Overview
When I first purchased the MorphRover 2-1, it exceeded my expectations with its capabilities and gave me access to riding areas that were never possible before with a traditional mountain bike.
I have now had the opportunity to live with this electric bike for six months, allowing me to truly understand its capabilities and quirks. During this time, I’ve learned what it takes to keep the bike performing optimally, from routine maintenance to understanding its power management.
This extended use has revealed how the MorphRover adapts to various terrains and weather conditions, and I’ve grown more accustomed to its features, enabling a deeper appreciation of the design and engineering behind it.
This six-month journey has been insightful and has helped me gauge long-term reliability and the overall value of ownership.
The Freebeat MorphRover Ebike is packed with impressive specs and features designed to provide a robust cycling experience. With a powerful 48V, 750W brushless hub motor and a max torque of 85Nm, this bike promises speed and strength. The removable lithium-ion battery offers up to 60 miles of range, making it suitable for both urban commuting and off-road adventures.
This e-bike’s has a unique ability to transition seamlessly between a standard outdoor biking model and a stationary trainer represents a new wave of innovation in the e-bike industry. Its compatibility with the freebeat workout App further enhances the indoor training experience.
My Experience with the Freebeat Fit App
The app is optional, but I’d recommend it since you’re able to change your top speed in the app, and it’s much easier to switch from indoor to outdoor modes. Here is a screenshot from the app where I was able to adjust my top speed all the way up to 28 mph.
The Freebeat Fit app adds an extra layer of functionality, although it’s optional. Without a subscription, you can access basic stats about your ride. However, if you want to explore all features, including exercise classes and rhythm games, you’ll need to sign up for a 45-day trial that eventually costs $20/month for single users or $35/month for families.
Exercise Classes: These are led by instructors and involve scoring based on your cadence matching. While I appreciate the concept, it was challenging to follow on a small phone screen. It would be more enjoyable on a larger screen, but the app doesn’t come with a tablet stand or phone holder.
Rhythm Game Mode: This mode randomly selects songs, none of which I recognized. The interface involves matching your pedaling to the beat, but it wasn’t as engaging as I hoped.
Scenic Rides: Though visually appealing, the scenic rides don’t sync with your actual speed. The video plays at a constant rate, making the feature feel somewhat disconnected from the physical ride.
Overall, while the Freebeat app offers some interesting features, I didn’t find them compelling enough to justify a subscription. Fortunately, the app is not mandatory for using the bike in indoor cycling mode.
Road Test
On flat terrain, even at level 1 PAS, the 750W motor felt almost too powerful, making my pedaling feel unnecessary. When the Pedal Assist System (PAS) was turned off completely, the bike’s weight made it hard to pedal manually. The cadence sensor, though responsive, means you’re frequently adjusting power levels and gears depending on the terrain.
Riding the MorphRover off-road presented challenges due to the lack of rear suspension and lower pedal clearance. Despite its robust build, navigating rocky or uneven terrain was less comfortable than on other e-bikes.
However, the bike shines in terms of power and range. Even in sub-zero temperatures, I managed a 20-mile test ride a very sandy part of the California coastline, and still had 50% battery left. The bike is on track for a 50-mile range, which is impressive given the conditions.
Brakes and Handling
The brakes are reliable, quickly bringing the 77-pound bike to a stop when needed. The cadence sensor is responsive, but I found myself holding onto the brake lever at stop lights to prevent the bike from twitching forward.
Construction
The overall construction of the MorphRover is truly impressive, characterized by clean welds and high-quality components that contribute to its durability and reliability. Equipped with a 750W motor, 7-speed shifter, 720Wh battery, hydraulic disk brakes, and a fully adjustable front suspension, this bike is equipped for optimal performance.
The pedal assist feature, with its cadence sensor and convenient thumb throttle, allows for effortless riding with or without pedaling. The user-friendly control screen manages motor speed, headlight, speedometer, and trip tracking. With its stable 26″ x 4″ wide tires, the MorphRover handles various terrains with ease.
Additionally, the bike includes a rigid stationary bike stand for indoor training, providing access to the freebeat App with Bluetooth connectivity. This app offers engaging instructor-led interactive workouts for strength and conditioning.
A unique feature of the MorphRover is that the battery can charge while in stationary mode, adding to its versatility. The newly added fenders contribute to a clean and enjoyable ride. All these features aligned perfectly with my needs and made my decision to purchase an easy one.
Performance
Weight and Size
At 5f10″, I found the large frame comfortable enough. However, individuals on the lower end of the recommended height range (5’6″) might find mounting and dismounting more challenging.The bike is heavy (35 kgs), understandably so due to it’s size and battery capacity. Therefore I do not recommend this to the elderly or smaller women, and it’s definitely too big for kids.
Suspension
The front suspension shocks are easily adjustable and effectively absorb impacts on various terrains. With its 26″ x 4″ tires, this bike ensures a safe and stable ride on pavement, dirt, or even deep sand. The 8-speed Shimano shifting components are user-friendly, ensuring smooth and reliable gear changes. The accessible and adjustable headlight adds to the overall convenience and safety of the bike.
Battery
A significant drawback is the bike’s tendency to discharge the battery when left unused for a week or two. Additionally, the charger sometimes fails to charge unless replugged. These quirks are manageable but can be frustrating.
Conclusion
I am definitely satisfied with my purchase of the MorphRover.
It excels in power and range but has room for improvement in comfort and additional features like cargo options. If you’re primarily seeking a powerful e-bike for city commutes and occasional off-road adventures, this bike is worth considering. However, be prepared to manage its quirks and bulky size.
For avid cyclists and fitness enthusiasts looking for robustness and range, the MorphRover is a solid choice. To sum up, if you’re willing to overlook some minor imperfections, the Freebeat MorphRover Ebike offers a compelling mix of power, range, and versatility.
PROS
Cons
Our Rating – 86/100
The MorphRover 2-1 exceeds expectations, granting access to riding areas that were never possible with a traditional mountain bike. The ability to use the Morph Rover as a stationary trainer with access to the freebeat workout App is an added bonus, especially during rainy months.
