Are you considering a Rambo Electric Bike, perhaps drawn in by its rugged appearance and utility features like racks and fenders? You might have seen models at Costco or online and are now digging deeper to see if it lives up to the hype. One owner shares their long-term experience, detailing necessary upgrades that transformed their Rambo e-bike into a more versatile and enjoyable ride. Initially purchased for off-road capabilities, this review dives into how to optimize a Rambo electric bike for both trails and roads.
Many Rambo e-bike owners, especially those using it on paved surfaces, quickly notice the bike’s gearing. Designed for hauling and tackling tough terrains, the stock setup is geared very low. This means while it excels at climbing hills and navigating off-road obstacles, pedaling at higher speeds on roads becomes inefficient and feels like you’re spinning your wheels. The first crucial upgrade addressed this very issue.
To improve road speed and overall riding efficiency, the owner tackled the front sprocket. Starting with a modest increase from a 34t to a 46t sprocket, they eventually landed on a 52t front sprocket. This significant change made road riding much more comfortable and sustainable, allowing for higher speeds with a natural pedaling cadence. This upgrade, however, isn’t a simple swap. It requires a pedal tool, extra chain length, and a chain break tool to properly install the larger sprocket and accommodate the increased chain length.
Alt text: Close-up of a Rambo electric bike’s front sprocket, upgraded to a larger size for improved road speed, paired with road-oriented tires.
Braking is another area where the stock Rambo electric bike can be improved. Equipped with basic manual disc brakes, some users have reported squeaking and less-than-optimal performance. While adjusting the brakes can mitigate the squeaking, upgrading to higher-quality disc brakes is a worthwhile consideration for enhanced stopping power and reliability, especially if you plan on riding in varied conditions or carrying heavy loads.
Comfort is key for enjoyable rides, and the stock Rambo bike seat leaves something to be desired for longer journeys. The owner replaced the original seat with a more comfortable model and added a suspension seat post. This combination significantly improved ride comfort, absorbing bumps and vibrations, particularly beneficial for riders with lower back sensitivities. Further enhancing comfort, an adjustable handlebar riser and swept-back cruiser handlebars were installed. This adjustment allows for a more upright riding posture, reducing strain on the back and shoulders, making longer rides much more pleasant.
The transformation continued with the tires. The original tires, likely designed for mixed terrain, were swapped out for road-oriented Origin8 Supercell tires. This tire change resulted in a dramatic reduction in road noise, improved steering responsiveness, and significantly decreased rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance translates directly to improved battery efficiency and range. While the tires recommend a maximum of 20 PSI, the owner found that running them slightly higher at 22 PSI further enhanced battery life.
Regarding the battery, the stock battery performed adequately for the owner’s needs. Consistent 10-mile rides on the lowest assist level, totaling 30 miles on a single charge with battery life to spare, were achievable. However, the owner pointed out a potential future upgrade consideration: the battery mount. The older style mount on some Rambo models may limit aftermarket battery options. Upgrading to a newer style mount could provide access to a wider range of replacement and higher capacity batteries in the future. To overcome factory speed limitations, the controller was flashed and Luna’s power and speed settings were installed. This allowed for customization of the bike’s performance beyond the stock presets.
Finally, addressing a common user complaint about a clicking sound, the owner clarifies that this is typical of Internal Gear Hubs and not a defect.
Having purchased the Rambo electric bike at a lower price point initially, the owner felt justified in investing in these upgrades. However, with the current $2000 price tag, the advice shifts slightly. At this price, it’s prudent to compare other e-bikes in the same range, especially if your primary use is road or rail trail riding. Explore options that might already include some of these comfort and performance features right out of the box.
In conclusion, a Rambo electric bike can be a solid foundation for a customized e-bike experience. With strategic upgrades focusing on gearing, comfort, and rolling resistance, it can be transformed from a purely off-road machine into a versatile and enjoyable ride for various terrains. If you’re willing to invest time and potentially additional funds in upgrades, a Rambo electric bike can be tailored to your specific needs. However, at the $2000 price point, careful comparison with other models is recommended to ensure you get the best value and features for your riding style.
