{"id":133660,"date":"2023-05-12T18:36:52","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T18:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/appleinsider.com\/articles\/23\/05\/12\/urtopia-carbon-1s-e-bike-review-perfect-weight-with-some-tech-tradeoffs?utm_medium=rss"},"modified":"2023-05-12T18:36:52","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T18:36:52","slug":"urtopia-carbon-1s-e-bike-review-perfect-weight-with-some-tech-tradeoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2023\/05\/12\/urtopia-carbon-1s-e-bike-review-perfect-weight-with-some-tech-tradeoffs\/","title":{"rendered":"Urtopia Carbon 1s e-bike review: perfect weight with some tech tradeoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Urtopia Carbon 1s<\/p>\n

<\/a> <\/div>\n

\n

Urtopia wants you to think of it as the Tesla of e-bikes but, like with any ambitious new product, there’s some bad with the good for the Carbon 1s.\n<\/p>\n

\n

The Urtopia Carbon 1s is a tech-first e-bike that weighs only 35 pounds. While some of the product choices are odd or even consumer-hostile, we’ve found Urtopia’s vision of the future of e-bikes quite intriguing.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Before we mention anything else, let’s talk about the weirdest omission \u2014 the kickstand. That’s right, if you want a kickstand for your fancy new $2,800 e-bike, you’ll need to shell out $30 in a separate purchase.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

This e-bike is well-built and acts as an excellent option for paved travel. The tech-first approach could leave some e-bike enthusiasts looking elsewhere, but this is a good option for someone who wants an out-of-the-box bike with little fuss and gadget-heavy flair.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Urtopia Carbon 1s design<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n

We reviewed the Urtopia Carbon 1s, a slightly different model from the Carbon 1 that’s still for sale. The most significant difference between the two is the Carbon 1s has a 7-gear derailleur and a metal chain versus a carbon belt drive mechanism.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Urtopia<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Urtopia Carbon 1s has a curvy, opinionated design<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The most notable feature of Urtopia’s Carbon series of e-bikes is their weight. It uses a full carbon body frame similar to the ones used by professional racing bikes \u2014 making the entire bike weigh 35 pounds.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

This is an incredible difference in weight compared to other e-bikes we’ve reviewed<\/a>. That’s half or more the weight with almost all of the functionality.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The Carbon 1s design is minimal yet striking in its own way. There are three different color options that are very loud or a more minimalistic monochrome option if that’s your thing.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The wheels are super thin \u2014 the thinnest we’ve used on any bike. They’re made with paved roads in mind, and a lack of suspension doubles down on that.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"The<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

The handlebars can’t be adjusted<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The screen is integrated with the handlebars and shows information in a dot-matrix display. Speed is shown in large numbers above a battery level indicator and a numeric value for the current pedal assist mode.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The left handlebar has a “gamepad” button, or D-pad, for controlling pedal assist levels or activating turn signals. The right handlebar has a button with an integrated fingerprint reader that summons the voice assistant and a gear shift.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Under the seat are an integrated brake light and projector turn signals. These are connected via a wire in the seat stem.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Unlike other e-bikes, what you see is what you get. You’re buying into the Urtopia technological ecosystem and everything it stands for.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

That means you’ll have a handlebar that can’t be exchanged for one with height or tilt adjustment. You’re also stuck with the seat stem, and third-party accessories likely won’t work with the Carbon 1s frame.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

e-bike as a service<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n

Urtopia isn’t the first or the worst offender, but we’d like to note the business model does feel more pointed toward accessory upsell versus other brands. Add racks, fenders, or a water bottle cage for an expected premium.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Kickstand<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Kickstand sold separately<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

However, the greatest sin Urtopia commits is forcing customers to order the $30 kickstand separately. We’re not entirely sure why this part was omitted except to reduce weight, but as far as we’re concerned, it’s an essential part.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Considering the already high price of the e-bike, it seems like a nickel-and-dime move to ask customers to buy such a necessary part separately. Our town doesn’t offer many bike stands or stations to park, so we’d have to order a kickstand or face laying this expensive product in the dirt.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Urtopia also offers an eSIM. Thankfully you won’t need to call Verizon or T-Mobile for an expensive monthly plan \u2014 it’s just a single $30 per year in-app purchase, and the first year is free.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

That eSIM plan provides many of the smarts to the Urtopia Carbon 1s. Track the bike anywhere with GPS, get directions that show arrows right on the bike, and get notifications when the bike is moved in locked mode.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Urtopia Carbon 1s Smartbar and tech<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n

We’ve tested a few e-bikes, and they’ve all prided themselves on app connectivity and emerging e-bike tech. However, Urtopia takes it a step further and strives for a fully-integrated tech experience.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"The<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

The dot-matrix display is easily read in direct sunlight<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

At a glance, you’d never guess that the Urtopia Carbon 1s has motion detection, alarms, a voice assistant, fingerprint unlock, a Bluetooth speaker, automatic lights, and a horn. All of these features are thanks to the integrated processor, 4G modem, and other technologies built into the bike and its Smartbar.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

We already mentioned the d-pad control and fingerprint reading button. These interface with the e-bike simply, though there is a learning curve thanks to the minimalistic approach.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The D-pad has a press command and a hold command for each button:\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n