Co-op Cycles  CTY e2.1 Electric Bike

My wife and I have been working on chunks of the GART, the bike trail that will eventually run from Washington DC to Seattle. We’re both in our 70s, and decided to upgrade from our old heavy, clunky bikes to something better. The original plan was to get an ebike for my wife, and, being the tough guy I am, I’d buy a good, unmotorized gravel bike. After lots of research, we bought the e2.1 for my wife. She loved it, and I liked it so much, I bought a second one for me instead of the gravel bike I was planning on. We now have almost a thousand miles on them, and have completed all the sections of the GART from DC to Columbus, Ohio. We still think they’re great. The spec’s indicate a range of 50 miles which is conservative. I usually ride in Eco mode, and the estimated range is typically more like 80 miles. My wife toggles between Eco and Normal mode, and her range is more like 60 miles… more than we can comfortably do in a day. Other than the usual maintenance issues - cleaning the chain, sprockets and derailleur; adjusting the derailleur, and tightening things that come loose, we’ve had no problems with them. We did add fenders. REI doesn’t sell a fender set that will just bolt on… everything we found requires figuring out and buying extra hardware and brackets. What worked for us were the Commuter II fender sets from SKS-Germany Blumel. These fit, but required a corner bracket and screws from Home Depot, along with a couple cable ties for the front fender. The rear fender didn’t require any extra hardware. I’ve attached some photos of the fender installation.

I LOVE this bike even more than I anticipated. My first ride was 14 miles, farther than I've ridden a bike in 30 years, and at an average speed of 13 mph. I did a lot of research and this bike has the best components I could find at this price point. To be honest, I didn't want to spend so much on an e-bike but, for just $300 more than several other options, I got a much better bike. My goal was to find a bike that had a feel like a normal bike but that would allow me to ride farther and/or faster. This bike delivers! It has PLENTY of power but please note, just like a conventional bike, you need to downshift when going uphill. It's not reasonable to expect the motor to do all of the work in top gear. Virtually no e-bike is designed to do that. I do wish fenders were available but I found an acceptable solution by purchasing the SKS Velo 65 Trekking fender set, SKS U-Stay kit for Velo 65, and SKS Direct Mount Angled RS/Suntour Adapter, all available on Amazon. The fender kit alone would have probably worked OK but the U-Stay kit makes the fenders more stable and centered. For those worried about the small display, if you have a smart phone you need not worry. Though not mentioned by REI staff or website, the display/computer on this bike has Bluetooth connectivity. I downloaded Shimano's E-TUBE RIDE app to my iPhone. It allows me to monitor my speed, distance, riding time, and more on my handlebar mounted iPhone. I love it! There's even another Shimano E-TUBE app I installed on my iPhone that allow me to update firmware and adjust some of the settings. I read a review from someone about the kickstand mount breaking off. Looking at the weld on the kickstand mount, it is clearly VERY strong and solid. Though I don't recommend kicking off of the stand while sitting on the bike, I don't believe anyone will have a problem with the kickstand unless they abuse it. One minor quibble I have with the bike: when in 1st gear, it jumps between 1st and 2nd. I suspect a minor adjustment will fix this so I'll schedule an appointment with REI's bike shop to take care of it soon. Bottom line: A great e-bike! REI did an outstanding job of designing this with high quality components at a price that can't be beat.

I bought this bike 2 weeks ago and so far am pleased with it! Rides like a regular bike but like you're getting an little extra push when you need it. The downside is not only that it lacks fenders but REI not offering any real solutions/suggestions for fenders that fit. I talked to people in store and tested a few options, and also did an online chat with no great direction. So I ordered a bunch online to test out. What DID NOT FIT were: SKS S-Board Front Fender -- SKS S-Blade Rear Fender -- Portland Design Works Mud Shovel 6.5 Rear Fender. What DID WORK was using 3 Portland Design Works Origami Suspension Fork Fender -- 1 for the front and 2 for the back (see pics). For the second back fender, I cut off the side flaps and repurposed velcro to hold my lock to rear rack. I may want a longer solution for the front but for now it works. Overall I am please with the fender set up. It's low-key and not too pricey.

7 Days of normal riding and I couldn't drain the battery. I spent 32 years in a wheelchair 7 years out i have no pain in my back and legs and I can ride this bike with ease, up hills down Hills, bike paths, city streets there is nowhere that the bike is not perfect for riding. It gives me my independence This bike is a god send

I'm an experienced mountain biker and I bought this for a newbie. I chose this because it had Shimano components, which makes the entire drivetrain (engine) more smooth when shifting up and down. The brakes are Shimano hydraulic disc with brake fluid, which has better stopping power than non-Shimano or hydraulic brakes that are cable actuated. This was also chosen do to its reduced price and better battery capacity (418WH) We had to return the first one after 3 days because the suspension fork was broken, which meant we had no suspension. Another REI store swapped it for another one.

I've only had this bike for one week and it is my first ebike so there is a learning curve. We live on a very steep hill and I had envisioned just zipping up the hill but this is not the case. You definitely need to keep up your cadence and speed to engage the power of the motor. I am improving, and it is getting a little easier but not there yet! Otherwise, I absolutely love the bike, the hydraulic disc brakes are so smooth and give me confidence on steep hills unlike the dinky brakes on regular bikes. The REI staff were so amazing, really helpful and patient getting me familiar with all the features.

Bought two of these used online. One regular an on step through for my wife. And we love them. My loves the effortlessness most of the time but the fact we can go anywhere in the hills of Seattle is amazing. The people we bought them from lost the keys. What do we do when the battery needs to be replaced?

After 600 miles, I can confirm this was still a great choice. I had my first flat and too the chance to fit some more durable and bigger tires. 2.2” tires fit even with fenders. Otherwise, trouble free.

This is a wonderful bike! If there’s anything negative to say about it, is that it’s quite heavy. So beware if you’re loading and unloading it a lot.

This bike brought a lot of joy to my life. It fits well, no hand or wrist or back pain. The three gears help with the wind and hills. The frame size is a bit too large and it is not step through. Downside--- too heavy it does not need shocks. the on board computer is hard to use/useless. I got the lights on -- and they stay on. The lights look fragile,--- lights could be left off and I would be happier with my rechargeable lights. Overall it was the best first choice for an ebike. the crew at Hillsboro REI was a joy to work with. Have REI put fenders on when you order it. Get a good cushion seat cover. I just took it on the Peterson trail system in Oregon. Yes this is an urban bike. I had a blast for an hour on the green trails. plenty of power, tires are just good enough. its almost a perfect bike. The frame is too large for safety at 61.I am 5'4 and it is a dangerous step through. I really felt the frame issues off the city streets. I have almost fallen on the city streets. I love the bike, but may return it due to safety concerns. I am calling about the discontinued e bike, the bar may be the crucial 2 inches lower. REI - make this bike in an xs please. I just trade in and up to the 2.2 --- oh my the difference. the 2.2 has the correct engine torgue for the frame!!!