26×4.5” Kenda Juggernaut knobby off-road tires add to this heft. Without motor assistance, it’s a beast to maneuver—whether you’re lifting it onto a bike rack or carrying it up apartment stairs. It’s just something to keep in mind, especially if they don’t want to deal with a heavier bike.
One important consideration is the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ’s weight limit of 220 lbs. This could be a dealbreaker for larger riders, as we observed that heavier loads can negatively impact performance. The 220 lbs limit also includes any weight added to the rear rack, so if you plan to carry gear or need every ounce of power, this is definitely something to keep in mind.
Finally, under the hood, the 500W rear hub motor, made by Bafang, is relatively quiet with a slight audible whine at higher effort. It offers 80 Nm of torque, which feels decent but could benefit from a higher torque spec to better handle the bike’s weight and enhance its all-terrain capabilities. The cadence sensor is effective, with about half a pedal crank of rotation before the motor kicks in.
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#iGo #Core #Extreme #Review
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