The good, the bad and the bulky – Freebeat MorphRover 6 month ownership review

Overview

After I first bought the MorphRover 2-1, it exceeded my expectations with its capabilities and gave me entry to driving areas that have been by no means attainable earlier than with a standard mountain bike. 

I’ve now had the chance to dwell with this electrical bike for six months, permitting me to actually perceive its capabilities and quirks. Throughout this time, I’ve realized what it takes to maintain the bike performing optimally, from routine upkeep to understanding its energy administration.

This prolonged use has revealed how the MorphRover adapts to numerous terrains and climate circumstances, and I’ve grown extra accustomed to its options, enabling a deeper appreciation of the design and engineering behind it.

This six-month journey has been insightful and has helped me gauge long-term reliability and the general worth of possession.

The Freebeat MorphRover Ebike is filled with spectacular specs and options designed to supply a strong biking expertise. With a strong 48V, 750W brushless hub motor and a max torque of 85Nm, this bike guarantees pace and power. The detachable lithium-ion battery gives as much as 60 miles of vary, making it appropriate for each city commuting and off-road adventures. 

This e-bike’s has a novel skill to transition seamlessly between a normal outside biking mannequin and a stationary coach represents a brand new wave of innovation within the e-bike business.  Its compatibility with the freebeat exercise App additional enhances the indoor coaching expertise.

My Expertise with the Freebeat Match App

The app is non-obligatory, however I’d advocate it because you’re in a position to change your prime pace within the app, and it’s a lot simpler to modify from indoor to outside modes. Here’s a screenshot from the app the place I used to be in a position to alter my prime pace all the best way as much as 28 mph.

The Freebeat Match app provides an additional layer of performance, though it is non-obligatory. With no subscription, you possibly can entry primary stats about your journey. Nonetheless, if you wish to discover all options, together with train lessons and rhythm video games, you will want to join a 45-day trial that finally prices $20/month for single customers or $35/month for households.

Train Courses: These are led by instructors and contain scoring primarily based in your cadence matching. Whereas I admire the idea, it was difficult to comply with on a small telephone display. It could be extra satisfying on a bigger display, however the app does not include a pill stand or telephone holder.

Rhythm Recreation Mode: This mode randomly selects songs, none of which I acknowledged. The interface entails matching your pedaling to the beat, however it wasn’t as participating as I hoped.

Scenic Rides: Although visually interesting, the scenic rides do not sync along with your precise pace. The video performs at a continuing charge, making the characteristic really feel considerably disconnected from the bodily journey.

General, whereas the Freebeat app gives some fascinating options, I did not discover them compelling sufficient to justify a subscription. Happily, the app just isn’t obligatory for utilizing the bike in indoor biking mode.

On flat terrain, even at degree 1 PAS, the 750W motor felt nearly too highly effective, making my pedaling really feel pointless. When the Pedal Help System (PAS) was turned off fully, the bike’s weight made it onerous to pedal manually. The cadence sensor, although responsive, means you are continuously adjusting energy ranges and gears relying on the terrain.

Driving the MorphRover off-road introduced challenges as a result of lack of rear suspension and decrease pedal clearance. Regardless of its strong construct, navigating rocky or uneven terrain was much less comfy than on different e-bikes.

Nonetheless, the bike shines by way of energy and vary. Even in sub-zero temperatures, I managed a 20-mile take a look at journey a really sandy a part of the California shoreline, and nonetheless had 50% battery left. The bike is on observe for a 50-mile vary, which is spectacular given the circumstances.

Brakes and Dealing with

The brakes are dependable, rapidly bringing the 77-pound bike to a cease when wanted. The cadence sensor is responsive, however I discovered myself holding onto the brake lever at cease lights to stop the bike from twitching ahead.

Building

The general building of the MorphRover is really spectacular, characterised by clear welds and high-quality parts that contribute to its sturdiness and reliability. Outfitted with a 750W motor, 7-speed shifter, 720Wh battery, hydraulic disk brakes, and a totally adjustable entrance suspension, this bike is supplied for optimum efficiency.

The pedal help characteristic, with its cadence sensor and handy thumb throttle, permits for easy driving with or with out pedaling. The user-friendly management display manages motor pace, headlight, speedometer, and journey monitoring. With its steady 26″ x 4″ large tires, the MorphRover handles varied terrains with ease.

Moreover, the bike features a inflexible stationary bike stand for indoor coaching, offering entry to the freebeat App with Bluetooth connectivity. This app gives participating instructor-led interactive exercises for power and conditioning.

A singular characteristic of the MorphRover is that the battery can cost whereas in stationary mode, including to its versatility. The newly added fenders contribute to a clear and satisfying journey. All these options aligned completely with my wants and made my determination to buy a straightforward one.

Efficiency

Weight and Dimension

At 5f10″, I discovered the big body comfy sufficient. Nonetheless, people on the decrease finish of the beneficial top vary (5’6″) would possibly discover mounting and dismounting tougher.The bike is heavy (35 kgs), understandably so attributable to it is dimension and battery capability. Due to this fact I don’t advocate this to the aged or smaller ladies, and it is positively too large for youths.

Suspension

The entrance suspension shocks are simply adjustable and successfully soak up impacts on varied terrains. With its 26″ x 4″ tires, this bike ensures a secure and steady journey on pavement, grime, and even deep sand. The 8-speed Shimano shifting parts are user-friendly, making certain clean and dependable gear adjustments. The accessible and adjustable headlight provides to the general comfort and security of the bike.

Battery

A major downside is the bike’s tendency to discharge the battery when left unused for per week or two. Moreover, the charger generally fails to cost except replugged. These quirks are manageable however might be irritating.

Conclusion

I’m positively glad with my buy of the MorphRover. 

It excels in energy and vary however has room for enchancment in consolation and extra options like cargo choices. If you happen to’re primarily looking for a strong e-bike for metropolis commutes and occasional off-road adventures, this bike is price contemplating. Nonetheless, be ready to handle its quirks and hulking dimension.

For avid cyclists and health fans in search of robustness and vary, the MorphRover is a stable selection. To sum up, when you’re keen to miss some minor imperfections, the Freebeat MorphRover Ebike gives a compelling mixture of energy, vary, and flexibility.