📝 Review: Ride1Up Prodigy V2 – A Solid, Purpose-Built E-Bike Designed by Cyclists for Cyclists
As someone who’s always loved cycling but found hills increasingly discouraging due to extra weight and age, I turned to e-bikes not out of laziness—but to reclaim the fun and fitness that first drew me to two wheels. Living in a hilly area, every ride started to feel more like a grind than a joy. I knew I didn’t want a scooter with pedals—I wanted something that felt like a real bike, just with a bit of help when it counted. After reading up on the differences between rear hub motors and mid-drive systems, I became convinced that a mid-drive e-bike would offer a more natural ride feel and stronger hill performance. That decision led me to the Ride1Up Prodigy V2.
I started with high standards—the Specialized Turbo Vado was my benchmark. But as I compared models across the price and performance spectrum, the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 stood out for its combination of thoughtful features and overall value. The Brose mid-drive motor, Gates carbon belt, and Enviolo continuously variable hub offered a compelling package—and it delivered.
While my riding is primarily recreational, this purchase wasn’t just about weekend fun—it was about reigniting my passion for cycling and making it a key pillar in my fitness and weight loss journey. I wanted a bike that encouraged more miles and more joy. The Prodigy V2 has done exactly that.
I chose the belt drive with Enviolo CVT, opting for a drivetrain that behaves like a continuously variable transmission. Shifting takes a bit of getting used to, but it quickly becomes intuitive and fluid. The Enviolo’s graphic hill display is a smart alternative to numbered gears, letting you understand your position in the range at a glance. The rotating portion of the grip is stiff—especially with gloves—and sometimes requires repositioning the hand. But the ability to shift while stopped is a huge benefit for city riding or trail pauses.
The Brose motor is quiet, smooth, and strong, especially in the 75–90 RPM cadence range, which seems to be its sweet spot for torque and climbing. Hills that used to discourage me are now simply part of the route. On longer rides, I mostly use TOUR mode (level 2) and reserve SPORT or BOOST for climbs. I’ve consistently gotten about 35 miles per charge, though the advertised range is 30–50 miles. I charge between 20–85% for battery longevity but will go to 100% when I need extra range.
The integrated Brose display is bright, informative, and responsive—showing speed, cadence, trip data, power output, and dynamically calculated range based on real-time assist level. The rocker switch is easy to use on the fly, sitting naturally near the left thumb.
Build quality is exceptional throughout. The welds are clean, the finish is sleek, and even the included rear rack is sturdy enough to lift the bike. Assembly was smooth thanks to Ride1Up’s proactive shipping communication and support. A minor documentation mismatch caused some confusion around the upgraded thru-axle design, but customer service resolved it quickly and clearly.
Maintenance so far? Minimal. The belt drive and sealed hub have required nothing but visual checks and wipe-downs. No chain grease. No derailleur adjustments. Just smooth, reliable operation over 600 miles.
🛠️ A Few Suggestions for the Next Generation
If Ride1Up ever develops a Prodigy V3, I’d love to see:
1. A redesigned battery cover—the current plastic latch feels like the cheapest part of an otherwise premium build.
2. A larger-capacity battery—35-mile range is solid, but a bit more headroom would make day touring easier without carrying a spare.
3. More access to Brose system analytics—as an engineer, I’d love app connectivity that lets me analyze torque, cadence, and performance data, or adjust tuning slightly for personalized optimization.
🎯 Who It’s For
The Prodigy V2 is ideal for serious recreational riders or commuters who want the feel of a traditional bike with intelligent, quiet assist. It’s not for thrill-seekers looking for throttle-driven speed. But for those who love to pedal—and just want some help up the hills—it hits a sweet spot of performance, refinement, and value.
🟢 Bottom Line
This is a solid-performing e-bike, designed and built by cyclists for cyclists. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.
