At this level, REI is a reputation that’s synonymous with outside adventures. Nevertheless, in relation to ebikes, it won’t be a model that involves thoughts. A lot much less in relation to eMTB. However their Co-Op bike model has been releasing some fascinating bikes over the previous few years, so after they supplied an opportunity to overview their first-ever REI eMTB, I jumped on the probability.
Why? Principally it was as a result of I hadn’t ridden the newest era of Bosch ebike motors with the good system. But in addition as a result of the REI Co-Op DRT e3.1 appeared like a powerful worth – regardless of the identify having too many letters and numbers. In my head, I simply name it the ‘Soiled 3.1’.
Priced proper at $5k for the whole bike, there aren’t many Bosch-equipped bikes with related battery sizes and construct ranges at this worth level. Going into the overview I anticipated there could be a number of low spots within the construct, however ultimately, the bike was much better than anticipated.
Bosch eBike System
On the coronary heart of the DRT e3.1 is the Bosch Efficiency Line CX mid-drive motor with the Sensible System. The motor gives 85Nm of torque making this a ‘full energy’ ebike. Formally, it’s a Class 1 with pedal help as much as 20 mph. You possibly can nonetheless go greater than 20mph, however at that time, it is going to be solely beneath human energy.
Together with the motor, the battery is a key element spec when purchasing for ebikes. The DRT e3.1 doesn’t have the largest battery, however the 625wh battery stashed within the downtube is satisfactory for all however the longest rides. We’re advised that at present, the bike is just not suitable with the Bosch vary extender battery although, so maintain that in thoughts. As Bosch explains it, the charging plug is suitable with the vary extender, however REI has to certify that the water bottle bosses are robust sufficient to help the burden of the battery. It’s attainable that it might be licensed sooner or later, however is just not at the moment. The battery is definitely swapped with the keyed body lock although, so trail-side battery swaps are a risk if you buy a spare battery.
Stream App
Initially, the truth that this bike was geared up with the Bosch Sensible System was a nice shock. Sensible System bikes are suitable with the Bosch Stream app which is kind of good. At this level, you’d suppose each main participant within the ebike motor house would have their app connectivity and options utterly dialed, however you’d be unsuitable. The Bosch app works precisely as you’d anticipate although, and permits you to connect with the bike to see charging and battery standing, estimated vary, whole mileage, and contains customization instruments to vary trip modes.
There are 4 customizable settings together with the help stage, how dynamic the help is, the utmost pace (as much as 20 mph), and the utmost torque. These instruments can be utilized to make the bike really feel kind of highly effective, lengthen battery life, and even act as a type of “traction management” to maintain the rear wheel from spinning out in free situations. You possibly can even use the app to report your rides and see your metrics like elevation, pace, cadence, and the way a lot energy you’re placing into the REI eMTB.
If you happen to pay for the Stream+ subscription (or use the 12-month free trial), you achieve entry to the anti-theft options. That features acoustic & visible alarms, motion alerts with in-app notifications and site monitoring. I’m assuming you may make it so the bike can’t be turned on both, however I haven’t tried this myself to confirm.
REI eMTB Stats by the Numbers
- E-Bike Classification – Class 1: pedal help as much as 20 mph
- Help Modes – Eco, Sport, eMTB, and Turbo
- Motor – Bosch Efficiency Line CX, the good system
- Motor Kind – Mid-Drive
- Motor Torque (Nm) – 85 Newton meters
- Battery Capability (Wh) – 625 watt hours
- Battery Detachable – Sure
- Charging Time (utterly drained) – 5h
- Rated Continous Energy – 250W
- Most Energy – 600W
- Sensible Stroll Mode – Sure
Help Modes
On the subject of deciding on the extent of help, you have got 4 modes to select from: Eco, Sport, eMTB, and Turbo. Because the DRT e3.1 solely has an LED Distant, utilizing the app will assist you to see how the anticipated vary adjustments as you cycle by the modes. Of the 339 miles of mountain biking I’ve had on the DRT e3.1, 268 of these have been in eMTB mode. It’s by far my favourite setting, and the app claims it’s truly extra environment friendly than Sport mode.
