Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru Review

In the first range test, using the minimum PAS mode, PAS 3, this bike traveled 34.8 miles, in a time of 2:40, average speed of 13.3 mph, and a 734’ elevation gain. This result doesn’t look so good compared to the other cruisers we tested. But the other cruisers used PAS 1 or 2 on their minimum PAS hill test, not PAS 3.

We used PAS 3 because it consistently delivered enough speed to help us pedal around the course, and climb the hills. PAS 1 and 2 were only good for riding on a flat course, which doesn’t accurately represent real world riding conditions for most people. It largely seemed to only help get riders around seven and 10 miles per hour respectively most of the time, which is under what the Electric Bike Report team can reasonably pedal at a casual pace.

In the maximum PAS range test, using PAS 5, the result was 18.06 miles, ridden in 1:01 and climbing 226’ elevation gain. A not too shabby result for the smaller battery here. If you’re going fast, you will want to keep trips a bit shorter.

In the first hill test, we use the throttle only to find how much raw power the motor can dish out, without any assistance from the rider’s pedaling. Here the Cruiser wasn’t able to get to the top of our test hill without us having to put a foot down. Not the first time we’ve seen that on a 350W motor.

Riding in the maximum PAS pedaling test, and using the PAS 5 mode, this bike did noticeably better. The Cruiser 1 got us to the top of the hill in a time of 1:58, and an average speed of 8.7 mph. While it may not be a powerhouse, that little motor proved it had more gusto than meets the eye.

For a bike that could slot in as the picture to the dictionary definition of beach cruiser, the so-so hill climbing is okay here. If you’re plan is to bomb around the boardwalk, or just take in the sunsets on your neighborhood, you’ll be able to hit the smaller and medium sized hills of the world with ease. It has just enough to help with your average hill, with a 7-speed drivetrain to help you pick how to approach it.

Our brake test yielded just an Okay result. It’s one area we feel Denago could make some changes.

The average stopping distance for the Cruiser 1’s brake test was 27 feet 11 inches, which was about five feet longer than the average for cruiser e-bikes. Why the big difference? Well, the other cruisers use hydraulic disc brakes, whereas the Cruiser 1 uses mechanical disc brakes. The former are known for stopping more quickly, while the latter are easier to service and replace.

On the one hand, we see people going slower on this bike in general so the stopping distance shouldn’t be a problem. On the other, it’s noticeably longer than most, so we’d love to see something offered (standard or upgradable) for a bit better braking.

Cruiser e-bikes offer a unique riding experience that helps connect the rider to the scene they’re in. Handling heavier cruiser e-bikes can lessen the fun of a ride because it shifts your focus from enjoying the ride to manipulating the bike. But the Denago Cruiser 1’s light frame simplifies your ride. Not only does the lighter weight make riding easier for smaller riders, but it also helps the bike conserve battery power by not forcing the motor to lug around a heavier bike

The look and feel of the high-rise, backswept “mustache handlebar really makes this bike a cruiser. For one, it forces you to sit upright and in a relaxed position. The handlebar’s unique design plants the grips close to you, so it feels natural to simply rest your hands on the grips and control the bike.

The 27.5″ x 2.3″ cruiser tires grip well, and look nice.

The Cruiser’s seat/saddle had decent padding for riding comfort, and the quick release made it easy to adjust the seat post height. But the reach on this bike is more limited. The stem is not adjustable, meaning big and tall riders like me (I am 6’0”) might feel like they’re a smidge too big for this bike.

The big picture on Denago’s Cruiser 1 uncovers an e-bike that aims to deliver on what a cruiser should be, while avoiding any sticker shock in the process. By carefully choosing what’s put on this bike, Denago managed to keep the weight below average, making the ride quality above average. Keeping the components simple also made this bike more affordable than what you’d usually see an electric cruiser priced around a thousand bucks, while still featuring some nice options on an entry level bike.

The look and feel of this bike holds true to the standards that many riders have come to expect from a beach cruiser. Whether it’s the mustache handlebar, frame ergonomics, or the overall appearance of this bike, you’re getting a bonafide cruiser at an affordable price.

Denago can ship your new Cruiser 1 directly to your house. To learn more about pricing, please click the description above.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Denago Cruiser 1.