Ride1up Prodigy Featured Picture

Ride1Up Prodigy XC Review: An Affordable High End Electric Bike

by freshlycharged

The Ride1Up Prodigy XC is one of our favorite ebikes that we have reviewed this year. The Prodigy features a German made Brose mid-drive motor that offers a ton of power and is so quiet that I can’t even hear it, even while riding at 28 mph. The geometry on the Prodigy is designed so well that I can ride it effortlessly without pedal assist on. Ride1Up uses a lot of premium components that we don’t normally see on ebikes under $2500. If you have been looking for a high-end ebike at mid-end prices, the Ride1Up Prodigy should be on your list. In this review, I will tell you what I hate and love about the Prodigy XC. Click here for the current pricing and availability of the Ride1Up Prodigy. Use coupon code FC_Prodigy to save $150 off your purchase

What I love about the Ride1Up Prodigy XC

  • High-quality components
  • 120mm air suspension
  • Premium tires
  • Shimano Alivio derailleur
  • Wide handlebars
  • Brose mid-drive motor
  • Rides like a traditional bicycle without pedal assist on
  • Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes
  • Premium brake discs
  • Shift sensor
  • Quiet and powerful motor
  • Budget-friendly for a mid-drive motor

What type of tires is on the Ride1Up Prodigy XC?

The Prodigy XC features 27.5″ x 2.35″ Maxxis Forekaster tires. The Maxxis Forekaster tires are made from rubber and have a densely woven fabric that is lightweight and highly flexible. They grip well and are much better than the tires we see on most other ebikes under $2500.
Screen Shot 2022 12 15 at 10.06.45 PM

What type of suspension is on the Ride1Up Prodigy XC?

The Prodigy has air suspension with 120mm of travel and hydraulic lockout. The stanchion measures 32mm in diameter so it is nice and plush. I love the way the suspension feels and I never had it bottom out under my 200 lb frame. The Prodigy doesn’t come with an air suspension pump so you will want to get a pump like this from Amazon.
Ride1up Prodigy XC Suspension

What type of derailleur does the Ride1Up Prodigy have?

The Prodigy features a Shimano Alivio RD M4000 derailleur. Most ebikes we review have a Shimano Tourney, Acera, or Altus derailleur. I love that Ride1Up spends a little bit more to have higher quality components.
Ride1up Prodigy Shimano Alivio Derailleur

What type of motor is on the Ride1Up Prodigy?

The Prodigy uses a German-made Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor with 90 Nm of torque. Most budget ebike companies use Chinese mid-drive motors like Bafang which are lot cheaper. The Brose TF Sprinter motor is noticeably strong and quiet. I was surprised at how the Brose motor could deliver so much power so smoothly and quietly. Riding the Prodigy is like riding a stealth ebike. Click here for the current price of the Ride1Up Prodigy. Use coupon code FC_Prodigy to save $150 off your purchase
Ride1up Prodigy Brose Mid drive Motor

What I hate about the Ride1Up Prodigy XC

  • The battery can be tricky to remove
  • No cable management
  • No throttle
  • Front light isn’t super bright
  • No fenders
There isn’t much to hate on the Ride1Up Prodigy. It would have been nice to have a throttle on the Prodigy, but the Brose motor is so efficient that I don’t mind pedaling all the time.
Screen Shot 2022 12 15 at 10.06.08 PM
The Prodigy XC doesn’t come with fenders or any cable management, but you don’t really need it on a cross-country bike. (The ST and XR versions come with fenders) If you are going to do a lot of night riding, I would suggest getting an upgraded light that mounts on the handlebar because the 80 lumens light isn’t great for night riding.
Ride1up Prodigy Wide Handlebars and skinny seat

Final Thoughts

If you have been looking for a budget-friendly mid-drive motor ebike, the Prodigy XC would be at the top of my list. I love the way it rides and I appreciate Ride1Up spending a little bit more to offer higher-quality components. If you are a traditional cyclist, the Prodigy will give you that same experience but make you feel like you have superhuman powers. The Ride1Up is easily my favorite ebike I have reviewed for under $2400.
Ride1up Prodigy from an angle

Ride1Up Prodigy Discount Codes, Coupon Codes, and Pricing

Click here for the current price of the Ride1Up Prodigy. Use coupon code FC_Prodigy to save $150 off your purchase Click here to view all our coupons and discounts on scooters and other PEVs. Click here to view all the safety gear that Jimmy and I use. Facebook – Please join our eBikepedia Facebook group for the most up-to-date information. Interested in electric scooters, check out our gotscooter blog. Click here to check out all our coupon codes for other PEVs.

E-Bike Comparison Tool

Use our Freshly Charged E-bike Comparison Tool to evaluate this E-bike alongside more than 450 other E-bikes. Compare and organize bikes by factors such as price, pedal-assisted speed, battery size, weight, tire size, and more!

You may also like

Leave a Comment

Subscribe for the Latest PEV News

We are Andrew and Jimmy, two guys who love personal electric vehicles, and we hope to share our experiences and reviews to help you find the best next PEV for your needs.

Copyright © 2024 Freshly Charged.