Actbest Core Review

Actbest Core Review

Are you on a limited budget and are looking for a commuter ebike? Check out the Actbest Core. This bike has a lot of features for a super reasonable price.

I review the cheapest commuter ebike on Amazon.

Introduction

  • The video is a review of a commuter e-bike purchased from Amazon for less than $800.
  • The reviewer wonders how this bike compares to more expensive ones.
  • The goal is to test the bike’s performance.

“I saw this commuter e-bike that was under 800 and I thought to myself hmm I wonder how this bike would compare to ones that are two to three times its cost… well today we’re going to find out.”

Initial impressions and speedometer test

  • The video starts with the reviewer mentioning that they will be “ghost pedaling” and they start riding the ebike.
  • They comment on the pedal assist level five being very fast and suggest using the throttle for speeds above 20 miles per hour.
  • The reviewer shows the speedometer test, which shows a speed of 18.8 miles per hour, confirming that the display is correct.
  • They proceed to do a 0 to 20 mph timed test using the throttle, noting that the bike has a slow start and suggesting that it may have a 500 watt motor, but it feels more like a 350 watt motor.

“I mean it takes off super gently, which makes me wonder if this is actually a 500 watt motor. This might be a 350 with a max of 500, but it said 500 on the motor.”

Pedal assist and throttle speed comparison

  • The reviewer demonstrates the difference in speed between using pedal assist and the throttle. They note that using pedal assist level five, the bike quickly picks up speed, completing the 0 to 20 mph test in 10 seconds.

“We did it like 10 seconds, so yeah, there is a huge difference between using pedal assist and just using the throttle when it comes to the speed of this bike.”

Size and fit of the bike

  • The reviewer discusses the size and fit of the bike, mentioning that it is small and weighs under 60 pounds. They also mention an issue with the seat post scraping due to something inside the seat.
  • They show the adjustable stem and mention that it allows for customization of the riding position.

“This bike is only 56.3 inches in length, which makes it super tiny. It’s right under 60 pounds. The seat part is scraping the seat post, but that’s how it is in its lowest configuration.”

Throttle and cruise control

  • The reviewer mentions that they like the throttle’s cruise control feature and comment on how once the bike is moving, it feels smooth and like riding a little moped.

“I really like that feature. It’s just for this bike. It seems super smooth. I mean, I feel like I’m just riding a little moped now.”

Top speed test and features

  • The reviewer does a top speed test using both pedal assist and throttle, reaching 23 mph. They mention that the bike unlocks past the stated maximum speed of 22 mph.
  • They express surprise at the number of features available on a bike at this price point, but also note setbacks like the thin grips.

“I’m pretty surprised that a bike at this low price level has all of these features. It even unlocks past 20 miles an hour. That’s something that, for this bike, seems super smooth.”

Performance and Handling

  • The reviewer mentions that they were able to pedal effortlessly and comfortably in the highest gear.
  • They express confidence in making it to their destination.
  • The reviewer seems satisfied with the performance and smooth ride of the bike.
  • The brakes, however, feel less secure compared to hydraulic brakes.

“Yeah yeah we’re gonna make it…I was in the highest gear…pretty effortlessly…but man they just do not feel as secure obviously.”

Brake Test

  • The reviewer conducts a brake test.
  • They go as fast as they can before hitting the brakes to evaluate the bike’s braking performance.
  • The reviewer expresses some dissatisfaction with the mechanical brakes, particularly the front brakes.

“We’re gonna hit on the brakes…working just fine…but man they just do not feel as secure obviously…some definite component…pieces are better than others…some bikes feel more secure and solid than this one.”

Mileage Check

  • The reviewer indicates that the displayed mileage is inaccurate.
  • They mention a discrepancy between the mileage displayed on the bike’s screen and the Strava app.
  • The reviewer trusts the mileage recorded by the Strava app more than the bike’s display.
  • They note that the bike’s battery power is already at 54% after some testing, indicating limited range.

“This is clearly set on the wrong tire size…display is showing…Strava is showing…I believe Strava more than I do this thing…just remember this is the smallest battery…we’re already at 54 battery power…we will not be able to go all the way out to the lake today.”

Battery Performance

  • The reviewer decides to see how far the bike can go until it runs out of battery.
  • They mention the small battery size of this particular bike.
  • The reviewer attempts to change the tire size setting but is unsuccessful.
  • They stop for lunch and notice a slight increase in battery power after eating.
  • The bike’s lights, including a headlight and tail light, are shown and demonstrated.
  • The rack on the bike is showcased and its features, such as its weight capacity and spring release, are mentioned.

“So at this point we’re just going to see how far she’s going to make it until she runs out of battery…this is the smallest battery…it does not look like I can…after I’ve eaten…it’s already moving up…so the voltage on it doesn’t jump up a ton…headlight and a tail light…you’re just going to hold the plus button down…spring releases…so it’s like there’s some bags out there where it just has a sleeve underneath.”

Comfort and Performance Feedback

  • The reviewer shares their comfort preference for a different seat.
  • They highlight the smooth ride and lack of issues with the bike’s performance.
  • The brakes, particularly the front brake, are mentioned to have slight pulling while stopping.
  • The reviewer acknowledges that higher-priced bikes may have better components and feel more secure.
  • They conclude that the bike performs better than expected at this price point.

“Seats are kind of like you know bed mattresses where they all just vary depending on the person…uncomfortable…smooth…not having any issues…brakes…some bikes feel more secure and solid than this one…turning out better than what I thought it would…for this price point.”

Lasting Power and Performance

  • The reviewer continues testing the bike until the battery reaches single digits.
  • They mention that at 4% battery, throttle and cruise control are still working.
  • The throttle functions until the battery reaches 2%.
  • The reviewer expresses surprise and satisfaction with the bike’s performance and durability, given its budget price.

“We’re at five percent…throttle’s working…we just hit three percent…lost throttle again…shows we’re at one percent…throttle is still working…super budget bike…didn’t expect this out of it…turning out better than what I thought it would.”

The throttle still working at zero percent of battery

  • The throttle on the bike is still working even though the battery is at zero percent.
  • The bike can maintain a speed of 11 miles per hour with the throttle.

“The fact that we went down to zero percent battery level and the throttle was still working on this bike, that was pretty surprising.”

Display issue with mileage measurement

  • The display on the bike showed a mileage of 95 miles, but Strava recorded only 23.27 miles.
  • Scott will check with the company to see if there is a fix for the display issue.

“This bike actually went 23.27 miles, even though the display showed that we did like 95 miles.”

Company believes in customer service

  • Scott reached out to the company about the display issue, and they immediately agreed to send a new display to fix the problem.
  • The company also offered a discount of $100 off the bike for Scott’s viewers.

“That shows me that this company really believes in their customer service.”

Surprised by the performance of the bike

  • Scott was surprised by the fact that the throttle was still working even at zero percent battery level.
  • He was also pleasantly surprised by the features and performance of the bike.

“I am surprised with… a lot of the features that this bike had and how it performed.”

Seat and grips could use improvement

  • Scott found the seat to be a bit too hard for his liking.
  • He also felt that the grips were too thin.
  • These are the two things he would change and upgrade on the bike.

“The seat’s a little bit too hard for me and I feel like these grips are like super thin.”

An affordable option for those on a limited budget

  • Scott mentions that if you have a limited budget, this bike is a good option.
  • It is a bike that can last you and get you across town.

“If you have a limited budget, you can actually get a bike that’s going to last you and get you across town.”

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