Not like the opposite modes which keep inside a linear help stage, eMTB mode is a dynamic setting that may present help from the bottom stage of Tour (160% help) to the best stage of Turbo (340% help). That help or help is supplied primarily based on direct enter from the pedals using the bike’s torque sensor. The easiest way to clarify it’s that when you’re soft-pedaling by a good switchback, the help stage is saved low. However once you exit the switchback and also you get on the pedals to muscle out of the nook, the help ramps up instantly. The result’s energy once you want it, and battery financial savings once you don’t.
With the included Bosch 4A charger, the battery may be totally recharged in about 5 hours. The plug on the REI eMTB may be very simple to make use of, and when not plugged in, the bike has a water-resistant rubber cowl that must be snapped into place. It’s additionally price mentioning that the system is UL 2849 licensed which implies it complies with potential new legal guidelines just like the just lately handed Initiative 663-A in New York.
The Construct
Most riders will doubtless choose their DRT e3.1 up from their native REI retailer. In that case, the bike shall be totally constructed and prepared so that you can trip. For many who don’t reside shut sufficient to an REI, or would merely slightly have it shipped to them for the $30 oversize transport charge, you’ll get a motorbike that’s principally assembled – although you should still should do some work with the included Park Software multitool.
When my overview pattern confirmed up, there have been a number of issues that wanted consideration immediately. To start out, the entrance brake caliper adapter was on the other way up. The arrow must be pointing up, and it’s a easy repair of pulling the caliper, flipping the adapter, and bolting it again collectively.
I run the seat submit fairly low, however the dropper submit cable was far too lengthy even when it was prolonged to the utmost peak. This repair is a bit more difficult and requires cable/housing cutters, however it’s nonetheless pretty simple.
After the primary few rides, I observed that irrespective of how a lot I tightened the headset, I couldn’t get it to remain tight. It seems the steerer was simply barely too lengthy, which there are two methods to repair – add one other spacer, or lower down the steerer tube. I already had loads of spacer stack, so I made a decision to chop the steerer and scooch down the starnut—good adjustment from then on.
Torque These Lockrings
The final construct problem didn’t current itself till I had ridden about 100 miles on the bike. Throughout that trip, I seemed down and thought “Huh, it appears like my chainring is crooked?”. The bike was nonetheless pedaling, however after I ended to have a look I observed that the chainring had come virtually utterly free. The Bosch motor makes use of a spline for the chainring, and there’s a locknut that threads down excessive of the ring to carry it in place.
It seems that the lockring had labored itself free, presumably because of inadequate torque from the manufacturing facility or lack of Loctite. After eradicating the crank arm, lock ring, and chain ring, I cleaned up the grease as greatest as I might and reinstalled the chainring. Once I reinstalled the lockring, I added Loctite 243 which is a primerless model meant for conditions the place grease may be current. I torqued the lockring to the right spec, and haven’t had a difficulty since.
Because of this, I’d suggest having your store test the lockring torque or do it your self, and doubtless add some Loctite as effectively.
Apart from the lockring problem, all of those points are pretty frequent for any new bike. The higher bike retailers could have these all sorted out earlier than a motorbike hits the showroom ground, however that’s not at all times the case. When you’ve got an REI shut by, it’s price having them construct the bike as much as test for any points, although the competent residence mechanic shouldn’t have any downside right here.
Sizing and Wheel Measurement
Relying in your body dimension, you might be operating 27.5 or 29″ wheels on the DRT e3.1. Each the XS and S frames include 27.5 x 2.6″ wheels and tires, whereas the M-XL body sizes include 29 x 2.6″ wheels and tires. I used to be completely satisfied to see that the medium REI eMTB got here with the larger wheels and located that the two.6″ tires had been an excellent selection for the construct.
Aside from an under-inflated pinch flat, the Kenda Nevegal Professional 2 tires have been shocking. They’ve supplied glorious traction in difficult fall situations, even when it was a drier-than-average fall. In addition they appear to be impressively sturdy (the pinch flat occurred after I forgot to air up after a number of days), although that sturdiness appears to return on the expense of cold-weather efficiency. If you happen to plan on using this bike within the winter, I’d suggest switching out to a real winter tire just like the 45NRTH Wrathchild Path.
