Typically, you would find Tadej Pogacar towards the front of the pack, surrounded by his UAE Team Emirates - XRG teammates who take care of all his needs until the decisive moment comes for the Slovenian to strike. But on stage 13, he's taken on a slightly different role. The Friday stage was a prol...

Lectric burst into the electric bike market 7 years ago when they introduced the affordable XP folding e-bike. Since then, the brand has established itself as the low-cost e-bike leader and grown into one of the most popular in North America. Lectrics product lineup has grown in kind, and now includes several models of XP folding bikes, along with electric commuters, cargo bikes, fat tires, and even a trike.Lectric introduced the original XPress commuter/cruiser a couple of years ago, adding a budget-friendly big-wheeled model to its lineup. I tested the XPress at the time and came away quite impressed by its performance at its $1,299 price tag. Earlier this year, Lectric gave this value-packed e-bike an update, giving the XPress2 numerous upgrades, including more advanced sensors, a much quieter motor, nicer components, a better display, and more.The Xpress2 High-Step Commuter in green.Ive been testing the Lectric XPress2 Commuter for the past several weeks. From errands and grocery runs to river dips and visiting friends, Ive been avoiding driving as much as possible in favor of riding this zippy e-commuter. Sure, the price has gone up by $100, but the XPress2 is definitely more refined, smoother, quieter, and an all-around improvement over the original.Lectric XPress2Check Price at LectricSpecificationsMSRP: $1,399Frame styles: High-step, step-thruMotor: 750 rear hubBattery: 672 WhClass, 1, 2, or 3: Sensors: Torque or cadenceDrivetrain: Shimano Altus 8-speedBrakes: Hydraulic discFeatures: Lights, fenders, cargo rack, suspension forkWeight: 63 lbs. w/o battery, 71 lbs. w/ batteryProsAffordablePowerful and fastQuieter and smoother than previous versionCan switch between e-bike classes and sensor typesComes with useful featuresComfortable ride plump tires and suspension forkConsHeadlight vibrates a bit while ridingHeavyJeremy BensonLectric XPress2 Details(photos/Lectric)Like the original, the XPress2 comes in two frame styles: a High-Step Commuter and a Step-Thru Cruiser. Beyond the obvious differences in frame shape and design, the High Step version has a fixed stem and more of a city bike/commuter-oriented cockpit setup, while the Step-Thru has an adjustable stem, swept-back handlebars, and a more casual/cruiser-style front end.Otherwise, both versions have identical specs and components. They have a 330 lbs total weight capacity, new 80mm travel SR Suntour XCM 32 suspension forks, and 602 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. The XPress2 comes with an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain with intuitive trigger-style shifters. It rolls on 27.5 x 2.1 city-style tires with reflective strips and Slime installed to help reduce the chances of flats. Front and rear lights are also included, and the rear light functions as turn signals and a brake light.The XPress2 comes with an 80mm suspension fork, fenders, lights, and a rear rack.The Cruiser comes in Stratus White or Raindrop Blue. The Commuter is available in Tempest Grey or Pine Green. At present, and all the time, I think, Lectric includes a rear cargo rack (30 lbs capacity), a set of plastic fenders, and an Elite headlight with 850 lux of illumination. It seems that some accessories are always included with purchase, and there are even more available to find your ideal setup.The XPress2 bikes are one-size fits most with a recommended 52 63 range for the Cruiser and 54 64 for the Commuter. Lectric claims that both versions of the XPress2 weigh ~60 lbs with the battery removed. I weighed my test bike, and it clocked in at 71 lbs with the battery and 63 lbs with it removed.The battery is easy to remove.The 750W hub motor is 99% quieterQuieter MotorThe XPress 2 comes with the new Stealth M24 750W rear hub motor, which puts out up to 85Nm of torque and 1,310W of peak power. According to Lectric, this motor is 99% quieter than the motor on the previous version and just as powerful. In the downtube of the frame is a removable 672 Wh (48V, 14Ah) battery thats certified to UL 2271, and the bike and all of its electric components are certified to UL 2849.Through the menu, users can set the XPress2 to Class 1, 2, or 3, to suit their preferences or local regulations. In Class 2, the XPress2 can reach speeds up to 20mph using the throttle or pedal assist. In Class 3, the throttle still tops out at 20mph, while the top pedal-assisted speed bumps up to 28mph.Pick your e-bike class.Pick your sensor preference.Updated TechThe original XPress only used a cadence sensor, but the XPress2 has both torque and cadence sensors. Through the menu, the user can choose between the torque sensors more refined, responsive pedaling experience or the cadence sensors more effortless ride. Lectric also upgraded the display to a detachable backlit 3.5 TFT color screen thats larger and easier to read and has a USB-C charging port.Lectric says they also updated the five riding modes to be more intuitive: Eco, Tour, Tour+, Sport, Sport+, and Turbo. Switching between them is done with an all-in-one control unit by the left grip, with a paddle throttle for the thumb.Unboxing and AssemblyThe XPress2s protective materials include almost zero plastic, which is a nice touch.Lectric sells its bikes directly to the consumer, and, more often than not, they are shipped straight to your door in a large box. The brand prides itself on easy assembly, and its XP folding bikes even show up with no assembly required you just have to unfold them. The XPress2 is a little more involved than that, but still very easy to put together