New full-suspension 28 MPH adventure e-bike MOD Black introduced

MOD Bikes, the Austin, Texas-based e-bike maker with a penchant for the unconventional, has just announced the latest addition to its electric bike lineup. The new MOD Black is the brand’s newly redesigned full-suspension electric bike designed for adventure.

In fact, I had the opportunity to get a first look at the new model and test drive it while I was in Austin for the SXSW Festival. There MOD Bikes revealed their complete new 2024 range, which included a number of new components.

Some of these updates, like the new color displays and integrated torque sensors, also found their way into the new MOD Black e-bike announced today.

The new e-bike is equipped with MOD’s new electrical system, including a 750W rear hub motor that allows the bike to reach a top speed of 45 km/h, but the speed can be electronically limited to lower values ​​if the rider wishes.

Throttle lovers will be pleased to know that the bike comes with a throttle, although the included torque sensor and four PAS settings of Eco, Cargo, Sport and Turbo actually make pedaling the bike a joy. With a full suspension ride that feels like a sporty mountain bike, pedaling is a big part of the fun. That’s one of the first things I noticed on my own test ride of the bike.

By pedaling, the UL-certified 48V 15Ah battery also achieves a range of up to 80km, as riding on throttle alone quickly reduces the maximum range. For drivers who want even more range, a factory-installed second battery is available, doubling the maximum range to 100 miles (160 km).

The MOD Black also works with MOD’s signature Snap-On Rack Accessories on the rear rack, allowing riders to easily attach various gear to the bike’s rack without having to pull out a multi-tool and spend several minutes tightening a handful of bolts.

Just like MOD’s other e-bikes, the Black uses the MOD Connect system to integrate various wirelessly connected products into the bike.

For example, one of the first partnerships touted by MOD was with Lumos, a maker of smart helmets that can be wirelessly connected to bike turn signal controls. When the driver presses the turn signal buttons, the helmet flashes on both sides. Pulling the brake lever causes the brake lights on the helmet to flash in addition to the bike’s brake lights.

Other highly visible parts around the bike include powerful hydraulic disc brakes, 3-inch tires that make the difference between softer, fat tires and more nimble mountain bike tires, and a bright 300-lumen headlight.

Then of course there is the full suspension which gives the rider the most comfortable ride experience on varied terrains. After all, MOD presents this bike as an adventure-ready two-wheeler and therefore expects riders to take full advantage of the off-road trails around them. However, it would also make a pretty impressive full suspension commuter due to the included rear rack and wireless indicator connectivity.

The MOD Black is available to pre-order now before shipping begins in mid-June. Priced at $2,999, it’s more expensive than most electric mountain bikes sold directly to consumers, but MOD is likely banking on its better technology and reputation as a reliable, locally-minded national e-bike company. Additionally, it offers a generous 5-year limited warranty and free returns.

Since I spent about an hour on the bike in March, I can’t give a full review yet (unlike the Mod Cargo, which I’ll write a full review of in the next few days).

But what I can tell you is that the Black rides much better than the typical direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes we see. It feels much more comfortable, looks less clunky, and has better suspension for a ride that really inspires confidence and doesn’t look like I’m eating dirt if I hit a log too hard.

The 750W motor is probably more powerful than I really need, but I’m glad to have it. And while I like that the bike has a throttle, I find myself spending most of my time pedaling as the torque sensor makes it so responsive and makes me feel like I’m actually part of the ride rather than just sitting on the bike while it does the work. Realistically, I’m sure the motor is still doing more work than me, but I like feeling like I’m helping, and when I put it in Eco mode, my heart definitely still beats faster.

Although it’s expensive, it rides much better than some cheaper alternatives and I haven’t even taken into account the additional technology.

Below you can see some pictures from my own early test drive. This model had a suspension seatpost, but I don’t think that’s included in the production version (and the triple suspension is probably overkill anyway).