MOD Bikes, the Austin, Texas-based e-bike maker with a flair for the unconventional, has just announced the newest addition to its electric bike lineup. The new MOD Black is the brand’s newly updated full-suspension electric bike, designed with adventures in mind.
In fact, I had the chance to get a sneak peek and test ride of the new model when I was in Austin at the SXSW Festival. There, MOD Bikes unveiled their entire new 2024 lineup, which featured a number of new components across the line.
Several of those updates, such as the new color displays and integrated torque sensors, also made their way onto the new MOD Black e-bike announced today.
The new e-bike features MOD’s new electrical system, including a 750W rear hub motor that allows the bike to reach a peak of 28 mph (45 km/h), though it can be electronically limited to slower speeds if riders desire.
Throttle lovers will rejoice to see that the bike comes with a throttle, though the included torque sensor and four PAS settings of Eco, Cargo, Sport, and Turbo actually make the bike a pleasure to pedal. With a full-suspension ride that feels like a sporty mountain bike, pedaling is a big part of the fun. That’s one of the first things I noticed on my own test ride of the bike.
Pedaling also helps the 48V 15Ah UL-certified battery eke out up to 50 miles (80 km) of range, since throttle-only riding tends to reduce that max range quickly. For riders who want even more range, a factory-installed second battery is available, doubling the max range to 100 miles (160 km).
The MOD Black also works with MOD’s signature Snap-On rack accessories on its rear rack, meaning riders can easily add various gear to the bike’s rear rack without busting out a multi-tool and spending several minutes tightening a handful of bolts.
Just like MOD’s other e-bikes, the Black uses the MOD Connect system to integrate various wirelessly connected products into the bike.
For example, one of the first partnerships MOD touted was with Lumos, makers of smart helmets that can be wirelessly connected to the bike’s turn signal controls. When the rider pushes the turn signal buttons, the helmet flashes on either side. Pulling the brake lever also flashes brake lights on the helmet, in addition to operating the bike’s own brake lights.
Other nice-to-see parts sprinkled around the bike include punchy hydraulic disc brakes, 3-inch tires that split the difference between softer fat tires and more nimble mountain bike tires, and a bright 300 lumen headlight.
Then of course there’s that full suspension setup, giving riders the most comfortable ride across various terrain. Afterall, MOD is pitching this bike as an adventure-ready two-wheeler, and so they’re certainly expecting riders to make full-use of off-road trails around them. Though at the same time, the included rack and wireless turn-signal connectivity means that it would make a pretty awesome full-suspension commuter, too.
The MOD Black is now available for pre-order ahead of deliveries starting in mid-June. Priced at US $2,999, it’s more expensive than most direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes, but MOD is likely banking on its nicer tech and reputation as a reliable, local-feeling national e-bike company. Plus, it offers a generous 5-year limited warranty and free returns.
I spent about an hour with the bike back in March, so I can’t yet give you a full review (unlike the Mod Cargo, which I have a full review of coming in the next few days).
But what I can tell you is that the Black rides so much nicer than the typical direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes we see. It feels much nicer, looks less clunky, and sports better suspension for a ride that actually feels confidence-inspiring and not like I might eat dirt if I hit a log too hard.
The 750W motor is probably more powerfull than I really need, but I’m glad to have it. And while I enjoy that the bike has a throttle, I spent most of the time pedaling the bike since the torque sensor makes it feel so responsive, and it makes me feel like I’m actually part of the ride, instead of just sitting on the bike as it does the work. Realistically, I’m sure the motor is still doing more work than me, but I like to feel as if I’m helping, and dropping it down into Eco mode definitely still makes my heart beat faster.
So while it’s pricey, it’s got a much better ride than some cheaper alternatives, and that’s before I even consider the added technology.
Below you can see several images from my own early test ride. This model had a suspension seat post, but I don’t think that’s included on the production version (and triple suspension is probably overkill, anyway).
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