Over the past couple of months, I’ve been alternating between high-end bikes and budget-friendly ones, missing out on exploring any mid-range models released this year.
However, that changed recently. Over the last fortnight, I’ve had the opportunity to ride TST’s Dreamer Step-Thru Fat Tire ebike. Having spent this much time with the bike, I must say it holds up quite well.
The bike doesn’t particularly stand out in any specific aspect, but that’s not the primary expectation from mid-range bikes. The focus for bikes in this category lies in delivering the best value for your money, and that’s precisely what the Dreamer accomplishes.
It offers decent speed, remarkable durability, and reasonably comfortable rides – precisely the attributes one anticipates from a mid-range e-bike.
While TST may still be relatively unknown in the e-bike market, this bike is sure to draw attention and establish their presence.
But, let’s move beyond my musings and delve into what exactly makes the Dreamer special.
Frame
The TST Dreamer boasts a beautifully simple frame, largely owing to its step-through design. Adding to its sleek profile is the integration of wires routed through the frame, contributing to its streamlined appearance.
However, despite its sleek look, the Dreamer isn’t lightweight. Being a fat-tire e-bike, it tends to carry significant weight, tipping the scales at a hefty 86 lbs – that’s quite substantial.
I wouldn’t recommend purchasing this bike if you foresee needing to carry it upstairs. This advice applies to virtually all non-foldable fat-tire e-bikes. Trust me, lugging this bike around for more than a couple of minutes is not a pleasant experience.
Nevertheless, this weight imparts a rugged feel to the bike; it feels durable, almost as if it could endure a fall from a rooftop without damage.
In terms of comfort, riders ranging from 5’1″ to 6’3″ shouldn’t encounter any problems finding a comfortable riding position. While the seat could be better, it’s an easily fixable issue with the abundance of affordable and comfortable seats available online.
Let’s not forget the front suspension, which, like the rest of the bike, performs adequately. Offering 80 mm of travel, it’s sufficient for city commuting. However, they might be a tad too rigid for downhill racing, resulting in a notably bumpy ride.
Additionally, purchasing this e-bike includes some essential accessories like a rear rack and fenders, which are crucial if you plan to use this bike as your daily means of transportation.
Motor
The Dreamer boasts a robust motor that truly stands out. Specifically, this e-bike features a 1300W rear-hub motor crafted by SUTT0, a subsidiary brand of the renowned Bafang, a leading manufacturer of e-bike motors worldwide.
It’s remarkable how TST managed to fit a 1300-watt motor into a mid-range bike – a departure from the usual 1000 or 750-watt motors found in this price range, providing exceptional value.
However, there’s room for improvement in terms of torque. Despite the impressive motor power, the Dreamer’s motor produces only 85 Nm, which feels a bit underwhelming for such a robust motor. Nevertheless, the bike displays snappy acceleration and manages medium hills effortlessly on throttle power alone.
One downside is the motor controller. There’s a noticeable disparity in power output between PAS 1 and PAS 2. PAS 1 seems almost devoid of power, while switching to PAS 2 feels like an instant surge, propelling the bike forward like a rocket, reaching a maximum speed of 28 MPH. Additionally, there’s a thumb throttle included for moments when pedaling becomes tiresome.
Regarding the controls, they’re standard for e-bikes. Positioned on the left-hand side of the handlebars, the control cluster features a small LCD screen and buttons for selecting the PAS level, along with a control for the front light. The screen provides basic riding information, such as current speed and battery level.
Battery
Dreamer’s battery is just as impressive as the motor. It’s from LG so you know it’s high-quality.
As for the specs, Dreamer’s battery is rated at 48V at 15Ah, which roughly correlates to around 60 miles of range. Well, realistically, you can expect anywhere from 35 to 45 miles of range, but that’s still pretty good for a chunker of a bike like the Dreamer.
The battery is integrated into the downtube and can even double as an LED floodlight. Just take out the battery by unlocking it, and you’ll find the floodlight button on the side.
As for the recharge time, it’s your standard 4 to 5 hours. So, if you’re not planning on getting a spare battery, I recommend you charge the bike while you sleep.
Brakes
Dreamer comes with hydraulic disc brakes with monstrous 180-millimeter rotors. Putting overly large brake rotors on this bike makes sense since you need all the stopping power to get this chunker of a bike to a full stop.
The brakes do an admirable job of stopping the bike. Even at full speed, it will take less than 15 feet – pretty admirable for 200 pounds zooming at 28 MPH down the street.
Wheels And Tires
Dreamer comes with gigantic 26-inch tires. The tires are more than solid.
They’re puncture-resistant and have a pretty decent tread. Unfortunately, you will have trouble turning this monstrosity because of the nature of the tires, but you’ll get used to it over time.
Pros And Cons After Testing
Dreamer is a pretty solid e-bike. I’m honestly pretty astonished TST managed to build such a high-quality bike. After all, they’ve been on the market for less than a year.
Although Dreamer is pretty hefty weight-wise, the 1300-watt motor is more than capable of handling it. Those 85 Nm of torque come in pretty handy when you want to accelerate quickly or go up steep hills.
When it comes to comfort, this e-bike is on par with some high-end models. With that said, the seat could be better – luckily, you can fix this by getting a new one.
And then you have those 35 to 45 miles of range. That’s enough to last you for weeks, even if you’re a daily bike rider.
Add to all this a pretty affordable price, and you get a perfect mid-range e-cycle.
Advice To Consumers
Whether you’re a newbie or an e-bike veteran, I recommend you pick this bike up. Even with its excessive weight, Dreamer is super-comfy, fast, and can carry as much as a pack mule – provided you get the necessary accessories.
Our Rating – 81/100
Dreamer is TST’s foray into the e-bike industry. And what a bike it turned out to be. Comfy, fast, and super-accessible. This bike is definitely worth your time if you’re looking for a daily driver.