REI eMTB Geometry
By way of geometry, the e3.1 is pretty fashionable however with a conservative attain making it comfy for newbies with out alienating extra skilled riders. The highlights embrace a 66º head tube angle and 77.4º seat tube angle with a 450mm attain and 441mm chainstays for a medium.
Rider Stats
- Rider Peak – 5’8″
- Rider Weight – 159lb
- Rider Age – 38
- Measurement examined – Medium
Who Makes the REI eMTB?
The Co-Op DRT e3.1 looks like a high-quality bike, and the stickers on the field that counsel it got here out of the Big manufacturing facility help that feeling. REI has not confirmed that Big manufactures their eMTB, however the Big Manufacturing Co. label with the serial quantity all however confirms it.
Extra Miles or Time on the Bike? Each!
When the DRT e3.1 arrived, it was heading into the autumn using season – my absolute favourite. However it’s additionally the purpose of the 12 months the place the toll of the 12 months’s using begins to meet up with me. I didn’t realize it on the time, however accessing an eMTB meant that I might get in a lot extra hours of using this fall. Discover I stated hours and never miles. It’s apparent that an ebike will most likely assist you to trip extra miles, however I discovered it elevated the miles and hours. However for October & November mixed, I rode 36h in 2021, 29h in 2022, and 60h this 12 months.
These aren’t all simply ebike miles both. Regardless of typically placing in back-to-back-to-back huge ebike days on our most demanding trails, I might nonetheless have the power to exit and do gravel rides on an everyday bike the subsequent day.
So it’s apparent that accessing an eMTB means extra path time for me, however that isn’t model-specific. What in regards to the DRT e3.1?
Strong Spec
Admittedly, once I was first trying out the e3.1, I considerably anticipated it to be good however it could most likely want some fast upgrades. I used to be very pleasantly shocked to discover a bike that may be very well-equipped proper out of the field. After setting saddle peak and adjusting the bar and controls to my liking, there wasn’t a lot left to do aside from trip.
Properly, technically, I additionally transformed it to tubeless first as effectively. The REI eMTB comes inventory with taped rims and tubeless Kenda Nevegal Professional 2 tires. Inside these tires, you’ll discover customary interior tubes, so if you wish to go tubeless you’ll want so as to add tubeless valves and tire sealant. Word that as a result of sensor on the rear rim, you’ll want an extended valve stem. I added a few of my favourite Fillmore valves, and a few sealant, and the tires popped into place with none problem in any respect.
Suspension
Operating a easy Horst hyperlink setup with a RockShox Deluxe Choose Plus RT rear shock, the 130mm of rear journey isn’t going to ‘wow’ skilled riders. However what it lacks in subtle suspension trickery, it makes up for in constant, dependable efficiency. The identical might be stated for the RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air fork – there are numerous higher-end forks on the market, however the ebike-rated Recon is as much as the duty.
We’ve additionally learn feedback on the web that the SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain wouldn’t be as much as the duty, however thus far that seems utterly unfounded. I’ve purposely tried to shift poorly to torture the drivetrain as a lot as attainable and it nonetheless hasn’t missed a beat. That features a handful of crashes as effectively. Is it going to be as strong as a brand new SRAM Transmission? In all probability not, however once more, the elements are greater than succesful.
It’s price mentioning that the body does have a SRAM UDH making it Transmission-compatible for future upgrades.
Equipment
With a typical side-load water bottle cage, the body has room for many mid-sized water bottles. There are additionally prime tube mounts for extra storage, although I selected to mount a WTC B-RAD rolltop accent bag beneath the highest tube for my instruments and spares.
