Retrospec Valen Rev+ Fat Tire – Step Through: A Retro Cruiser with Muscle
Valen Rev+ Fat Tire – Step Through is Retrospec’s love letter to riders who want all the electric punch of a 750W motor wrapped in retro moto style. Released in 2023 and made in the USA, this Class 3 cruiser-style e-bike doesn’t just look the part—it backs it up with a 109 km (68 mi) range, rugged 20” fat tires, and hydraulic brakes. At $1,900 (£1,525 / €1,755), it splits the difference between performance and price, making it a no-brainer for commuters and casual explorers alike.
- Manufactured in the USA with 6061 hydroformed aluminum for rust resistance
- Sales began in 2023 with step-through comfort as a priority
- Starting price: $1,900 (£1,525 / €1,755), including integrated lights and fenders
- Positioned as a Class 3 urban/trail cruiser with retro styling and modern specs
Think of it as part cafe racer, part pedal-assist utility, all tuned for comfort. That step-through frame isn’t just for looks—it makes mounting and dismounting easier for riders from 5’8” to just over 6’0”.
Specs: Where Comfort Meets Capability
Battery
This e-bike features a 720Wh LG cell battery mounted flush in the downtube. It’s removable, lockable, and UL2849 certified. Riders can expect up to 109 km (68 mi) under ideal pedal assist conditions—real-world throttle-heavy use returns around 56 km (35 mi). It recharges in about 5 hours.
- Battery: 720Wh LG 21700 lithium-ion
- Range: Up to 109 km (68 mi), real-world 56 km (35 mi)
- Charging time: ~5 hours
- Removable and lockable design
Performance
The 750W rear hub motor is no slouch. With a cadence sensor and six pedal assist levels, you’ll get responsive torque within half a pedal stroke. Top speed clocks in at 45 km/h (28 mph), giving it that Class 3 edge. An 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain helps tackle inclines, though some ghost pedaling shows up past 40 km/h due to the 38T chainring.
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- PAS Levels: 6 + full throttle
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus 8-speed
- Weight: 36.5 kg (80.5 lb)
Throttle riders will love how this thing pulls off the line. Hill performance is solid for urban slopes and moderate inclines. Don’t expect it to be light—it’s built like a tank (and rides like a couch).
Color Range and Design: Built to Stand Out
Exterior
The Valen Rev+ channels retro motorcycle charm with sleek lines, an integrated battery, and a long, plush moto saddle. Its 100 mm suspension fork eats up potholes and curb drops, while the 20”x4” CST fat tires add comfort and grip. Front and rear lights are built-in, with brake-activated rear visibility. Fenders come stock and match the frame, keeping your jeans clean in slop.
Color Variants
Available in matte tones like Shale and Arbor, and also offered as a limited Grateful Dead edition with artwork for diehard Deadheads. The paint scheme is subtle but sharp—nothing loud, just confident styling that looks polished both in the city and off the path.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Retro motorcycle-inspired design turns heads
- Powerful 750W motor for punchy acceleration
- Fat tires and 100 mm fork deliver a plush ride
- Hydraulic brakes with 180 mm rotors for confident stopping
- Integrated lights, fenders, and display standard
Cons
- Seat height is fixed—no post adjustment
- Heavy at 80.5 lb—tough to lift upstairs
- Ghost pedaling at higher speeds
- Fit range limited to ~5’8” to 6’0” riders
- Saddle may feel wide or awkward when pedaling
Conclusion:
If a vintage moto mated with an e-bike, it would look like the Valen Rev+ Fat Tire – Step Through. With 750 watts of kick, a 109 km range, and a frame designed for style and access, it delivers casual thrills on the street and light trail. Heavy? Yes. But fun? Absolutely. Test ride it before you judge it—this one’s more ride than words can cover.