on your own. Lectric advertises it as tool-free assembly, but that is a little misleading.The bike arrives mostly assembled, and some aspects of the remaining assembly are indeed tool-free, like the quick-connect pedals and quick-release thru-axle for the front wheel. Attaching the handlebar, front fender, and front light, however, requires the use of the included hex key set, which also functions as a torque wrench. Lectric includes printed instructions and, of course, there is an assembly video, too.So while it might not actually be tool-free, it is really easy. It took me about 30 minutes total to unbox, unwrap, and finish the XPress2s assembly. If you dont have the time or are unsure of your mechanic skills, your local bike shop will probably be happy to help.Riding the Xpress2Riding the XPress2 back home after a run on the local trails. When I tested the original XPress, I had the Step-Thru version. While it was quite comfortable, the seated pedaling position was a bit more relaxed than I liked. So, I got the XPress2 with the High-Step Commuter frame, which aligns much better with my preferences. At 60, Im well within the recommended user height range. Ive got a lot of seatpost showing, but it feels like a good fit, and Im a fan of the city/commuter-style cockpit setup. Its still fairly relaxed but much less so than the Cruiser version.Right out of the gate, the XPress2 is very intuitive to use and easy to ride. The controls are straightforward, and the upgraded display is easy to read and understand. Even at noon in June with the sun beating straight down on it, I could easily see the display. Entering the menu and making changes to the settings was also a snap, and I immediately bumped from Class 2 to Class 3.The new motor feels plenty powerful, and it has no problem reaching its top 28 mph on flat ground in Turbo. Ive found the five pedal-assist modes provide a good range of power output and top speeds for any riding scenario. The XPress2 will also happily rip along at 20mph using the throttle and has good pickup when getting started from a complete stop. As advertised, the motor is also much quieter than the previous version. 99% quieter might be a stretch, but it doesnt emit those whiny or tinny noises that cheap hub motors often do.Riding the XPress2 at 25mph up a hill, one-handed.I also appreciate the ability to switch between torque and cadence sensors. Even on an e-bike, I like to pedal and get a little exercise, so I strongly prefer the smooth power delivery and ride feel of a torque sensor system. But many people just want to soft pedal and let the motor do all the work. With the XPress2, you decide whats best for you. You can also make adjustments to throttle response and throttle power settings, display units, brightness, sleep mode, and more.With slick 2.1 tires, the XPress2 rolls fast on pavement and, along with the 80mm Suntour suspension fork, it is forgiving over cracks, bumps, and rougher surfaces. Its very smooth and stable, and maintaining control has also been easy with the powerful hydraulic disc brakes. The 8-speed drivetrain has more than enough range, and Im a huge fan of the trigger shifters, which are a step up from the thumb shifters that often come on bikes at this price point. While none of them are fancy, the components work well and seem nice for the price.Powerful brakes.Cargo rack in need of a basket.I appreciate that the rear cargo rack is included, even if I still need to install some sort of basket on it. Interestingly, the rack has a 60-pound limit printed on it, while the website says its capacity is 30 pounds. The lights work well for daytime visibility and are bright enough for riding in the dark. My only complaint is that the large elite headlight vibrates a tiny bit while riding. Not a deal-breaker, but less than ideal. Fenders are also a nice touch, and while I havent needed them, Id always rather be prepared for changing weather than not. Altogether, these features add value and utility for commuting, cruising, and everyday use.As far as range is concerned, I havent even come close to fully draining the battery while testing. My trips to the store, around town, or to the trailhead for runs are generally in the 3 to 5 miles per trip range, which barely even makes a dent in the battery percentage. Is Lectrics up to 60 miles range estimate reasonable? Probably not. But Im willing to bet it could easily go 30-40 miles between charges, depending on how youre riding it.Ive been enjoying the XPress2 for quick rips around town and spending less time in the car.My TakeawayIn the past several years, Ive tested four different models of Lectric e-bikes, and they just keep getting better while maintaining their low price, high-value position. The original XPress was a darn good bike for the money, and the XPress2 builds on that with numerous upgrades and refinements that noticeably improve its performance with only a modest $100 increase in price.The new motor, torque sensor, upgraded display, and higher-quality fork all combine to make the XPress2 quieter, smoother, easier to operate, and more comfortable than its predecessor. Is it the best e-bike in the world? Absolutely not. Is it the best e-bike for the price? I think it might just be. At $1,399, the XPress2 may be the best value commuter/cruiser on the market.lectricebikes.com

Last year, the former professional cyclist was handed a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving for five years for causing the death of world champion and Olympian Hoskins

Oddly enough, Bahrain - Victorious was among the teams who appeared at the front of peloton during stage 13 of 2026 Tour de France. Even though the team did not seem to have any apparent objective to pursue, sports director Enrico Gasparotto argues they simply acted in line with their own interests....