The Ride1Up Core-5, like its big sibling, the 700, is improved in some small and subtle ways for 2022. However, the big story is that the price held steady while some features improved. The big add for the Core-5 is a boost in battery power, with the 48v battery now 25% more capable, giving more riding range from the same package.

The Core-5 comes in your choice of step-through or step-thru frame, affording an excellent opportunity to choose the frame style that’s most comfortable and convenient for you. With no front suspension and fewer features like a back rack standard that comes on the bigger and heavier 700, the Core-5 weighs a nimble 49 pounds. That’s almost a quarter less total weight than its big sibling, the 700, which tips the scales at 62 pounds. The thirteen-pound difference between the two can be everything to some people who have to lift their bike often for any reason in their commute or storage needs.

Ride1Up Core-5 Facts and Details

Ride1Up, as a company, has a proven focus on creating eBikes with excellent components, and this fact shines through in the Core-5. It’s got quality parts from drivetrain to brake systems (although the mechanical Tektro disc brakes on the Core-5 are a step down from the 700’s hydraulic brakes). In addition, the Kendra tires, built for eBike-heavy usage, are puncture resistant for many miles of travel.

With its mighty 750W continuous power, the Core-5 gets up to top throttle speed of 20 mph smoothly (assuming no San Francisco-style hills to tackle). The Pedal Assist Settings take you through the paces up to the top PAS speed of 28 mph nicely.

The Core-5 comes 85% delivered, which leaves some building left to do when the box shows up on your doorstep. It does come with a full set of allen wrenches to get most of the work done, but you’ll need your own adjustable wrench for a few jobs. You’ll need to install the front fork and drive side crank arm; both are doable but slightly intimidating tasks to some non-mechanically inclined folks. There are a few other odd jobs to do as well. You may want to take it to a local bike shop for complete assembly.

PROS

• Price:: The price stayed unchanged at an $1195 list price, the Ride1Up Core-5 continues to shine as an unparalleled value in today's eBike market. Consider that you get 25% more essential performance in the battery range that the more powerful charge achieves, and add a headlight to the previous model, and you're not just getting last year's value at the same price. In inflationary times, you're getting more buying power (which translates to pedal power). This e-bike is an outstanding value!
• Quality: : The common core of components on the Core-5 holds steady, with Shimano drivetrain and Tektro brakes to get you going and coming to a stop reliably and predictably. Its components come from quality manufacturers.

CONS

• Online Purchase Only: Like so many eBikes today, Ride1Up products are firmly e-purchase only, especially in the value-priced range. No test rides, no one-on-one Q&As with the bike pro in the shop, no trusted brand service center nearby. But the trade-offs are worth the price for many value hunters—in the Core-5’s core of quality and value with an eBike that’s arguably worth twice the price delivered to your doorstep.

Our Take Away

The Core-5 delivers more of what Ride1Up is known for—quality, consistent value eBikes that ride well and contain quality components. For a price of just over a thousand dollars, the Core-5 offers a strong 750W rear hub motor that has the power to go for 20 to 30 miles with throttle and pedal power, whatever your preference. The Core-5 can supplement your car to get you out doing some fun errands, or it can add just the kick you need to go further on weekend rides.

Plan to invest more in extra touches if you’d like your ride to be more customized. Add niceties like fenders if you ride in diverse weather conditions regularly and maybe tack on a rack or basket to haul some goods here and there if your Core-5 will replace your car from time to time. All in all though, you’ll get a solid value at an unbeatable price with a Core-5. Bottom line: This bike is one of the best values in the game.