Technical Specifications:
| manufactured in | USA |
| model year | 2023 |
| bicycle type | Cyclocross Bike |
| range (km) | 79 |
| battery (kWh) | 0.5 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 32 |
| power (W) | 750 |
* Minimum price set by the manufacturer, excluding taxes and additional options
Retrospec Valen Rev 2 Fat Tire Electric Bike – Retro Looks, Real Utility
Valen Rev 2 Fat Tire from Retrospec offers fat tires, throwback styling, and a punchy 750W motor for riders who don’t want to blow their budget. It brings back vintage moto flair and marries it with just the right amount of modern electric guts. At $1,499.99 (around £1,170 / €1,380), it's a sharp alternative to pricier moto-style options without skimping on essentials.
- Manufactured in the USA and available since 2023
- Launch price set at $1,499.99 (£1,170 / €1,380)
- Geared toward all-terrain comfort, street-cruising flair, and simplicity
- Positioned against mid-tier moto-style e-bikes for urban and trail riders
Specs Breakdown – Power Meets Simplicity
Battery
The Valen Rev 2 gets its juice from a 48V lithium-ion battery packing 0.5 kWh (500Wh). That’s good for up to 49 miles (79 km) on paper, though riders report a realistic 20–35 mile range depending on throttle use, terrain, and rider weight. Charging is quick and hassle-free, with the battery easily removable for indoor top-ups.
- Battery capacity: 0.5 kWh / 500Wh
- Range: up to 49 miles (79 km)
- Removable and frame-integrated for convenience
- UL 2849 certified for safety
Performance
The 750W rear hub motor (by MXUS) gives this retro ride real bite. Capped at a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) for Class 2 compliance, it’s more than enough for bike lanes or sandy trails. It’s throttle-ready and offers 5 levels of pedal assist with a cadence sensor—smooth and responsive whether you’re coasting or climbing. Just don’t expect road bike pedaling; this one’s built for throttle cruising.
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor (MXUS)
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Assist: 5-level PAS and twist throttle
- Drive: single-speed for low-maintenance cruising
Only one configuration is currently available, and at 63–65 lbs (28.5–29.5 kg), it’s a bit of a chonk. But that's expected for its fat-tire, moto-inspired build. No upgrades yet, but the price keeps it appealing.
Color Range and Design: Moto-Style Meets Minimalism
Exterior
With wide 20x4.0” Kenda tires, an elongated moto saddle, and clean frame integration, the bike screams old-school muscle while riding new-school tech. The steel triple-clamp fork and alloy rims aren’t just for show—they back up the look with durability. Reflective sidewalls help with visibility, but no integrated lights means dusk rides need backup illumination.
Color Variants
Offered in standout tones like Matte Riptide Blue, Slate, and Matte Graphite, the color palette ditches the cookie-cutter black and gray norm. The paint pairs beautifully with the exposed TIG-welded aluminum frame for that low-slung, brawler vibe. Riders who want their e-bike to turn heads without being flashy will appreciate the visual restraint.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Affordable moto-style e-bike with a 750W punch
- Retro design with fat tires for comfort and all-terrain use
- Removable battery for easy charging
- 5-level pedal assist and throttle mode for flexible riding
Cons
- Lacks integrated lights and rear rack
- Single-speed drivetrain limits pedal efficiency
- Fixed saddle height may not suit all rider sizes
- Mechanical disc brakes require more frequent tuning
Conclusion:
Valen Rev 2 Fat Tire packs decent tech, eye-catching looks, and old-school charm into one budget-friendly package. For everyday riders and casual cruisers, it covers the basics and then some—especially if your ride includes beach paths or gravel shoulders. It's punchy where it counts and simple where it helps.
Manufacturer: Retrospec
Watch the Video Overview
Comparison:
The Valen Rev 2 Fat Tire goes head-to-head with names like Super73-ZX, Ride1Up Revv 1, Lectric XP 3.0, and Aventon Sinch.2. Here's how it stacks up where it counts: range, speed, power, charge time, and price.
Range
The Valen Rev 2 clocks up to 49 miles (79 km) on a full charge. The Super73-ZX comes close at 50 miles (80 km), but real-world tests often drop that number. Lectric XP 3.0 slightly edges it at 55 miles (89 km), while Aventon Sinch.2 also promises around 55 miles, thanks to a slightly larger battery.
Acceleration and Speed
With a 750W motor and 20 mph (32 km/h) cap, Valen Rev 2 matches the XP 3.0 and Sinch.2 for Class 2 performance. Ride1Up Revv 1 and Super73-ZX may offer faster acceleration, but only in their Class 3 configurations.
Power
All contenders feature 750W rear hub motors, but Ride1Up Revv 1 feels punchier due to its tuned controller. Valen Rev 2 isn’t lagging, but doesn’t push past the pack either—it’s right in the comfort zone.
Charging Time
The Valen Rev 2's 0.5 kWh battery takes around 4–6 hours to charge. Lectric XP 3.0 has similar times with its 48V 10.4Ah battery. Super73-ZX takes a bit longer at 6–7 hours, while Aventon Sinch.2 depends on whether you opt for the fast charger.
Price
The Valen Rev 2 is the bargain here at $1,499.99 (approx. £1,170 / €1,380). Super73-ZX starts near $2,195, Revv 1 at $1,895, Sinch.2 at $1,799, and Lectric XP 3.0 floats around $1,099 but often adds costs for features like suspension or racks.