Brakes
When it comes time to decelerate a 55lb ebike, brakes are necessary. I used to be very completely satisfied to see the Tektro 4-piston hydraulic brakes with thicker 2.3mm rotors on this construct as they’ve spectacular energy and modulation. If you happen to’re an aggressive rider or on the heavier aspect I might counsel upgrading to a 200mm rotor on the entrance of the bike. The 180mm rotors back and front are satisfactory, however extra entrance braking energy might be helpful in sure conditions.
There was one improve I made to the bike, which was the results of needing to check out elements greater than the bike needing it. Swapping out the aluminum handlebar for the PNW Loam Carbon bar proven above did lead to a barely extra comfy trip up entrance.
With all the unique elements, the whole construct wasn’t fairly 55lb for a medium, coming in at 54.7lbs. If you happen to go tubeless, you stand to drop virtually 0.5lbs at 54.23lbs with a heavy sealant pour.
On the Trails
At this level, I’ve ridden the e3.1 on the whole lot from jumpy stream trails to longer backcountry epics – it’s a motorbike that feels comfy in all kinds of terrain. With 130mm rear journey and 140mm journey up entrance, the bike is solidly within the Path class. Whereas there are higher bikes for DH-focused using, I’ve ridden all of our (pretty mellow) DH-specific trails regionally simply tremendous.
As talked about, most of that using has been in eMTB mode – it simply feels essentially the most pure and gives greater than sufficient help in any state of affairs with out feeling just like the bike is doing all of the work.
Battery Life / Vary
Whereas using in eMTB mode, on common I’ve been getting about 26-28 miles to a full cost which has been very near the estimated vary on the Stream app. When linked to the bike, the vary estimate will change primarily based on the help mode, and it’ll change over time primarily based in your use. I at all times discovered the estimated vary to be optimistic by a number of miles, however not by a lot. Most of my testing has been on technical trails with quite a lot of climbing, although not quite a lot of elevation. The rides the place I bought 26-28 miles on eMTB mode had about 2,500′ of elevation achieve. On one among my rides with extra elevation, I clocked 24 miles and three,488′ of climbing, however didn’t have time to completely empty the battery.
When totally charged, the LED distant will present 5 blue bars. As you deplete the battery, these bars flip white after which disappear utterly one after the other. As soon as the battery stage drops to 30%, the final two bars will flip orange. Maintain using, that second orange bar will disappear after which a single pink bar will mild up telling you that there’s 10% battery left. From this level, there are not any extra warnings – ultimately, the motor will lower out when the battery dies, and that pink bar will flash. At this level, hopefully, you don’t have far to trip as a result of this isn’t a enjoyable bike to pedal with none help.
Cellphone as Show
In order for you extra system element than the LED distant gives, you can too use the Stream app to show your telephone right into a show display mounted to your bars. On this mode, there are quite a lot of metrics that may be displayed together with pace, battery proportion, remaining vary, time of day, using time, distance, and many others.
Whereas the Bosch Efficiency Line CX isn’t the quietest motor I’ve ridden, it’s among the many quieter full-power choices. The bike is splendidly quiet as effectively – no rattling cables or elements to harass you whereas rolling down the path.
REI eMTB Pricing & Availability
The retail worth of the Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1 is $4,999. If you happen to’re a Co-op member although, you stand to get about $499.90 of that again as reward {dollars}. These {dollars} should be spent at REI, however there’s loads of different bike stuff you’ll be able to spend it on (together with valve cores and sealant). If you happen to’re not already a member, ensure that to purchase a $30 lifetime membership earlier than buying the bike.
The bike contains one 12 months of free changes and in-store meeting, however REI Co-op members additionally get a further 12 months of free changes (2 years whole), free flat restore labor, and 20% off store companies.
Presently, the Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1 is out there in all sizes, all within the Bamboo colorway pictured above.
Takeaway
General, the Co-Op DRT e3.1 delivers precisely what you need out of a full-power ebike. The aluminum body gives a strong basis for among the finest ebike techniques in the marketplace. At $5k, the e3.1 gives a big 625wh battery together with the Bosch Efficiency Line CX drive system with out skimping on different elements. You’ll by no means know that this was REI’s first try at an eMTB, and consequently, it additional establishes the Co-op bike model as a real model to contemplate on your subsequent bike.
