It is been over 6 months since I started using this Heybike Tyson (mostly for leisure) and I’m here to share my experience with you. I’ll keep this review as concise as possible. If you have any questions about this ebike, let me know in the comments section at the end.
I lent this bike to a couple of my friends to hear their feedback. I’ll include them in this review as well.
Unboxing and Setup
When the e-bike arrived, its box was so huge that it made me wonder how something foldable could possibly need so much space! Inside, the bike was snugly tucked amidst layers of foam and cushioning, a clear sign that care had gone into its packaging. It felt like a mini workout getting the bike out.
Tip: It is recommended to fully charge the battery before the first use
Build Quality
Tyson is built strong. The metal body design makes it a little heavy but also rugged. I have accidentally dropped the bike on the floor twice and have had no issues.
Performance
Speed and power
The bike features five modes. Mode 0 offers no assist. Pedaling without assist is quite challenging due to the bike’s significant weight, which requires considerable energy. The pace is notably slow when pedaling in this mode.
Mode 1 provides a moderate level of assistance, suitable for those seeking some exercise, but it isn’t very fast. Therefore, I typically use mode 2 or higher. Mode 5 is exceptionally powerful; pedaling in this mode can easily achieve speeds of up to 25 mph.
The torque sensor’s performance is mediocre. It sometimes results in sudden jerks, making the cruise less smooth.
Both of my friends who have tried the bike concur with my observations regarding its power.
Suspension
This bike features both front and rear suspension, a rarity among most e-bikes. This dual suspension system facilitates smooth cruising, even on the bumpiest roads.
The quality of the suspension is exceptional, and I particularly appreciate it. I frequently utilize the front suspension, which adeptly handles uneven terrains, rocks, and even road bumps with ease.
Given my preference for standing while cruising (using the throttle), the front suspension is particularly beneficial. It effectively shields me from sudden jolts, especially when navigating trails and mountainous terrain.
Maneuverability and Comfort
The seat is extremely comfortable. Even after a two-hour ride, there is no discomfort in the seating area.
The distance between the seat and the handlebars is ideal. I particularly appreciate the elevated handlebars. I experienced no shoulder or back pain during or after riding. However, my 55-year-old uncle mentioned that he experienced slight back pain while riding.
The fat tires significantly enhance the bike’s handling. They provide confident maneuvering around curves without slipping or losing balance. This feature was thoroughly enjoyable. The bike performs well on various surfaces, including cement, tar, gravel, mud, and sandy roads. This versatility is one of my favorite aspects, as it allows for commuting, mountain biking, or leisurely rides. In the past five months, I have used it 70% of the time on trails and mountains and 30% on paved roads.
Both the front and rear brakes are excellent, making it easy to perform wheelies and stoppies.
Overall, the ride quality is outstanding. I would rate it a 9.5 out of 10.
Portability
Folding the bike itself isn’t too tricky, but getting it into the trunk of a car is another story. It’s definitely a two-person task. Remember to keep the chain side facing upwards to avoid any damage. If you’re driving something smaller than an SUV, like my Hyundai Sonata with its admittedly spacious trunk, you might struggle to fit this bike in.
The bike’s weight does make folding a bit of a chore. And once it’s folded, it won’t stay upright by itself, which is a bit of a nuisance. To get the battery out, you need to partially fold the bike and yank the battery out. It’s times like these when an extra pair of hands comes in really handy.
Also, a heads-up if you don’t live on the ground floor: think twice before getting this bike. Hauling it upstairs is a major workout. I live on the third floor, and we don’t have an elevator – believe me when I say it’s a nightmare to carry this bike up and down. It’s gotten to the point where the thought of lugging it up and down just puts me off using it as much as I’d like.
Foldable
The Heybike Tyson scores points for being a folding e-bike, but let me be honest – the folding process isn’t a walk in the park. First, you’ve got to take out the battery, then unlock the frame, and finally fold both the front and back. Given its weight, it does require a bit of effort, unless you’ve got an extra set of hands to help out.
Battery Life
I liked the battery backup in this bike. Although it takes painstakingly long to recharge, it holds the juice for a decent amount of time.
– Battery went from 40 to 20% after a 15 mile ride (70% throttle, 30% pedaling, on road)
– when kept in the car overnight, the battery gets hot during summer, its metallic body
Technology
The Heybike Tyson keeps it simple on the tech front. It comes equipped with an LCD display that covers all the basic metrics and includes buttons to control the various modes, lights, and other features. It also has gear shifters, a horn, and a throttle knob.
One thing to note is the visibility of the buttons at night – they’re not illuminated. So, there’s a good chance you’ll end up pressing the wrong button in the dark, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Maintenance
I’ve had a pretty smooth experience with the bike in terms of maintenance. Even if I leave it untouched for a few weeks, the only issue I notice is a gradual decrease in air pressure, which is pretty standard. Also, when I’m riding at high speeds over bumpy terrain, the chain does tend to vibrate a bit. But that’s something I expected.
Bottom Line
In the initial days of using the Heybike Tyson, I had mixed feelings, but as time went on, I found myself really falling for it. Now, I love it. The comfort, portability, control, power – it ticks all the boxes, and the overall riding experience is just fantastic. If someone asks me for e-bike recommendations, Tyson is definitely making its way to the top of my list.
I do want to emphasize again that the bike’s weight can be a drawback, especially if you live on the second floor or above. In such cases, I’d recommend checking out the ultralight Urtopia Carbon 1. It might not be a fat tire bike, but it offers a bunch of other great features.
